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Moving Companies in Iowa
Compare Iowa movers based on your route, move size, service needs, and budget.
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Iowa Movers
Finding the right moving company in Iowa depends on more than comparing star ratings or choosing the lowest estimate. A mover that works well for an apartment move across Des Moines may not be the best choice for a relocation from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids, Davenport to Sioux City, or a long-distance move from Iowa to Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, or another state.
Iowa also has specific requirements for companies transporting household goods for hire within the state. Household-goods carriers performing point-to-point moves within Iowa need intrastate operating authority from the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT). Household-goods carriers are specifically included among the types of for-hire carriers for which Iowa issues motor carrier permits.
Moves crossing state lines are regulated separately under federal interstate household-goods requirements administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Use this page to compare Iowa moving companies, understand what type of mover you need, and know what to verify before accepting a quote.
How We Analyze Iowa Movers
We evaluate Iowa moving companies using information that can help consumers make a better hiring decision rather than relying on a single review score.
Factors we consider include:
Iowa operating authority: For moves within Iowa, we look for appropriate intrastate household-goods authority through Iowa DOT.
USDOT registration: Iowa-based for-hire intrastate carriers generally need a USDOT-IA number, while companies operating both interstate and intrastate may use their existing USDOT number while also obtaining Iowa intrastate authority.
Insurance: Iowa requires for-hire motor carriers to maintain continuous liability and property-damage insurance, and household-goods carriers must also obtain cargo insurance.
Federal authority: For interstate moves, we check whether the mover or broker has appropriate FMCSA registration and authority.
Carrier vs. broker status: We identify whether the company physically transports household goods or arranges transportation through another company.
Service area: Some movers primarily serve Des Moines and central Iowa, while others cover eastern Iowa, western Iowa, statewide moves, or interstate relocations.
Services offered: Packing, storage, labor-only moving, specialty-item handling, and long-distance transportation can vary significantly between companies.
Company history: Length of time in business can provide additional context when comparing established companies with newer movers.
Customer feedback: We look for recurring patterns involving estimates, communication, pickup, delivery, damage, claims, and unexpected charges.
Complaint information: FMCSA’s mover database provides complaint information for federally registered interstate movers and brokers.
Pricing transparency: Movers should clearly explain how the price is calculated and which services can result in additional charges.
Fit for the move: Experience with apartments, large homes, rural properties, difficult-access locations, winter moves, storage, or interstate transportation may matter depending on your relocation.
No single factor automatically makes a company the best Iowa mover. The right choice depends on your origin, destination, shipment size, moving date, access conditions, budget, and required services.
Iowa Moving Company Licensing and Operating Authority
The regulatory checks you should perform depend on whether your belongings stay within Iowa or cross a state line.
Moving Within Iowa
A motor carrier transporting household goods for hire from one point in Iowa to another needs Iowa intrastate operating authority.
Iowa DOT’s current guidance states that motor carriers transporting household goods are among the carriers issued a motor carrier permit for intrastate for-hire transportation.
This applies to moves such as:
Des Moines → Cedar Rapids
Iowa City → Davenport
Ames → Des Moines
Cedar Falls → Dubuque
Sioux City → Council Bluffs
Davenport → Des Moines
Before hiring a company for an Iowa-only move, identify the mover’s exact legal business name and verify that it has the appropriate Iowa DOT authority.
Iowa-based for-hire intrastate carriers also need a USDOT-IA number. If a carrier already operates interstate and has a federal USDOT number, Iowa DOT states that it does not receive a second USDOT number but still must obtain appropriate Iowa intrastate authority for Iowa loads.
Compare:
Legal company name
Advertised or DBA name
Iowa motor carrier authority
USDOT or USDOT-IA number
Business address
Phone number
Name shown on your estimate
Name receiving your payment
A company saying it is “licensed and insured” should not be the end of your research.
Iowa Movers Must Maintain Insurance
Iowa requires for-hire motor carriers to maintain continuous insurance coverage.
