Best Movers Near Marshalltown, IA (2026 Reviews)
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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is Marshalltown's top-rated moving company on moveBuddha, earning a 4.42/5 stars. Rankings are based on 202 verified customer reviews, BBB rating, and proximity to Marshalltown, IA, covering 2 local Marshalltown movers.
Local movers in Marshalltown are priced hourly. The Iowa average is $199/hour for a 2-person crew. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate.
Why use moveBuddha for your Marshalltown, IA move
- moveBuddha users save more than 30% on average by getting multiple Marshalltown mover quotes through our moving cost calculator before booking.
- Book a moveBuddha Certified Marshalltown mover and get an extra $1,000 in move coverage plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha steps in with direct dispute mediation between you and your Certified mover.
Moving in Marshalltown, IA right now: Peak summer moving season is here. The 4th of July is one of the busiest moving weekends of the year. Prices spike and availability drops sharply around the holiday. If your Marshalltown move is scheduled near that window, you should already have a mover locked in. If not, move quickly.
What are the top-rated moving companies in Marshalltown, IA?
moveBuddha scored 2 Marshalltown movers drawing on 202 verified customer reviews, with a market average score of 4.13/5. Rankings also draw on moveBuddha's reviews of 36 Iowa movers and 4,584 verified Iowa customer reviews to surface the closest and highest-rated companies serving Marshalltown from nearby locations.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Lint Van Lines: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Blue Line Moving & Storage: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Hemmen Moving Inc: 4.16 out of 5 stars
- Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Riley Moving And Storage: 4.14 out of 5 stars
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for 26 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 86% positive reviews across roughly 162 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.6.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"We hired Two Men and a Truck to move our larger pieces of furniture. The moving crew arrived on time and got to work immediately. They worked quickly and efficiently... Best of all the movers were polite and pleasant."
"We had need to use Two Men and a Truck again, about a year after our first experience. I've been really impressed with the communication and the professionalism of their teams. Costs were clearly mapped out...the total came in at the low end of the estimate."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been in business for 8 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 260 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.9.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The move was coordinated, seamless and was even faster than originally quoted. Deante and Grady were fantastic, they were thorough and handled all items with care. I highly recommend!"
"Caleb, Isaiah, and Manny had great communication skills, were very well mannered to each other and us, and were fast and worked hard all day while making sure to take care of all our furniture."
Quick moving process
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Affordable rates
Efficient service
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. All Mighty Movers LLC has been in business for 12 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. All Mighty Movers LLC has about 64% positive reviews across roughly 25 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.3.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from All Mighty Movers LLC.
Customer service 3.5
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. All Mighty Movers LLC emphasizes clear communication.
Recent reviews
These guys were quick, careful, and professional! Packed our entire place and got us moved in under six hours. Great rates and good attitudes too. Highly recommend!
I have moved 7 times in 5 years and wish I would have called them every time. The guys were fast and careful, making my move hassle free. Cheapest in town!
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Good communication
Quick moving process
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Lint Van Lines has been in business for 66 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and office moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Lint Van Lines has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 226 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.4.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Lint Van Lines.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Lint Van Lines emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
Great crew! They arrived on time, worked hard & efficiently, and they were careful & friendly. I was very pleased with the outcome.
Our coordinator, Mary L, was fantastic and was able to walk us through the process. They were on time with pickup and delivery. The move went smoothly and we could not have done it without Lint. The movers were courteous and diligent at getting the work done. Overall great experience!
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.4
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Blue Line Moving & Storage has been in business for 88 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and office moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Blue Line Moving & Storage has about 91% positive reviews across roughly 120 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.1.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Blue Line Moving & Storage.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Blue Line Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
The Blue Line Team was fast, communicative and efficient. Despite it being a cross country move, Blue Line delivered our items within 4 days of pickup. They were also 30%+ cheaper than the national brands. Highly recommend
Steve & Zach were excellent! They were very fast but also careful with my possessions. Would definitely recommend and if I ever have to move again they'll be my number 1 choice. Fast, friendly, efficient and lowest cost out of 4 estimates!
