How Much Do Iowa Movers Cost?
Quick answer: The average cost of hiring movers in Iowa is $199 per hour, with an average total move cost between $768 and $6,604. The exact cost of your move will depend on how many belongings you have and how far you’re relocating.
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Average cost to hire an interstate mover in Iowa
The cost of an interstate — also known as “out-of-state” — move from Iowa is naturally more complex. Because of the added logistics, interstate relocations are calculated differently than a simpler move within the same city or from one Iowa town to another.
Interstate move costs are determined based on the total volume and weight of your belongings, instead of hourly rates like with local moves. Moving out-of-state typically means longer drive times than in-state relocations, and that additional mileage comes with higher prices.
Fuel costs, higher insurance premiums, and fluctuations in seasonal demand can all drive up your overall interstate moving expenses.
Below are sample price ranges for some popular moving routes.
Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of Iowa
- Iowa to California: $3,110–$5,729
- Iowa to New York: $2,454–$5,600
- Iowa to Illinois: $1,525–$3,936
- Iowa to New York: $2,454–$5,600
- Iowa to New York: $2,454–$5,600
Now that you have an idea of what your move from Iowa should cost, it’s time to start looking at the best long-distance movers in Iowa.
Best interstate moving companies in Iowa
Affordability and pricing accuracy are two key factors we use to rate interstate movers. But it’s important to balance cost with customer satisfaction and service options, so that you’re getting the best moving package for your budget — and not just a budget-rate relocation.
Compare pricing and standout features for each of the companies on our list of top interstate movers in Iowa:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5 stars
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Family owned & operated
- Affordable pricing
- Binding estimates
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Iowa move. For that, use our free and instant moving cost calculator.
Average cost to hire a local moving company in IA
The cost to hire a local Iowa moving company for an in-state relocation depends primarily on home size and distance.
For moves of 50 miles or less in Iowa, local movers will charge you an hourly rate determined by the truck and moving crew sizes needed.
In-state long-distance moves in Iowa are priced like interstate moves — according to the total volume and weight of belongings, rather than by the hour. Like interstate moves, in-state — or “intrastate” — moves from one city to another are considered long-distance if they are more than 400 miles (although some movers set the minimum at over 100 miles).
Here’s what you could expect to pay a professional mover in Iowa.
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $768 | $278 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $1,046 | $278 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,660 | $390 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,764 | $546 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedrooms | $4,309 | $546 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedrooms | $6,604 | $764 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
- Studio: A studio apartment move typically requires two movers and can take up to three hours, depending on the amount and types of belongings, at an hourly rate of $278.
- One bedroom: If you have a one-bedroom apartment or home, expect to pay around $278 per hour for four hours using a two-person moving crew.
- Two bedrooms: Moving a two-bedroom home in Iowa will cost about $390 an hour. You'll likely need three movers for five hours.
- Three bedrooms: For a three-bedroom home, expect to pay an hourly rate of $546 for Iowa movers. A three-bedroom home typically takes eight hours to complete using a four-person crew.
- Four bedrooms: Moving a four-bedroom house in Iowa will take four movers approximately nine hours, at a rate of $546 per hour.
- Five or more bedrooms: The cost of hiring Iowa movers for a home with five or more bedrooms is $764 an hour. Homes this size usually require five movers and take about ten hours.
City moving costs in Iowa
- Cost of Altoona movers
- Cost of Ames movers
- Cost of Ankeny movers
- Cost of Bettendorf movers
- Cost of Boone movers
- Cost of Burlington movers
- Cost of Carroll movers
- Cost of Cedar Falls movers
- Cost of Cedar Rapids movers
- Cost of Clinton movers
- Cost of Clive movers
- Cost of Coralville movers
- Cost of Council Bluffs movers
- Cost of Davenport movers
- Cost of Des Moines movers
- Cost of Dubuque movers
- Cost of Fort Dodge movers
- Cost of Fort Madison movers
- Cost of Grimes movers
- Cost of Indianola movers
- Cost of Iowa City movers
- Cost of Johnston movers
- Cost of Le Mars movers
- Cost of Marion movers
- Cost of Marshalltown movers
- Cost of Mason City movers
- Cost of Muscatine movers
- Cost of Newton movers
- Cost of North Liberty movers
- Cost of Norwalk movers
- Cost of Oskaloosa movers
- Cost of Ottumwa movers
- Cost of Pella movers
- Cost of Pleasant Hill movers
- Cost of Sioux City movers
- Cost of Spencer movers
- Cost of Storm Lake movers
- Cost of Urbandale movers
- Cost of Waterloo movers
- Cost of Waukee movers
- Cost of Waverly movers
- Cost of West Des Moines movers
Best local moving companies in Iowa
Staying in Iowa and moving just a short distance? You’ll want to find a local moving company that provides services you need without breaking the bank.