Iowa DOT’s intrastate carrier guidance states that proof of liability and property-damage insurance is filed with the Office of Motor Carrier Services and that household-goods carriers must obtain cargo insurance as well. Failure to maintain required insurance can result in suspension of a carrier’s permit or certificate.
This makes insurance status worth checking before hiring a mover.
However, a mover having insurance does not necessarily mean that every possession will automatically be replaced at full retail value if it is damaged.
Ask separately:
What protection applies to my household goods?
How is a damaged item’s value calculated?
Is additional protection available?
Are high-value items treated differently?
Are there exclusions?
What is the claims process?
Insurance held by the business and valuation protection applying to your belongings are related issues, but they are not necessarily the same thing.
Iowa Movers Must File Their Rates and Charges
Iowa provides consumers with another useful verification tool: household-goods movers must file a tariff with Iowa DOT.
The tariff states the rates and charges applying to the services the mover performs under its permit. Iowa DOT states that a household-goods carrier must have its tariff filed, posted, and approved before its permit can be issued.
Iowa’s rules also state that a household-goods carrier may not charge more or less than the rates and charges specified in its tariff. The carrier must maintain its tariffs at its principal place of business and make them available for public inspection.
That gives you a useful question when something on your quote is unclear:
“Is this charge included in your Iowa DOT tariff?”
Ask about:
Hourly labor
Transportation
Travel time
Packing
Packing materials
Stairs
Long carries
Additional movers
Specialty items
Storage
Waiting time
Additional stops
A reputable Iowa mover should be able to explain how its charges are calculated.
Moving From Iowa to Another State
If your household goods cross a state line, federal interstate moving rules apply.
Interstate household-goods movers must be registered with FMCSA and have a U.S. DOT number. FMCSA’s official mover-search tool allows consumers to check registration information before choosing a mover.
Examples include:
Iowa → Illinois
Iowa → Nebraska
Iowa → Minnesota
Iowa → Missouri
Iowa → Texas
Iowa → Florida
Iowa → Arizona
Iowa → California
FMCSA’s mover database can provide information including:
Company headquarters
Contact information
Registration status
Type of moving business
Complaint information
Safety information
Don’t stop after confirming that a U.S. DOT number exists.
FMCSA recommends checking that the mover is actually authorized to transport household goods and insured, obtaining written estimates, and reviewing complaint history before choosing an interstate mover.
A Short Iowa Move Can Still Be Interstate
The mileage of your move does not determine whether it is interstate.
For example:
Council Bluffs, IA → Omaha, NE: interstate
Davenport, IA → Moline, IL: interstate
Sioux City, IA → South Sioux City, NE: interstate
Dubuque, IA → East Dubuque, IL: interstate
Des Moines → Ames: intrastate
A move can cover only a few miles but cross a state line.
If it does, verify the company through FMCSA rather than relying only on its Iowa intrastate credentials. FMCSA requires interstate household-goods movers to be federally registered and have a U.S. DOT number.
Moving Costs in Iowa
There is no single useful average price for hiring an Iowa moving company.
Moving a one-bedroom apartment across Des Moines is completely different from transporting a four-bedroom household from Des Moines to Davenport or moving the same household from Iowa to California.
Your quote can depend on:
Shipment size: More furniture and boxes generally require additional movers, truck capacity, loading time, and transportation.
Distance: Local, longer intrastate, and interstate moves can use different pricing structures.
Crew size: Larger homes may require three, four, or more movers rather than a standard two-person crew.
Moving date: Weekends, summer dates, and dates near the beginning or end of the month can affect mover availability.
Packing: Full packing, partial packing, fragile-item packing, and custom crating add labor and materials.
Stairs: Apartments, townhomes, and multi-story houses can require more labor.
Elevators: Elevator availability and building rules can affect how long loading and unloading take.
Truck access: Rural roads, long driveways, narrow streets, soft surfaces, and limited turnaround areas can create additional work.
Long carries: If the moving truck cannot park near the residence, movers may need to carry belongings a significantly greater distance.
Storage: Temporary storage or storage-in-transit can increase the total cost.
Specialty items: Pianos, safes, pool tables, antiques, artwork, oversized furniture, and other difficult belongings may require additional labor or equipment.
