Thank you for your feedback!
We will contact you shortly
Free consultation
Enter your phone number and we will call you back for a consultation on any moving and storage services
Movers in Ankeny, IA
Ankeny's rapid growth-from Prairie Trail's master-planned streets to active new-build subdivisions-demands movers who know the terrain. Star Van Lines handles local moves at $89-$179/hr and long-distance routes starting at $840, registered with FMCSA under USDOT 4176875. Whether you're relocating for Casey's General Stores, John Deere, or a Des Moines commute, we coordinate every detail. Call (855) 822-2722.
Dennis has 15+ years of experience in interstate moving and has coordinated over 1,000 relocations across the United States.
Ankeny isn't your typical Iowa suburb anymore. It's one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, and the moving logistics here reflect that: new-build streets without GPS coverage, active construction zones in the middle of established neighborhoods, and HOA-governed communities that require COI documentation before a truck can park. Whether you're coming in for a role at Casey's General Stores headquarters or heading out to a higher-cost metro, you'll want a carrier that's done this route before. Star Van Lines is FMCSA-registered under USDOT #4176875 and MC #1607491, and we've been coordinating local and interstate moves since 2016. With 240+ verified reviews and 43 warehouse locations nationwide, we cover all 50 states from our operations hub. Local moves in Ankeny run $89-$179/hr depending on crew size and access conditions. Long-distance routes start at $840 to Chicago and $1,319 to Atlanta. Call (855) 822-2722 to get a binding estimate before your move date.
Local Moving in Ankeny
Local moves in Ankeny come with a few quirks you won't find in older cities. New-build subdivisions throughout the north, south, and west sides often have unmarked addresses, partially finished streets, and active construction equipment nearby. GPS can misroute drivers entirely. We confirm addresses in advance, post driveway signage when needed, and position trucks on the main access road when internal roads are too tight for a full-size vehicle.
It's not just the new stuff that causes problems.
In Uptown Ankeny near 1st Street, older and narrower streets mean we'll sometimes back down alleys or swap in a smaller truck for tight turns. Southwest Ankeny townhome clusters have limited turnaround space, so we stage on the main access road rather than forcing a large truck into a dead-end loop. Prairie Trail's mix of garages, alleys, and on-street parking around the town center requires confirming availability before the crew arrives.
Hourly rates run $89-$179/hr. Summer books fast. Local guidance recommends reserving 4-6 weeks ahead during peak season, because available dates disappear quickly once school-year timelines kick in. Winter moves are doable, but they require cleared driveways and sidewalks before the truck arrives. Average winter lows drop into the teens, with regular snow and ice events from December through February.
Long-Distance Moving from Ankeny
Two long-distance corridors see the most traffic out of Ankeny. The Chicago run covers 340 miles with a base price of $840, and it's a common route for professionals moving to or from the metro. The Atlanta corridor runs 910 miles with a base of $1,319, typically for full household relocations heading south.
Every long-distance move includes a binding estimate so your final cost is locked before the truck is loaded. No surprises on delivery day. We assign a single coordinator who stays with your file from pickup through delivery, which means you're not re-explaining your situation to a new person every time you call. Full-value protection is available on all interstate shipments.
Because Ankeny's cost of living index sits at 96.7, below the national average, many clients moving in are coming from higher-cost metros and want pricing transparency upfront. We provide that. Call (855) 822-2722 for a route-specific quote.
Why Choose Star Van Lines in Ankeny
Star Van Lines has been FMCSA-registered under USDOT #4176875 and MC #1607491 since 2016, with 240+ verified reviews across local and interstate moves.
- Single point of contact - One coordinator manages your move from estimate to delivery. No handoffs, no repeated explanations.
- 43 warehouse locations nationwide - We can stage, store, or reroute your shipment without scrambling for third-party space.
- Why does licensing matter? Because FMCSA registration means your move is governed by federal consumer protection rules, not just a handshake agreement.
- We cover all 50 states, so whether you're moving to Chicago, Atlanta, or anywhere in between, the same team handles it.
- Full-value protection and COI documentation available for HOA-governed communities, including Ankeny's many planned subdivisions.
