The BEST Movers in Iowa City, IA (2024 Guide)

Our Top Pick: If you're moving locally in Iowa City, IA our top pick is White Glove Movers. We've rated them 4.66 out of 5 stars. If your move extends beyond Iowa City, our well-curated guide on the best movers in Iowa is a valuable resource.

The key to a successful move in Iowa City is choosing the right movers. Whether you're relocating within Iowa City, across Iowa, or seeking the best interstate moving companies for an out-of-state move, our unbiased reviews will help you choose the right moving company for you.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How we chose the best movers in Iowa City, 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.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 Iowa City, IA

  1. White Glove Movers: 4.66 out of 5
  2. Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage: 4.52 out of 5
  3. Porter Moving Company: 4.48 out of 5
  4. Two Men and a Truck: 4.42 out of 5
  5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4 out of 5

White Glove Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 2991947

Years in Business: 19

4600 Commercial Ave, Marion, IA 52302

White Glove Movers, a local moving company based in Marion, IA, has been providing reliable residential moving services since 2005. Compared to other nearby movers, White Glove stands out with its comprehensive packing and unpacking services, as well as specialized capabilities to handle delicate items like pianos and art. Renowned for their exceptional service, they hold an average Google rating of 4.9 from 234 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Their excellent consumer feedback and array of services make them a top choice for local moves, offering peace of mind and quality assurance.

Get a Quote (319) 393-3000

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

Local Associations

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Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.52 / 5

DOT #: 087390

Years in Business: 35

370 50th Ave Dr. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in Cedar Rapids, IA since 1990. Unlike some other nearby movers, Maher Bros. also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, as well as specialized care for moving art and antiques. Although Yelp reviews are mixed, their Google My Business profile shows strong positive feedback, and they boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Customers can expect reliable service with no deposit required and the convenience of shipment tracking.

Get a Quote (319) 229-2418

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Maher Bros Transfer & Storage
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Porter Moving Company

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.48 / 5

DOT #: 2427654

Years in Business: 10

1151 26th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Porter Moving Company has been providing local residential moving services in and around Cedar Rapids, IA since 2014. Unlike many nearby movers, Porter Moving also offers packing, unpacking, and crating services, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience. Their capability to move specialty items like pianos and safes sets them apart. Consumer reviews are mixed, with strong Google ratings averaging 4.6 but lower Yelp reviews around 2.7, and a BBB rating of B-. Overall, Porter Moving is a reputable choice for local moves, backed by years of experience and a wide range of services.

Get a Quote (319) 560-5050

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Two Men and a Truck

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.42 / 5

DOT #: 2527384

Years in Business: 16

1846 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Two Men and a Truck has been serving the Cedar Rapids, IA area with local residential moving services since 2008. Unlike some local competitors, they offer comprehensive packing and unpacking services, labor-only options, and can handle specialty items like pianos and safes, all without requiring a deposit. Although their Google My Business profile boasts an impressive 4.7 average rating from 524 reviews, their Yelp profile and Better Business Bureau rating suggest there might be some inconsistencies in customer experience. With their extensive range of services, they remain a solid choice for many local moves.

Get a Quote (319) 483-6425

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Berns Moving Company
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Adamantine Spine Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4 / 5

DOT #: 1471037

Pricing: $100/hr

3227 12th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403

Adamantine Spine Moving, based in Cedar Rapids, IA, specializes in local residential moving services, standing out among nearby competitors with their exceptional customer satisfaction. Boasting an impressive 5.0 average rating from 88 reviews on Google, they are highly praised for their reliability and professionalism. In addition to local moves, they offer comprehensive packing and unpacking services, and they are adept at handling delicate items like pianos, art, and antiques. At $100 per hour for a local move and providing full valuation insurance coverage, Adamantine Spine Moving ensures a secure and efficient moving experience.

Get a Quote (319) 774-7386

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 1471037
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Best movers for those moving out of Iowa

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
  2. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
  3. BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5
  4. PODS: 4.8 out of 5
  5. American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • 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
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
read our full review
(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 835-2392

Alternative Iowa City moving options

Moving Containers

  1. U-Pack: 5 out of 5
  2. PODS: 4.8 out of 5
Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices

Labor Only

  1. HireAHelper: 4.5 out of 5
  2. Bellhop: 4.3 out of 5
Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • 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
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best customer experience
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • 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
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

Full DIY

  1. U-Haul Truck Rental: 4.15 out of 5
  2. Penske Truck Rental: 4 out of 5
Best Availability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • 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
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285
Most Reliable
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Check prices (844) 847-9517
At A Glance
  • 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
read our full review
Check prices (844) 847-9517

Average cost of movers in Iowa City, 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 Iowa City 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 $718 $349 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $1,086 $346 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,826 $500 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $4,483 $699 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $5,221 $692 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $8,216 $979 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 Iowa City mover?

Looking for a reliable Iowa City 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 Iowa City 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 Iowa City moving companies handle long distance moves?

Some of the moving companies that service Iowa City 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 Iowa City.

What is the cheapest day to hire a mover in Iowa City, IA?

The earlier you book your move from Iowa City, 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.

Learn more: The cheapest time to move

Do Iowa City movers offer storage?

Most Iowa City moving companies offer short and long-term storage solutions. However, keep in mind that some Iowa City 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?

Helpful Iowa City Resources

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