Local moving companies in Iowa
When you’re moving from Iowa to Memphis, TN, make your move easy with one of the best local movers who know the ins and outs of relocating from the Hawkeye State to the vibrant Bluff City.
Out of 32 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Memphis, TN.
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Action Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 70
DOT #: 70719
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 299154
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 2991947
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Iowa to Memphis, TN
This table details typical cost ranges to move from Iowa to Memphis, TN, depending on your home size and the moving service selected.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,094 – $3,462 | $705 – $1,588 | $446 – $858 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,122 – $5,333 | $1,272 – $2,238 | $496 – $1,009 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,770 – $7,591 | $1,568 – $3,046 | $625 – $1,230 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 614-mile move from Iowa to Memphis, TN using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Jan 17, 2026. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes the data each month to capture seasonal shifts and market changes. Your actual cost can differ based on shipment size, extra services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers to gauge a fair price.
Cost to hire professional movers from Iowa to Memphis, TN
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Memphis, TN, typically costs between $1,094 and $3,462. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,122 and $5,333. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Iowa to Memphis, TN, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,770 up to $7,591.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Memphis, TN
When relocating from Iowa to Memphis, TN, you’ll typically spend between $705 and $1,588 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,272 up to $2,238. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,568 and $3,046. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Memphis, TN
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck from Iowa to Memphis, TN, expect to pay between $446 and $858. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $496 to $1,009. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $625 and $1,230.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to Memphis, TN
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Action Moving & Storage, Inc. | × | ✓ | × | × |
| White Glove Movers | ✓ | × | × | × |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
After evaluating 3,179 movers, here’s how Iowa movers measure up to the countrywide competition in terms of offered services and discounts:
| Iowa | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 91% | 96% |
| Antiques | 40% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 2% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Iowa to Memphis, TN
Before packing your bags, it’s important to understand how life in Memphis, TN differs from what you’re used to in Iowa. From the cost of living and cultural vibe to everyday experiences. We’ll walk you through key lifestyle differences and the top local attractions you can explore in your new hometown.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Memphis, TN
| Iowa | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $1,299 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $143,715 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $48,090 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 86 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 8.0% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
Memphis sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Memphis is approximately 42% higher than in Iowa. Keep this in mind when planning your budget.
- Buying a home in Memphis could be more affordable, with prices averaging 35% less than in Iowa.
- Expect salaries in Memphis to be approximately 32% lower than in Iowa. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making your move.
- Even though unemployment in Memphis is 167% higher than in Iowa, you’ll still find opportunities if you’re proactive. Start building your network early.
- Since Tennessee doesn’t have an income tax, you’ll enjoy larger take-home pay, giving you more room in your budget.
How life is different in Memphis from Iowa
| Memphis | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 633,104 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 54″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 3″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 77.49 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Memphis leaned Democratic, while Iowa went Republican.
- Get ready for summer highs of around 91ºF in Memphis, warmer than the average 84ºF in Iowa. With more sunshine, you’ll have extra chances for outdoor fun, but expect higher cooling costs and a hotter daily routine.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in Memphis usually drop to around 30ºF, while in Iowa, they can fall as low as 10ºF. Moving to Memphis means you’ll enjoy milder winters, which makes daily life more comfortable, helps you save on heating costs, and lets you spend more time outdoors.
- You can expect about 54 inches of annual rainfall in Memphis vs only 35 inches in Iowa. More rainfall equates to lusher landscapes and rainier days, so you’ll want to make a few tweaks to your routine. Grab some waterproof gear before you move.
- In Memphis, you’ll get about 3 inches of snow each year, far less than Iowa. That means moving to Memphis will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
- Crime rates in Memphis are higher than in Iowa, with a crime index of 77.49 versus 16.18. This doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, but it’s smart to research local safety insights and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Memphis
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Memphis.
Museums in Memphis
- Graceland
- National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music
- Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
- Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum
Parks in Memphis
- Shelby Farms Park
- Mud Island River Park
- Tom Lee Park
- Levitt Shell
- Overton Park
Sports teams in Memphis
- Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)
- Memphis Hustle (NBA G League)
Universities in Memphis
- University of Memphis
- Rhodes College
- Christian Brothers University
- LeMoyne-Owen College
Other considerations when moving to Memphis, TN
- HOA rules: Before your move, double-check any neighborhood or community guidelines to help everything go smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One thing you’ll want to take care of early is reserving your building’s elevator and finding out any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for your moving truck, so check your new neighborhood’s regulations before moving day.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Double-check that your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to settle in Tennessee, but it’s a smart idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You’ll be able to select your move date so your mail gets forwarded to Tennessee on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized is key to a stress-free move. Our moving checklist helps you stay on track, so you don’t miss a single detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Iowa to Memphis take?
The time it takes to move from Iowa to Memphis, TN depends on where you’re starting and the kind of moving option you choose. No matter which route you go, packing and loading your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it all on your own.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in Iowa, the longer the drive time to Memphis will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
Depending on the company’s schedule and shipping logistics, delivery from Iowa to Memphis can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re using professional movers or a moving container. Be sure to ask for an estimated timeline before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Iowa to Memphis?
If you’re planning a 614-mile move from Iowa to Memphis, it’s a good idea to schedule your moving date as soon as your plans are confirmed. To get the best rates and secure your preferred date, aim to book your movers two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Memphis, TN?
Summer temperatures in Memphis can soar to 91°F, while winters can get as chilly as 30°F. That’s why most people making the move from Iowa to Memphis prefer the milder weather of spring or fall. But if you’re hoping to dodge the crowds and maybe snag a better deal, consider moving during summer or winter. Sure, you’ll have to handle a bit more heat or cold, but it could be worth it. Want more advice? Check out our tips on peak moving season.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!