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Local moving companies in Iowa
When you’re moving from Iowa to New York City, NY, 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 The Big Apple.
Out of 32 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to New York City, NY.
- 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 New York City, NY
This table details typical cost ranges to move from Iowa to New York City, NY, depending on your home size and the moving service selected.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,218 – $4,791 | $841 – $2,052 | $726 – $1,261 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,713 – $6,020 | $1,583 – $3,039 | $740 – $1,531 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,079 – $7,988 | $2,035 – $4,128 | $891 – $1,806 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,089-mile move from Iowa to New York City, NY using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. 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 New York City, NY
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to New York City, NY, typically costs between $1,218 and $4,791. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,713 and $6,020. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Iowa to New York City, NY, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,079 up to $7,988.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to New York City, NY
When relocating from Iowa to New York City, NY, you’ll typically spend between $841 and $2,052 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,583 up to $3,039. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,035 and $4,128. 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 New York City, NY
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 New York City, NY, expect to pay between $726 and $1,261. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $740 to $1,531. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $891 and $1,806.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to New York City, NY
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 | ✓ | × | × | × |
After evaluating 3,175 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% | 3% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Iowa to New York City, NY
Before packing your bags, it’s important to understand how life in New York City, NY 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. New York City, NY
| Iowa | New York City | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $4,340 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $752,778 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $78,058 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 172 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 11.2% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 10.9% |
New York City sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in New York City is approximately 375% higher than in Iowa. Keep this in mind when planning your budget.
- Home prices are about 242% higher in New York City than in Iowa. It’s important to factor in increased costs for a down payment, property taxes, and overall homeownership expenses.
- Salaries in New York City are usually 11% higher than in Iowa, giving you more wiggle room for living expenses or saving extra cash.
- Even though unemployment in New York City is 273% higher than in Iowa, you’ll still find opportunities if you’re proactive. Start building your network early.
- Income taxes are 148% higher in New York than in Iowa. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
How life is different in New York City from Iowa
| New York City | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,258,035 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 76-23 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 26ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 47″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 25″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 50.83 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, New York City leaned Democratic, while Iowa went Republican.
- Summer temperatures in New York City typically reach 84ºF, which is about the same as the average 84ºF you’re used to in Iowa. That means you won’t have to worry about a major heat increase. However, be sure to consider local humidity, weather patterns, and possible shifts in energy costs for a complete picture of what summer living will be like in your new home.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in New York City usually drop to around 26ºF, while in Iowa, they can fall as low as 10ºF. Moving to New York City 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 47 inches of annual rainfall in New York City 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 New York City, you can expect about 25 inches of snow each year, while Iowa sees around 30 inches annually. Since snowfall is pretty comparable in both places, your winter should feel pretty similar.
- Crime rates in New York City are higher than in Iowa, with a crime index of 50.83 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 New York City
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in New York City.
Museums in New York City
- The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- The Met Cloisters
- New York Public Library
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Parks in New York City
- Central Park
- The High Line
- Bryant Park
- Washington Square Park
- Hudson River Park
Sports teams in New York City
- Brooklyn Nets (NBA)
- Long Island Nets (NBA G League)
- New York City FC (MLS)
- New York Giants (NFL)
- New York Islanders (NHL)
Universities in New York City
- New York University
- Nyack College
- Pace University
- Rockefeller University
- Wagner College
Other considerations when moving to New York City, NY
- 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: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state’s safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Double-check that your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to settle in New York, 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 New York on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They’re responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- 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 New York City take?
The time it takes to move from Iowa to New York City, NY 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 New York City 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 New York City 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 New York City?
If you’re planning a 1,089-mile move from Iowa to New York City, 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 New York City, NY?
Summer temperatures in New York City can soar to 84°F, while winters can get as chilly as 26°F. That’s why most people making the move from Iowa to New York City 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.
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