Best Long-Distance Movers in Iowa for 2024

Quick answer: Safeway Moving is our top choice for long-distance movers in Iowa. Based on our in-depth research and analysis, Safeway Moving offers the best overall value by providing quality service at an affordable price.

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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

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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Best long-distance movers in Iowa for those moving out of state

These are the best state-to-state long-distance moving companies available in Iowa:

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
  2. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5 stars
  4. PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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
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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

Best long-distance movers in Iowa for those staying in state

While it’s not as common, if you’re staying in Iowa but still moving a couple hundred miles, these are the best interstate movers for you:

  1. Two Men and a Truck: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  2. Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  3. Action Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  4. White Glove Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
  5. Key City Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Pros
  • Efficient service (34%)
  • Professional and polite staff (31%)
  • Careful handling (28%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
  • Unexpected charges (18%)
Review Analysis
Two Men and a Truck has 232 customer reviews, with 84% of them being positive. Customers frequently praised the company for its efficient service, professional and polite staff, and careful handling of belongings. On the downside, some feedback pointed out issues like damage to items, delayed arrival or delivery, and unexpected charges. While many appreciated the overall service, some customers expressed disappointment with the handling of their items and the costs incurred during the move.
Get a Quote (515) 216-3654

Company Info

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 2527384


Two 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.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (37%)
  • Efficient service (33%)
  • Good communication (30%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (37%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (26%)
  • Lack of communication (19%)
Review Analysis
Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc has 27 customer reviews, with 74% being positive. Many customers praised the company's efficiency, professionalism, and friendly staff, noting that their belongings were handled with care. However, some feedback highlighted issues like damage to items and delayed arrivals. Despite these concerns, the majority of customers felt satisfied with their overall experience and would recommend the company to others.
Get a Quote (712) 252-1335

Company Info

Years in Business: 69

DOT #: 70719


Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc, a staple in Sioux City, IA since 1955, offers comprehensive local residential moving services. With a strong reputation reflected in their 4.2 average rating on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they are a trusted choice among local movers. Unlike many nearby moving companies, Claeys Brothers also offer packing and unpacking services, as well as the capability to move pianos, art, and antiques. The firm accepts both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, making them a flexible and customer-friendly option for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Efficient service (28%)
  • Good communication (26%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (22%)
  • Misplaced or lost items (19%)
  • Unexpected charges (17%)
Review Analysis
Action Moving & Storage, Inc. has 173 customer feedback entries, with 82% reflecting positive experiences. Many clients praised the professional and polite staff, noting their efficiency and careful handling of belongings. However, some customers reported issues with damage to items and misplaced belongings. While the majority enjoyed excellent communication and timely service, a few faced unexpected charges and unhelpful responses to claims. This company stands out for its customer service compared to others in the industry, as many users highlighted the team's commitment to making the moving process smoother and less stressful.
Get a Quote (712) 252-1938

Company Info

Years in Business: 41

DOT #: 299154


Action Moving & Storage, Inc. has been reliably serving the Sioux City, IA area since 1983, specializing in local residential moves. They stand out among local movers with their extensive experience and a stellar reputation, evidenced by an impressive average rating of 4.7 from 161 Google reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, they offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for art and antiques. Action Moving & Storage also accepts both cash and credit cards and requires no deposit, making them a convenient and trustworthy option for local relocations.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Professional and polite staff (25%)
  • Careful handling (22%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (27%)
  • Lack of communication (20%)
  • Unexpected charges (18%)
Review Analysis
White Glove Movers has 223 customer reviews, with 80% of them being positive. Many customers praised the company for their efficient service, friendly staff, and careful handling of belongings. Clients appreciated how quickly the movers worked and their professionalism. However, some negative feedback highlighted issues such as damage to items during the move, poor communication, and unexpected charges. While most experiences were favorable, these concerns indicate that potential customers should consider the importance of thorough communication and attention to detail before choosing this company.
Get a Quote (319) 393-3000

Company Info

Years in Business: 19

DOT #: 2991947


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.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (54%)
  • Efficient service (50%)
  • Good communication (46%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (23%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (17%)
  • Lack of communication (15%)
Review Analysis
Key City Moving & Storage has 48 customer reviews, with 92% being positive. Customers frequently praise the company's professional and polite staff, highlighting their efficiency and careful handling of items. Many also appreciate the easy booking process and good communication throughout the moving experience. On the downside, some customers reported issues with damage to items and delays in arrival or delivery. A few expressed concerns about a lack of communication and unexpected charges, which detracted from their overall experience.
Get a Quote (563) 582-3237

