Local moving companies in Iowa
When relocating from Iowa to Columbia, SC, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey.
Out of 32 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Columbia, SC.
- 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 Columbia, SC
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Iowa to Columbia, SC with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,251 – $4,790 | $849 – $1,970 | $706 – $1,289 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,536 – $6,354 | $1,447 – $3,157 | $726 – $1,594 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,450 – $7,669 | $1,995 – $4,083 | $967 – $1,884 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,074-mile move from Iowa to Columbia, SC using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. Each month, moveBuddha updates thousands of vetted price points from nationwide moving companies to reflect seasonality and market trends. Your final total may vary with move size, add-on services, access or parking constraints, fuel costs, and scheduling. Comparing estimates from multiple movers is the best way to nail down accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Iowa to Columbia, SC
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Columbia, SC, you can expect to spend between $1,251 and $4,790. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,536 to $6,354 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home will typically run between $4,450 and $7,669.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Columbia, SC
When moving from Iowa to Columbia, SC, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $849 and $1,970. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,447 to $3,157. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,995 up to $4,083. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Columbia, SC
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom from Iowa to Columbia, SC, and are renting a truck, plan to spend between $706 and $1,289. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $726 and $1,594. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $967 and $1,884.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to Columbia, SC
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 | ✓ | × | × | × |
Out of the 3,175 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how Iowa movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these 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 Columbia, SC
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in Columbia, SC is really like compared to Iowa. From the cost of living and local culture to daily routines, we’ll guide you through the biggest lifestyle changes and must-see attractions to be aware of.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Columbia, SC
| Iowa | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $1,447 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $64,683 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 87 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 5.2% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 7.0% |
Columbia sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Columbia is roughly 58% higher than in Iowa. You’ll need to plan for higher monthly rent.
- Home prices are about the same in Columbia and Iowa, so the cost of buying a home should be in the same ballpark, but local market conditions may still affect your options.
- The average income is about 8% lower in Columbia than in Iowa. It’s important to review your budget and plan accordingly.
- With unemployment 73% higher in Columbia than Iowa, expect more competition for jobs. A focused job search will help you get ahead.
- Expect income taxes in South Carolina to run about 59% higher than in Iowa, which could cut into your paycheck.
How life is different in Columbia from Iowa
| Columbia | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 53-45 | |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 46″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Columbia voted , while Iowa was Republican.
- Get set for summer temperatures reaching around 94ºF in Columbia, hotter than the average 84ºF in Iowa. You’ll enjoy more sunshine and outdoor activities, but be ready for increased cooling costs and warmer days.
- During the coldest part of the year, Columbia reaches a temperature of 35ºF while Iowa gets down to 10ºF. Relocating to Columbia means you’ll enjoy milder winters, making daily life easier, more affordable, and better for spending time outside.
- Expect about 46 inches of rain each year in Columbia—compared to just 35 inches in Iowa. With more rain comes greener scenery and wetter days, so get ready to adjust your routine and invest in some quality waterproof gear.
- In Columbia, you can expect about 1 inch of snow each year, much less than the 30 inches you’d deal with in Iowa. So, if you’re moving to Columbia, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
- Columbia has a lower crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 3.0 vs 16.18. A lower crime rate usually means safer neighborhoods, tighter communities, and fewer hassles. While it’s not the only thing to look for when moving, it definitely gives you some extra peace of mind.
Things to do in Columbia
From parks and museums to sports and top universities, Columbia has a little bit of everything waiting for you.
Museums in Columbia
- South Carolina State Museum
- Columbia Museum of Art
- South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
- EdVenture Children’s Museum
- South Carolina Military Museum
Parks in Columbia
- Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
- Saluda Shoals Park
- Sesquicentennial State Park
- Finlay Park
- Memorial Park
Sports teams in Columbia
- Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)
- South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)
- Benedict Tigers (SIAC)
Universities in Columbia
- Virginia College Columbia
- University of Phoenix Columbia Campus
- Allen University
- Benedict College
- Columbia College
Other considerations when moving to Columbia, SC
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to book your building’s elevator ahead of time and check on any moving rules they might have.
- Parking permits: Some cities make you get a parking permit for your moving truck, so remember to look up your new neighborhood’s rules before moving day.
- State licensing: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a South Carolina moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to South Carolina, but it’s wise to check local parking regulations ahead of time.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your moving date so your mail will be forwarded to South Carolina without any delays. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: When moving in South Carolina, explore movers’ insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized keeps your move stress-free. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Iowa to Columbia take?
The time frame for a move from Iowa to Columbia, SC, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
The farther north you are in Iowa, the longer it’ll take to reach Columbia. If you’re renting a truck, expect the trip to take one or two days on average, depending on your route and how many stops you make.
Delivery from Iowa to Columbia can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Always ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Iowa to Columbia?
If you’re gearing up for a 1,074-mile move from Iowa to Columbia, lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. Booking your movers two to three months in advance helps you snag the best rates and ensures you get the date you want.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Columbia, SC?
Summer in Columbia can reach highs of 94°F, while winter temperatures can dip to 35°F. That’s why most people moving from Iowa to Columbia opt for the milder spring or fall weather. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds—and possibly score a better price—think about moving in the off-season, even if you have to endure crazier temperatures. Need more help planning? Check out our tips on peak moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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