The Approved Movers review 2026 (Des Moines, IA)
In business since 2020 · Updated
The Approved Movers is a Des Moines, IA mover ranked #8 of 11 Des Moines movers and #24 of 65 in Iowa with a 4.12/5 rating.
97% of The Approved Movers' 156 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves lack of communication.
In business since 2020, The Approved Movers holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #3477744) and operates 1 truck. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How The Approved Movers measures up
Across 156 reviews, The Approved Movers in Des Moines, IA is rated 4.8/5 on Google (155 reviews) and 4/5 on Yelp (4 reviews), and has a C rating from the Better Business Bureau.
The Approved Movers ranks #24 out of 65 movers in Iowa with a moveBuddha Score of 4.12 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.12.
- Customer service
- 4.4
- Brand
- 4.0
- Website
- 4.0
- Industry experience
- 3.9
- Review quality
- 3.8
Google rating
Based on 155 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 4 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is The Approved Movers moveBuddha Certified?
The Approved Movers is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.
With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. The Approved Movers hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.
What movebuddha certified movers offer
- Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
- Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
- Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
- Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.
Before you book, check:
- USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
- Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
- A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
- The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified
** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.
What do customers say about The Approved Movers?
Out of 156 verified reviews, 97% of customers left a positive review about The Approved Movers in Des Moines, IA. 3.2% of reviews are negative. The Approved Movers has a 8% higher positive review percentage than the average Iowa moving company (97% vs the Iowa state average of 89%).
- Positive96.8%(151)
- Negative3.2%(5)
Based on 156 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about The Approved Movers
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found The Approved Movers to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Flexibility
Clients liked that The Approved Movers was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Quick moving process
The team at The Approved Movers often gets the job done faster than expected, saving clients time.
Quick response times
Customer support at The Approved Movers was often noted for responding to questions or concerns almost immediately
Efficient service
Many customers praise The Approved Movers for completing moves smoothly and with minimal downtime.
What positive reviewers say
“We had a great experience. They moved everything quickly and efficiently, were friendly and professional, and charged fair, reasonable rates.”
TheWizardPoeVerified ReviewerGoogle“Isaiah and Peter moved all my items quickly and safely. I called last minute for a next-day job, and they accommodated my schedule.”
K. KozakVerified ReviewerGoogle“Mike and James were friendly, fast, and professional. They made loading look effortless and kept us informed the whole time.”
Laura MooreVerified ReviewerGoogle“Had a great experience! The movers were on time, professional, reasonably priced, and flexible. Highly recommend!”
Austin StullVerified ReviewerGoogle“They were very timely and hardworking, easy to contact, and quick to schedule. I would recommend them for a care-free move.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about The Approved Movers
Lack of communication
Poor or inconsistent updates from The Approved Movers left some customers feeling in the dark.
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
What negative reviewers say
“The owner Malik didn't show up on the day of the move and didn't answer calls or text messages. It was disappointing and unprofessional.”
Danny Boy PinedaVerified ReviewerGoogle“They broke my furniture. After I sent pictures, they asked for a few days, then ignored my follow-up calls and sent them to voicemail.”
Julius RobinsonVerified ReviewerGoogle“I left a voicemail early in the summer and never got a reply. My online estimate request also went unanswered for over a week.”
Erika Siobahn KennyVerified ReviewerGoogle
The Approved Movers
4.12Des Moines, IASince 2020
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
The Approved Movers
4.12
Des Moines, IA · Since 2020
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from The Approved Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Des Moines.
Compare prices side by side
See where The Approved Movers lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
What services does The Approved Movers offer?
The Approved Movers offers packing, plus storage.
Services offered
Is The Approved Movers licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 3477744 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, The Approved Movers is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 3477744, as THE APPROVED MOVERS LLC, and its operating status is currently active.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover The Approved Movers holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- Registered legal name
- THE APPROVED MOVERS LLCThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
- FMCSA safety rating
- Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
- Trucks registered
- 1Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 278,435Reported to the FMCSA for 2021
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- July 2026
How much does The Approved Movers cost?
The Approved Movers does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in Iowa, you can expect to pay approximately $140/hr. Total local-move costs from similar movers typically run $400–$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home. Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) 2-3 bedroom moves from similar movers typically run $4,500–$7,500.
What similar movers typically bill for a local move
Full-service Iowa moving companies similar to The Approved Movers typically bill the amounts below using a $140/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.
| Home size | Typical total | Time and crew |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $400–$750 | 3–5 hours, 2 movers |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $850–$1,750 | 5–8 hours, 2–3 movers |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,700–$3,400 | 8–12 hours, 3–4 movers |
What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move
The Approved Movers is licensed for interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service Iowa moving companies.
| Home size | Distance | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $4,500–$7,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $7,000–$11,500 |
What payment options and discounts does The Approved Movers offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
The Approved Movers accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How The Approved Movers compares with the top 10 Des Moines movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.12 out of 5, The Approved Movers ranks eighth among the top 10 Des Moines moving companies, just behind A-1 Movers and level on score with Select Van & Storage Co. but with more reviews. Where The Approved Movers falls behind is industry experience, with the lowest industry experience score in the group.
