Ames, IA → Fort Myers, FL · Long-distance move
About 1,483 road miles heading southeast. Typical two-bedroom cost $5,680–$8,440, delivery in 3–7 days, 55 carriers on the Ames side and 382 in Fort Myers.
Moving from Ames to Fort Myers is a long-distance move of roughly 1,483 road miles, heading southeast from Iowa to Florida.
At this distance carriers price by shipment weight and mileage rather than by the hour. A two-bedroom home (around 5,000 lb of goods) typically costs $5,680 to $8,440 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 3 to 7 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 26 hours (3 driving days).
On the Ames side there are 55 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (25 of them authorized for interstate work), and 382 around Fort Myers (119 interstate). For an interstate move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in Fort Myers.
Ames has a population of about 66,000 and Fort Myers about 101,581. The two cities have comparable density (2,355 and 2,171 people per square mile), so loading and unloading conditions are usually similar at both ends. Florida is a higher-cost state than Iowa, so budget a little more for destination-side help, deposits and first-month expenses. Florida levies no state income tax on wages, a frequent reason people make this exact move.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $2,270 | $2,770 | $3,380 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $3,410 | $4,150 | $5,070 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $5,680 | $6,920 | $8,440 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $9,080 | $11,070 | $13,510 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $12,490 | $15,230 | $18,580 |
$2,120–$3,000
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$2,340–$3,450
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$5,680–$8,440
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Ames, IA → Fort Myers, FL. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
Legal name: Central Iowa Towing And Recovery INC
Legal name: Myers & Associates LLC
Legal name: Tmt Naples LLC
Legal name: All My Sons Of Naples LLC
Legal name: Gfa Rail Services INC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $2,270 to $3,380 for a studio, $3,410 to $5,070 for a one-bedroom, $5,680 to $8,440 for a two-bedroom, $9,080 to $13,510 for a three-bedroom and $12,490 to $18,580 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 1,483 road miles (1,256 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 26 hours (3 driving days).
Expect a delivery window of 3 to 7 days after pickup. Carriers give a spread rather than a fixed date because long-distance trucks carry several shipments; a dedicated truck or expedited service shortens the window for an extra fee.
Yes. Crossing from Iowa into Florida makes this an interstate move, so the carrier must hold active FMCSA operating authority (an MC number) in addition to its USDOT number. The company cards on this page flag which carriers are authorized for interstate work.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $2,120 to $3,000 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $2,340 to $3,450. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Ames–Fort Myers corridor.