Local moving companies in Iowa
Moving from Iowa to Chattanooga, TN calls for the support of experienced and reliable movers who can handle relocations with ease.
Out of 32 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Chattanooga, TN.
- 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 Chattanooga, TN
Check out the table below for average cost ranges to move from Iowa to Chattanooga, TN, across different service types and home sizes.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,195 – $4,281 | $790 – $1,789 | $549 – $1,034 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,350 – $5,980 | $1,355 – $2,797 | $564 – $1,204 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,902 – $7,973 | $1,817 – $3,438 | $750 – $1,490 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 782-mile move from Iowa to Chattanooga, TN using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha compiles thousands of confirmed prices from movers nationwide and updates them monthly to account for seasonal patterns and market movement. Actual charges can change depending on load size, optional services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and your dates. Always compare several quotes to get a realistic price range.
Cost to hire professional movers from Iowa to Chattanooga, TN
When moving a studio or one-bedroom from Iowa to Chattanooga, TN, you’ll likely pay between $1,195 and $4,281. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,350 and $5,980 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,902 to $7,973.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Chattanooga, TN
When you’re heading from Iowa to Chattanooga, TN, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $790 and $1,789. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,355 and $2,797. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,817 to $3,438. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Iowa easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Chattanooga, TN
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck from Iowa to Chattanooga, TN will cost around $549 to $1,034. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $564 to $1,204, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms costs around $750 to $1,490.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to Chattanooga, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Action Moving & Storage, Inc. | × | ✓ | × | × |
| Key City Moving & Storage | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| White Glove Movers | ✓ | × | × | × |
Among the 3,175 movers we’ve evaluated, here’s where Iowa movers stand in terms of national service and discount offerings:
| 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 Chattanooga, TN
Before you start packing, let’s explore what life in Chattanooga, TN has in store compared to Iowa. We’ll break down everything from the cost of living and local culture to spots you don’t want to miss.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Chattanooga, TN
| Iowa | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $1,475 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $302,565 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $60,164 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 5.6% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
Chattanooga sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Chattanooga is about 61% higher than in Iowa. Be sure to factor this into your budget.
- Expect home prices in Chattanooga to be about 37% higher than in Iowa. Plan ahead for a bigger down payment, higher property taxes, and increased overall costs of owning a home.
- On average, incomes in Chattanooga are about 15% lower than in Iowa. Make sure to review your finances and adjust your budget before you move.
- The unemployment rate in Chattanooga is 87% higher than in Iowa. It’s a good idea to plan carefully and prepare for a more competitive job market.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
How life is different in Chattanooga from Iowa
| Chattanooga | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 181,099 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 53.8-44.1 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 51″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 2″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 53.89 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The last presidential election saw both Iowa and Chattanooga siding with the Republican party.
- The average high in the summertime in Chattanooga is 89ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF. With summer temperatures being similar, you’ll likely enjoy an easy transition, but don’t forget to factor in humidity, local weather trends, and energy costs to truly understand what summer will be like in your new state.
- In the coldest months, Chattanooga typically dips to 28ºF, while Iowa can reach lows of 10ºF. By moving to Chattanooga, you’ll experience milder winters, making everyday life simpler, less expensive, and perfect for enjoying more time outdoors.
- You can expect about 51 inches of rain each year in Chattanooga, significantly more than the 35 inches you’re used to in Iowa. That extra rain comes with lusher landscapes and wetter days, so it’s a good idea to grab some quality waterproof gear and embrace the new climate.
- In Chattanooga, it only snows about 2 inches annually while Iowa gets 30 inches. Moving to Chattanooga, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
- Chattanooga has a higher crime rate than Iowa, with a crime index of 53.89 compared to 16.18. While this doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, it’s a good reminder to look into local safety precautions and consider how it could impact your daily routine.
Things to do in Chattanooga
From beautiful parks and fascinating museums to exciting sports and stellar universities, Chattanooga really has something for everyone.
Museums in Chattanooga
- Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
- Creative Discovery Museum
- Coker Museum – Honest Charley
- Hunter Museum of American Art
- International Towing and Recovery Museum
Parks in Chattanooga
- Coolidge Park Tennessee
- Riverpark Ross’s Landing Park
- Enterprise South Nature Park
- Chickamauga Dam
- Tennessee River Park
Sports teams in Chattanooga
- Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League)
- Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One)
Universities in Chattanooga
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Chattanooga State Community College
- Tennessee Temple University
- University of Tennessee -College of Medicine
- Richmont Graduate University
Other considerations when moving to Chattanooga, TN
- HOA rules: Before moving day, check your neighborhood or community rules so you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Be sure to reserve your building’s elevator in advance and double-check any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
- 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. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they’re properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can verify your Tennessee moving license status right on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to Tennessee, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules before moving day.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. This way, you can select your moving date and ensure your mail is forwarded to Tennessee right 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
FAQ
How long does a move from Iowa to Chattanooga take?
How long it takes to move from Iowa to Chattanooga, TN depends on your starting point and the type of move you choose. No matter the method, loading your belongings usually takes a day or less, even if you’re doing it yourself.
If you’re starting from northern Iowa, it’ll take longer to get to Chattanooga. When renting a truck, plan for a one- to two-day drive, depending on your route and how often you stop.
Getting your stuff from Iowa to Chattanooga can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you choose movers or a moving container. Be sure to request a delivery estimate before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Iowa to Chattanooga?
Planning a 782-mile move from Iowa to Chattanooga? Once you know your moving date, book your movers right away. Reserving two to three months ahead means better prices and a better shot at your preferred date.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Chattanooga, TN?
With the summer highs of 89°F and the winter lows of 28°F, most people move to Chattanooga from Iowa during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Chattanooga during summer or winter.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
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