How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Iowa City
A few factors you should consider when looking for a moving company include cost, licensing, customer reviews, and services offered.
Determine Your Budget
The average cost of a local move in Iowa City is $60 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,197 for a two-bedroom move. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include move distance, the season, any additional tasks you need done, and your home size.
We suggest obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Don't forget to request written estimates. These should detail the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate on hand until the move is completed to ensure fair pricing practices.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies need good customer reviews. You can identify movers that provide good customer service by reading reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, social media, Yelp, and Google Reviews.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Iowa City must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving within Iowa, your moving company must have intrastate travel authority and a motor carrier permit 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 the company’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover offers the services you need when requesting quotes. Prepare for the quote process by taking a detailed inventory of your home and writing down any services you may need. Furthermore, inform your moving company representative about any particular requirements or unique circumstances you may have to gauge the company's capacity to deliver suitable service.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover includes the following services for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When seeking a quote from your moving company, discuss any special services you need. Increased pricing may apply for these services:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Iowa City, IA
Here are a few additional tips to consider for your Iowa City move.
Schedule an Early Move
Iowa City traffic during rush hour is notoriously congested. Navigating gridlock with a moving truck is even more challenging than with a personal-use vehicle. Movers stuck in traffic during your local move typically leads to higher costs if they charge by the hour. We advise planning before morning rush hour, which ensures the movers beat the traffic and finish the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Iowa City's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your moving process, especially if you begin your search for a mover too close to your move. The increased demand could lead to limited availability with your desired mover. Plan ahead and secure your preferred moving company at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential difficulties the hot summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies approach same-day packing requests similarly. Movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to begin in many cases. We recommend you start packing around six weeks before your move to avoid stressing over last-minute packing when moving day comes. Packing some items each day can get it done without overwhelming you.
How Much do Movers Cost in Iowa City, IA
Movers in Iowa City cost $2,625 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,012 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.
| Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 250 miles | $2,625 | $3,033 | $7,012 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,238 | $3,651 | $10,502 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,274 | $4,198 | $10,801 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,177 | $5,261 | $12,933 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Iowa City
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