What's Included with Every Move
Furniture Disassembly & Reassembly
Beds, tables, shelving units, and sectional sofas broken down for safe transport and reassembled at your new home.
Packing Materials
Blankets, shrink wrap, and corner protectors for your furniture. Boxes and specialty packing available as an add-on.
Furniture Protection
Quilted moving blankets and stretch wrap on every piece. Hardwood floors and door frames protected during carry.
Secure Loading
Items loaded by weight distribution and secured with straps and load bars to prevent shifting during transit.
Room-by-Room Placement
We place items in the rooms you choose. Label your boxes and we'll put them where they belong.
Post-Move Cleanup
We remove all packing debris, blankets, and wrapping material from your new home before we leave.
How Your Ankeny Move Works
Free Quote
Call (855) 822-2722 or fill out our online form. We'll ask about your home size, move date, and any items that need special handling. You'll get a detailed estimate - usually within 30 minutes.
Custom Moving Plan
Your move coordinator reviews the details and builds a plan around your address, access conditions, and timeline. If your Ankeny building requires elevator reservations or HOA approval, we handle that paperwork.
Professional Packing & Loading
Our crew arrives on move day with all materials. Furniture gets wrapped, fragile items get boxed, and everything is loaded by weight and fragility. In summer, we start early to beat the heat.
Secure Transport & Tracking
Your shipment travels in a climate-prepared truck. You'll have a point of contact for status updates throughout transit. Long-distance moves include GPS tracking.
Delivery & Setup
We unload room by room, reassemble furniture, and place items where you want them. Before we leave, we clean up all packing materials. You inspect everything and sign off.
Our Moving Services in Ankeny
Local Moving
Hourly-rate local moves within Ankeny and surrounding neighborhoods. Professional crews, fully equipped trucks, upfront pricing - no hidden fees.
Learn More →Long Distance Moving
Full-service interstate moving to and from Ankeny. Licensed and insured for all 50 states with room-by-room delivery.
Learn More →Commercial & Office Moving
Office relocations, retail moves, and commercial logistics in Ankeny. Minimal downtime, after-hours scheduling available.
Learn More →Packing & Unpacking
Professional packing using 15 types of materials. From fragile glassware to heavy furniture - covered by our standard protection plan.
Learn More →Storage Solutions
Climate-controlled, 24/7 monitored warehouse storage on individual pallets. 43 warehouse locations nationwide, flexible short- and long-term options.
Learn More →Special Item Moving
Expert handling of pianos, pool tables, safes, hot tubs, and other heavy or fragile items. Custom crating and specialized equipment available.
Learn More →Areas and Communities in Ankeny
Ankeny's neighborhoods range from master-planned walkable districts to active new-build tracts, and each comes with its own moving logistics.
Prairie Trail is the centerpiece of Ankeny's growth story. A large master-planned community with a town center, shops, trails, and newer homes, it's well-organized but not without complications. An HOA and design covenants are in place. Published rules about mover COI requirements aren't available, so contact us at (855) 822-2722 for details about moving logistics in Prairie Trail. Newer sections can have active construction and incomplete addresses. Trucks may need to park on the street, so clear driveway signage helps.
Northgate (North Ankeny) is a family-oriented subdivision in northeast Ankeny with quick I-35 access. Streets are generally wide, but some cul-de-sacs and curves may require a 26-ft box truck rather than a tractor-trailer. Contact us at (855) 822-2722 for details about moving logistics in Northgate.
Uptown Ankeny, near historic 1st Street, feels different from the rest of the city. Older homes, mature trees, and walkable access to local shops give it a distinct character. But narrower streets and alley-accessed garages are common, and large trucks may need to back down alleys or manage tight turns. Some blocks have street parking time limits, though specific permit rules for moving trucks aren't documented.
Rock Creek and Briarwood in northwest Ankeny offer larger lots and established trees. Most homes have long driveways and attached garages. Curving subdivision streets and cul-de-sacs are typical, and some higher-end properties may require a smaller shuttle truck for long driveway access. Contact us at (855) 822-2722 for details about moving logistics in Rock Creek and Briarwood.