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Good communication
Careful handling
Quick moving process
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Adamantine Spine Moving has been in business for 27 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Adamantine Spine Moving has about 100% positive reviews across roughly 223 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 5.0.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Adamantine Spine Moving, and Adamantine Spine Moving makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Adamantine Spine Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"From quote to completed move communication was fantastic, even got text updates. Our moving team were exceptional!! Drew, Aiden & Rider were professional, prompt, and worked SOOO hard. They communicated effectively and we will definitely use them again!"
"They worked together like a well-oiled machine... smoothly setting everything up in the new house. I was impressed by their professionalism and efficiency. Best of all, they took less time than estimated, so our cost was lower."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 3.8
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Hemmen Moving Inc has been in business for 36 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Hemmen Moving Inc has about 98% positive reviews across roughly 138 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.2.
Quote accuracy 3.8
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Hemmen Moving Inc, and Hemmen Moving Inc makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Hemmen Moving Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"On time, charges were explained upfront, simple to deal with- very pleased with experience"
"Timely, respectful, efficient, hard working crew. I would highly recommend!"
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
Efficient service
Transparent pricing
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Select Van & Storage Co. has been in business for 81 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and office moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Select Van & Storage Co. has about 68% positive reviews across roughly 34 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.0.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Select Van & Storage Co..
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Select Van & Storage Co. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"Movers were on time, polite and professional. The actual price ended up being less than the estimated price, so I am very happy!"
"A very positive experience. Movers came on time, answered our questions, were professional. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a responsive moving company."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Friendly and approachable staff
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. White Glove Movers has been in business for 21 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. White Glove Movers has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 229 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.1.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from White Glove Movers.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. White Glove Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The crew who helped me move were awesome
"Britain and his crew arrived on schedule. They loaded everything quickly, even heavy solid wood pieces. Not one word of complaint, even on a hot day. Made our move pleasant. I highly recommend White Glove Movers."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Highly recommended
Efficient service
Quick moving process
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.4
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Riley Moving And Storage has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Riley Moving And Storage has about 86% positive reviews across roughly 42 total reviews.
Quote accuracy 4.3
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Riley Moving And Storage.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Riley Moving And Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Jayson arrived promptly to estimate our move. The crew was respectful, packed well, and delivered on time. Everything arrived safely. Zero complaints; highly recommend!
Could not have had a better moving experience! Friendly, professional service from everyone. Would definitely recommend Riley Moving and Storage.
How do Marshalltown, IA moving companies compare?
| Company | Our rating | Positive reviews | BBB | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4.42 |
86% | A+ | ||
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4.44 |
93% | A+ | ||
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4.34 |
64% | A+ | ||
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4.28 |
92% | A+ | ||
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4.2 |
91% | A+ | ||
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4.34 |
100% | A+ | ||
4.16 |
98% | A | ||
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4.28 |
68% | N/A | ||
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4.48 |
94% | A+ | ||
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4.14 |
86% | N/A |
Proximity to Marshalltown is a ranking factor, so a mover appearing higher on the list may have a lower score than one listed below it. A nearby company can outrank a higher-scored mover based further out. Each company's positive review rate and BBB rating are included so you can compare quality and reputation side by side.
Top-rated movers in nearby Iowa cities
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- Pella movers
- Pleasant Hill movers
- Sioux City movers
- Storm Lake movers
- Urbandale movers
- Waterloo movers
- Waukee movers
- Waverly movers
- West Des Moines movers
Popular moving routes from Marshalltown, IA
Local movers in Marshalltown are the right choice for moves under 500 miles, typically along I-35 and I-80. For longer moves, you need a full-service interstate carrier with USDOT authority, binding estimate practices, and the logistics to handle cross-country delivery. See our guide to the best long-distance movers from Marshalltown, IA for route-specific recommendations and pricing.
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How much do movers cost in Marshalltown, IA?