When comparing Iowa moving companies, make sure every mover receives approximately the same inventory and service requirements.
A $2,500 quote and a $4,000 quote are not necessarily competing estimates for the same job if one mover has overlooked your basement, garage, packing, or storage requirements.
Local vs. Long-Distance Iowa Moving Costs
Understanding how the mover calculates its price can make estimates easier to compare.
Local Iowa Moves
Local moving prices may depend on:
Number of movers
Number of labor hours
Truck requirements
Travel time
Packing
Access conditions
Specialty items
Before accepting an hourly quote, ask:
What is the hourly rate?
How many movers does it include?
Is the truck included?
Is there a minimum number of hours?
When does billable time begin?
When does it end?
Is travel time billable?
Are packing materials extra?
Are stairs or long carries additional?
For an Iowa intrastate household-goods move, you can also ask how those charges correspond to the company’s Iowa DOT tariff. Household-goods carriers are required to maintain tariffs stating the rates and charges for the services performed under their permits.
Longer Moves Within Iowa
Iowa is large enough that an in-state relocation can still involve several hours of transportation.
Examples include:
Des Moines → Sioux City
Des Moines → Davenport
Council Bluffs → Cedar Rapids
Dubuque → Council Bluffs
Sioux City → Iowa City
Ask whether the estimate includes:
Driving time
Crew travel
Transportation charges
Fuel-related charges
Overnight requirements
Storage
Delivery scheduling
A move can stay completely within Iowa while still requiring considerably more logistics than a local move across town.
Interstate Moves
For interstate moves, FMCSA recommends obtaining written estimates from several companies and comparing them.
Long-distance pricing can depend on:
Shipment size or weight
Distance
Exact origin and destination
Moving date
Packing
Storage
Access
Carrier availability
Additional services
Make sure every mover is estimating approximately the same shipment before comparing prices.
Carrier or Broker: Know Who You’re Hiring
This distinction becomes particularly important for long-distance Iowa moves.
A moving carrier physically transports your household goods.
A moving broker arranges transportation through another mover rather than transporting the belongings itself.
FMCSA requires interstate household-goods brokers to be registered and requires them to disclose that they are brokers rather than movers. Brokers must use registered movers and have written agreements with the movers they use.
Neither business model is automatically better, but you should know exactly which type of company you’re hiring.
Ask:
Are you a carrier or a broker?
Will your company physically transport my belongings?
If not, which mover will?
Has that carrier already been assigned?
What is that carrier’s U.S. DOT number?
Can I independently verify the carrier?
Who handles pickup problems?
Who handles delivery problems?
Who handles loss or damage claims?
Who receives my deposit?
Who receives my final payment?
The website where you requested a quote, the company selling you the move, and the company whose truck arrives at your house are not necessarily the same business.
What to Look for When Hiring an Iowa Moving Company
Verify Iowa Intrastate Authority
For a move entirely within Iowa, start by confirming that the company has appropriate authority from Iowa DOT’s Office of Motor Carrier Services.
Iowa DOT states that for-hire carriers transporting household goods point-to-point within Iowa need intrastate authority and that household-goods carriers receive motor carrier permits.
Don’t confuse having a business name or a truck with having authority to transport household goods for hire.
Check the USDOT Number
Iowa DOT states that Iowa-based for-hire intrastate carriers need a USDOT-IA number. A carrier that already operates interstate keeps its existing USDOT number but still needs Iowa authority for intrastate loads.
Iowa’s vehicle-marking requirements also call for intrastate for-hire vehicles to display the operating motor carrier’s name and USDOT number; Iowa-only carriers use “IA” following the USDOT number.
Compare the number with the company you’re actually hiring.
Check the Company’s Tariff
Household-goods carriers must file their rates and charges with Iowa DOT.
If a mover adds a charge you don’t understand, ask:
“Where does this charge appear in your filed tariff?”
That’s more useful than simply asking whether the charge is common in the moving industry.
Verify Interstate Movers Through FMCSA
If your move leaves Iowa, perform a separate FMCSA check.
