The BEST Movers in Ames, IA (2024 Guide)
Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in Ames, IA, is Two Men and a Truck based on pricing, services, and customer reviews. For long-distance and out-of-state moves from Iowa, we recommend Safeway Moving because they provide a good balance of quality service and affordability.
- Best Ames-based mover: Two Men and a Truck
- Best interstate mover: Safeway Moving
- Best moving container: PODS
- Best labor-only mover: HireAHelper
- Best rental truck: U-Haul Truck Rental
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 rating
 
4.25 / 5
Licensed
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Price
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Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best movers for those moving locally in Ames, IA
If you are moving within Ames or to a nearby Iowa city like Boone or Ankeny within 50 miles of Ames, check out these top-rated moving companies:
- Two Men and a Truck: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Hemmen Moving Inc: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Jake N' Jose Moving Service: 3.86 out of 5 stars
Two Men and a Truck
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 27
2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA 50322Two Men and a Truck, a reputable moving company in Urbandale, IA, has been providing local residential moving services since 1998. Renowned for their packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, they stand out by requiring no deposit and accepting credit cards, adding convenience for their clients. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Google from over 500 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they excel in customer satisfaction compared to other nearby movers. Their proven track record makes them a trusted choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
Black Belt Movers
rating
4.52 / 5
DOT #: 3527158
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
1209 SW ORDNANCE RD STE B, ANKENY, IA 50023Black Belt Movers, serving the Ankeny, IA area since 2009, offers a comprehensive range of local residential moving services. With an A rating from the Better Business Bureau and an average Yelp rating of 4.0 based on 15 reviews, their reputation stands strong among nearby moving companies. They also provide office moving, packing, unpacking, and specialized services like moving pianos and antiques. Unlike many competitors, they accept credit cards, require no deposit, and provide full valuation insurance coverage.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3527158
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
rating
4.42 / 5
DOT #: 2378173
Years in Business: 7
10500 Hickman Rd Suite H, Clive, IA 50325College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, serving Clive, IA since 2018, specializes in local residential moves and stands out from other nearby movers with their comprehensive packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. They also cater to office moving needs, making them a versatile choice. While their Yelp reviews average 3.2 from 14 ratings, their astounding 4.8 out of 1452 Google reviews suggest a generally positive customer experience. Additionally, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, offering convenience and flexibility. Despite their F rating from the BBB, their extensive positive feedback on Google indicates a largely satisfactory service.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2378173
Hemmen Moving Inc
rating
4.34 / 5
DOT #: 608245
Pricing: $140/hr
Years in Business: 34
1293 W Ave, Ames, IA 50014Hemmen Moving Inc has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Ames, IA since 1990. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and labor-only assistance, tailored to meet the needs of local movers. Though their Yelp profile features a single unfavorable review, their stellar reputation is reinforced by 122 Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars, coupled with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. At $140 per hour, Hemmen Moving Inc provides competitive rates and the convenience of credit card payments, making them a reliable choice compared to other local moving companies.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 608245
Alternative Business Names
- Delivered Storage Trailer
- State 2 State Pro Movers
Jake N' Jose Moving Service
rating
3.86 / 5
Years in Business: 5
50 Duff Ave, Ames, IA 50010Jake N' Jose Moving Service, established in 2019, offers top-tier local residential moving services in and around Ames, IA. Known for their exceptional service, they boast a 4.6 average rating from seven Yelp reviews and hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, setting them apart from many competitors. They provide comprehensive packing and unpacking services, as well as labor-only options, and even specialize in piano moving. Notably, they accept cash payments and require no deposit, making them a flexible and reliable choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
Best movers for those moving out of Iowa
Relocating from Iowa to a new state? You’ll need an experienced interstate moving company to get you there. Here are our recommendations:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5 stars
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Family owned & operated
- Affordable pricing
- Binding estimates
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
Best moving containers in Ames, IA
While a full-service mover is the most convenient option for your Iowa relocation, it will also likely be the most expensive route. To save some money, you may want to consider using one of the top moving container companies in Ames instead.
Moving containers allow you to move at your own pace… although you’ll have to do all the heavy lifting yourself. Once you’re loaded up and ready to move, the container company will pick up your container and transport it to your new home, so you won’t have to worry about driving.
If moving containers sound like the best fit for you, we suggest starting with these highly rated companies:
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Best rental trucks for your Ames, IA move
Renting a moving truck is the cheapest way to move out of state or locally within Ames, Iowa. Keep in mind, though, that this is also the most bare-bones moving option — you’ll have to handle the packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and driving.
It’ll be more work to use a moving truck rental company, but if you want to keep your relocation expenses low, check out our top recommendations:
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
- Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
- Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
- Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
Labor-only movers in Ames, IA
Labor-only moving companies can be a great addition to a more DIY move done with a rental moving truck or moving container. Hiring third-party assistance with loading and unloading can help cut down on the workload and make your move quicker and more efficient.
Here are our choices for best moving labor companies in Ames, Iowa:
- First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
- Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
- $1,000 money-back service guarantee
- Fast and accurate delivery times
- Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
- Quick and easy booking process
- National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
- Dedicated move concierge specialist
- Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
- The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
Top-rated movers in other nearby Iowa cities
How we chose the best movers in Ames, IA
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 26 Iowa movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
Average cost of movers in Ames, IA
Take a look at the pricing table below to get a general idea of the costs associated with local moves in and around the Ames area. For more details, you can also check out our guide on the moving costs in Iowa.
Please note that the moving quotes provided in the table are rough estimates, and your actual costs may differ depending on the unique needs of your move. For a more precise estimate, consider using our moving cost calculator.
| Home Size | Avg. Total Cost | Cost/hour | # of Movers | # Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $862 | $196 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,052 | $192 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,488 | $272 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,943 | $373 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $3,355 | $385 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $5,010 | $534 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
FAQs
How do I know if my mover is properly licensed?
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.
All of the movers on our list are properly licensed. Take a look at our best movers in Iowa list for more recommendations.
How do I find a reputable Ames mover?
Looking for a reliable Ames moving company can be difficult, but there are certain things to consider to ensure you choose a trustworthy mover. These include:
- Reputation: A mover's reputation is crucial, whether they're a new mom-and-pop business or a seasoned van lines company.
- Dispute resolution: It's best to avoid movers with lots of unresolved customer complaints. Every Ames moving company will face customer issues. The best companies resolve customer disputes in a timely manner.
- Experience for your move: Even if a mover has great reviews for local moves, they may not have the experience needed to handle a cross-country move. Check if they have experience with the type of move you require.
Do Ames moving companies handle long-distance moves?
Some of the moving companies that service Ames can handle long distance moves, while others only offer local moving services. If you're moving out of state, see our list of the best long distance movers in Ames.
What is the cheapest day to hire a mover in Ames, IA?
The cheapest day to hire a mover in Ames, Iowa, will typically be a weekday, since weekends are typically busier times for moving. In general, the cheapest time to move is between October and April. The peak season for movers is May–September, so you’ll pay more during this time due to increased demand.
The earlier you book your move from Ames, the better. Avoid weekends, holidays, and peak moving seasons (summer) to save money. Beware of choosing a mover solely based on the lowest quote, as some companies may low-ball their initial quote and raise the price significantly on moving day.
Do Ames movers offer storage?
Most Ames moving companies offer short- and long-term storage solutions. However, keep in mind that some Ames movers use third-party warehouses to store your items. It's best to ask about storage options and pricing when screening potential movers.
Learn more: Should you use your mover's storage solutions?
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