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Top Moving Companies in Iowa City, IA (July 2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

White Glove Movers is our pick for the best movers in Iowa City, IA, earning 229 reviews with 94.3% positive feedback. After analyzing 36 moving companies serving Iowa City, we ranked the top options to help you compare and choose.

For long-distance relocations from Iowa City, we think Colonial Van Lines is the best overall choice. Their national reputation is built on honest flat-rate pricing, reliable service, and satisfied customers nationwide.

Colonial Van Lines

5.0 / 5
  • Specialty services
  • Highly trained crews
  • In-app booking

Safeway Moving

4.5 / 5
  • Veteran-owned
  • Price matching
  • Verified accurate quotes

American Van Lines

5.0 / 5
  • Specialty moves
  • Trained & certified crews
  • Flat-rate quotes

Hi, I'm Michael Marshall from FreightWaves

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Scores built on verified data

All rankings are based on customer reviews, complaint history, and pricing transparency across companies.

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Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?

At FreightWaves Checkpoint, we routinely evaluate more than 4,000 moving companies across the country using a data-driven scoring system built around performance, accountability, and overall customer experience. Our editorial team assigns weighted scores to the factors that matter most to consumers planning a move.

Here's how we rank movers:

Customer feedback (40%): Verified consumer reviews carry the most weight in our methodology. We evaluate overall ratings, review volume, consistency across platforms, and patterns in customer experiences to measure satisfaction and service reliability.

Complaint track record (20%): While issues can arise in any move, resolution matters. We review complaint history through public consumer databases, focusing on frequency, severity, and how proactively a company works to address and resolve disputes.

Pricing transparency (15%): Clear estimates, well-defined deposits, and straightforward contracts score higher in our system. We prioritize movers that make it easy to understand what you'll pay — without hidden fees or vague pricing language.

Service offerings (12%): Companies that provide a wide range of services — including full packing, specialty item handling, storage solutions, and interstate moving — earn stronger marks for flexibility and convenience.

Online experience (8%): We look at how easy a company makes it to get information, request a quote, and understand its services online. Up-to-date websites, clear contact details, and responsive review engagement all factor into the score.

Company track record (5%): Longevity, proper licensing, and overall business stability also play a role. Movers with a consistent operating history and verified credentials receive higher marks.

Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect new data, evolving consumer feedback, and shifts in company performance — helping you compare movers with confidence.

Top-Rated Local Movers in Iowa City, IA

Settling into a new spot within Iowa City doesn't have to be stressful. With the right local moving company, even a quick move across town can be efficient and hassle-free.

Check out these highly recommended movers to simplify your local move:

Top-rated movers in Iowa City:

  • White Glove Movers: 229 reviews (94.3% positive)
  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 248 reviews (86.7% positive)
  • Porter Moving Company: 239 reviews (95.8% positive)
  • Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage: 68 reviews (83.8% positive)
  • Adamantine Spine Moving: 113 reviews (100.0% positive)

White Glove Movers

4600 Commercial Ave, Marion, IA, 52302
4.62 / 5.0

White Glove Movers (DOT: 2991947) is a versatile moving company offering a comprehensive range of services, including full-service moves, interstate and international relocations, and specialized crating and unpacking options.

They cater to specific needs with services for relocating pianos, pool tables, and art, ensuring a meticulous approach to delicate items. While they do not accept cryptocurrency as a payment method, they do provide the convenience of paying by credit card and do not require a deposit.

A potential downside for some customers is the lack of junk removal services despite their extensive offerings. Overall, White Glove Movers promises a detailed and accommodating moving experience.

"The crew who helped me move were awesome

Get a Quote (319) 393-3000

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Friendly and approachable staff

Cons

  • Damage to items
  • Unprofessional behavior
  • Misplaced or lost items

Services

  • Full-service
  • Out-of-state
  • Senior moving
  • Full unpacking
  • Piano
  • Offsite storage
  • In-state
  • Accepts credit cards
  • Full packing

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

1846 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404
4.36 / 5.0

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (DOT: 2527384) provides a comprehensive range of moving services, including full-service moves, interstate relocations, junk removal, unpacking, and piano transportation. Customers can benefit from practical offerings like labor-only services and climate-controlled storage. A notable advantage is their 5% discount on local moving services. However, they do not provide international moving services, which may limit options for those moving abroad.

"The movers arrived promptly, were extremely friendly, and were very respectful of our furniture. Worked efficiently and did a wrap up to make sure everything was where we wanted it. Highly recommend!"