The mover search can show:
U.S. DOT information
Headquarters
Contact information
Registration status
Carrier or broker classification
Complaint information
Safety information
FMCSA advises consumers to verify authorization and insurance before choosing an interstate mover.
Get the Estimate in Writing
Don’t rely only on a price given over the phone.
For interstate moves, FMCSA recommends getting written estimates from several movers. It also advises consumers not to accept verbal estimates and says the estimate should describe the charges for the services the mover will perform.
Make sure the mover knows about:
Every bedroom
Living-room furniture
Dining furniture
Basement contents
Garage contents
Outdoor furniture
Storage-unit belongings
Appliances
Boxes
Exercise equipment
Bikes
Packing requirements
Stairs
Elevators
Long carries
Difficult truck access
Storage
Additional stops
Specialty items
If you’re comparing multiple movers, give each company approximately the same information.
Otherwise, you’re comparing different jobs rather than different prices for the same move.
Compare the Inventory, Not Just the Price
One of the easiest ways for moving quotes to become misleading is for companies to estimate different amounts of belongings.
Check whether every mover included:
Bedroom furniture
Living-room furniture
Dining-room furniture
Basement belongings
Garage contents
Patio furniture
Storage-unit belongings
Boxes
Appliances
Bikes
Exercise equipment
Lawn equipment
Specialty items
This can be particularly important in Iowa homes with full basements, garages, sheds, and outdoor equipment.
If three companies estimate a substantially larger shipment than another mover, determine what’s causing the difference before booking.
The cheapest estimate is not particularly useful if it is based on only part of your actual household.
Don’t Automatically Choose the Cheapest Iowa Mover
Price matters, but it should not be your only consideration.
FMCSA advises interstate consumers that selecting a mover solely because it has the lowest price can mean sacrificing other priorities, including safe transportation and timely delivery.
Suppose several movers quote approximately $5,000 for your interstate move and another company quotes $2,700.
The lower price may be legitimate.
But first compare:
Inventory
Shipment size
Packing
Storage
Origin and destination
Crew requirements
Stairs
Long carries
Specialty items
Delivery expectations
For an Iowa-only move, you can also compare the quoted charges with the mover’s filed Iowa DOT tariff.
The goal isn’t to avoid inexpensive movers.
It’s to understand why the price is lower and what you’re actually getting for it.
Des Moines Moving Companies
Moves in the Des Moines metro can range from downtown apartments to large suburban homes.
An apartment or condo move may involve:
Elevators
Loading areas
Parking restrictions
Long hallways
Building moving hours
Stairs
A move in West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Waukee, Johnston, Altoona, or another suburban community may provide easier truck access but involve a larger household inventory.
Make sure the mover knows about:
Basement contents
Garage contents
Outdoor furniture
Home gym equipment
Storage areas
Oversized furniture
Additional stops
A four-bedroom home with a finished basement and full garage may contain considerably more belongings than the bedroom count alone suggests.
Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Moves
Cedar Rapids and Iowa City moves can include apartments, single-family homes, student housing, and longer relocations throughout eastern Iowa.
For an apartment or university-area move, ask about:
Parking
Building access
Stairs
Elevators
Move-in scheduling
Loading restrictions
If you’re moving from Iowa City or Cedar Rapids across the Mississippi River into Illinois, remember that the move becomes interstate once your shipment crosses the state line and the mover should be verified through FMCSA. Interstate household-goods movers must be federally registered.
Davenport and Quad Cities Moves
The Quad Cities are a particularly good example of why consumers need to distinguish between intrastate and interstate moves.
A move from Davenport to Bettendorf stays within Iowa.
A move from Davenport to Moline or Rock Island crosses into Illinois.
Even though the destinations may be close geographically, the second move crosses a state line and should be treated as interstate transportation for mover-verification purposes. Interstate household-goods movers must be registered with FMCSA.
So when comparing Quad Cities movers, make sure the company has the authority appropriate for the exact origin and destination.
Council Bluffs and Omaha-Area Moves
A similar issue exists in western Iowa.
A move across Council Bluffs remains intrastate.