Southwest Ankeny, near The District at Prairie Trail, includes newer townhomes and multifamily clusters. Many complexes have HOAs, and some may require scheduled move-in windows. Tight internal roads and limited truck turnaround space are common. In most cases, moving trucks will need to stage on the main access road rather than pulling in.
Centennial Estates and other north-central new-build areas feature modern homes in active construction zones. GPS frequently misroutes in newer phases with unpaved or partially finished streets. Written directions, confirmed address visibility, and awareness of nearby construction equipment all matter here.
Climate and Lifestyle
Ankeny has a classic Midwestern four-season climate. Winters run cold, with average highs near 31-35°F and lows dropping to 14-18°F. Snow, ice, and occasional sub-zero snaps are normal from December through February. Clear driveways and sidewalks before your moving truck arrives, and build in extra time for weather delays.
Spring brings rapid temperature swings and severe thunderstorms, including hail and tornado watches typical of central Iowa. It's not unusual to plan a move around a forecast only to watch the weather shift overnight.
Summers are warm and humid, with highs of 82-86°F and heat index values that can exceed 100°F. Morning move starts reduce heat stress on your crew and your belongings. Fall, with highs ranging from 49-76°F, is generally the most comfortable season for a move, although November can bring early snow. Annual snowfall runs 30-35 inches.
Job Market and Major Employers
Ankeny's economy benefits from both local corporate anchors and proximity to Des Moines.
Casey's General Stores maintains its national headquarters in Ankeny, employing corporate, IT, logistics, and finance staff. John Deere Des Moines Works, near the Ankeny-Johnston area, is a major manufacturing facility with thousands of production, engineering, and support roles. Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) operates its largest campus in Ankeny, employing faculty and staff across many disciplines.
Many residents also commute to Des Moines for positions at Principal Financial Group, Nationwide, and state government offices. Dominant sectors include manufacturing, education, retail and logistics, and finance and insurance. Because the commute into Des Moines is manageable, Ankeny attracts workers who want suburban housing costs without giving up metro-area salaries.
Cost of Living and Housing
Ankeny's overall cost of living index is 96.7 against a U.S. average of 100, putting it roughly 3-4% below the national average. That's a meaningful gap if you're relocating from Chicago or Atlanta.
Median home prices vary by source and timeframe. BestPlaces data cites $224,900, while a Best Neighborhoods report places the median closer to $372,000, reflecting Ankeny's rapid appreciation in popular subdivisions. New-build homes in areas like Centennial Estates generally fall in the upper-mid to high price range depending on the subdivision and finish level. City-specific median rent data for Ankeny isn't available in current sources.
For moving cost estimates, local rates run $89-$179/hr and long-distance service to Chicago starts at $840. Call (855) 822-2722 for an exact quote.
Tips for Moving to Ankeny
Confirm your address is GPS-visible. Ankeny's many new subdivisions have incomplete or unregistered addresses. Post clear signage at your driveway and have written directions ready for your moving crew. Don't rely solely on GPS in active construction phases.
Book summer moves 4-6 weeks out. Peak season aligns with school schedules and new home completions. Summer heat and humidity also make morning start times a smart call to reduce heat stress on your crew and your belongings.
Prepare for winter conditions. Clear driveways, sidewalks, and steps before the truck arrives. Average winter lows reach the teens, and ice on ramps or stairs is a real safety concern. Build extra time into your schedule for weather delays.
Set up utilities one week before move-in. Arrange MidAmerican Energy for electric and gas, Ankeny Municipal Utilities for water, sewer, and trash, and Mediacom or Metronet for internet before your move date. Arriving without heat, water, or connectivity adds unnecessary stress to an already full day.
Service Areas
Star Van Lines provides local and long-distance moving services across Ankeny and the surrounding area:
Ankeny, Des Moines, Johnston, Urbandale, Clive, Grimes, West Des Moines, Waukee, Altoona, Bondurant, Pleasant Hill, Norwalk, Polk City
We provide moving services across all 50 states. Whether you're moving across Polk County or across the country, call (855) 822-2722 to get started.
