9 Best Iowa Moving Companies 2022

1. Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
2. Best for Extended Storage: Allied Van Lines
3. Best Customer Service: North American Van Lines
4. Best Add-On Services: American Van Lines
5. Best for Military Moves: Safeway Moving Systems
6. Best Insurance Options: JK Moving Services
7. Most Competitive Pricing: U-Pack
8. Best for Self-Service: PODS
9. Best Long-Distance Moving Container: 1-800-PACK-RAT

Here’s a quick look at the top full-service and self-service moving companies in Iowa. You’ll find basic service and pricing information here. Read below for a full breakdown of each provider listed.

Iowa Full-Service Movers

Iowa Self-Service Movers

* Long-distance average cost is based on aggregate data from customer reviews for a two-bedroom home, moving 250 miles. Cost can vary significantly based on move weight and distance. Be sure to request a free quote to get an accurate estimate for your move.

Where Are You Moving?

When you start considering your next move, a primary step will be to find the best mover for the job. Different providers specialize in different kinds of relocations, with long-distance, interstate, and local moves being the most common kinds. Learn more about each type of move below.

Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Iowa

Here are some excellent moving companies that can make your move within, to, or from Iowa a far less stressful experience. Read below to learn more about the best long-distance movers in the state:

1. International Van Lines

International Van Lines is one of the best moving companies in Iowa. They’ve been handling local and domestic moves since 2004 and now carry out 20,000 relocations per year. IVL offers a leading range of services to clients in all 50 states and has an outstanding reputation for customer service and care.

IVL Services

International Van Lines offers the following services to its customers:

• Local, long-distance, and international moving
• Packing and unpacking
• Storage (short-term and long-term)
• Custom crating
• Debris removal
• Auto transport
• Piano moving
• Air and ocean freight
• And more

IVL Cost

International offers competitive rates compared to other full-service moving companies. We’ve assembled average costs from past IVL moves below to help you set budgetary expectations:

• Get a quote for a fully customized estimate from IVL.
• Our International Van Lines review will give you a full look at their service profile and reputation.

2. Allied Van Lines

Allied Van Lines has over 85 years of experience in the moving industry. Allied can help you move across town, across the country, or to another country overseas. Offering add-on options like packing and storage, Allied allows you to pay for only what you need. Allied Van Lines (AVL) is one of the best moving companies in Iowa and across the US. You can’t go wrong when you book a move with Allied.

Allied Services

There are so many service options available when you work with Allied Van Lines, allowing you to create your own custom moving package:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing (full-service or partial)
• Unpacking
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Auto shipping
• Storage
• Debris removal
• GPS shipment tracking
• And more

Allied Cost

While pricing can vary by location, Allied Van Lines is on par with industry averages. Keep in mind that local moves are based on an hourly rate with a two-hour minimum. Long-distance moves are billed at a flat rate based on how far and how much you’re moving. Below, you’ll find some sample pricing from the company:

• Get a quote from Allied for a pricing estimate that is fully optimized for your needs.
• Our Allied Van Lines review will give you an even more in-depth view of this company and its reputation.

3. North American Van Lines

With more than 500 facilities in the US and more than eight decades of experience, North American Van Lines is a strong leader in the moving industry. With one of the largest moving teams in the nation and highly trained moving crews, NAVL serves moves of all sizes anywhere in the U.S. Whether you want to do some work yourself or rely completely on NAVL’s trusted moving crews, this full-service mover is ready to assist.

NAVL Services

NAVL offers a wide range of services, allowing you to select exactly what you need:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing and unpacking (full-service or partial)
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Debris removal
• 24/7 shipment tracking
• Appliance installation
• Storage
• Excellent insurance options
• And more

NAVL Cost

The further away your new home and the more add-on services you select, the more you can expect to pay. Even so, the company’s pricing is fairly in line with other national movers. We’ve put together some pricing information based on previous customer experiences so you can budget for your move:

• Request a personalized estimate with North American Van Lines.
• Read our North American Van Lines review for a thorough look at NAVL’s service profile and reputation.

4. American Van Lines

American Van Lines brings 25 years of experience as a carrier to each move they carry out. As one of the best movers in Iowa, they offer the most-experienced moving crews in the business. With their numerous locations throughout the US, AVL should be relatively easy for you to hire for your upcoming move.

