The Best Long-Distance Movers in Ottumwa, IA
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The best long-distance mover in Ottumwa is Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage (4.28/5) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for moves out of Iowa, per moveBuddha's analysis of 37 Iowa movers.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Ottumwa?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for Ottumwa residents moving out of Iowa are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), Mayzlin Relocation (4.8/5), and North American Van Lines (4.8/5). National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry interstate FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Ottumwa for in-state moves?
Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage (4.28/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Ottumwa-based mover for long-distance moves within Iowa, followed by Lint Van Lines (4.28/5) and All Mighty Movers LLC (4.28/5). Of the 0 intrastate-capable movers serving Ottumwa, none currently offer full packing services, so plan to handle packing yourself or hire a separate crew if you need help. Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Ottumwa are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Ottumwa but stay within Iowa:
- Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Lint Van Lines: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Helpful movers
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage has been in business for 72 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage has about 84% positive reviews across roughly 68 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.7.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
Amazing service. The move went so well. Our driver Tim was so great and the crews on both end were super efficient, kind, and above all treated all of our belongings with care. We did not have anything damaged or chipped.
I had such a great experience with these guys, from start to finish. They were professional, courteous, kept in contact me both prior to my move and when it was getting close for my belongings to be delivered...
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 small-scale 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!
Quick moving process
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Affordable rates
Efficient service
Show details Hide details
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 labor-only 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!
What add-on services do Ottumwa movers offer?
Not every mover in Ottumwa offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 0 Ottumwa movers, here is what is available and how often:
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for Ottumwa's cost of living.
Does Ottumwa have movers that offer art handling?
No Ottumwa movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer art handling. Statewide, 17 of 37 Iowa movers offer this service (45.95%), compared to 45.83% nationally. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage (4.52/5) is the top-rated Iowa mover for art handling in moveBuddha's dataset and is an option for Ottumwa residents needing this service. Per-piece handling runs $36 to $355, with custom crates adding $107 to $142 per item.
| Art handling in Ottumwa | Details |
|---|---|
| Ottumwa movers offering this | 0 of 0 — no Ottumwa providers currently listed |
| Iowa statewide | 17 of 37 (45.95%) |
| National average | 45.83% |
| Top-rated Iowa statewide provider | Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage (4.52/5) |
| Per-piece handling fee | $36 to $355 |
| Custom crating per item | $107 to $142 |
Custom crates and archival materials are the baseline for art moving, not an upgrade. Standard blankets protect against surface scratches but offer no defense against UV exposure or humidity shifts that cause paint to crack, canvas to warp, or sculpture finishes to degrade. Before booking, confirm the mover has handled pieces in the same medium and ask whether crates are built in-house or outsourced to a third party.
Does Ottumwa have movers that offer junk removal?
No Ottumwa movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer junk removal. Statewide, 10 of 37 Iowa movers offer this service (27.03%), compared to 36.39% nationally. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5) is the top-rated Iowa mover for junk removal in moveBuddha's dataset and is an option for Ottumwa residents needing this service. Standalone junk removal typically runs $107 to $355 per load.
| Junk removal in Ottumwa | Details |
|---|---|
| Ottumwa movers offering this | 0 of 0 — no Ottumwa providers currently listed |
| Iowa statewide | 10 of 37 (27.03%) |
| National average | 36.39% |
| Top-rated Iowa statewide provider | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5) |
| Typical cost per load | $107 to $355 |
| Single large item | $53 to $107 |
Removing items before a weight-based long-distance quote is finalized directly reduces the shipment total and the move cost. Movers offering bundled junk removal can clear unwanted furniture and appliances on load day, eliminating a separate scheduling step. Verify the service covers the item types you need removed, since some movers exclude electronics, hazardous materials, and large appliances from standard junk removal pricing.
Does Ottumwa have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
No Ottumwa movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer fragile-only packing. Statewide, 8 of 37 Iowa movers offer this service (21.62%), compared to 23.87% nationally. Key City Moving & Storage (4.52/5) is the top-rated Iowa mover for fragile-only packing in moveBuddha's dataset and is an option for Ottumwa residents needing this service. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.
| Fragile-only packing in Ottumwa | Details |
|---|---|
| Ottumwa movers offering this | 0 of 0 — no Ottumwa providers currently listed |
| Iowa statewide | 8 of 37 (21.62%) |
| National average | 23.87% |
| Top-rated Iowa statewide provider | Key City Moving & Storage (4.52/5) |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Fragile-only packing targets dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service packing contract. Limiting professional packing to breakables keeps total packing cost down while covering the items most likely to break in transit.
Does Ottumwa have movers that offer storage?
No Ottumwa movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer storage. Statewide, 29 of 37 Iowa movers offer this service (78.38%), compared to 84.85% nationally. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5) is the top-rated Iowa mover for storage in moveBuddha's dataset and is an option for Ottumwa residents needing this service. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $182/month.
| Storage in Ottumwa | Details |
|---|---|
| Ottumwa movers offering this | 0 of 0 — no Ottumwa providers currently listed |
| Iowa statewide | 29 of 37 (78.38%) |
| National average | 84.85% |
| Top-rated Iowa statewide provider | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5) |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $182 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $355 |
Movers that offer storage-in-transit hold belongings in their warehouse between pickup and delivery. The standard rate is approximately $0.50 per cubic foot per month. For a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft), that is roughly $182 per month. Ask how the mover calculates the billing start date before committing to a storage window longer than 30 days.
