Best 5 Movers in Ames, IA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Ames

You should consider a few important factors when choosing a mover. These are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in Ames.

Determine Your Budget

Local movers in Ames charge an average hourly rate of $58. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,166 in total. Your actual costs will depend on any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, the season, your home size, and move distance.

We suggest getting quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Always get written estimates, which should detail your total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer reviews hold value when looking for a mover. Read customer reviews on websites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and social media to find moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Ames must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're moving from one Iowa city to another, your moving company must have a motor carrier permit and intrastate travel authority from the Iowa Department of Transportation.

If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Assess whether the mover offers the specific services you need during the quote process. Complete an extensive inventory of your home before getting quotes and note any essential or additional services you might require. Share any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative to assess whether the company can fulfill your particular needs.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers will provide these services in the base price for basic moves:

• Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
• Loading and unloading
• Released liability coverage for loss or damage

If you require additional services from your moving company, inform them of these when requesting a quote. Services that lead to higher pricing include the following:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Moving a piano
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Ames, IA

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your Ames move.

Schedule an Early Move

Ames sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic can lead to delays and impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. Arranging your move for the early morning ensures that your movers arrive before traffic peaks and make the trip to your new home in the middle of the day when traffic is less congested.

Avoid Busy Season

The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Ames' hot weather. This can affect your moving process if you start your search too late and can't find a moving company with availability. You should be able to schedule with the moving company you prefer by contacting movers well in advance. However, remember that the heat may impact your movers.

Pack in Advance

You should start packing about six weeks before you move. Spend some time packing each day to avoid last-minute scrambling on moving day. Most movers won't transport items that aren't packed by the time your move begins.

How Much do Movers Cost in Ames, IA

Movers in Ames cost $2,615 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,881 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.