AVL Services

American Van Lines’ workers average a decade on the job, meaning that your possessions are in good hands when you book with this mover. They offer the following services:

• Local, long-distance, and international moving
• Residential and commercial moving
• Full-service or partial packing
• Car shipping
• Storage
• Antique moving
• And more

AVL Cost

American Van Lines offers moving services at consistent flat rates, no matter the client’s location or service requirements. Here are some sample price points from their past moves:

• Request an estimate to get a fully customized quote for your move with American Van Lines.
• Read our American Van Lines review for a full look at their service profile, pricing structure and reputation.

5. Safeway Moving Systems

Safeway Moving Systems is a Chicago-based broker with a nationwide reach. They focus exclusively on long-distance and cross-country moving services. Their partner companies in Iowa each have excellent reputations and are more than able to lend expert assistance to your next move.

Safeway Services

Safeway Moving Services offers the following to its clients across the country:

• Long-distance moves only
• Commercial and residential moves
• Military moving
• Storage (Up to 30 days free)
• Packing (free)
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• And more

Safeway Cost

Safeway’s pledge of transparency shows through in its pricing structure. With consistent flat rates, you always know what you’ll pay when you book with this mover. Other movers might surprise you with hidden fees at the end of moving day. You won’t have to worry about that with Safeway. Here are some sample rates from past Safeway moves:

• Get a quote to get an accurate idea of your moving cost with Safeway Moving Systems.
• Read our full Safeway Moving Systems review for more information about this top Iowa moving company.

6. JK Moving Services

JK Moving Services has been in operation for more than 40 years and is one of the best moving companies in Iowa today. They provide excellent service to all points in the US but are only available for long-distance relocations in this state. Their customizable moving packages enable clients to have greater control in shaping their own moving experience. This feature is especially helpful for those with complex service requirements.

JK Services

Whether you need assistance packing your entire house or just want some help packing your most fragile or valuable items, JK can help. They also provide many more services to help make your relocation as simple as possible. You can pick and choose from the following when you book with them:

• Local moving in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.
• Long-distance and international moving
• Residential and commercial services
• Packing (full-service or fragile-only)
• Climate-controlled storage
• Furniture wrapping
• GPS shipment tracking
• Financing assistance
• And more

JK Cost

JK doesn’t provide much sample pricing, but many customers that have worked with them previously have shared what they paid. With an average cost of $2,400 – $5,400 for a two-bedroom move of about 400 miles, their rates typically fall within industry averages. Depending on your exact location, your Iowa move could be greatly enhanced by JK’s AI-assisted virtual estimate interface. This ensures accurate pricing for even the most complex of moves.

• Get a quote for an accurate pricing picture from JK Moving Services.
• Read our JK Moving Services review for a full look at this moving company.

7. U-Pack

With 240 service centers across the US and a customer-friendly pricing structure, U-Pack is one of the best moving companies in Iowa for self-service relocations. Whether you’re moving a studio apartment or a larger house, U-Pack has viable solutions for you in your DIY move.

U-Pack Services

U-Pack only serves moves of 150 miles or more. Through its five locations in Iowa, U-Pack provides its customers with the following options:

• Choose from an 8 foot ReloCube or 27 foot Trailer
• Short-term and long-term storage is available at U-Pack centers
• Moving help can be hired if needed

U-Pack Cost

U-Pack’s “pay for what you use” pricing structure allows for even more flexibility within their already-low rates. If you downsize before moving day, you can stand to pay even less than you were originally quoted for a move. Here are some sample prices for U-Pack moves of varying sizes:

• Get a quote today for a fully-customized estimate with U-Pack.
• Our U-Pack review provides a full look at their reputation and service offerings.

8. PODS

PODS is a leading provider of moving containers for self-service moves. Their long-standing reputation across the country makes them one of the best DIY options available today. They offer three distinct container sizes, ready to serve moves both big and small. Read on to learn why they’ve been an industry leader for so long:

PODS Services

Through its Iowa locations, PODS provides its customers with the following options:

• Local, long-distance, interstate
• Select a 7 foot, 12 foot or 16 foot container
• Short-term and long-term storage on your property
• Hire loading assistance or do it yourself

PODS Cost

As a self-service moving company, PODS can offer extremely affordable rates for your move. Here are a few sample pricing figures from their past moves:

• Get a personalized quote to get the most-accurate pricing figure for your move with PODS.
• Read our PODS review to find out more about this industry leader.