Local movers in Marshalltown are priced hourly. The Iowa average is $199/hour for a 2-person crew. Total cost depends on home size and hours on the clock.
| Home size | Estimated local move cost in Marshalltown |
|---|---|
| Studio | $222 – $370 |
| 1 bedroom | $296 – $518 |
| 2 bedrooms | $444 – $740 |
| 3 bedrooms | $666 – $1,110 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $888 – $1,628 |
Estimates based on national average local move costs, adjusted for Marshalltown's cost of living. Actual costs vary by crew size, hours, and services.
Ready to compare Marshalltown mover prices? See our full guide on Marshalltown, IA mover costs →
Which Marshalltown, IA movers offer specialty services?
Not every Marshalltown mover handles specialty items. moveBuddha tracked 2 Marshalltown moving companies across 5 specialty service categories. The breakdown below shows availability rates for this market and the top-rated mover in each category:
- Piano moving: 2 of 2 Marshalltown movers (100.0%) offer it. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.42/5) is Marshalltown's top-rated piano mover.
- Fragile-only packing: 1 of 2 Marshalltown movers (50.0%) offer it. Blue Line Moving & Storage (4.2/5) rates highest for fragile-only packing in Marshalltown.
What movers in Marshalltown offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 2 of 2 Marshalltown movers (100.0%). TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.42/5) is Marshalltown's top-rated piano mover.
| Piano moving in Marshalltown | Details |
|---|---|
| Marshalltown movers offering this | 2 of 2 (100.0%) |
| Top-rated Marshalltown piano movers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, All Mighty Movers LLC |
| Upright piano | $592 to $1,110 |
| Baby grand piano | $888 to $1,850 |
| Grand piano | $1,332 to $2,590 |
Piano weight (300 to 800 lbs for uprights, 500 to 1,200 lbs for baby grands, over 1,200 lbs for concert grands) is the primary cost driver, as heavier instruments require more crew and specialized equipment. Bundling a piano into a full household move is usually cheaper than booking a piano-only carrier. See moveBuddha's guide to the best piano movers for vetted options and how to pack and move a piano for prep tips.
What movers in Marshalltown offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 1 of 2 Marshalltown movers (50.0%). Blue Line Moving & Storage (4.2/5) rates highest for fragile-only packing in Marshalltown.
| Fragile-only packing in Marshalltown | Details |
|---|---|
| Marshalltown movers offering this | 1 of 2 (50.0%) |
| Top-rated Marshalltown providers | Blue Line Moving & Storage, Select Van & Storage Co. |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Fragile-only packing costs less than full-service packing because it covers only breakables: dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps. It's the most cost-effective way to add professional packing without paying to have the whole home packed. See how to pack breakables for what movers look for and how to prepare.
Apartment and high-rise moving in Marshalltown
Moving in or out of an apartment or high-rise in Marshalltown adds logistical steps that ground-floor moves don't require. Before booking, confirm the following with your mover:
- Elevator reservation: most buildings require a reserved service elevator window. Book it as soon as you have your move date. Slots fill quickly, especially on weekends and the first of the month.
- Certificate of Insurance (COI): many Marshalltown apartment buildings and high-rises require a COI from your mover before they'll allow access to service elevators or loading docks. Ask your mover for a COI early. This is a standard request and any licensed mover should provide it without charge.
- Long carry and shuttle fees: if the moving truck can't park within a short distance of the building entrance, a shuttle vehicle or long-carry charge ($75–$500+) may apply. Confirm the loading dock situation before signing your estimate.
- Labor-only movers: 50% of Marshalltown movers offer labor-only service (loading and unloading without a truck), which pairs well with a rented container or truck. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is Marshalltown's top-rated labor-only provider.
If your building has strict move-in rules, ask your mover for references from similar Marshalltown apartment moves before committing.
DIY moving options in Marshalltown, IA
Not every Marshalltown move needs a full-service crew. These alternatives cost significantly less:
Rental trucks
The best rental truck options for a DIY move in Marshalltown, IA are Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5), U-Haul (4.2/5), and Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5). Budget leads on transparent pricing and discount availability. U-Haul offers 7 truck sizes and one-way rentals for moves that won't bring you back. Penske carries the most consistently maintained fleet, with unlimited mileage on select routes. Use moveBuddha's moving truck size guide to match the right truck to your home size before booking.