Does Ottumwa have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
No Ottumwa movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer hot tub relocation. Statewide, 3 of 37 Iowa movers offer this service (8.11%), compared to 21.93% nationally. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage (4.52/5) is the top-rated Iowa mover for hot tub relocation in moveBuddha's dataset and is an option for Ottumwa residents needing this service. Hot tub moves typically run $107 to $284 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in Ottumwa | Details |
|---|---|
| Ottumwa movers offering this | 0 of 0 — no Ottumwa providers currently listed |
| Iowa statewide | 3 of 37 (8.11%) |
| National average | 21.93% |
| Top-rated Iowa statewide provider | Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage (4.52/5) |
| Bundled with full-service move | $107 to $284 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $213 to $568 |
Hot tubs are heavy, fragile, and access-dependent. Empty weight runs 500 to 1,000 lbs. Full drainage is required before any move. Tight backyard access may require a crane or a shuttle relay, both of which add to the final cost. Confirm the mover has moved hot tubs specifically, not just bulky items, before booking, since the shell and plumbing require different handling than furniture.
Does Ottumwa have movers that offer piano moving?
No Ottumwa movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer piano moving. Statewide, 24 of 37 Iowa movers offer this service (64.86%), compared to 72.52% nationally. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5) is the top-rated Iowa mover for piano moving in moveBuddha's dataset and is an option for Ottumwa residents needing this service. A standalone piano move in Iowa typically costs $568 to $2,485, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Ottumwa | Details |
|---|---|
| Ottumwa movers offering this | 0 of 0 — no Ottumwa providers currently listed |
| Iowa statewide | 24 of 37 (64.86%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated Iowa statewide provider | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5) |
| Upright piano | $568 to $1,065 |
| Baby grand piano | $852 to $1,775 |
| Grand piano | $1,278 to $2,485 |
The weight range for upright pianos is 400 to 800 lbs. Grand pianos exceed 1,200 lbs. Neither can be safely moved with standard furniture dollies or blankets. Crews certified for piano moving carry piano boards, rigging straps, and padded blankets designed for the instrument's weight distribution and finish. Adding a piano to a full-service household move is almost always cheaper than contracting a piano-only specialist.
Who are the best movers in Ottumwa for small long-distance moves?
Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage leads Ottumwa's small-move providers with a 4.28/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Lint Van Lines at 4.28/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Ottumwa?
Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), U-Pack (5.0/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Ottumwa. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Ottumwa residents who can handle their own loading and unloading. Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What are the best labor-only movers in Ottumwa?
0 of 0 Ottumwa movers (0%) offer labor-only services, compared to 51.35% statewide and 54.55% nationally. Lint Van Lines (4.28/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Ottumwa, followed by All Mighty Movers LLC (4.28/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Ottumwa residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Ottumwa moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Ottumwa. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Ottumwa?
Moving costs across Iowa range from $794 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $278/hour) to $6,629 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Iowa mover quotes. The table below shows Iowa statewide averages by home size. Your actual cost in Ottumwa will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from Iowa* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $794 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $1,072 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,685 |
| 3-bedroom home | $3,790 |
| 4-bedroom home | $4,336 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $6,629 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Iowa. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Iowa statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Ottumwa?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Ottumwa move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Ottumwa, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
FAQs about the best long-distance movers in Ottumwa
What licensing requirements apply to long-distance movers in Ottumwa?
Any moving company transporting goods from Ottumwa to another state must hold a valid USDOT number and active FMCSA registration. 0 of the 0 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Ottumwa meet that standard — and every mover on this page is among them. Verify any company's status in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move explains what to expect and what protections apply throughout your interstate move.
Should I choose a local or national mover for my Ottumwa relocation?
For moves within Iowa, a local mover in Ottumwa is the more cost-effective choice. moveBuddha has reviewed 0 movers in the area, with 0 licensed for intrastate routes and 0 authorized for cross-state moves.
For relocations leaving Iowa, national carriers bring more logistics infrastructure for long hauls, which can reduce delays and coordination failures on complex routes, even if the price tag is higher.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Ottumwa?
November and December are the cheapest months to hire movers in Ottumwa. Winter lows average 14°F, demand drops sharply from the summer peak, and movers have more open schedule capacity — all of which create real leverage to negotiate on price. Off-season timing also comes with faster quote turnaround and more predictable availability.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Ottumwa?
Budget-friendly moves from Ottumwa almost always come down to a DIY approach, especially within 50 miles. Rental trucks and moving containers cut costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing research. The two most affordable routes are a rental truck from companies like U-Haul or a moving container from PODS. Additional strategies for longer moves are in our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.
