5 best movers in Dubuque, Iowa

The best interstate moving company for relocating out of Iowa is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move in the Dubuque area.

Long-distance movers in Dubuque

A long-distance move means relocating over 50 miles away or from one state to another. If you're moving across state boundaries, you must be especially careful that the mover you choose has the necessary federal licensing. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database to look up a carrier's licensing status.

We've verified that the long-distance moving services below have an active license. They can help get your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently.

Featured

4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

Relocating within or out of Dubuque is relatively costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Dubuque is above 61.6% of the country.

Moving expenses add up fast, as there are various factors involved. Here are some common moving costs:

• Professional labor
• Fuel
• Packing
• Junk removal
• Supplies
• Storage

Your total cost may also be impacted by these additional considerations:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring professional movers, you may have to pay more for moving fragile, valuable or very large items. These common items can cost more to move:

• Pianos
• Safes
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Artwork and sculptures
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology

Ask movers if they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t required, it's customary to tip if they provide quality service. For long-distance moves, a typical tip is $20–$40 per mover per day. For local moves, tip $5–$10 per mover per hour.

Unexpected delays

Bad weather, limited supplies, traffic and transportation emergencies can all delay your move and increase the time and cost. There’s no way to combat unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to save money on moving in Dubuque.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid surprise charges on the day of your move. Inform them of additional items that weren’t included in the initial inventory you gave the movers.

While small items can typically be accommodated without a problem, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed beforehand. The movers may need to adjust their estimate for these item and get your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Since reliable and affordable movers are in high demand, consider moving on a weekday or in the off-season to keep costs down while still booking your preferred moving company.

Peak moving season is from May through September. You may get lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can plan your move outside of those months.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding an affordable mover that works for you, there are several alternatives to consider.

While you can move on your own, consider the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have large or heavy items such as furniture. Hiring movers is beneficial if you don't have the time or anyone to help you move.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. While hiring hourly help can be less expensive, these gig workers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Dubuque

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will tackle the entire moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is more expensive than standard moving services, which typically only cover the loading up and transport of your belongings. The cost can be worth it, considering the time and labor packers save you, in addition to the packing materials costs it covers. Additionally, full-service moving can get you better insurance coverage, as self-packed items are typically only covered up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be tough to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged goods.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Any legitimate moving company will show their proof of registration on physical trucks and formal files. If you're making an out of state move, you should screen companies for compliant USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Iowa are also required to have a license from the Iowa Department of Transportation.

How does moving insurance work?

Approximate the complete worth of your belongings to accurately choose the best insurance policy. Every moving company will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. A full-value protection policy may be necessary if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to compare rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The most favorable time to move falls between May to September, creating high demand for moving teams and considerably elevated pricing nationwide for all moves. The steep summer rates may deter you from a move at that time of year. However, you may want to steer clear of moving in the winter as well, since Iowa's cold temperatures and possible snowfall could present a challenge to your move.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and valuable keepsakes in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any expensive electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Many moving companies restrict insurance coverage on high-value possessions, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Keep these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable belongings, if you're worried about possible loss or damage.

There are certain goods and items prohibited for transportation by movers. These include the following:

• Fertilizers
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Perishable foods and produce
• Plants
• Batteries
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Fuel sources
• Aerosols

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.