The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Ottumwa, IA

Quick answer: Our top pick for the best long-distance moving company in Ottumwa, IA, is Safeway Moving. We like Safeway Moving for its overall value. The company provides high-quality service without the high price tag.

ryan carrigan moving expert
We're here to help.
We know that every move is different. Jump to a mover that fits your unique needs:
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

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 long-distance movers in Ottumwa for those moving out of state

If you’re leaving Ottumwa and crossing state lines for a new home outside of Iowa, these are our recommendations for top interstate movers:

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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 Ottumwa for those staying in state

Are you moving from Ottumwa but staying in Iowa? Depending on how far you’re relocating, some in-state moves are still considered long-distance.

If your move within Iowa is a couple hundred miles or more, you should hire one of the best long-distance moving companies.

Consider these top Ottumwa, IA, movers:

Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (40%)
  • Careful handling (37%)
  • Good communication (34%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (22%)
  • Unexpected charges (15%)
Review Analysis
Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage has 67 online customer reviews, 79% of which are positive. Many customers praised the friendly and professional staff, noting their efficiency and careful handling of belongings. Customers also appreciated the good communication throughout the moving process. On the downside, some experienced damage to their items and faced delayed deliveries. A few mentioned unexpected charges and poor packing quality, indicating that while the service is generally well-regarded, there are areas that need improvement.
Get a Quote (319) 229-2418

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
Pros
  • Efficient service (44%)
  • Professional and polite staff (40%)
  • Good communication (36%)
Cons
  • Unexpected charges (36%)
  • Lack of communication (32%)
  • Damage to items (28%)
Review Analysis
All Mighty Movers LLC has 25 customer feedback entries, with 76% of them being positive. Many customers praised the movers for their efficiency and professionalism, noting that the moving process was quick and hassle-free. However, some negative feedback highlighted issues such as unexpected charges and poor communication. While most experiences were favorable, a few customers reported dissatisfaction with the company's customer service and pricing practices, indicating that potential clients should be cautious about estimates and communication before hiring.
Get a Quote (515) 313-1395

Company Info

Pricing: $130/hr

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2468266


All Mighty Movers LLC, a trusted local moving company serving Des Moines, IA, has been providing top-notch residential moving services since 2015. Unlike many other local movers, All Mighty Movers stands out with their ability to handle challenging items like pianos, hot tubs, and pool tables. Their consumer reviews reflect their reputation: they boast an impressive 4.8 average rating on Google with 455 reviews and maintain an A rating from the Better Business Bureau. With competitive rates at $130 per hour and convenient payment options including credit cards, All Mighty Movers offers reliable and professional services without requiring a deposit.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Efficient service (25%)
  • Careful handling (20%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (35%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (25%)
  • Lack of communication (20%)
Review Analysis
Two Men and a Truck has 241 customer reviews, with 70% of those being positive. Many customers praised the company for its friendly and professional staff, efficient service, and careful handling of belongings. However, several reviews pointed out issues such as damaged items, delayed arrivals, and poor communication. Overall, while many people appreciated the movers' hard work, others expressed frustration with their experiences, indicating room for improvement compared to other moving services.
Get a Quote (319) 483-6425

Company Info

Years in Business: 16

DOT #: 2527384

Alternate Names: Berns Moving Company


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.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (36%)
  • Efficient service (32%)
  • Good communication (30%)
Cons
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
  • Damage to items (14%)
  • Lack of communication (12%)
Review Analysis
Porter Moving Company has 224 customer reviews, with 85% of them being positive. Many customers praised the team's professionalism and efficiency during their moves. Reviewers frequently highlighted the movers' friendly demeanor and careful handling of items. Some negative feedback pointed to issues like delays and damage to belongings, indicating areas for improvement. Overall, the positive feedback outweighs the negatives, showcasing the company's strong reputation compared to other moving services.
Get a Quote (319) 560-5050

Company Info

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2427654


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.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Efficient service (44%)
  • Professional and polite staff (38%)
  • Careful handling (32%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (32%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (26%)
  • Lack of communication (24%)
Review Analysis
Select Van & Storage Co. has 34 customer reviews, with 62% of them being positive. Many customers praised the efficient service and professional staff, noting their quick moving process and careful handling of items. However, some feedback highlighted significant issues, including damage to items and a lack of communication about delivery times. Customers appreciated the company’s responsiveness and organized packing, but many experienced delays and unexpected charges, making their overall experience less favorable compared to other moving companies.
Get a Quote (515) 223-8329

