Fact Checked by: 
Industry-trained crews
Local moving companies in Iowa
When making the move from Iowa to Mobile, AL, you’ll want skilled movers who know how to make the process easier. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top local moving companies that specialize in relocations from the Hawkeye State to the vibrant Port City, ensuring your move is as smooth as possible.
Out of 20 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Mobile, AL.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Action Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Key City Moving & Storage: 4.58 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: 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: 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: 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
Company Info
Years in Business: 114
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
Comparing local moving companies from Iowa to Mobile, Alabama:
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 | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Action Moving & Storage, Inc. | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| White Glove Movers | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Key City Moving & Storage | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Out of the 2,886 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 | 90% | 97% |
| Antiques | 47% | 48% |
| Military Discount | 3% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Iowa to Mobile, AL
Before you grab the packing tape, let’s see how life in Mobile, AL 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 Mobile, AL
| Iowa | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $1,300 |
| Average home value | $220,277 | $186,159 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $61,962 |
| Unemployment rate | 3% | 6% |
| State income tax | 4% | 5% |
Mobile sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Mobile is about 42% higher than in Iowa. Be sure to factor this into your budget, since both your move-in costs and monthly rent will be higher.
- Moving to Mobile means you'll spend about 15% less on housing compared to Iowa, so your budget will go further.
- Expect salaries in Mobile to be approximately 12% lower than in Iowa. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making your move.
- Unemployment in Mobile is about 107% higher than in Iowa. Still, you can snag a great job by being proactive. Start networking early and hit the ground running on your job hunt.
- Income taxes in Mobile are 14% higher than in Iowa, so keep this in mind when you’re mapping out your budget. Your take-home pay might be a bit less than what you’re used to.
How life is different in Mobile from Iowa
| Mobile | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 187,041 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 55-43 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 66" | 35" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 30" |
| Crime index | 64.95 | 16.18 |
Mobile sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both Iowa and Mobile voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Mobile is 91ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF. A hotter summer brings more sunshine and chances to enjoy the outdoors, but you might need to adjust your routine, brace for higher cooling bills, and get used to a warmer way of life.
- During the coldest part of the year, Mobile reaches a temperature of 38ºF while Iowa gets down to 10ºF. Relocating to Mobile means you’ll enjoy milder winters, making daily life easier, more affordable, and better for spending time outside.
- You can expect about 66 inches of annual rainfall in Mobile vs only35 inches of rainfall 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 Mobile, it only snows about 0 inches annually vs the30 inches of snow in Iowa that you are likely used to. Moving to Mobile, with less snow, means less maintenance and fewer winter-weather events, making it perfect it you prefer a milder winter season.
- Mobile has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 64.95 vs 16.18. A higher crime rate isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s your cue to research local safety measures and think about how it might affect your day-to-day life.
Things to do in Mobile
From parks and museums to sports and top universities, Mobile has a little bit of everything waiting for you.
Museums in Mobile
Parks in Mobile
Sports Teams in Mobile
Universities in Mobile
Other considerations when moving to Mobile, AL
- Weather: October, April and November are the most pleasant months in Mobile, so consider this in your plans in moving to Mobile City. Mobile City experiences extreme heat on summer and rainy days on winter.
- HOA rules: Before your move, double-check any neighborhood or community guidelines to help everything go smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Something you’ll want to sort out early is booking your building’s elevator and checking their rules for moving.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new local regulations beforehand.
- State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they're properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Alabama moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to settle in Alabama, but it’s a smart idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, so your mail will be forwarded to Alabama right on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Insurance rules vary from state to state. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- 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 Mobile take?
The time frame for a move from Iowa to Mobile, AL, 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.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in Iowa, the longer the drive time to Mobile 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.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Mobile from Iowa can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Iowa to Mobile?
Because of the 976-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Iowa to Mobile 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 Mobile, AL?
With the summer highs of 91ºF and the winter lows of 38ºF, most people move to Mobile 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 Mobile during summer or winter.