A move from Council Bluffs to Omaha crosses into Nebraska and becomes interstate.
Don’t assume that a ten- or fifteen-mile relocation is automatically a local intrastate move.
Verify the mover based on where the shipment is traveling, not simply how many miles are involved. FMCSA requires interstate household-goods movers to have federal registration and a U.S. DOT number.
Rural Iowa Moves
Rural properties can introduce access conditions that should be discussed before moving day.
Tell the mover if either property has:
Long gravel driveways
Narrow rural roads
Soft or unpaved surfaces
Low tree branches
Gates
Farm-lane access
Limited truck turnaround space
Significant distance between the road and residence
Ask:
“Can the truck you’re planning to use actually reach both properties?”
If the answer is uncertain, ask whether a smaller truck or shuttle arrangement may be necessary and whether that service has an additional charge.
A mover discovering difficult access only after arriving can create delays and unexpected costs.
Basement and Garage Contents
Basements and garages can substantially increase the size of an Iowa household move.
Make sure your mover knows about:
Tools
Workbenches
Shelving
Lawn equipment
Snow blowers
Bikes
Exercise equipment
Freezers
Storage bins
Holiday decorations
Outdoor furniture
If the estimate is based only on bedrooms and major furniture, it may significantly underestimate the actual shipment.
An accurate inventory makes price comparisons much more meaningful.
Farm and Acreage Properties
If you’re moving to or from an acreage or rural property, distinguish between ordinary household belongings and items that may require special handling.
Ask the mover in advance about:
Large workshop equipment
Oversized tools
Heavy safes
Riding lawn equipment
Large outdoor equipment
Trailers or vehicles
Other unusually heavy items
A household mover may handle some of these items but not others.
Don’t wait until moving day to discover that something requires different equipment or a separate transportation company.
Iowa Winter Moves
Winter weather can affect moving schedules throughout Iowa.
Iowa DOT’s 511 system provides statewide traffic and road-condition information for Iowa interstates, U.S. routes, and state highways. Its winter reports identify conditions ranging from partially covered roads to “travel not advised” and closed or impassable roads.
If you’re planning a winter move, ask:
What happens if a winter storm delays pickup?
What happens if highways close?
Can the move be rescheduled?
Are there rescheduling charges?
Could delivery be delayed?
Where would my belongings be stored if necessary?
Before the movers arrive, clear snow and ice from:
Driveways
Sidewalks
Steps
Walkways
Areas where the moving truck is expected to park
Keep essential belongings with you, including:
Medications
Identification
Important documents
Chargers
Essential clothing
Moving paperwork
That way, a weather-related delivery delay does not leave you without important necessities.
Apartment and Condo Moves in Iowa
If you’re moving into or out of an apartment or condominium, contact management before finalizing your moving schedule.
Ask about:
Elevator reservations
Approved moving hours
Loading areas
Truck parking
Gate access
Certificates of insurance
Move-in or move-out fees
Building-specific requirements
Then provide that information to the mover.
A company that expects to park beside your entrance may estimate substantially less labor than will actually be required if the truck must remain far from the building.
Storage Between Iowa Homes
If your move-out and move-in dates don’t match, ask about storage before accepting your quote.
Find out:
Where your belongings will be stored
Who operates the facility
Whether storage is included
Whether warehouse handling is additional
Whether redelivery costs extra
What happens if you need more storage time
What protection applies while belongings are stored
For an Iowa intrastate move, ask whether applicable storage and handling charges appear in the household-goods carrier’s tariff filed with Iowa DOT. Household-goods carriers must list the rates and charges applying to services performed under their permits.
Understand Your Damage Protection
Don’t assume that because a mover is insured every damaged possession will automatically be replaced at full retail value.
For interstate moves, FMCSA identifies two different levels of mover liability and requires movers to offer Full Value Protection. FMCSA also cautions consumers to consider whether the basic 60-cents-per-pound level of protection would be sufficient for their household goods.
Before moving day, ask:
What protection is included?
Is Full Value Protection available?
What does additional protection cost?
Is there a deductible?
How are high-value items handled?
Are certain belongings excluded?
