Best Moving Companies in Iowa (2024)
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A professional moving company can help your Iowa relocation go more smoothly. Whether moving to or from Des Moines, crossing the Nebraska border in Omaha, or moving to any other location in the Hawkeye state, you have dozens of options.
We have researched the best moving providers in the nation to help you find the right movers and our top choice is International Van Lines (IVL). Below are our top picks for the best movers in Iowa based on key factors, such as pricing and services.
Top 7 Moving Companies in Iowa
Through in-depth research, we determined that the best moving companies in Iowa are the following:
- Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
- Best Overall Moving Labor: American Van Lines
- Best Specialized Packing: JK Moving Services
- Best Customer Service: Moving APT
- Best for Claims: North American Van Lines
- Best for Vehicle Relocation: Allied Van Lines
- Best Self-Service Mover: 1-800-PACK-RAT
Compare the Top Moving Companies in Iowa
Our Pick
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#1 out of 28 companies | #2 out of 28 companies | #3 out of 28 companies | #4 out of 28 companies | #5 out of 28 companies | #6 out of 28 companies | #7 out of 28 companies | |
A+ | A+ | A+ | B+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | |
FMCSA Licensing |
Carrier/Broker | Carrier | Carrier | Broker | Carrier/Broker | Carrier | Carrier/Broker |
Average Price* |
$5,250 | $5,625 | $7,171 | $4,683 | $5,969 | $5,370 | $2,547 |
Deposit Required |
Up to 25% | Up to 50% | $250 | Varies | None | None | Varies |
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Summary |
We recommend International Van Lines (IVL) if you want the most moving service options possible. The company boasts one of the most extensive moving service catalogs at highly competitive rates. |
We recommend American Van Lines if you’re moving high-end items or antiques because it focuses on training its staff to move difficult and valuable items. |
We recommend JK Moving Services for its ability to offer financing options through its partnership with Enhancify and its high-end, white-glove packing services. |
We recommend Moving APT because of its highly rated customer service and its ability to quickly provide you with multiple quotes for its partner companies. |
We recommend North American Van Lines (NAVL) as the best long-distance mover overall because of its customizable insurance packages, highly rated customer service, and extensive service options. |
We recommend Allied if you want to ship a vehicle due to the company’s in-house vehicle relocation services. |
We recommend 1-800-PACK-RAT for partial-service moves because of its simple and affordable storage and transportation solutions. |
Rating Categories |
International Van Lines | American Van Lines | JK Moving Services | Moving APT | North American Van Lines | Allied Van Lines | 1-800-PACK-RAT |
Customer Service |
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Our Top Picks For Moving Companies in Iowa
Compare Moving Company Services
Provider | Free Estimate | Local Moves | Interstate Moves |
---|---|---|---|
International Van Lines | Get Estimate | ✔ | ✔ |
American Van Lines | Get Estimate | ✔ | ✔ |
JK Moving | Get Estimate | ✘ (except VA, MD, and DC) | ✔ |
Moving APT | Get Estimate | ✔ | ✔ |
North American Van Lines | Get Estimate | ✔ | ✔ |
Allied Van Lines | Get Estimate | ✔ | ✔ |
1-800-PACK-RAT | Get Estimate | ✔ | ✔ |
Our Conclusion
While all the companies listed above offer great moving services, our top recommendation for your Iowa move is International Van Lines. Whether moving out of state or relocating to Iowa City for work, IVL has the experience and comprehensive services you need. It can even handle international moves to or from the state of Iowa.
We also recommend American Van Lines for its top-notch moving labor; JK Moving for its customizable moving packages, mobile app, and financing option; and Moving APT for its great customer service. Get quotes from at least three moving companies to compare before choosing a provider. Consider your move’s size, distance, timing, budget, and specific needs when determining which company will best serve you.
Other Considerations When Moving to Iowa
The most common natural disasters in Iowa are snowstorms and tornadoes. The region known as Tornado Alley even encompasses some parts of the state. As a result, homeowners and renters insurance are essential. You may also want to invest in a home warranty, particularly if you are moving into an older home.
Pest control companies can help protect your home and your family, pets, lawn, and garden. Investing in lawn care services can help make your outdoor spaces more enjoyable. You may even want to consider installing solar panels. Iowa offers some impressive incentives to help offset the cost.
The articles below will help you find the best home insurance, home warranty, and home service companies in Iowa:
- Best Home Warranty Companies in Iowa
- Industry-Leading Pest Control Companies
- Best Lawn Care Services
- Best Solar Companies
- Best Pet Insurance Companies in Iowa
FAQ About Moving Companies in Iowa
What are some ways to save on a move in Iowa?
Here are a few ways to save on a move in Iowa:
- Source free boxes from friends, family, and local businesses.
- Use towels, blankets, stuffed animals, clothes, and pillows as packing material.
- Plan to move on in the middle of the week rather than on a weekend.
- Move during the winter, particularly February and March, when rates are lower.
- Slim down your move by purging as you pack.
- Schedule your move as far in advance as possible.
What is the best moving company in Iowa?
The best moving company in Iowa depends on your needs, budget, and priorities. Based on our research, we’ve identified International Van Lines as one of the best movers overall. However, you may prefer Moving APT for its customer service, American Van Lines for its experienced workers, or North American Van Lines for its easy claims process.
What is the most expensive way to move?
The most expensive way to move is hiring a full-service moving company, and a DIY move is the least expensive option. However, keep in mind that this is not an apples-to-apples comparison. Full-service movers charge more because, in addition to handling transportation, they provide services such as packing, loading, and unloading.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.