Local moving companies in Iowa
When making the move from Iowa to Ann Arbor, MI, you’ll want skilled movers who know how to make the process easier.
Out of 32 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Ann Arbor, MI.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Action Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Key City Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
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
Company Info
Years in Business: 42
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
Company Info
Years in Business: 115
DOT #: 125563
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.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 70
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
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
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
Cost to move from Iowa to Ann Arbor, MI
The following table outlines average cost ranges for moves from Iowa to Ann Arbor, MI, by home size and moving service.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,106 – $3,267 | $706 – $1,538 | $401 – $807 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,108 – $5,574 | $1,178 – $2,374 | $450 – $910 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,885 – $8,103 | $1,569 – $3,057 | $578 – $1,131 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 539-mile move from Iowa to Ann Arbor, MI using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of authenticated price data points from movers nationwide and updates them monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market dynamics. Your end price can vary by shipment size, added services, parking/access limitations, fuel costs, and timing. We suggest comparing several mover quotes to confirm pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Iowa to Ann Arbor, MI
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Iowa to Ann Arbor, MI, you can expect prices to land between $1,106 and $3,267. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,108 to $5,574. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,885 and $8,103.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving containers from Iowa to Ann Arbor, MI, will cost you $706 to $1,538 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,178 to $2,374. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,569 to $3,057. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Ann Arbor, MI
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $401 and $807 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Iowa to Ann Arbor, MI with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $450 to $910. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $578 to $1,131.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to Ann Arbor, MI
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Action Moving & Storage, Inc. | × | ✓ | × | × |
| Key City Moving & Storage | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| White Glove Movers | ✓ | × | × | × |
Considering the 3,175 movers we’ve assessed, take a look at how Iowa movers compare against the national average for services and discounts provided:
| Iowa | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 91% | 96% |
| Antiques | 40% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 2% | 3% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Iowa to Ann Arbor, MI
Before you grab the packing tape, let’s see how life in Ann Arbor, MI stacks up against Iowa. We’ll cover everything, from cost of living and the social scene to daily life and can’t-miss attractions in your area.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Ann Arbor, MI
| Iowa | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $2,260 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $474,909 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $66,964 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 106 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 3.5% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 4.25% |
Ann Arbor sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 147% more expensive in Ann Arbor than in Iowa, so be sure to plan ahead and allocate additional funds.
- In Ann Arbor, home prices run about 116% higher than in Iowa. Be prepared for a larger down payment, steeper property taxes, and higher overall homeownership costs.
- With comparable income levels in Ann Arbor compared to Iowa, you shouldn’t have to make any major changes to your budget.
- Unemployment in Ann Arbor runs 17% above Iowa, so be proactive with networking and applications.
- With income taxes roughly equal in Michigan and Iowa, your monthly budget should remain stable.
How life is different in Ann Arbor from Iowa
| Ann Arbor | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 123,851 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic72-26 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 83ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 36″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 43″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 31.0 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Ann Arbor voted Democratic72-26 and Iowa voted Republican.
- Summers in Ann Arbor typically reach highs of 83ºF, which is comparable to the average 84ºF in Iowa. The temps in your new home shouldn’t come as a shock. However, be sure to consider the area’s humidity, local weather patterns, and changes in energy expenses for a complete picture of what summer will feel like in your new home.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in Ann Arbor generally drop to around 17ºF, while Iowa can get as cold as 10ºF. Moving to Ann Arbor means you’ll enjoy gentler winters, which makes daily life easier, more affordable, and more pleasant.
- You can expect about 36 inches of rain each year in Ann Arbor, almost the same as the 35 inches you’d encounter in Iowa. Even though the annual rainfall is similar, different weather patterns and rainfall timing might still change up your daily routine.
- In Ann Arbor, it snows about 43 inches annually while Iowa gets only about 30 inches. With the additional snow you’ll enjoy picturesque winters and fun seasonal activities, but you’ll also need to prepare for more maintenance, planning, and cold-weather gear.
- Crime rates in Ann Arbor are higher than in Iowa, with a crime index of 31.0 versus 16.18. This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s worth researching local safety and thinking about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Ann Arbor
From beautiful parks and intriguing museums to thrilling sports and excellent universities, Ann Arbor can meet a wide variety of interests.
Museums in Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
- University of Michigan Museum of Art
- University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
- Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
- Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry
Parks in Ann Arbor
- Gallup Park
- Hudson Mills Metropark
- County Farm Park
- Buhr Park
- Lillie Park
Sports teams in Ann Arbor
- Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten)
Universities in Ann Arbor
- University of Michigan
- Cleary University
- Concordia University Ann Arbor
- Washtenaw Community College
Other considerations when moving to Ann Arbor, MI
- HOA rules: Before moving day, you should review your neighborhood or community guidelines to avoid any surprises.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue 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 you to get a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new local regulations beforehand.
- State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can check your Michigan moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to relocate to Michigan, but you should check local parking regulations ahead of moving day.
- 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 all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Michigan. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is everything. With our moving checklist, you can be sure you’re on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Iowa to Ann Arbor take?
The time it takes to move from Iowa to Ann Arbor, MI varies based on where you’re starting and the type of move you pick. No matter which option you choose, loading up your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it on your own.
If you’re heading to Ann Arbor from northern Iowa, expect a longer trip. When you rent a truck, budget one to two days for the drive, depending on your route and how many stops you make along the way.
Moving your belongings from Iowa to Ann Arbor typically takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Make sure to ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Iowa to Ann Arbor?
Because of the 539-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Iowa to Ann Arbor as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Ann Arbor, MI?
With summer temperatures reaching 83°F and winter nights dipping to 17°F, most people make the move from Iowa to Ann Arbor in the spring or fall. If you want to skip the crowds during peak moving seasons and potentially save some cash, consider scheduling your move in the summer or winter instead.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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