Get a Quote (319) 483-6425

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication

Cons

  • Damage to items
  • Misplaced or lost items
  • Lack of communication

Services

  • Full-service
  • Out-of-state
  • Junk hauling
  • Senior moving
  • Full unpacking
  • Debris clean-up
  • Labor-only
  • Piano
  • Offsite storage
  • Heavy safes
  • In-state
  • Accepts credit cards
  • Full packing

Porter Moving Company

1151 26th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404
4.34 / 5.0

Porter Moving Company (DOT: 2427654) offers a wide range of services including full-service, interstate, and international moving, as well as unpacking and crating. They also cater to specialized needs like moving safes, pianos, and pool tables. However, they do not offer junk or debris removal services, which might be a disadvantage for some customers. Additionally, though they provide various services, they currently do not offer any specific discounts such as for seniors, students, or military personnel.

"Moved heavy furniture up a tight stairway with no marks or damage. Quick, efficient, friendly, and respectful—by far the best moving experience we've had. Would definitely use again!"

Get a Quote (319) 560-5050

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication

Cons

  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Unprofessional behavior

Services

  • Full-service
  • Out-of-state
  • Senior moving
  • Full unpacking
  • Labor-only
  • Piano
  • Offsite storage
  • Heavy safes
  • In-state
  • Accepts credit cards
  • Full packing

Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage

370 50th Ave Dr. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404
4.28 / 5.0

Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage (DOT: 087390) offers a comprehensive range of moving services, including full-service moving, interstate and international relocations, and specialized packing options like crating. They also cater to specific needs by managing antiques and art with care. For ease, they provide instant email quotes and have facilities for storage.

While they do offer unpacking services, a potential limitation is their lack of climate-controlled storage and payment options that exclude credit cards and cryptocurrency. Despite these downsides, their active service status and extensive experience make them a reliable choice for various moving needs.

Amazing service. The move went so well. Our driver Tim was so great and the crews on both end were super efficient, kind, and above all treated all of our belongings with care. We did not have anything damaged or chipped.

Get a Quote (319) 229-2418

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Helpful movers
  • Good communication

Cons

  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Delayed arrival or delivery

Services

  • Full-service
  • Out-of-state
  • Full unpacking
  • Offsite storage
  • In-state
  • Full packing

Adamantine Spine Moving

3227 12th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52403
3.84 / 5.0

Adamantine Spine Moving (DOT: 1471037) offers a comprehensive range of services including interstate, international, and small move transport. They provide specialized attention for antiques, pianos, and grandfather clocks, ensuring safe and careful handling of delicate items. Customers can also take advantage of their crating, full-service packing, unpacking, and climate-controlled storage solutions. However, those seeking junk removal services might find this company lacking, as they do not offer this particular service.

"Everything was discussed... The guys... arrived on time. They were courteous, friendly and efficient... costs were reasonable... I highly recommend Adamantine."

Get a Quote (319) 774-7386

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Professional and polite staff
  • Highly recommended
  • Good communication
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling

Cons

Services

  • Full-service
  • Out-of-state
  • Senior moving
  • Full unpacking
  • Piano
  • Offsite storage
  • Heavy safes
  • In-state
  • Accepts credit cards
  • Full packing

More Iowa Moving Options

Curious about all moving solutions near you? Check out this list of the best moving companies in Iowa.

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The Best Long-Distance Movers in Iowa City, IA

Starting fresh from Iowa City can unlock endless opportunities, whether you're headed to a nearby city or across state lines into new territories. Ensuring a good start to your transition means picking a dependable interstate mover, and these expert options can help pave the way:

Colonial Van Lines

5.0 / 5
  • Specialty services
  • Highly trained crews
  • In-app booking

Safeway Moving

4.5 / 5
  • Veteran-owned
  • Price matching
  • Verified accurate quotes

American Van Lines

5.0 / 5
  • Specialty moves
  • Trained & certified crews
  • Flat-rate quotes

Colonial Van Lines

Our Score:
5.0 / 5.0

Colonial Van Lines (USDOT: 1434373) is a full-service moving company based in Pompano Beach, Florida, that handles long-distance moves across 48 states. With more than 50 years in the business and over 12,000 moves completed each year, they know their way around an interstate move. Colonial offers packing, storage, and long-distance transport throughout the continental US, all handled by highly trained crews. Their easy-to-use mobile app makes getting a quote quick, and customers often highlight the company’s friendly, professional, and reliable customer service.

Get A Quote (866) 377-8209

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Expert in-house crews
  • Home electronics setup
  • Trash & debris removal

Cons

  • No local or international moves
  • Not available in AK or HI

Services

  • Long-distance moving (nationwide service across contiguous 48 states; excludes Alaska & Hawaii)
  • Cross-country & interstate moving (full-service coordination from packing to delivery)
  • Professional packing & unpacking (trained packers, specialty blankets, shrink-wrap, custom crating)
  • Moving storage services (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled storage options)
  • Corporate & commercial relocation (efficient packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
  • Full-service moving (end-to-end handling by CVLU-trained professionals)
  • Customizable quotes via moving app or specialist (accurate, transparent estimates with virtual inventory)
  • Colonial Moving App (virtual estimates, inventory updates, checklists, and box ordering)
  • Colonial Van Lines University training (movers with 2–4 week curriculum and ~10-year average experience)
  • Family-owned national service (50+ years, 250k+ moves, 4.6 Trustpilot rating)

Safeway Moving

Our Score:
4.5 / 5.0

Safeway Moving (USDOT: 3756000) is a veteran-owned moving company built around the idea of military-level precision. Thanks to its nationwide network of truck capacity, Safeway is able to offer very competitive pricing without cutting corners. The company also uses a multi-stage quality assurance process to keep moves on track from pickup through delivery. That combination of accurate pricing and consistent quality is a big reason Safeway earned a spot on our list.

Get A Quote (866) 989-1425

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
  • Long distance and cross country moves only
  • A portion of every move is donated to charity
  • Verification process to guarantee pricing and quality of service
  • High level of customer service and support
  • Veteran owned company

Cons

  • Require a deposit at booking
  • No local moving services offered

Services

  • Long-distance moving (all 50 states, GPS tracking, barcode-scanned inventory)
  • Flat-rate pricing (virtual walk-throughs, no hidden fees)
  • Price matching (meets or beats quotes from qualified competitors)
  • Comprehensive insurance ($6/lb full-value protection option)
  • Packing and unpacking services (includes last-minute packing for an extra charge)
  • Custom crating (for fragile, heavy, or high-value items like art and electronics)
  • Storage options (30 days free, climate-controlled, long-term available, prorated billing)
  • International moving (limited info online, contact customer service)
  • 24/7 customer service (available by phone at all times)

American Van Lines

Our Score:
5.0 / 5.0

American Van Lines (USDOT: 614506) is a long-distance moving company known for its hands-on approach and experienced crews. Based in Florida, the company handles interstate moves nationwide and stands out for using full-time, background-checked movers rather than temporary labor. American Van Lines offers packing, storage, and specialty services for items like antiques and pianos, with a strong focus on careful handling. Customers often point to the company’s professionalism and attention to detail as key reasons it earns high marks.

Get A Quote (866) 264-7086

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent customer service
  • Last-minute moves
  • Private storage options
  • Handles antiques, pianos & fine art
  • Flat-rate pricing

Cons

  • May require a deposit at booking
  • Automated calls may be overwhelming

Services

  • Local moving (affordable hourly rates, packing, custom crating)
  • Long-distance moving (nationwide service, excludes Alaska and Hawaii)
  • Packing services (upgrade to include professional wrapping, packing, inventorying)
  • Antique and piano moving (specialized handling of fragile/oversized items, custom crating available)
  • Military moves (in-home estimates, discounts, packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
  • Corporate relocation (commercial moving, furniture disassembly/reassembly, storage)
  • Storage options (secure, private units with surveillance, climate control, fire/storm protection)
  • Moving boxes and supplies (available for purchase from AVL)

Allied Van Lines

Our Score:
5.0 / 5.0

Allied Van Lines (USDOT: 076235) is one of the most recognizable names in the moving industry, with a nationwide and global network backed by more than 80 years of experience. Alongside full-service local, long-distance, and international moves, Allied offers Allied Express, a portable container option that includes professional loading and unloading. With packing, storage, and specialty services also available, Allied provides flexible solutions for a wide range of moving needs.

Get A Quote (866) 377-8153

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Specialty packing services
  • Short- and long-term storage
  • Appliance disconnection & reconnection
  • International shipping

Cons

  • Pricing is generally higher than other van lines
  • Pricing estimates can take 3-5 days

Services

  • Household moving (local, long-distance, cross-country — packing, loading, transport, unloading, unpacking)
  • Long-distance & interstate moving (contiguous U.S.; full-service options)
  • International moving (130+ countries; online tracking, customs clearance, destination services)
  • Military moves (PCS, deployment; temporary/in-transit storage; compliance with DoD regulations)
  • Corporate & office relocation (employee moves, office packing, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
  • Packing & unpacking services (professional crews, specialty materials, custom crating for fragile/odd items)
  • Moving supplies & kits (boxes, shrink-wrap, moving kits available)
  • Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units with security)
  • Portable storage containers (rentable containers for packing/storing during move)
  • Full-service moving coordinators & 24/7 support (dedicated move coordinator, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)

BLVD Moving

Our Score:
4.2 / 5.0

BLVD Moving (USDOT: 3342827) is a long-distance moving company that puts a strong emphasis on clear pricing and customer communication. The company coordinates interstate moves nationwide and is known for assigning a dedicated move coordinator to guide customers through each step of the process. With professional packing, storage options, and a focus on consistency from pickup to delivery, BLVD Moving is a solid choice for customers who want a more organized, transparent moving experience.

Get A Quote (844) 794-6004

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Full-time professional crews
  • Flexible rescheduling
  • Last-minute services

Cons

  • Limited insurance options
  • Limited pricing on website

Services

  • Long-distance moving (nationwide interstate relocations coordinated across the contiguous US), Cross-country & interstate moving (full-service coordination from packing through delivery), Professional packing & unpacking (trained crews, high-quality materials, specialty packing for fragile items), Moving storage services (short- and long-term storage options through partner facilities), Dedicated move coordinator (single point of contact from quote to delivery), Transparent pricing model (detailed estimates based on virtual or phone inventory reviews), Carrier-vetted moving network (licensed and insured interstate carriers meeting BLVD’s service standards), Specialty item moving (oversized furniture, antiques, and delicate household goods), Customer support throughout the move (proactive communication and scheduling updates from pickup to drop-off)

Moving Services Offered in Iowa City

Moving services aren't one-size-fits-all, and availability often depends on your location. In Iowa City, some companies provide extras like piano moving, storage, or expert packing for fragile items — while others may not offer these options at all.

Want to see how Iowa City compares? The table below shows service availability locally, across Iowa, and against the national average — helping you understand which moving services are easy to find and which are less common.

Service Iowa City IA U.S. Average
Packing 5 34 3,048
Unpacking 5 33 2,947
Packing materials 4 26 1,813
Piano 4 23 2,278
Antiques 2 14 1,452
Art 4 16 1,439
Standard storage 5 28 2,661
Climate-controlled storage 1 6 1,045
Fragile-only packing 0 7 747
Custom crating 4 18 1,909

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Full-Service Moving Alternatives

Full-service movers handle everything from packing to unloading, but if you're looking to save money or just need muscle for part of the job, there are some solid alternatives. Options like moving container rentals, truck rentals, and hourly labor crews give you flexibility and control over your move.

Budget Truck Rental

4.3 / 5

Porter Moving Company

4.34 / 5

Did you know? A DIY move doesn't have to mean actually doing it all yourself. In Iowa City, there are 2 labor-only services available, so you can hire hourly crews to handle the loading for you.

FAQs

Do all Iowa City movers handle out-of-state relocations?

Not all movers are licensed for interstate work. In Iowa City, 5 companies can handle out-of-state moves, compared to 32 across Iowa.

Is it cheaper to move during certain times of the year?

Yes. Peak summer months tend to be pricier. Since 2 movers in Iowa City offer instant online quotes, it's easy to compare off-season rates and potentially save hundreds.

Are Iowa City movers insured and licensed?

Most are, but always confirm credentials. A good sign of professionalism is that 5 movers in Iowa City also provide storage, often requiring additional regulatory compliance.

Do Iowa City movers offer discounts?

No, Iowa City movers do not currently offer advertised discounts. However, you should always double-check with a moving rep when you call for an estimate, since many companies provide various promotions and deals, either ongoing or during certain times of the year.

Can I pay movers in cash in Iowa City?

Yes. 1 movers in Iowa City accept cash, compared to 13 statewide.

How many Iowa City movers provide packing services?

5 movers in Iowa City offer packing services, and 4 also sell materials like boxes and tape.

Do any Iowa City movers specialize in fragile or high-value items?

Yes. 0 movers in Iowa City offer fragile-only packing, while 4 handle fine art shipments.

How many movers in Iowa City provide storage options?

There are 5 movers in Iowa City that offer standard storage, and 1 provide climate-controlled units — both above the national average.
Mike Marshall
Mike Marshall is a senior contributor at FreightWaves with nearly a decade of focused experience in the trucking, car shipping, and moving industries. His work focuses on breaking down complex logistics topics into clear, practical guidance for consumers and industry professionals alike. Drawing on years of hands-on research and analysis at FreightWaves, Mike brings an insider’s perspective to every article, helping readers understand costs, processes, risks, and best practices across the transportation and relocation space.