Compare state-authorized, independently checked moving companies across Iowa — and hire the ones we've actually verified.
Iowa moving is anchored by Des Moines in the center and the Quad Cities on the Mississippi, with a lot of flat, easy highway between them. It's an affordable Midwestern market where winters are the main scheduling wildcard.
In Iowa, a company moving household goods within the state must hold intrastate operating authority from the Iowa Department of Transportation and carry the required insurance; interstate movers also need a USDOT number. We verify the credentials that apply.
A sample from the 90 companies listed in Iowa — verified movers first. Check any credential yourself before you book.
The movers in our directory serve every major region of Iowa. Here's what to know about the busiest ones.
The capital and central hub with steady inbound demand.
An eastern Iowa market and regional center.
Part of the Quad Cities on the Mississippi River.
A university town with turnover around the school year.
A western corner where moves often run cross-state.
A college town just north of Des Moines.
Typical ranges to budget from — always confirm with a written estimate.
| Move type | Typical range | What drives the price |
|---|---|---|
| Local move (1–2 bedroom) | $310 – $950 | Crew size, stairs/elevator, parking access |
| Local move (3–4 bedroom) | $800 – $2,200 | Volume, hourly crew, packing services |
| Long-distance out of state | $1,850 – $5,200 | Distance, total weight, time of year |
| Packing & materials (add-on) | $300 – $1,200 | Home size and fragile/specialty items |
Figures are general guidance for planning, not quotes. Get a written in-home or video estimate.
Yes. A company moving household goods within Iowa must hold intrastate operating authority from the Iowa Department of Transportation and carry insurance. Interstate movers also need a USDOT number — check it on our Verify page.
A local 1–2 bedroom move usually runs $310–$950, and a long-distance move out of state typically lands between $1,850 and $5,200 depending on distance and volume.
Late spring through early fall. Winters are cold and snowy, which can complicate scheduling.
Confirm Iowa DOT intrastate authority for in-state moves and a valid USDOT for interstate, plus a real, reachable business — the checks behind our badges.
Check the badge, verify the license, and hire with confidence. It's free for families.
