Local moving companies in Iowa
When making the move from Iowa to Charleston, WV, 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 Charleston, WV.
- 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 Charleston, WV
The following table outlines average cost ranges for moves from Iowa to Charleston, WV, by home size and moving service.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,160 – $3,995 | $738 – $1,899 | $565 – $1,075 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,235 – $5,468 | $1,341 – $2,743 | $576 – $1,252 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,020 – $7,578 | $1,726 – $3,438 | $706 – $1,490 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 778-mile move from Iowa to Charleston, WV 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 Charleston, WV
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Iowa to Charleston, WV, you can expect prices to land between $1,160 and $3,995. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,235 to $5,468. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,020 and $7,578.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Charleston, WV
Moving containers from Iowa to Charleston, WV, will cost you $738 to $1,899 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,341 to $2,743. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,726 to $3,438. 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 Charleston, WV
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 $565 and $1,075 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Iowa to Charleston, WV with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $576 to $1,252. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $706 to $1,490.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to Charleston, WV
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 Charleston, WV
Before you grab the packing tape, let’s see how life in Charleston, WV 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. Charleston, WV
| Iowa | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $875 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $59,354 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 81 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 6.2% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 6.5% |
Charleston sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent prices in Charleston and Iowa are about the same, so your budget should still work.
- Moving to Charleston means you’ll spend about 30% less on housing compared to Iowa, so your budget will go further.
- Salaries in Charleston are typically about 16% lower than in Iowa. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making the move.
- Unemployment in Charleston runs 107% above Iowa, so be proactive with networking and applications.
- Income taxes in West Virginia are 48% higher than in Iowa, leaving you with less take-home pay to cover expenses or save.
How life is different in Charleston from Iowa
| Charleston | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 24ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 46″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 28″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both Iowa and Charleston voted Republican.
- Summers in Charleston typically reach highs of 86ºF, 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 Charleston generally drop to around 24ºF, while Iowa can get as cold as 10ºF. Moving to Charleston means you’ll enjoy gentler winters, which makes daily life easier, more affordable, and more pleasant.
- 46 inches of rain each year in Charleston, considerably more than the 35 inches you’re used to in Iowa. With all that extra rainfall, you’ll notice greener scenery and more frequent rainy days. Drive carefully, invest in some reliable rain gear, and get ready to enjoy life in a much rainier climate.
- In Charleston, you’ll get about 28 inches of snow each year. Meanwhile, Iowa usually sees around 30 inches annually. With snowfall levels being similar, you shouldn’t run into any surprising weather issues after you move.
- Crime rates in Charleston are higher than in Iowa, with a crime index of 53.94 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 Charleston
From beautiful parks and intriguing museums to thrilling sports and excellent universities, Charleston can meet a wide variety of interests.
Museums in Charleston
- Clay Center
- West Virginia State Museum
- Avampato Discovery Museum
- The Art Emporium
Parks in Charleston
- Haddad Riverfront Park
- Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve
- Cato Park
Sports teams in Charleston
- Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East)
Universities in Charleston
- West Virginia Junior College Charleston
- University of Charleston
Other considerations when moving to Charleston, WV
- 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: In the Mountaineer State, the state’s Public Service Commission oversees local and intrastate movers. The commission strives to support and promote the interests of both businesses and consumers, and those interested in hiring an in-state mover can browse the Commission’s Regulated Motor Carrier Database to verify that they’re reputable businesses in good standing. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can check your West Virginia moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to relocate to West Virginia, 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 West Virginia. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: When relocating in West Virginia, prioritize movers’ insurance for comprehensive coverage. Many movers provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection by exploring Full Value Protection options with the moving company or considering tailored plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your West Virginia state moving insurance, ensuring a secure and stress-free relocation experience.
- 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 Charleston take?
The time it takes to move from Iowa to Charleston, WV 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 Charleston 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 Charleston 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 Charleston?
Because of the 778-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Iowa to Charleston 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 Charleston, WV?
With summer temperatures reaching 86°F and winter nights dipping to 24°F, most people make the move from Iowa to Charleston 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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