Local moving companies in Iowa

  1. Key City Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  2. Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  3. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. Porter Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  5. Black Belt Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars

Key City Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 125563

Years in Business: 114

9710 Royal Wood Dr, Peosta, IA 52068

Key City Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Peosta, IA since 1910. With glowing customer feedback, including an average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they stand out among local competitors. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized fragile-only packing, ensuring a stress-free move. Unlike other movers, they don't require a deposit and accept both cash and credit cards, making them a customer-friendly choice for your next move.

Get a Quote (563) 582-3237

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

Back to Top movebuddha icon

Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 70719

Years in Business: 69

5600 Harbor Dr, Sioux City, IA 51111

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.

Get a Quote (712) 252-1335

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

Back to Top movebuddha icon

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 2527384

Years in Business: 27

2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA 50322

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.

Get a Quote (515) 216-3654

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Back to Top movebuddha icon

Porter Moving Company

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.52 / 5

DOT #: 2427654

Years in Business: 10

1151 26th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Porter Moving Company has been providing local residential moving services in and around Cedar Rapids, IA since 2014. Unlike many nearby movers, Porter Moving also offers packing, unpacking, and crating services, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience. Their capability to move specialty items like pianos and safes sets them apart. Consumer reviews are mixed, with strong Google ratings averaging 4.6 but lower Yelp reviews around 2.7, and a BBB rating of B-. Overall, Porter Moving is a reputable choice for local moves, backed by years of experience and a wide range of services.

Get a Quote (319) 560-5050

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Back to Top movebuddha icon

Black Belt Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.52 / 5

DOT #: 3527158

Pricing: $150/hr

Years in Business: 17

1209 SW ORDNANCE RD STE B, ANKENY, IA 50023

Black Belt Movers, serving the Ankeny, IA area since 2009, offers a comprehensive range of local residential moving services. With an A rating from the Better Business Bureau and an average Yelp rating of 4.0 based on 15 reviews, their reputation stands strong among nearby moving companies. They also provide office moving, packing, unpacking, and specialized services like moving pianos and antiques. Unlike many competitors, they accept credit cards, require no deposit, and provide full valuation insurance coverage.

Get a Quote (515) 393-4253

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

Back to Top movebuddha icon

Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to FLtoggle

There are many factors that influence Iowa moving costs. The cost to move from Iowa to Florida will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Iowa is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from IA to FL

If you’re moving to Florida from Iowa, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Iowa vs. Florida

Iowa Florida
Average rent cost $914 $1,444
Average home cost $220,277 $392,176
Average income (per capita) $70,571 $67,917
Cost of Living Index 89 102
Unemployment rate 3.0% 2.9%
Average Sales Tax 6.94% 7.08%
State Income Tax 4.4% 0.0%
  • Rent is about 58% more expensive in Florida than in Iowa.
  • Home prices are about 78% higher in Florida than in Iowa.
  • The average income is about 4% lower in Florida than in Iowa.
  • Cost of living is 15% lower in Florida than in Iowa.
  • Florida has a lower unemployment rate than Iowa by about 3%.
  • Sales taxes are 2% higher in Florida than in Iowa.
  • Florida has no income tax.

How life is different in Florida vs. Iowa

Florida Iowa
Population 22,610,726 3,207,004
Political leaning Republican 51-48 Republican 53-45
Summer high 91ºF 84ºF
Winter low 49ºF 10ºF
Annual rain 55" 35"
Annual snow 0" 30"
Crime index 21.39 16.18
  • The population of Florida is approximately 605% greater than the population of Iowa.
  • In the last presidential election, Florida voted Republican and Iowa voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Florida is 91ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Florida reaches the temperature of 49ºF and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
  • You can expect about 55 inches of annual rainfall in Florida versus 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa.
  • In Florida, it snows about 0 inches annually versus 30 inches of snow in Iowa.
  • Florida has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 21.39 vs. 16.18.

Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Florida

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Florida compared to Iowa.

Pros of living in Iowa Pros of living in Florida
Low cost of living Fantastic weather
Ample economic opportunity Abundant water recreational activities
High quality of education Ample economic opportunity
No traffic World-leading entertainment
Beautiful outdoors Beautiful flora and fauna

Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Florida

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Iowa for Florida.

Cons of living in Iowa Cons of living in Florida
Severe weather conditions High cost of living
Limited recreational opportunities Poor healthcare
High taxes Natural disasters
High emphasis on politics Heat and humidity
Rustic food High crime rate

Other things to consider for your Iowa to Florida movetoggle

  • Weather: Severe weather is a common occurrence in Florida, as Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the US. June 1st and November 30 is the time when most hurricanes in Florida occur, the most severe dates lie between August - October. Be sure to check your local weather station before your move as Florida is known for its thunderstorms and high levels of precipitation. Perhaps plan for a Winter or Springtime move to ensure the safety of your belongings.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Florida. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Floridatoggle

While you’re in Florida, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Walt Disney World
  • Universal Studios Orlando
  • South Beach
  • Kennedy Space Center
  • Key West
  • SeaWorld Orlando
  • Busch Gardens Tampa
  • Castillo de San Marcos
  • Clearwater Beach
  • Everglades National Park
  • Amelia Island
  • Daytona 500 International Speedway
  • Duval Street in Key West
  • Salvador Dalí Museum
  • Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
  • National Naval Aviation Museum
  • Discovery Cove
  • Coral Castle
  • Big Cypress National Preserve
  • WonderWorks Orlando

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Florida?toggle

Hiring a full-service Iowa moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Florida?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Iowa to Florida separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Florida?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Iowa to Florida are the amazing upsides of living in Florida such as fantastic weather and abundant water recreational activities.

Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Florida?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in Florida. Housing is much more affordable in Iowa, with average rent about 37% less and home prices 44% lower than in Florida. Florida has no income tax.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Florida?toggle

You should make approximately $59,498 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Florida. The cost of living in Florida is approximately $2,900 per month for an individual and $7,028 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Florida you live For example, larger cities like Jacksonville and Miami will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources