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Factors that affect the cost of your Iowa move
Several key factors will influence the total cost of your move in Iowa:
- The size of your move: The more items you move, the more the move is going to cost. Obviously, it will take more time to load more items into a truck, but it will also often require a bigger moving crew. Those additional man hours and extra labor mean you’ll pay more for a fully furnished two-bedroom home than you would a minimalist studio apartment. To help keep costs down, make sure you’re only bringing with you those things that you truly want to have in Iowa.
- The distance of the move: How far you’re moving can greatly impact your costs. If you’re moving locally, you’ll pay an hourly rate and your total price will be based on how long it takes a crew to move a home of your size. A long-distance mover will likely build additional expenses like mileage and fuel and toll costs into your total estimate. Getting a truck from Iowa to your new home state takes longer, so moving companies also adjust pricing to account for the time involved.
- Home type: If you live in a one-bedroom ranch with a private driveway, your move will be logistically easier. Moving out of condos or high-rise apartments will require additional planning and loading time, especially if parking is an issue. Most movers will typically charge stair and elevator fees for moves that aren’t on the ground floor and homes with more than one story. Long-carry fees will also usually be applied if crews must carry items a longer distance to the truck due to parking limitations.
- Add-on services: Generally speaking, the more you do yourself the less your Iowa move is going to cost you. However, it can be nice to have professionals do your packing and unpacking for you. That’s going to cost a little extra, as will opting for increased insurance, tacking on short-term storage, or requesting customized crating for electronics, antiques, or fine art.
- The time of the year: Moving in the summer can cost from 20-30% more than other times of year. That’s because summer is a popular time of year for relocations. Demand and limited availability during peak moving season drives prices up. Moving within or out of Iowa between October and April, when moving companies have less demand, will certainly bring your costs down.
Tips to save money on your Iowa move
Regardless of whether you decide to hire a professional full-service mover or go the DIY route, there are some easy things you can do to help you save money on your Iowa move:
- Declutter before you move. Getting rid of unwanted items means fewer things to transport, which lowers your moving costs. Consider donating what you don’t need or selling valuable items to earn extra cash.
- Deals are out there — if you ask. In Iowa, there are 37 movers total, with 0 advertising AAA discounts, 0 giving senior citizen savings, and 1 offering deals for military customers. You might also come across specials for teachers, students, or law enforcement. Always ask what’s available to get the best rate.
- Plan your move for the off-season. If possible, avoid the peak months and weekends, when movers are busiest and prices are higher.
- Book your move well in advance. Last-minute moves cost more, so if you plan ahead and book at least two months in advance, you’ll be paying less than if you waited until a couple weeks before your moving day.
- Handle packing yourself. Even if you go with a full-service mover for your Iowa move, you can save money by packing yourself instead of paying a company to do it for you.
- Handle packing yourself. Even if you go with a full-service mover for your Iowa move, you can save money by packing yourself instead of paying a company to do it for you.
What is the cheapest way to move in Iowa?
The most affordable way to move within Iowa is usually by going the DIY route. Depending on your situation in Iowa, renting a moving truck might be the cheapest choice, while for others, hiring a professional mover can sometimes be the smarter option.
When moving out of Iowa, it might seem like renting a truck would be the cheapest choice. However, longer moves often come with hidden costs — gas, mileage charges, meals, and hotel stays — that can end up making a full-service move more affordable than you think.
To find out what makes the most sense for you, check out our free moving cost calculator for instant, personalized quotes and side-by-side comparisons.
Don’t forget car shipping costs for long-distance Iowa moves
Professional car shippers will apply their years of know-how to help get your car to your new home as part of your long-distance move.
Here are the top car shippers in Iowa:
| Company | Our take | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus Auto Transport |
4.7 / 5
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| Sherpa Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| Montway Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| Navi Auto Transport |
4.4 / 5
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| SGT Auto Transport |
4.9 / 5
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