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Moving containers
The best moving container companies available in Marshalltown, IA are PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5), based on moveBuddha's ratings. Container moves work by dropping a portable unit at your door, giving you several days to load at your own pace, then the company handles pickup and delivery. See our full moving container company guide for cost comparisons by move size, or the moving container sizes guide to find the right unit for your load.
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Labor-only movers + rented truck
The best labor-only movers in Marshalltown, IA start with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.42/5) and College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.44/5), both offering loading, packing, and assembly services. You drive, they lift. Rent a truck, put these crews on the loading and unloading, and keep full control of your timeline and route.
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Moving in Marshalltown, IA: what you need to know
A Marshalltown move involves logistics that go beyond booking a crew and loading a truck. The checklist below covers the practical steps specific to moving in this market.
Before move day
- Update your address: file a change of address with the USPS before your move date. Marshalltown residents can start at USPS Mover's Guide. Also update your address with Iowa DMV, your bank, employer, and any subscription services.
- Certificate of Insurance (COI): many Marshalltown buildings require a COI from your moving company before granting loading dock or elevator access. Request this from your mover as soon as you book. It's a standard document and any licensed mover should provide it free of charge.
- Reserve your elevator: if you're in a building with a service elevator, reserve a time window as early as possible. Weekend and month-end slots fill fast.
- Get a binding estimate: a binding estimate locks your final price. A non-binding estimate can change based on actual weight or time. Always confirm in writing before signing.
Timing your move
- Peak season (May–September): demand is highest in summer. Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead during this window.
- Off-peak savings: moves booked in October–April, on weekdays, or mid-month typically cost 10%–20% less. If your schedule is flexible, ask movers about off-peak pricing. See moveBuddha's best time to move guide for a month-by-month breakdown.
- Winter conditions: Marshalltown's winter lows reach 10°F. Winter moves are cheaper but require planning for ice, snow delays, and longer loading times. Confirm your mover's weather policy before booking.
Iowa moving regulations and your rights
- Verify your mover is licensed: all Iowa movers are required to be licensed with the state. Check your mover's license at Iowa's licensed movers directory. Ask for their USDOT number for interstate moves.
- When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements.
- Released-value coverage: movers are required to offer basic protection at $0.60 per pound per item at no extra cost. This covers almost nothing on high-value items. Ask about full valuation coverage before signing.
- Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Your rights as a shipper: for interstate moves, the FMCSA requires movers to provide "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" before your move. Read it. It covers estimates, liability, dispute resolution, and the 110% rule. Download it at fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move.
- Industry oversight: Iowa Motor Truck Association sets professional standards for Iowa movers. Membership is voluntary but signals accountability. Ask your mover if they hold membership.
Frequently asked questions: moving in Marshalltown, IA
How much do movers cost in Marshalltown, IA?
Local movers in Marshalltown, IA charge by the hour. The Iowa average is $199/hour for a 2-person crew.
Key cost factors for a Marshalltown move, based on moveBuddha's review data:
- Access fees: stairs, elevators, long carries, and shuttle service each add $75–$500+ when the truck can't load directly. Get these costs itemized in your estimate before signing.
- Deposit requirement: many Marshalltown movers require a deposit to secure your booking. Confirm refund terms before paying.
- Full valuation coverage: 50% of Marshalltown movers (1 companies) offer it. The default released-value protection covers only $0.60 per pound. Full valuation coverage costs extra and covers replacement value.
- Hours on-site: local moves bill by the clock. Home size, floor access, elevator waits, and how much packing work the crew handles are the primary time drivers.
- Long-distance pricing: moves leaving Marshalltown across state lines are priced by shipment weight and mileage, not hourly. 50% of Marshalltown movers (1 companies) handle interstate moves. Fuel surcharges on long-distance moves typically add 8%–15% to transportation charges.