Company Info

Years in Business: 79

DOT #: 1098759

Alternate Names: Mayflower


Select Van & Storage Co., established in 1946, offers reliable local residential moving services in and around West Des Moines, IA. While their Yelp profile shows mixed reviews, averaging at 1.0 from four reviews, their Google My Business profile is more favorable with an average rating of 4.3 from 18 reviews. This long-standing company provides essential moving services, including packing, unpacking, and even moving delicate items like pianos and antiques. Unlike some other local movers, Select Van & Storage Co. also offers storage solutions and accepts credit card payments, making them a flexible choice for your moving needs.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified

Best long-distance movers in Ottumwa, IA, for small moves

Did you know that most professional moving companies have a minimum requirement for the total weight of your belongings? This means that if you are moving a small amount of items, those companies will likely not be an option for your relocation.

Some companies, however, specialize in small moves. So, if you are moving a studio apartment or just have a few pieces of furniture to relocate from Ottumwa, check out these suggestions:

Best for Small Moves
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • No minimum size
  • Top-quality materials
  • Full-service packing
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
best for small moves
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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 Ottumwa, IA

Moving containers, also known as pods, offer short- and long-term storage so you can move from Ottumwa at your own pace. With this option, you pack and load the container yourself and the professionals drive the container to your new home for you.

Our top picks for moving containers for long-distance moves from Ottumwa include:

Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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
Best value container
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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

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

Rental trucks are often the cheapest way to move long-distance from Ottumwa, but also require the most work. You do everything yourself — from boxing up your belongings to loading, driving the whole way, and unloading on your own. Costs can increase dramatically when you add on mileage fees, tolls, and gas though so make sure this option really is cheaper for your move before making a final decision.

Here are our favorite rental truck companies for long-distance moves:

Best Availability
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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

Labor-only moving companies in Ottumwa, IA

Labor-only companies handle the heavy-lifting for you, offering services related to packing, loading, and assembly. You’ll provide the truck, packing supplies, and other materials. Think of it as hiring professional movers without the truck.

Hire these top-notch labor-only movers for your long-distance move from Ottumwa, IA:

Best Labor Only
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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

Comparing the best long-distance movers in Ottumwa, IA

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Ottumwa, IA

Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best moving companies. We look at:

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): Companies that consistently deliver services in a timely manner — with good communication and within the estimated cost — score the highest within this category.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry, so we look for companies that take a customer-focused approach to handling their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
  • Industry reputation (15%): We look at whether a company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
  • Online reputation (15%): It’s important to us that a company maintains a professional website with accurate information and promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
  • Service options (10%): We look for companies with a wide breadth of services, including packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Read more about our moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of a long-distance move out of Ottumwa, IA

The average cost for professional movers in Iowa is $199 per hour, but even the best interstate moving companies need more information about the distance and size of your move to give you a moving quote.

Here’s the average long-distance move cost from Ottumwa, IA to popular cities:

Destination Distance Home size Cost
New York City, NY 1,071 miles 3 bedroom $3,662 - $6,110
Oklahoma City, OK 570 miles 2 bedroom $2,048 - $4,587
Philadelphia, PA 1,031 miles 1 bedroom $2,326 - $5,089

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of Ottumwa, use our moving cost calculator. And, be sure to check out our detailed post about moving costs in Iowa.

FAQs

What else should you know about moving out of state?

A moving company helping you move out of Iowa must be properly licensed and have a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Of course, all the Ottumwa movers we’ve included on this list have everything in order, but you can check for yourself on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you’re moving from one state to another, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document from the FMCSA.

Should I use a local company or a national company when moving from Ottumwa?

If you’re moving across town, a local moving company in Ottumwa is going to be the most cost-effective approach. If you’re moving out of Iowa, using a national moving company like Safeway Moving comes with more experience, which may cost a bit more.

When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Ottumwa?

Moving companies in Ottumwa are usually slower in November and December due to the holidays and kids being in school, so you can negotiate with a mover more during those months and save some money.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of Ottumwa?

DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of Ottumwa. The cheapest options for moving out of Ottumwa are usually renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. We’ve also got a helpful guide if you’re looking for the cheapest ways to move out of state.

Long-distance movers in nearby cities

See More
See Less

Helpful Ottumwa Resources

Not what you were looking for?

Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!

See All
Hide All