10 best movers in Waukee, Iowa

The best moving company for moving out of Iowa is International Van Lines. For a local move around Waukee, use the filters below to find other movers that meet your needs.

Long-distance movers in Waukee

A long-distance move is when you move more than 50 miles away or relocate to a different state. When crossing state lines, check that your mover has the proper federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name to check a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

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

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 Waukee is fairly costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Waukee is above 73.6% of the country.

Moving costs add up quickly, as there are many factors involved. Here are some common moving costs:

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

Your total cost may also be affected by these extra factors:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay extra for moving fragile, valuable or very bulky items. These items often cost more to move:

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

When researching movers, ask whether they move these items and how much it'll cost.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, but it’s common if your movers provided 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

Delays happen. Transportation emergencies, limited supplies, traffic and bad weather can all make your move more expensive and take longer. Although delays are unpredictable, you can prepare for them by having a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to save money on moving in Waukee.

Be communicative

Avoid unexpected charges the day of your move by being as communicative with your movers as possible. Be especially communicative about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

While small items can usually be accommodated without a problem, larger pieces such as new appliances or furniture should be discussed before the move. The movers may need to charge more for those additions and won’t begin your move until you’ve agreed to the additional charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Schedule your move in the off-season or on a weekday to lower the cost and reserve the movers you want.

Most people hire moving companies from May through September. Consider moving during other months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be lower moving rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider an alternative if you have difficulty finding a cheap mover that works for you.

One alternative is handling the move yourself. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between professional moving team and moving on your own:

• Moving truck rental
• Fuel
• Packing supplies

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have bulky or heavy items such as furniture. If you lack the time or support system needed for a DIY move, hiring movers is worth it.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr, which can be more cost-effective. However, these independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Waukee

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your hired movers handle the entire moving process for you. They supply packing materials, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Standard moving services cost less than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth the extra cost when you consider the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving may offer better insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are generally only covered up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be difficult.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on all sites, trucks and documents. Interstate moves require USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to inspect their registration thoroughly before hiring movers 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?

You’ll also need to review your mover’s insurance policies. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. Adding this supplementary coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving costly or sentimental items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months from May to September is ideal moving time, leading to limited availability of movers and inflated costs for moves both big and small. For good reason, the high-costs might discourage you from a summer relocation. However, you may want to steer clear of a winter move, too, as Iowa's icy roads and snowy weather are far from ideal conditions for a move.

We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

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

On moving day, carry personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping any expensive electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving businesses restrict insurance coverage for expensive items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about potential loss or damage, keep those priceless or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

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

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

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.