9. 1-800-PACK-RAT

1-800-PACK-RAT is another leading container provider for DIY moves. With Pack Rat, you can choose between multiple container sizes for local or long-distance moving needs. Their containers feature all-steel construction, which means enhanced safety for your goods, no matter where they’re headed. Read on to learn more about this top provider:

Pack Rat Services

Pack Rat offers the following options to its clients in Iowa and across the US:

• Local and interstate moves
• Select an 8 foot, 12 foot, or 16 foot container
• Short-term and long-term storage at your home or a Pack Rat facility
• Moving labor assistance through Pack Rat’s partners

Pack Rat Cost

As a self-service moving provider, you’ll see reduced rates with Pack Rat. While you can take care of all the work yourself, you can also hire hourly help, but that will increase your rate. Here are some sample price points from past Pack Rat moves to help you plan:

• Get a quote for a customized pricing estimate with 1-800-PACK-RAT.
• Our 1-800-PACK-RAT review will give you a fuller picture of their service profile and reputation.

Best Local Moving Companies in Iowa

When you need to move locally, your best bet is to hire a local moving company. They’re going to know the area well, and they’ll be able to offer lower rates than an interstate or long-distance mover. Here, you’ll find the best local moving companies in Iowa for different areas in the state:

Compare Moving Quotes

Moving to Iowa

Check out everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Iowa below! These tips, tricks, and regulations will help your move go as smoothly as possible.

Moving Regulations in Iowa

Did you know that there are laws regulating the moving industry? Here are some important things you should know at both the state and federal level:

• USDOT Number: To legally operate as a moving company in Iowa, businesses must have a USDOT number displayed on their commercial vehicles.
• IOWAMC Permit: The Iowa Department of Transportation (IOWA DOT) is responsible for regulating intrastate movers in the state. All movers must have an IOWAMC permit to legally operate in the state.
• Insurance: Movers in the state must carry minimum property damage and liability insurance to cover your goods.

Iowa Moving Resources

We hope these resources will help to make your transition to your new home easy:

• Update Your Mailing Address: USPS Online Change of Address Form
• Update Your Drivers License: Iowa DMV Website
• Real Estate Trends: Iowa Housing Market Report
• State Government: State of Iowa
• Michigan Tourism Guide: Visit Iowa

Iowa Moving Costs

The primary factors that impact moving costs in Iowa are the distance traveled and the amount of goods being moved. To help you budget for your relocation, we’ve listed some average price points for moves in the state:

Best Places to Live in Iowa

The following communities are some of the best places to move to in Iowa today:

• Des Moines, IA: Des Moines is the capital of Iowa and often ranks among the wealthiest cities in the United States. Des Moines major industries are insurance, publishing, and financial services, meaning there is a wide array of job opportunities in the city. There are 76 parks in the city as well, making it a wonderful green space.
• Davenport, IA: If you’re looking for a city that encourages outdoor activities, Davenport could be great for you. There are 20 miles of recreational paths in Davenport, along with a bustling downtown area.
• Cedar Rapids, IA: Cedar Rapids is considered the arts and cultural hub of the state. There are many museums as well as two major theaters to enjoy. The leading industry is grain processing, making it an agricultural town as well.

Top Reasons to Move to Iowa?

If you’re looking for some additional reasons to move to Iowa, there are plenty. Check out the best reasons to move to the state below:

• Low Cost of Living: Even though Des Moines is one of the wealthiest cities in the nation, it’s also nearly 10 percent lower than the national average cost of living. Smaller towns are even more affordable.
• Education: For new parents, Iowa is a great pick thanks to its strong education system. The state has a 99% literacy rate and the highest graduation rate in the nation.
• Safety: Iowa is consistently in the top 10 safest states in the nation, with virtually no violent crime.

Tips for Living in Iowa

Check out these tips for living in Iowa as a new resident:

• Four Seasons: You’ll need a full, rotating wardrobe in Iowa. Summers are hot and winters are cold.
• People are Friendly: Expect your neighbors to check in on you, even in the bigger cities. Folks from Iowa are friendly and want to make you feel welcome.
• Buy Fresh Produce: Iowa is at the center of the nation’s agricultural hub. You’ll get the best fruits and vegetables in Iowa, hands down, so take advantage of it.

How to Choose the Best Moving Company

If you’re ready to make the move to Iowa, the last thing you need to do is find a mover. Here’s how you can find the best moving company for your move:

• Services: Movers are going to offer different services. Some will be full-service moves, while others will be partial-service. Make sure you’re checking the services offered and getting what you need.
• Get Free Quotes: Moving can be expensive. You can make sure you’re getting the best deal by getting free quotes from several different moving companies.
• Plan Ahead: We recommend starting to plan your move 6 to 8 weeks in advance. This will give you plenty of time to vet movers while making it more likely that they’ll be available on your moving day.