The ten highest-scoring local movers near Des Moines, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TWO MEN AND A TRUCKUrbandale | 4.50 | 1,052 | 4.7 | 3.3 | A+ |
| 2 | College Hunks Hauling Junk & MovingClive | 4.34 | 1,864 | 4.8 | 2.8 | A+ |
| 3 | All Mighty Movers LLCDes Moines | 4.30 | 25 | 4.8 | 3.1 | A+ |
| 4 | Maher Bros. Transfer and StorageCedar Rapids | 4.22 | 80 | 4.4 | 2.3 | A+ |
| 5 | Adamantine Spine MovingDes Moines | 4.20 | 646 | 5.0 | 5.0 | A+ |
| 6 | Lint Van LinesDes Moines | 4.20 | 301 | 4.8 | 2.4 | A+ |
| 7 | A-1 MoversDes Moines | 4.14 | 111 | 4.1 | 2.3 | A+ |
| 8 | The Approved MoversThis mover · ranks #8 | 4.12 | 156 | 4.8 | 4.0 | C |
| 9 | Select Van & Storage Co.West Des Moines | 4.12 | 40 | 4.4 | 1.0 | — |
| 10 | Riley Moving And StorageDes Moines | 3.98 | 47 | 4.6 | — | — |
| 11 | You First MovingUrbandale | 3.94 | 213 | 4.9 | 5.0 | — |
How does The Approved Movers compare to other Iowa movers?
- moveBuddha score#24 of 65(better than average)
4.12vs 3.84 avg
The Approved Movers scores 4.12, above the Iowa average of 3.84, and ranks #24 of 65 Iowa movers.
- Positive reviews#18 of 65(better than average)
97%vs 89% avg
The Approved Movers has 97% positive reviews, above the Iowa average of 89%, and ranks #18 of 65 Iowa movers.
- Negative reviews#19 of 65(better than average)
3%vs 9% avg
The Approved Movers has 3% negative reviews, below the Iowa average of 9%, and ranks #19 of 65 Iowa movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#24 of 65(worse than average)
156vs 232 avg
The Approved Movers has 156 reviews analyzed, below the Iowa average of 232, and ranks #24 of 65 Iowa movers.
- Yelp rating#15 of 65(better than average)
4.0vs 3.6 avg
The Approved Movers has a Yelp rating of 4.0, above the Iowa average of 3.6, and ranks #15 of 65 Iowa movers.
- BBB rating#28 of 65(worse than average)
Cvs A avg
The Approved Movers has a BBB rating of C, below the Iowa average of A, and ranks #28 of 65 Iowa movers.
- Years in business#34 of 65(worse than average)
6 yearsvs 36 years avg
The Approved Movers has been in business for 6 years, below the Iowa average of 36 years, and ranks #34 of 65 Iowa movers.
| Metric | This moverThe Approved Movers | Iowa avg | Iowa rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#24 of 65 in Iowa | 4.12 | 3.84 | #24 of 65 | +0.28(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#18 of 65 in Iowa | 97% | 89% | #18 of 65 | +8 pts(better than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#19 of 65 in Iowa | 3% | 9% | #19 of 65 | −6 pts(better than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#24 of 65 in Iowa | 156 | 232 | #24 of 65 | −76(worse than average) |
| Yelp ratingBased on only 4 reviews#15 of 65 in Iowa | 4.0 | 3.6 | #15 of 65 | +0.4(better than average) |
| BBB rating#28 of 65 in Iowa | C | A | #28 of 65 | −6 steps(worse than average) |
| Years in business#34 of 65 in Iowa | 6 years | 36 years | #34 of 65 | −30(worse than average) |
Compared with 65 Iowa movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Iowa.
The Approved Movers
4.12Des Moines, IASince 2020
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from The Approved Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Des Moines.
Compare prices side by side
See where The Approved Movers lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
The Approved Movers
4.12
Des Moines, IA · Since 2020
Final verdict: The Approved Movers
The Approved Movers earns a 4.12/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #8 among Des Moines movers, with 97% positive feedback across 156 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and flexibility. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.
With 1 truck and a track record dating to 2020, it has less history than the average Iowa mover, and the most common complaint is lack of communication.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated November 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Why moveBuddha?
- 30%+Average savings
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
Calculate your Iowa moving cost - $1,000Added move coverage*
When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- 1-on-1Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.
Contact The Approved Movers
- Phone
- (515) 339-0139
- Website
- theapprovedmovers.com
Other Approved Movers locations
How we score moving companies
Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.
- Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most
The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.
- Online reputationMajor factor
An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.
- ServicesMajor factor
The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.
- Customer supportSupporting factor
How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.
- Review feedbackSupporting factor
A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.
- State availabilityMinor factor
The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.
What the scores are built on
- 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
- 1M+Authenticated reviews
- 25+Independent data sources
- 1,000+Live price points a month
- $0Paid for a ranking
- MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified
Written by
Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.