Check out our picks for the best Iowa movers to compare cost and services:
- Two Men and a Truck: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Action Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service (34%)
- Professional and polite staff (31%)
- Careful handling (28%)
- Damage to items (25%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
- Unexpected charges (18%)
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Two Men and a Truck, a reputable moving company in Urbandale, IA, has been providing local residential moving services since 1998. Renowned for their packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, they stand out by requiring no deposit and accepting credit cards, adding convenience for their clients. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Google from over 500 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they excel in customer satisfaction compared to other nearby movers. Their proven track record makes them a trusted choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff (37%)
- Efficient service (33%)
- Good communication (30%)
- Damage to items (37%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (26%)
- Lack of communication (19%)
Company Info
Years in Business: 69
DOT #: 70719
Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc, a staple in Sioux City, IA since 1955, offers comprehensive local residential moving services. With a strong reputation reflected in their 4.2 average rating on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they are a trusted choice among local movers. Unlike many nearby moving companies, Claeys Brothers also offer packing and unpacking services, as well as the capability to move pianos, art, and antiques. The firm accepts both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, making them a flexible and customer-friendly option for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff (30%)
- Efficient service (28%)
- Good communication (26%)
- Damage to items (22%)
- Misplaced or lost items (19%)
- Unexpected charges (17%)
Company Info
Years in Business: 41
DOT #: 299154
Action Moving & Storage, Inc. has been reliably serving the Sioux City, IA area since 1983, specializing in local residential moves. They stand out among local movers with their extensive experience and a stellar reputation, evidenced by an impressive average rating of 4.7 from 161 Google reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, they offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for art and antiques. Action Moving & Storage also accepts both cash and credit cards and requires no deposit, making them a convenient and trustworthy option for local relocations.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service (30%)
- Professional and polite staff (25%)
- Careful handling (22%)
- Damage to items (27%)
- Lack of communication (20%)
- Unexpected charges (18%)
Company Info
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2991947
White Glove Movers, a local moving company based in Marion, IA, has been providing reliable residential moving services since 2005. Compared to other nearby movers, White Glove stands out with its comprehensive packing and unpacking services, as well as specialized capabilities to handle delicate items like pianos and art. Renowned for their exceptional service, they hold an average Google rating of 4.9 from 234 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Their excellent consumer feedback and array of services make them a top choice for local moves, offering peace of mind and quality assurance.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Average PODS Costs in IA
The average cost of PODS is anywhere from $220–$7,448, depending on the container size and move distance. For example, a local move in Iowa using an eight-foot PODS container runs from $220 to $426, while the same move with a 16-foot container would be approximately $323–$813.
In general, you can expect to pay $220–$813 with PODS for a local move. Long-distance moves, which require longer transport times and mileage, are naturally pricier. Renting a PODS container for a long-distance move of 100–250 miles will typically cost between $250 and $2,107, and cross-country moves start at around $2,068 and can be as much as $7,448.
We like PODS for its widespread availability, multiple container sizes (eight, 12, and 16 feet), and ongoing discounts but we know that everyone’s move is unique. While PODS is our overall pick, we always recommend getting quotes from at least three companies to get a clear comparison of pricing and services.
Best moving containers or PODS in Iowa
Moving container companies combine the cost-savings of a DIY move with the convenience of full-service movers. You’ll cut moving costs by loading up all your items into your PODS or moving container yourself, but you’ll still have a professional driver handling the transport of your belongings to your new home within Iowa or across state lines.
You’ll want to look for companies offering a variety of container sizes or types and quick and easy container delivery and pick-up scheduling. If you need long-term storage as part of your move, the top moving container companies provide facilities with 24/7 monitoring and climate-controlled options.
Here are our recommendations for top moving container companies in Iowa.
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Average cost to rent a moving truck in IA
The average cost to rent a moving truck ranges from $57–$136 for a local move and $355–$5,700+ for long-distance moves.
Best moving truck rentals in Iowa
Renting a truck from companies like U-Haul is your most affordable option — but it will also require you to do the most work. you’ll have to box up and load your items, drive the truck, and unload your belongings at your new place yourself or with the help of friends and family or third-party labor.
Check out our top picks for moving truck rentals in Iowa:
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
Average cost of labor-only moving companies in IA
The average cost of hiring a labor-only mover in Iowa is $99 per hour for each moving crew member. Since even smaller moves like studio apartments typically require a minimum crew size of two people, you can expect to pay an hourly rate of approximately $199 for moving labor.
Best labor-only moving companies in Iowa
Don’t want to deal with the heavy lifting? A labor-only company will handle that for you. Labor-only companies in Iowa are kind of like professional movers without the truck.