What to know before moving to Ankeny
Benefits of moving to Ankeny
0.8%
Income tax rate
+0
Thousands of residents
$0K
Median household income
0
Year of foundation
$0K
Cost of average house
$0.79
Average gas price
Ankeny Moving Costs
Actual hours depend on access conditions, number of flights, distance between truck and door, and volume of items.
Local Moving Rates
| Move size | Estimate Prices |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1BR | $178-$716 |
| 2BR | $356-$1,074 |
| 3BR | $534-$1,432 |
Long Distance Moving Rates from Ankeny
| Distance | Estimate Prices |
|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $840 |
| Atlanta, GA | $1,319 |
Base prices reflect standard household shipments. Final cost varies by inventory volume and services selected. Use our moving cost calculator for a preliminary estimate, then call (855) 822-2722 for a binding quote. Pricing disclaimer: Rates are based on US moving industry market averages for the Ankeny metro as of 2026. Call (855) 822-2722 for an exact quote based on your move size and distance. Final cost depends on inventory volume, services selected, access conditions, and seasonal demand.
Ways to Save on Your Move
- Declutter before the move - fewer items mean lower costs
- Pack non-fragile items yourself to reduce labor hours.
- Choose a weekday for loading when demand is lower.
- Book 6-8 weeks in advance for better scheduling options.
- Get quotes from licensed movers and compare - always verify USDOT numbers
Frequently Asked Questions: Ankeny Moving
How much do movers cost in Ankeny, IA?
Local moves in Ankeny run $89-$179/hr depending on crew size, truck type, and access conditions. For long-distance moves, sample routes include Chicago at 340 miles with a base rate of $840, and Atlanta at 910 miles with a base rate of $1,319. Rates are based on US moving industry market averages for the Ankeny metro as of 2026. Call (855) 822-2722 for an exact quote based on your move size and distance. Final cost depends on inventory volume, services selected, access conditions, and seasonal demand.
Is Star Van Lines licensed to move in Ankeny, IA?
Yes. Star Van Lines is fully licensed and FMCSA-registered to operate in Ankeny and across all 50 states. Our credentials are USDOT #4176875 and MC #1607491. You can verify both numbers directly on the FMCSA website at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We carry the required insurance and can provide documentation for any HOA or property manager that requests it. Call (855) 822-2722 if you need a copy of our credentials before your move date.
What is the best time of year to move in Ankeny?
Fall - September through October - is generally the most comfortable season for moving in Ankeny. Temperatures average in the upper 40s to mid-70s°F with lower humidity than summer. Summer moves are popular but come with heat index values that can exceed 100°F on some days, so morning start times are strongly recommended. Winter moves require extra planning since Ankeny averages 30-35 inches of snow per year, with average winter lows in the 14-18°F range. If you're moving in summer, local guidance recommends booking 4-6 weeks in advance. Call (855) 822-2722 to check availability.
Do I need to do anything special for a move into a new-build neighborhood in Ankeny?
Ankeny has many active new-build subdivisions, and GPS often can't locate new addresses. Moving guides specific to Ankeny recommend confirming your address is visible at the driveway, posting clear signage, and being prepared for street parking if the driveway or surrounding streets are unfinished. Some newer phases also have construction debris and unmarked roads that can complicate truck access. Our coordinators are familiar with these conditions and will work with you ahead of move day to plan the right truck size and access approach. Call (855) 822-2722 to discuss your specific address.
Do you offer storage options for my Ankeny move?
Yes. Star Van Lines has 43 warehouse locations nationwide, so whether you need short-term storage between closings or longer-term staging while your new-build in Ankeny is completed, we have options. This is especially useful for moves into active construction areas where your home may not be fully ready on move day. Storage is also available for long-distance relocations where delivery timing needs to flex. Call (855) 822-2722 to ask about storage availability and pricing for your specific move.
Ready to Start Your Ankeny Move?
Get a free moving estimate today. No obligation, no pressure.
Call us or fill out the form - we'll get back to you fast.
USDOT #4176875 | MC #1607491 | Licensed & Insured