Local moving companies in Iowa
When you are heading from Iowa to Ontario, CA, you deserve movers who make your transition simple and stress-free.
Out of 32 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Ontario, 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 Ontario, CA
See the table below for average move cost ranges from Iowa to Ontario, CA, organized by service type and the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,209 – $4,782 | $1,073 – $2,567 | $1,005 – $1,911 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,202 – $6,735 | $1,820 – $3,865 | $1,033 – $2,341 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,350 – $9,501 | $2,559 – $4,978 | $1,370 – $2,836 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,689-mile move from Iowa to Ontario, CA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. Every month, moveBuddha refreshes thousands of verified pricing entries from moving companies around the country to mirror seasonal changes and market trends. Final costs may shift with the scale of your move, selected add-ons, parking or access constraints, fuel rates, and schedule. Get multiple quotes to ensure you’re seeing accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Iowa to Ontario, CA
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Ontario, CA, will cost between $1,209 and $4,782. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,202 to $6,735, and a large move will cost from $5,350 to $9,501.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Ontario, CA
If you’re moving from Iowa to Ontario, CA, expect to pay between $1,073 and $2,567 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,820 up to $3,865. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,559 and $4,978. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Ontario, CA
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Iowa to Ontario, CA, with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,005 and $1,911. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,033 and $2,341. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,370 up to $2,836 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to Ontario, 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 | ✓ | × | × | × |
From our review of 3,175 movers, see how Iowa movers match up to the nationwide percentage of movers offering 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 Ontario, CA
Before you break out the moving boxes, let’s compare life in Ontario, 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. Ontario, CA
| Iowa | Ontario | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $2,619 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $668,089 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $71,908 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 119 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 6.9% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 13.3% |
Ontario sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Ontario is about 187% higher than in Iowa, so make sure to budget extra for your monthly rent.
- In Ontario, expect home prices to be about 203% higher than in Iowa. Get ready for a bigger down payment, increased property taxes, and higher overall homeownership expenses.
- Since income levels in Ontario are similar to those in Iowa, your budget shouldn’t take a hit during your move.
- Unemployment in Ontario is about 130% higher than in Iowa, so the job market may be more competitive. Be strategic in your job hunt and consider networking early.
- Income taxes in California come in about 202% higher than in Iowa, which can reduce how much of your earnings you actually keep.
How life is different in Ontario from Iowa
| Ontario | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 175,265 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 92ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 16″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 50.25 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Ontario voted Democratic, while Iowa voted Republican.
- Expect summer highs around 92ºF in Ontario, compared to an average of 84ºF in Iowa. With the extra sunshine comes more opportunities for outdoor fun, but be ready for higher cooling bills and a warmer day-to-day experience.
- In the coldest months, temperatures in Ontario typically reach lows of about 43ºF, while Iowa can dip as low as 10ºF. By moving to Ontario, you’ll start to experience milder winters, making everyday life more comfortable, saving money, and giving you more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
- In Ontario, you’ll enjoy just 16 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.
- Ontario doesn’t get snow, while Iowa sees around 30 inches annually. Relocating to Ontario means saying goodbye to shoveling and icy conditions, making winters far easier and more manageable.
- Crime rates in Ontario are higher than in Iowa, with a crime index of 50.25 compared to 16.18. While this doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, it’s a good idea to look into local crime data and consider how it could impact your everyday life.
Things to do in Ontario
Whether you love scenic parks, world-class museums, thrilling sports, or renowned universities, Ontario truly offers something for everyone.
Museums in Ontario
- Museum of History and Art, Ontario
Parks in Ontario
- Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park
Sports teams in Ontario
- Ontario Reign (Hockey)
- Ontario Professional Baseball (Dodgers Affiliate – 2026)
Universities in Ontario
- University of La Verne
Other considerations when moving to Ontario, CA
- HOA rules: Check into any neighborhood or community rules on moving ahead of time to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: Something you’ll want to sort out early is booking your building’s elevator and checking their rules for moving.
- 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. Be sure to confirm your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: Verify your California moving license on the state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it’s helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- 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 California right on time. 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 matters. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.
FAQ
How long does a move from Iowa to Ontario take?
How long it takes to move from Iowa to Ontario, CA depends on your starting point and the type of move you select. Regardless of your choice, packing and loading your belongings usually only takes a day or less, even when you’re doing it yourself.
Planning a move from northern Iowa to Ontario? Be prepared for a longer haul. If you’re renting a truck, set aside one to two days for the journey. Your travel time will depend on your route and how many breaks you take.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Ontario 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 Ontario?
With a 1,689-mile move from Iowa to Ontario, it’s smart to lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. For the best availability and pricing, try to book your move two to three months in advance.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Ontario, CA?
Summer highs in Ontario can hit 92°F, while winter lows drop to 43°F. That’s why most people moving from Iowa to Ontario choose the milder spring or fall months. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and maybe save some money, try planning your move for the summer or winter instead, even if it means braving a little extra heat or cold. Check out more tips on peak moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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