They provide packing and loading support, as well as optional services like disassembly and reassembly of furniture, but you’ll still have to rent a moving truck and drive.
Take a look at these top-rated labor-only movers in Iowa:
- First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
- Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
- $1,000 money-back service guarantee
- Fast and accurate delivery times
- Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
- Quick and easy booking process
- National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
- Dedicated move concierge specialist
- Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
- The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
Factors that affect the cost of your Iowa move
The following common factors will affect the cost of your Iowa move:
- The size of your move: The more items you move, the more the move is going to cost. Obviously, it will take more time to load more items into a truck, but it will also often require a bigger moving crew. Those additional man hours and extra labor mean you’ll pay more for a fully furnished two-bedroom home than you would a minimalist studio apartment. To help keep costs down, make sure you’re only bringing with you those things that you truly want to have in Iowa.
- The distance of the move: How far you’re moving can greatly impact your costs. If you’re moving locally, you’ll pay an hourly rate and your total price will be based on how long it takes a crew to move a home of your size. A long-distance mover will likely build additional expenses like mileage and fuel and toll costs into your total estimate. Getting a truck from Iowa to your new home state takes longer, so moving companies also adjust pricing to account for the time involved.
- The type of move: There are several ways to handle your Iowa move. You take a more hands-off approach and hire a full-service moving company. While this is certainly the most convenient choice, you’ll also pay more for a full-service move than you would with DIY options like renting a moving truck. You can save a lot with a truck rental, but you’ll have to drive and do all the loading and unloading yourself (unless you want to hire labor-only movers). You may also want to consider getting a moving container, which saves some money but also provides professional drivers.
- Home type: If you live in a one-bedroom ranch with a private driveway, your move will be logistically easier. Moving out of condos or high-rise apartments will require additional planning and loading time, especially if parking is an issue. Most movers will typically charge stair and elevator fees for moves that aren’t on the ground floor and homes with more than one story. Long-carry fees will also usually be applied if crews must carry items a longer distance to the truck due to parking limitations.
- Add-on services: Generally speaking, the more you do yourself the less your Iowa move is going to cost you. However, it can be nice to have professionals do your packing and unpacking for you. That’s going to cost a little extra, as will opting for increased insurance, tacking on short-term storage, or requesting customized crating for electronics, antiques, or fine art.
- The time of the year: Moving in the summer can cost from 20-30% more than other times of year. That’s because summer is a popular time of year for relocations. Demand and limited availability during peak moving season drives prices up. Moving within or out of Iowa between October and April, when moving companies have less demand, will certainly bring your costs down.
Consider car shipping costs for long-distance IA moves
Professional car shippers will apply their years of know-how to help get your car to your new home as part of your long-distance move. Here are the top car shippers in Iowa:
| Company | Our take | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sherpa Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| Montway Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| AmeriFreight Car Transport |
4.3 / 5
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| SGT Auto Transport |
4.9 / 5
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| Easy Auto Ship |
4.9 / 5
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Tips to save money on your Iowa move
Regardless of whether you decide to hire a professional full-service mover or go the DIY route, there are some easy things you can do to help you save money on your Iowa move:
- Declutter and downsize. Decluttering before moving is a great way to reduce costs, since the less you have, the less it will cost to move it! You can donate items you don’t want to keep and may even be able to make some extra cash selling higher-value, gently used pieces.
- Ask about moving discounts. A lot of moving companies provide special offers for veterans, students, senior citizens, and new customers, so make sure you ask when you’re shopping around for a mover.
- Move during the off-season. Movers are busiest between mid-May and mid-September, so, if you can, plan your moving day outside of this peak season. Additionally, movers tend to charge more on weekends because of high demand. If you’re able to relocate during the week, you might save some money.
- Book your move well in advance. Last-minute moves cost more, so if you plan ahead and book at least two months in advance, you’ll be paying less than if you waited until a couple weeks before your moving day.
- Handle packing yourself. Even if you go with a full-service mover for your Iowa move, you can save money by packing yourself instead of paying a company to do it for you.
What is the cheapest way to move in Iowa?
The cheapest way to move within Iowa is by using a DIY option. For some people in Iowa, it’s cheaper to rent a moving truck, but for others, it makes more sense to hire a professional moving company.
While it seems like a DIY move would also be the cheapest way to relocate out of Iowa, that’s not always the case. Truck rentals can save you money on shorter-distance moves. But for out-of-state relocations, hidden or unexpected expenses like gas, mileage, toll charges, and even food and accommodations on your trip can add up quickly and even push the price of your truck rental above what it would cost to use a full-service mover.
To help you decide, use our free moving cost calculator to get free personalized, instant quotes and quickly compare the cost of truck rentals and professional moving companies.
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