Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 28 2026
Full Service Moving Company Ames, IA
Need a team you can count on when hauling to a new state or city? Have you been thinking about getting the right help with your big relocation project? No matter if you're moving to start a new career, stay close to family, or attend college, Three Movers offers full-service movers in Ames ready to assist you.
Shifting household goods or specialty items is no problem for our professional local movers. We have handled a wide variety of items from the heaviest thing you need to haul to the most fragile item.
It doesn't matter if your relocate is short distance or long distance, we can provide you with all the custom services you need. Our team will work with you to plan the perfect move from start to finish.
Pros & Cons
Our Ames full-service company is always there for you, but you should always consider the benefits and costs of moving. Compare this type of service to a DIY move or a basic haul before choosing.
In addition to packing, loading, unpacking, and unloading everything for you, we will also do all the heavy lifting for you. You not only save plenty of time but also lots of energy.
Whether you are transporting across town or across the country, our team will take care of everything from disassembling and reassembling furniture to packing fragile items, antiques, and electronics.
You will save time and money with our team taking care of everything if you do not require full-service hauling.

Services we offer
- Packing and Unpacking
- Furniture Disassembly
- Furniture Re-assembly
- Loading and Unloading
- Electronics Packing
- Transport
- Waste Disposal
- Storage Services
- Car Shipping
- Local Moving
How is the Cost Determined?
Distance, size, and crew size affect hauling costs, as well as specialty services. Anyone planning to transport should be able to set a realistic budget.
It is even more expensive to move out of state than to move within the state, and shifting a larger house is more expensive than transporting an apartment.
Home-Based Estimate
For an accurate estimate of the cost of full-service hauling, you should get an in-home estimate based on the size and contents of your house. During the move and packing process, the crew will be able to work around any obstacles they may encounter and what needs to be shifted and packed.
Considering the Distance
The cost of shifting over 100 miles is determined by the weight of your belongings, while the cost of moving under 100 miles is determined by the number of people hired and the distance.
Additional services, such as shipping your car or storing it, may also be required if you are relocating heavy items, such as a piano.

How Much Time is Needed to Complete a Full-Service Move?
Full-service moves take longer because professional shifters handle most of the work. They have to pack, disassemble furniture, and provide other services that were paid for. They cannot load a truck, drive to your new residence, and unload it.
Keeping an inventory of your possessions
In addition to calculating how much packing you will need to do and how long the move will take, Ames full-service relocater can also perform an inventory on your behalf. In order to estimate how long your shifting company will take to pack you up and move you to your new location, you should complete a complete inventory.
Packing up quickly
We can handle a smaller move within one afternoon, and we can pack up a large home in one day or less. Since we have shifters of all sizes, we can handle any packing job.
It usually takes a day or less to haul locally. Long-distance moves can take a week or longer, depending on the size and distance of the move.
Things To Consider When Hiring Shifter
Make sure that the hauling team is licensed and insured, read online reviews, and compare several quotes before hiring. You want to hire someone you can trust, not just the cheapest team in town.
The professionals at our full-service shifters will spend a significant amount of time in your home, so choose a transporter that you can trust or you might not feel comfortable with them entering your home.
Call our team today to schedule your move with the best full-service haulers.

Frequently Asked Questions
Ames full-service movers handle packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and basic furniture reassembly in one coordinated move. Crews typically include 2–4 movers for apartments and 4–6 movers for larger homes. Service scope covers packing materials, labeling, truck transport, and placement at delivery. Costs are influenced by home size (studio–5BR), packing level, stairs or elevators, long-carry distances, parking access, and seasonal demand in central Iowa. Many customers choose a full service moving service to reduce time and labor on moving day.
Full-service moving in Ames generally ranges from $1,200–$3,500 for local moves, depending on volume and labor hours. A small apartment may take 4–6 hours, while a 3–4 bedroom home often requires a full day. Pricing reflects crew size, packing needs, heavy items, building access, and travel time. Local moves are billed hourly, while longer intrastate moves may use flat-rate estimates aligned with Iowa DOT guidelines.
Moves within Ames or nearby Story County cities are treated as local, typically under 50–100 miles. Moves elsewhere in Iowa are intrastate, while crossing state lines is interstate and regulated by FMCSA. Each category affects pricing, delivery windows, and documentation. Customers moving within the metro area often combine packing and hauling through a local moving service for faster same-day completion.
Yes. Full-service apartment moves in Ames include packing, furniture protection, loading, and setup at the new unit. Crews plan around elevator reservations, stair carries, narrow hallways, and campus-area parking rules near Iowa State University. Most apartment moves use 2–3 movers and finish in 1 day. For multi-level or tight-access units, an apartment moving service helps streamline logistics and avoid delays.
Full-service movers can handle pianos, safes, and oversized furniture using specialty equipment and trained crews. These items require additional movers, floor protection, and careful route planning. Upright pianos are common in Ames homes, while baby grands may need partial disassembly. Expect added cost based on weight, stairs, and carry distance. For high-value instruments, a dedicated piano moving service is often recommended.
Booking 3–6 weeks ahead is recommended, especially for peak months from May through September when college schedules and Iowa weather increase demand. Off-peak winter moves may secure availability with 1–2 weeks’ notice, though snow and ice can extend loading times. Early booking helps lock preferred dates, crew size, and packing schedules, reducing last-minute changes.