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Local moving companies in Iowa
When making the move from Iowa to Long Beach, CA, 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 Aquatic Capital of America, 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 Long Beach, CA.
- 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 Long Beach, California:
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 2,887 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 Long Beach, CA
Before you break out the moving boxes, let’s compare life in Long Beach, CA to what you’re used to in Iowa. We’ll dive into things like cost of living, local culture, everyday routines, and the area’s most popular spots.
Cost of living: Iowa vs Long Beach, CA
| Iowa | Long Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $2,075 |
| Average home value | $220,277 | $835,800 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $78,995 |
| Unemployment rate | 3% | 5% |
| State income tax | 4% | 13% |
Long Beach sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Long Beach is about 127% higher than in Iowa. Be sure to factor in the higher move-in costs and monthly rent when budgeting for your move.
- Expect home prices in Long Beach to be about 279% higher than in Iowa. Plan ahead for a bigger down payment, higher property taxes, and increased overall costs of owning a home.
- Salaries in Long Beach are typically 12% higher than in Iowa. That extra income can make it easier to manage your living costs or boost your savings.
- Unemployment in Long Beach is about 73% higher than in Iowa, but you can still land a great job by being proactive. Get a head start on networking and stay focused on the job hunt.
- Income taxes in Long Beach are 202% higher than in Iowa, so keep this in mind when you’re budgeting. Your take-home pay might be a bit less.
How life is different in Long Beach from Iowa
| Long Beach | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 451,307 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 79ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 14" | 35" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 30" |
| Crime index | 58.58 | 16.18 |
Long Beach sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Long Beach voted Democratic, while Iowa leaned Republican.
- During summer, Long Beach enjoys average highs of just 79°F, while Iowa typically reaches 84°F. Relocating to a cooler spot means you’ll dodge the heat, cut down on energy costs, and get to enjoy more time outside.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in Long Beach usually drop to around 46°F, while in Iowa, they can fall as low as 10°F. Moving to Long Beach means you’ll enjoy milder winters, which makes daily life more comfortable, helps you save on heating costs, and lets you spend more time outdoors.
- In Long Beach, you’ll enjoy just 14 inches of rain each year, significantly less than the 35 inches you’re used to back in Iowa. With more sunny days ahead, you’ll have plenty of chances to get out, discover your new neighborhood, and make yourself at home. A sunnier climate is a great way to kick off your new adventure.
- In Long Beach, you’ll only get 0 inches of snow each year, far less than the 30 inches you’re used to in Iowa. That means milder winters, less shoveling, safer roads, and fewer hassles from the cold. If you’re craving easier winters, Long Beach is the place for you.
- Crime rates in Long Beach are higher than in Iowa, with a crime index of 58.58 versus 16.18. This doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, but it’s smart to research local safety insights and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Long Beach
From beautiful parks and intriguing museums to thrilling sports and excellent universities, Long Beach can meet a wide variety of interests.
Museums in Long Beach
Parks in Long Beach
Universities in Long Beach
Other considerations when moving to Long Beach, CA
- Weather: Long Beach has hot summers and mild to warm winters with occasional rainfall.
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Elevator reservation: One thing you’ll want to take care of early is reserving your building’s elevator and finding out any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: In some cities, you'll need a parking permit for your moving truck, so be sure to look up your new area's rules before moving day.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify your California moving license status right on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to California, but it’s wise to check local parking regulations ahead of time.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You’ll be able to select your move date so your mail gets forwarded to California on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Insurance requirements differ depending on the state. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind matters. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.
FAQ
How long does a move from Iowa to Long Beach take?
The time frame for a move from Iowa to Long Beach, CA, 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach?
Because of the 1737-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Iowa to Long Beach 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 Long Beach, CA?
With the summer highs of 79ºF and the winter lows of 46ºF, most people move to Long Beach 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 Long Beach during summer or winter.
