Best 5 Movers in Cedar Rapids, IA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Cedar Rapids

Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when deciding on a mover in Cedar Rapids.

Determine Your Budget

Based on our findings, the average cost of a local mover in Cedar Rapids is $75 per hour. The overall cost adds up to $4,087 for a two-bedroom move. Your actual costs will depend on any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, your home size, the season, and move distance.

You should obtain quotes from three or more movers in your area. Request written estimates that outline the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Moving companies rely on customer reviews. Reading customer reviews on websites such as Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, social media, and Yelp will show you which movers have positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Cedar Rapids must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are making a short-haul move that's purely within Iowa, your moving company must have intrastate travel authority and a motor carrier permit from the Iowa Department of Transportation.

The requirements differ if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a moving company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can see a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Assessing whether the mover provides the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Prepare for the quote process by taking a comprehensive inventory of your belongings and writing down any services you may need. Notify your moving company representative about any special conditions or needs to see if the company can provide adequate service.

Types of Moving Services

For basic moves, full-service movers will include the following moving services in the starting cost:

• 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, disclose these when requesting a quote. Services that lead to increased 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 Cedar Rapids, IA

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when moving to, from, or within Cedar Rapids.

Schedule an Early Move

Cedar Rapids traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously hectic. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more challenging than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers stuck in traffic typically leads to higher costs since they’ll still be on the clock. Aim to arrange your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.

Avoid Busy Season

The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Cedar Rapids' hot weather. This can affect your move if you start your search too late and can't find an available moving company. If you book far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you want regardless of the month. However, the movers may be hindered by the heat.

Pack in Advance

Most movers won't transport items that haven't been packed when your move begins. You should start packing about six weeks before you move. Allocate some packing time each day to prevent last-minute scrambling on moving day.

How Much do Movers Cost in Cedar Rapids, IA

Movers in Cedar Rapids cost $2,587 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,546 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.