How do I file a claim?
What documentation is required?
What are the deadlines?
Photograph valuable furniture, electronics, artwork, antiques, and other fragile belongings before loading.
Review the Inventory
For interstate moves, FMCSA states that the mover must prepare an inventory of the shipment, note existing damage or unusual wear, and have both the mover and customer sign the inventory pages.
Review the inventory before signing.
At delivery, compare the shipment with the inventory and inspect important items before the movers leave whenever practical.
Don’t sign paperwork saying everything was received in good condition without first checking the shipment as carefully as circumstances allow.
Keep Your Moving Documents
Keep copies of:
Written estimate
Moving agreement
Bill of lading
Inventory
Valuation selection
Payment receipts
Storage agreement
Emails
Text messages
Photos
FMCSA advises interstate customers not to sign blank documents and requires interstate movers to provide consumers with the federal Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move information.
Keep important paperwork with you instead of packing it into a box that will be loaded onto the moving truck.
Watch for Moving Fraud Red Flags
No single warning sign proves that a moving company is fraudulent, but several problems together should make you investigate further.
Be cautious if a company:
Cannot clearly identify its legal business name
Cannot provide information about its Iowa intrastate authority for an Iowa-only move
Cannot be verified through FMCSA for an interstate move
Uses a USDOT number that belongs to a different company
Gives an unusually low quote without adequately reviewing your inventory
Cannot explain whether it is a carrier or broker
Uses multiple company names without explaining the relationship
Pressures you to sign incomplete paperwork
Cannot explain how its price was calculated
Cannot explain its Iowa tariff for an intrastate move
Cannot tell you who will physically transport your belongings
FMCSA recommends written estimates, verification of authority and insurance, and review of complaint history when choosing an interstate mover.
For an Iowa-only move, the state’s permit, USDOT-IA, insurance, and tariff requirements provide additional information you can verify before booking.
Moving Companies Across Iowa
You can compare moving companies serving communities throughout Iowa, including:
Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City, Waterloo, West Des Moines, Ames, Council Bluffs, Dubuque, Ankeny, Urbandale, Cedar Falls, Marion, Bettendorf, Mason City, Marshalltown, Clinton, Burlington, Fort Dodge, Ottumwa, Muscatine, Coralville, Waukee, Johnston,
North Liberty, Altoona, Clive, Newton, Indianola
The right mover can differ considerably depending on whether you’re moving across town, between Iowa cities, into a rural property, or across state lines.
Popular Moves From Iowa
Common interstate relocations include:
Iowa → Illinois
Iowa → Nebraska
Iowa → Minnesota
Iowa → Missouri
Iowa → Wisconsin
Iowa → Texas
Iowa → Florida
Iowa → Arizona
Iowa → Colorado
Iowa → California
Iowa → North Carolina
Iowa → Tennessee
Once your belongings cross a state line, verify the mover separately through FMCSA. Interstate household-goods movers must be federally registered and have a U.S. DOT number.
Local vs. Long-Distance Iowa Movers
Local Iowa Move: Look for a company with appropriate Iowa intrastate authority that is familiar with your city, home type, and access conditions. Iowa DOT specifically requires point-to-point for-hire household-goods carriers to obtain appropriate intrastate authority.
Iowa Intrastate Move: Verify the mover’s Iowa authority, USDOT information, insurance status, and tariff. Household-goods carriers must file tariffs stating their rates and charges with Iowa DOT.
Interstate Move: If you’re leaving Iowa, perform a separate FMCSA search and verify the company’s federal registration, authorization, insurance, business type, and complaint information.
Rural Move: Look for a mover prepared for gravel roads, long driveways, difficult truck access, and possible shuttle requirements.
Apartment or Condo Move: Make sure the company knows about elevators, parking restrictions, stairs, and building moving requirements.
Specialty Move: If you’re moving a piano, safe, pool table, antique, artwork, or another difficult item, confirm that the mover has appropriate equipment and experience.
Labor-Only Move: If you’re using your own rental truck or moving container, you may need only loading and unloading assistance rather than transportation.