Company Info

Years in Business: 114

DOT #: 125563


Key City Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Peosta, IA since 1910. With glowing customer feedback, including an average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they stand out among local competitors. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized fragile-only packing, ensuring a stress-free move. Unlike other movers, they don't require a deposit and accept both cash and credit cards, making them a customer-friendly choice for your next move.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card

Best long-distance movers in Iowa for small moves

Most professional movers won’t handle moves under a certain minimum total weight, usually 2,000 pounds. If your Iowa move is from a college dorm or studio apartment, for example, a traditional full-service moving company might not work for you.

The good news is there are companies that specialize in small moves. Take a look at the options below if you are planning a small long-distance relocation.

Best for Small Moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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At A Glance
  • No minimum size
  • Top-quality materials
  • Full-service packing
read our full review
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best for small moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Check prices 800-626-1257
At A Glance
  • Specializes in small moves
  • Guaranteed delivery date
  • Online chatbot and resources for a seamless move
  • Car shipping services
  • Gives back with charitable donations
read our full review
Check prices 800-626-1257

Moving containers for long-distance moves in IA

If you’re comfortable doing the packing and loading but don’t want to drive from Iowa to your new state, a moving container can be a great cost-saving alternative to full-service movers.

Expect to pay somewhere around $1,155 to $7,268 for a moving container in Iowa. The cost depends on several factors, so we recommend getting multiple moving quotes.

We suggest starting with these two top-rated container companies.

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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
Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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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
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Labor-only moving companies in Iowa

If you’re comfortable doing the driving from Iowa to your new state but want some help packing, loading, and unloading, look for labor-only moving companies.

You’ll typically pay $27 to $42 per hour per worker for Iowa-based labor-only movers.

Check out our top recommendations below.

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
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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

Rental trucks in IA for a total DIY long-distance move

The cheapest way to move out of state is with a full DIY approach — meaning you’ll handle driving, in addition to all the loading and unloading.

Moving rental trucks do require the most work on your part, but will save you the most money.

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

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Iowa

Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best long-distance moving companies in Iowa.

We look at:

  • 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, expedited delivery, and more.

Read more about our moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of a long-distance move out of Iowa

Long-distance moving costs in Iowa range from $1,067 up to $12,487 or more, depending on the specific details of your relocation.

Factors that affect the cost

  1. Size: The volume of items you're moving directly affects costs. Evaluate what you truly need in Iowa — every extra item adds up.
  2. Distance: The distance you’re moving away from Iowa is a major cost factor. Whether it's a couple hundred miles or a cross-country trek, distance plays a key role in your moving budget.
  3. Type of move: How you choose to move out of Iowa is crucial. Your options include a full-service moving company, truck rental, moving container, or a freight trailer. Each option comes with a different price point and its own set of perks and downsides.
  4. Services: Consider whether to do it yourself or hire help for packing and unpacking. Professional services add convenience but also increase costs.
  5. Seasonal timing: When you move affects the price. Summer moves are typically more expensive. Planning your move during the off-season (October-April) can be more cost-effective.

To get an accurate cost estimate, check out our free moving cost calculator.

Thing to consider before hiring a long-distance mover in Iowa

Whether you’re staying in Iowa for the low cost of living, ample economic opportunity, and high quality of education, or moving out due to the severe weather conditions, limited recreational opportunities, and high taxes, here’s what you need to consider before your big move.

Company licensing

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.

Insurance options

Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.

Moving date

Weather factors influence how busy movers are, so those things play into the availability of movers and the cost.

In Iowa, you have to consider that the average winter temperature is 10°F, the average summer temperature is 84°F, you’ll see 35” of rain, and about 30” of snow each year.

Taking your car

If you’re moving across the country and don’t want to leave your car (or drive it cross-country), you may want to use an Iowa car shipper.

You’ll also want to consider vehicle inspections in your new location, as regulations can differ state to state and even by city. Take Iowa’s requirements, as an example. In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.

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