Local moving companies in Iowa
When making the move from Iowa to Modesto, CA, you’ll want skilled movers who know how to make the process easier.
Out of 32 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Modesto, CA.
- 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 Modesto, CA
The following table outlines average cost ranges for moves from Iowa to Modesto, CA, by home size and moving service.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,307 – $4,741 | $1,038 – $2,804 | $1,004 – $2,093 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,282 – $7,252 | $1,946 – $3,827 | $1,143 – $2,395 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,792 – $10,386 | $2,739 – $5,197 | $1,370 – $2,872 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,822-mile move from Iowa to Modesto, CA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of authenticated price data points from movers nationwide and updates them monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market dynamics. Your end price can vary by shipment size, added services, parking/access limitations, fuel costs, and timing. We suggest comparing several mover quotes to confirm pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Iowa to Modesto, CA
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Iowa to Modesto, CA, you can expect prices to land between $1,307 and $4,741. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,282 to $7,252. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $5,792 and $10,386.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Modesto, CA
Moving containers from Iowa to Modesto, CA, will cost you $1,038 to $2,804 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,946 to $3,827. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,739 to $5,197. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Modesto, CA
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,004 and $2,093 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Iowa to Modesto, CA with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,143 to $2,395. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,370 to $2,872.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to Modesto, CA
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 | ✓ | × | × | × |
Considering the 3,175 movers we’ve assessed, take a look at how Iowa movers compare against the national average for services and discounts provided:
| 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 Modesto, CA
Before you grab the packing tape, let’s see how life in Modesto, CA 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. Modesto, CA
| Iowa | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $1,800 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $442,362 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $67,011 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 116 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 8.0% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 13.3% |
Modesto sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 97% more expensive in Modesto than in Iowa, so be sure to plan ahead and allocate additional funds.
- In Modesto, home prices run about 101% higher than in Iowa. Be prepared for a larger down payment, steeper property taxes, and higher overall homeownership costs.
- With comparable income levels in Modesto compared to Iowa, you shouldn’t have to make any major changes to your budget.
- Unemployment in Modesto runs 167% above Iowa, so be proactive with networking and applications.
- Income taxes in California are 202% higher than in Iowa, leaving you with less take-home pay to cover expenses or save.
How life is different in Modesto from Iowa
| Modesto | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 13″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Modesto voted Democratic and Iowa voted Republican.
- Summer temperatures in Modesto typically reach 94ºF, while in Iowa, highs average around 84ºF. Warmer weather means more sunshine and outdoor fun, but you’ll want to prepare for bigger cooling costs and hotter days.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in Modesto generally drop to around 39ºF, while Iowa can get as cold as 10ºF. Moving to Modesto means you’ll enjoy gentler winters, which makes daily life easier, more affordable, and more pleasant.
- In Modesto, you’ll get just 13 inches of rain annually, less than the 35 inches you typically see in Iowa. With all the extra sunshine, you’ll have more opportunities to explore your new surroundings. This sunnier forecast is the perfect way to start your next chapter.
- Modesto doesn’t get snow, while Iowa sees around 30 inches annually. Relocating to Modesto means saying goodbye to shoveling and icy conditions, making winters far easier and more manageable.
- Crime rates in Modesto are higher than in Iowa, with a crime index of 65.76 versus 16.18. This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s worth researching local safety and thinking about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Modesto
From beautiful parks and intriguing museums to thrilling sports and excellent universities, Modesto can meet a wide variety of interests.
Museums in Modesto
- Great Valley Museum
- McHenry Museum
- Mistlin Gallery
Parks in Modesto
- Tuolumne River Trail
Sports teams in Modesto
- Modesto Nuts (California League)
Universities in Modesto
- Modesto Junior College
- Community Business College
Other considerations when moving to Modesto, CA
- HOA rules: Before moving day, you should review your neighborhood or community guidelines to avoid any surprises.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new local regulations beforehand.
- 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 check your California moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to relocate to California, but you should check local parking regulations ahead of moving day.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so all of your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: 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 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 Modesto take?
The time it takes to move from Iowa to Modesto, CA varies based on where you’re starting and the type of move you pick. No matter which option you choose, loading up your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it on your own.
If you’re heading to Modesto from northern Iowa, expect a longer trip. When you rent a truck, budget one to two days for the drive, depending on your route and how many stops you make along the way.
Moving your belongings from Iowa to Modesto typically takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Make sure to ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Iowa to Modesto?
Because of the 1,822-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Iowa to Modesto 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 Modesto, CA?
With summer temperatures reaching 94°F and winter nights dipping to 39°F, most people make the move from Iowa to Modesto in the spring or fall. If you want to skip the crowds during peak moving seasons and potentially save some cash, consider scheduling your move in the summer or winter instead.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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