Before You Book an Iowa Mover
Before paying a deposit or signing a moving agreement, make sure you can answer these questions:
What is the company’s exact legal business name?
For an Iowa-only move, does the company have appropriate Iowa DOT motor carrier authority?
Can I verify its USDOT or USDOT-IA information?
Does the company maintain the insurance required for its Iowa authority?
What tariff has the household-goods carrier filed with Iowa DOT?
Are the rates and additional charges in my estimate included in that tariff?
If my move crosses a state line, can I verify the mover through FMCSA?
Is the interstate mover authorized and insured to transport household goods?
Am I dealing with a carrier or moving broker?
Who will physically transport my belongings?
Does the estimate include my complete inventory?
What exactly is included in the quoted price?
What could cause my final price to change?
Are packing, stairs, elevators, long carries, storage, and specialty items accounted for?
Can the moving truck physically access both properties?
What happens if winter weather disrupts the schedule?
What protection applies if something is lost or damaged?
Who should I contact if there is a pickup, delivery, payment, or claims problem?
For an Iowa-only move, one of the most useful first steps is to verify that the company has appropriate Iowa DOT intrastate motor carrier authority. Iowa specifically identifies household-goods carriers as intrastate for-hire carriers requiring a motor carrier permit.
Iowa consumers also have another useful pricing check: household-goods carriers must file tariffs identifying the rates and charges they use, and those tariffs must be available for public inspection.
For a move leaving Iowa, perform a separate FMCSA mover search and verify the company’s federal registration, authorization, business type, insurance, and complaint information.
Combining those regulatory checks with a careful comparison of inventory, written pricing, access conditions, winter planning, storage, and damage protection gives you much more useful information than simply choosing whichever Iowa moving company has the highest rating or lowest advertised price.
Popular Movers & Packers in Iowa
Based on MovingWhiz user interest and quote selections.
Call for a free quote
2958 99th St Ste 5 Suite 5, Urbandale, IA 50322
Why Customers Choose Them
• 98% customer satisfaction rate
• Over 3,000 successful moves completed
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Courteous, professional, and efficient movers
• Great local reputation and strong community presence
• Flexible scheduling to meet customer needs
• Experienced team with deep local knowledge
• Offers packing and loading/unloading services
• Clean, organized, and well-equipped crews
• Highly rated on review platforms like Google and Yelp
• Clear communication before and during the move
Cons:
• Limited to moving labor only—customers must arrange their own truck or container
• Scheduling may be tight during peak seasons (e.g., end-of-month or summer)
Call for a free quote
100 E Euclid Ave Suite 135, Des Moines, IA 50313
Why Customers Choose Them
• Experienced and professional moving team
• Clear communication throughout the moving process
• Offers packing, loading, and unloading services
• Focus on careful handling of belongings
• Strong local knowledge of Des Moines area
• Customer-focused approach aiming to reduce moving stress
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate customer needs
• Competitive and transparent pricing
• Friendly and courteous staff praised in available feedback
• Equipped with proper moving tools and trucks
• Personalized moving plans tailored to individual moves
Cons:
• Limited online reviews and third-party ratings
• Not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Call for a free quote
2601 104th St Suite 400, Urbandale, IA 50322
Why Customers Choose Them
• High customer satisfaction with many positive reviews
• Professional, friendly, and respectful moving crews
• Efficient and careful handling of furniture and belongings
• Offers local, long-distance, packing, and labor-only services
• Special services for seniors and in-home rearrangements
• Strong reputation in the Des Moines area
• Backed by national franchise resources with local ownership
• Licensed, insured, and experienced team
• Easy booking process and responsive customer service
• Can accommodate last-minute moves when availability allows
Cons:
• Service quality may vary depending on the specific crew assigned
• Some customers report difficulty getting upfront, clear pricing without calling directly
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• Ames • Ankeny • Cedar Rapids • Clive • Council Bluffs • Davenport • Des Moines • Dubuque • Iowa City • Iowa Falls • Marion • Mason City • Sioux City • Urbandale • Waterloo •
Popular State-to-State Moving Routes from Iowa
• Iowa to Florida •