- Packing services: 100% of Marshalltown movers (2 companies) offer full packing. Professional packing adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound on average.
DIY options like a rental truck or moving container reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's analysis. Use the moving cost calculator to get a market-specific baseline before collecting quotes.
What do full-service movers in Marshalltown include, and what costs extra?
A standard full-service move in Marshalltown, IA includes loading, transport, and unloading. Basic furniture padding and simple disassembly/reassembly for bed frames and standard furniture pieces are included in the base rate. Packing, valuation upgrades, storage, crating, and specialty-item handling are add-ons billed separately. The table below shows what Marshalltown movers offer and what each add-on typically costs, based on moveBuddha's review data.
| Add-on service | % of Marshalltown movers | Typical cost impact |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | 100% (2 companies) | +$0.15–$0.21 per pound on average |
| Storage | 50% | ~$0.50 per cubic foot per month; a 1-bedroom (~514 cu ft) runs ~$190/month |
| Full valuation coverage | 50% (1 companies) | 1%–2% of declared shipment value (~$300–$600 on a $30,000 shipment); default released-value protection pays only $0.60/lb |
| Labor-only (load/unload, no transport) | 50% (1 companies) | Hourly rate only; no truck or transport charge |
| Access fees (stairs, elevator, long carry, shuttle) | Situational | $75–$500+ when the truck can't load directly; shuttle service adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums starting around $200 |
Every add-on above requires written confirmation before booking. A binding estimate locks the final price. A non-binding estimate can change based on actual weight or time. See the hidden and unexpected moving costs guide for a full breakdown of what to request in writing.
Do movers in Marshalltown offer senior, military, or other discounts?
moveBuddha found no confirmed senior, military, AAA, student, teacher, or law enforcement discounts among the Marshalltown movers in its database. That does not mean discounts are unavailable. Ask each mover directly at the quote stage, since some companies offer unpublished rates for eligible groups. Confirm any discount in writing before signing.
How far in advance should I book movers in Marshalltown?
Book Marshalltown movers at least 4–6 weeks ahead during peak moving season (May through September) and on month-end dates. For off-peak moves (October through April, mid-month, or on a weekday), 2–3 weeks is usually sufficient. Last-minute bookings (under 1 week) are possible but limit your options to movers with open capacity, which may not include your preferred company or the best-rated crews.
Once you have a date, request a binding written estimate before paying any deposit. Confirm the mover's cancellation and reschedule policy in writing at booking. Some Marshalltown movers charge a fee for changes made within 48–72 hours of the move.
What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and do Marshalltown movers provide one?
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document from your mover's insurance carrier that names your building as an additional insured and confirms the mover carries active liability coverage. Many Marshalltown apartment buildings, condos, and commercial properties require a COI before they'll permit a moving crew to use service elevators or loading docks.
Any licensed, insured Marshalltown mover should provide a COI at no charge. Request it as soon as you book. Your building management may need it 5–10 business days before your move. If a mover hesitates or charges for a COI, that is a red flag worth taking seriously.
Are movers in Marshalltown licensed and insured?
Iowa requires moving companies operating within the state to hold a valid state license. Verify a mover's license at the Iowa licensed movers directory. For interstate moves (crossing state lines), movers must also hold a USDOT number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify any USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Always ask your Marshalltown mover for their license number and USDOT number before signing. moveBuddha verifies licensing and insurance status for all movers in its database as part of the review process.
How long does a local move take in Marshalltown?
Local Marshalltown moves are billed by the hour, so understanding time estimates helps you budget accurately. Based on moveBuddha's Marshalltown-area data:
- Studio/1 bedroom: 2–4 hours with a 2-person crew
- 2 bedrooms: 4–6 hours with a 2-person crew
- 3 bedrooms: 6–8 hours with a 3-person crew
- 4+ bedrooms: 8–12 hours with a 3–4 person crew
These are averages. Actual time increases with stairs, elevator waits, long carries from truck to door, and the amount of packing the crew handles. Pre-packing boxes, reserving an elevator, and ensuring a clear loading path are the most effective ways to keep hourly costs on track.
