Best Long-Distance Movers in Iowa for 2025
Fact Checked by: 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.
- Best overall value: Safeway Moving
- Best IA-based company: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
- Best for small moves: MiniMoves
- Best moving container: PODS
- Best labor-only company: HireAHelper
- Best rental truck: U-Haul Truck Rental
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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:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- International Van Lines: 4.45 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
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- 10% discount for veterans and seniors
- Very competitive rates due to their national coverage
- Services local, long-distance, and international moves
- Can service most domestic moves within 48 hours
- 24/7 customer service
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 intrastate movers for you:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service (34%)
- Professional and polite staff (31%)
- Careful handling (28%)
- Damage to items (25%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
- Unexpected charges (18%)
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
- Efficient service (30%)
- Professional and polite staff (25%)
- Careful handling (22%)
- Damage to items (27%)
- Lack of communication (20%)
- Unexpected charges (18%)
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
- Professional and polite staff (37%)
- Efficient service (33%)
- Good communication (30%)
- Damage to items (37%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (26%)
- Lack of communication (19%)
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
- Professional and polite staff (40%)
- Careful handling (37%)
- Good communication (34%)
- Damage to items (25%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (22%)
- Unexpected charges (15%)
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 087390
Alternate Names: Maher Bros Transfer & Storage
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.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Efficient service (34%)
- Professional and polite staff (31%)
- Careful handling (29%)
- Damage to items (14%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (11%)
- Lack of communication (10%)
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 763103
Alternate Names: Megladon Inc
Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Davenport, IA since 1997. Unlike other area movers, Horizon Movers stands out with their comprehensive packing and unpacking services, ensuring a stress-free move from start to finish. Additionally, they excel at handling delicate items such as pianos, hot tubs, and antique art pieces. With stellar consumer reviews—an average rating of 4.7 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google My Business—and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Horizon Movers has proven their reliability and customer satisfaction time and again.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- 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.
- No minimum size
- Top-quality materials
- Full-service packing
- Specializes in small moves
- Guaranteed delivery date
- Online chatbot and resources for a seamless move
- Car shipping services
- Gives back with charitable donations
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 $1,084 to $6,772 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.
- 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
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 $32 to $40 per hour per worker for Iowa-based labor-only movers.
Check out our top recommendations below.
- 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
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.
- 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
How we chose the best long-distance movers in Iowa
Average cost of a long-distance move out of Iowa
Long-distance moving costs in Iowa range from $1,058 up to $11,630 or more, depending on the specific details of your relocation.
Factors that affect the cost
- Size: The volume of items you're moving directly affects costs. Evaluate what you truly need in Iowa — every extra item adds up.
- 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.
- 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.
- Services: Consider whether to do it yourself or hire help for packing and unpacking. Professional services add convenience but also increase costs.
- 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.
Long-distance movers in nearby cities
Helpful Iowa resources
Iowa moving services
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