Top Moving Companies in Des Moines, IA (August 2026)
The best mover in Des Moines is TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, earning 251 total reviews and a 91.6% positive score. We reviewed 36 moving companies serving Des Moines to determine which providers deliver the strongest value and reliability.
For long-distance relocations from Des Moines, our recommendation is Colonial Van Lines. With a strong national presence, they deliver transparent pricing, top-quality service, and consistently high customer satisfaction.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK |
Adamantine Spine Moving |
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving |
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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | 4.84
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Colonial Van Lines | 5.0
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PODS | 4.5
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Budget Truck Rental | 4.3
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 Des Moines, IA
A fresh start in Des Moines doesn't need to come with headaches. With trusted local movers, even quick moves across town are handled with ease.
Here are our picks for the best local movers to handle your relocation:
Top-rated movers in Des Moines:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 251 reviews (91.6% positive)
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 223 reviews (99.6% positive)
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 260 reviews (92.7% positive)
- Jake N' Jose Moving Service: 82 reviews (89.0% positive)
- Lint Van Lines: 226 reviews (91.6% positive)
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (DOT: 2527384) offers full-service local, intrastate, and interstate moving, along with packing, unpacking, storage, and labor-only help. They can also assist with junk and debris removal, piano moving, safes, and senior moving services. Customers can take advantage of a 5% discount on local moving services. A potential downside is that they do not offer international moving, climate-controlled storage, or specialty services for items like antiques, pool tables, or hot tubs.
"Two men and a truck exceeded my expectations. They were efficient, communicative, pleasant, and didn’t break anything. Very happy with the experience and the cost was worth every penny."
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Helpful movers
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Inexperienced movers
- Unexpected charges
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
Adamantine Spine Moving
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA, 50322
Adamantine Spine Moving (DOT: 1471037) is an active moving company offering full-service, interstate, intrastate, and international moves. They provide packing, unpacking, crating, storage, climate-controlled storage, and packing materials, with specialty services for pianos, antiques, art, safes, and grandfather clocks. Customers can request instant email quotes, and the company accepts cash, money orders, and credit cards. One potential downside is that they do not offer junk removal, labor-only moving, or shipment tracking.
"From quote to completed move communication was fantastic, even got text updates. Our moving team were exceptional!! Drew, Aiden & Rider were professional, prompt, and worked SOOO hard. They communicated effectively and we will definitely use them again!"
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Good communication
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
Cons
- Inaccurate estimates
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
10500 Hickman Rd Suite H, Clive, IA, 50325
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (DOT: 2378173) offers full-service intrastate moving, packing, unpacking, and storage options. They also provide junk removal, debris removal, estate moving, small moves, labor-only help, and office moving services, with packing materials available. A potential downside for some customers is that they do not offer interstate or international moving services.
"The move was coordinated, seamless and was even faster than originally quoted. Deante and Grady were fantastic, they were thorough and handled all items with care. I highly recommend!"
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Unprofessional behavior
Services
- Full-service
- Junk hauling
- Full unpacking
- Debris clean-up
- Labor-only
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Jake N' Jose Moving Service
50 Duff Ave, Ames, IA, 50010
Jake N' Jose Moving Service offers packing and unpacking services, piano moving, small moves, and labor-only moving help. They also accept cash payments for customers who prefer a simple payment option. A potential downside is that they do not provide full-service moving, storage, interstate moves, or junk removal, which may not suit customers needing a more comprehensive relocation package.
Jake N' Jose were fast, experienced professionals with a friendly demeanor. They were careful with our things and very affordable! You will NOT regret giving them a try!
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
- Careful handling
Cons
- Lack of communication
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unreliable timing
Services
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Full packing
Lint Van Lines
4549 Delaware Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50313
Lint Van Lines (DOT: 543541) is an active moving company offering full-service, interstate, intrastate, and international moving services. They provide packing, unpacking, storage, shipment tracking, full valuation coverage, and specialty moving help for items like pianos, antiques, and art. Customers can also request crating, labor-only moving, small moves, office moves, and instant email quotes. One potential downside is that they do not offer junk removal, debris removal, or climate-controlled storage.
Great crew! They arrived on time, worked hard & efficiently, and they were careful & friendly. I was very pleased with the outcome.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Cons
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Lack of communication
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- 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.
The Best Long-Distance Movers in Des Moines, IA
Leaving Des Moines opens the door to countless new possibilities, whether your next stop is just beyond the border of Iowa or thousands of miles away. Partnering with a trusted interstate mover ensures your journey starts smoothly. Here are some of the best to guide the way:
Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Colonial Van Lines
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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 Des Moines
Moving companies differ significantly in the services they provide, and what is available often depends on the specific location. Some movers boast expertise in handling delicate items, pianos, or even offer comprehensive storage options, whereas others might not have these services available in Des Moines.
The table below breaks down how many movers in Des Moines offer each service, alongside totals for Iowa and the U.S. as a whole. It's a quick way to spot which options are widely available nearby and which could be harder to find.
| Service | Des Moines | IA | U.S. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packing | 11 | 34 | 3,095 |
| Unpacking | 11 | 33 | 2,994 |
| Packing materials | 10 | 26 | 1,860 |
| Piano | 9 | 23 | 2,282 |
| Antiques | 5 | 14 | 1,453 |
| Art | 6 | 16 | 1,440 |
| Standard storage | 7 | 28 | 2,709 |
| Climate-controlled storage | 1 | 6 | 1,051 |
| Fragile-only packing | 3 | 7 | 747 |
| Custom crating | 7 | 18 | 1,914 |
Full-Service Moving Alternatives
With full-service movers, every detail is covered — packing, transport, and unloading. Still, you have other choices if you want more control or lower costs, including container rentals, do-it-yourself truck rentals, and help from hourly moving crews.
PODS |
Budget Truck Rental |
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK |
Did you know? DIY movers in Des Moines can still get extra muscle on moving day. With 9 labor-only options, you can book help by the hour for loading and unloading.
FAQs
Do all Des Moines movers handle out-of-state relocations?
Is it cheaper to move during certain times of the year?
Are Des Moines movers insured and licensed?
Do Des Moines movers offer discounts?
No, Des Moines 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 Des Moines?
How many Des Moines movers provide packing services?
Do any Des Moines movers specialize in fragile or high-value items?
How many movers in Des Moines provide storage options?
Des Moines, Iowa Relocation Resources