Do Marshalltown movers have experience with apartments and high-rises?
Yes. Most Marshalltown movers regularly handle apartment and high-rise moves. When evaluating a mover for this type of move, ask specifically about their experience with:
- Service elevator scheduling and building move-in procedures in Marshalltown
- Providing a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for building management
- Shuttle vehicles or alternative loading setups when a truck can't park close to the entrance
- Stair carries if the service elevator is unavailable or too small for large pieces
A mover with genuine Marshalltown apartment experience will ask about your building's move-in process during the quoting stage, not after you've signed. If they don't ask, bring it up yourself before committing.
What is the best time of year to move in Marshalltown?
The cheapest time to move in Marshalltown is October through April, particularly on weekdays and mid-month dates when mover demand drops. Moving during this window can reduce your total cost by 10%–20% compared to peak summer rates.
Peak season runs May through September. Marshalltown's summer highs reach 84°F, which makes physically demanding moves harder on crews and can slow load times on the hottest days. Demand is highest on weekends, the first and last days of the month, and during the school-year transition in late August.
Winter moves are the most affordable but require contingency planning. Marshalltown's winter lows reach 10°F. Confirm your mover's weather delay policy before booking a winter move.
Regardless of season, booking 4–6 weeks ahead gives you the best pick of Marshalltown's top-rated movers and the most flexibility on scheduling.
How moveBuddha selects and reviews Marshalltown, IA moving companies
moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 36 Iowa moving companies using a five-factor weighted scoring system: customer satisfaction (40%), dispute resolution (20%), industry reputation (15%), online reputation (15%), and service options (10%). Rankings for Marshalltown draw on 4,584 verified customer reviews across Iowa: real move experiences submitted by customers, not scraped from third-party platforms.
That scoring system draws on moveBuddha's dataset of 1,000+ live price points and research across 4,500+ movers nationwide, so you're getting recommendations built on real market data, not just review aggregation.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently completes moves on time, communicates proactively, and delivers within the estimated cost. These factors matter most when hiring a mover.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems happen in every industry. We reward companies that take clear ownership of issues and make genuine, documented efforts to resolve them.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company holds standing in professional moving organizations and participates in industry oversight, which signals accountability beyond customer reviews alone.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains accurate, up-to-date information online and responds promptly and professionally to customer inquiries and complaints.
- Service options (10%): We favor companies that offer full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery. These services matter on a complex move.
Read our complete moving company rating methodology for the full scoring breakdown.
See how Marshalltown's top movers stack up. Get free quotes from moveBuddha's #1-ranked Marshalltown movers →
How to move in Marshalltown: permits, COI, and city logistics
A step-by-step guide to planning a local move in Marshalltown, IA, including permit requirements, certificate of insurance, elevator booking, and mover verification.
- Verify your mover's license and insurance. When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Verify a license.
- Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI). If your Marshalltown building requires a COI for loading dock or elevator access, request one from your mover immediately after booking. Any licensed mover should provide it free of charge within a few business days.
- Reserve your parking and elevator access. Contact your building manager to reserve a service elevator window and, if needed, a parking permit for the moving truck on your Marshalltown street. Book these at least 2 weeks before your move date.
- Get a binding written estimate. Request a binding estimate from at least 3 Marshalltown movers. A binding estimate locks your final price. Review all line items (including access fees, packing, and valuation coverage) before signing.
The final verdict: moving in Marshalltown, IA
- Best overall: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.42/5), moveBuddha's #1-ranked Marshalltown mover.
- Best runner-up: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.44/5).
- Best for specialty items (piano, antiques, art): TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.42/5).
- Best labor-only / DIY assist: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.42/5). Hire for loading and unloading while you supply the truck.
- Going rate: hourly; get 3 binding estimates to set your baseline.
Collect at least 3 binding estimates, confirm your mover's license and insurance, and request a COI if your building requires one. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to set your budget baseline before reaching out to movers.
