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Local moving companies in Iowa
When relocating from Iowa to Columbus, GA, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey from the Hawkeye State to the lively Lowell of the South[. We’ve rounded up moving companies that specialize in making your move smooth and simple, so you can focus on settling into your new home.
Out of 20 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Columbus, GA.
- 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 Columbus, Georgia:
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 Columbus, GA
Before you start packing, let’s explore what life in Columbus, GA has in store compared to Iowa. We’ll break down everything from the cost of living and local culture to spots you don’t want to miss.
Cost of living: Iowa vs Columbus, GA
| Iowa | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $1,100 |
| Average home value | $220,277 | $157,861 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $50,542 |
| Unemployment rate | 3% | 5% |
| State income tax | 4% | 5% |
Columbus sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 20% more expensive in Columbus than in Iowa, so be sure to plan ahead and allocate additional funds for both your move-in expenses and ongoing monthly rent.
- Home prices are about 28% lower in Columbus than in Iowa, which could make buying a home more affordable.
- The average income is about 28% lower in Columbus than in Iowa. It’s important to review your budget and plan accordingly.
- Although unemployment rates in Columbus are about 77% higher than Iowa, plenty of job opportunities still exist. Be strategic in your job hunt and consider networking early.
- Income taxes are 25% higher in Columbus than in Iowa. It will be important to factor that into your budget and adjust for a potentially smaller paycheck.
How life is different in Columbus from Iowa
| Columbus | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 206,922 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 92ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 49" | 35" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 30" |
| Crime index | 72.18 | 16.18 |
Columbus sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Columbus leaned Democratic, while Iowa went Republican.
- Expect summer highs around 92°F in Columbus, compared to an average of 84°F 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.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in Columbus generally drop to around 35ºF, while Iowa can get as cold as 10ºF. Moving to Columbus means you’ll enjoy gentler winters, which makes daily life easier, more affordable, and more pleasant.
- You can expect about 49 inches of rain each year in Columbus, significantly more than the 35 inches you’re used to in Iowa. That extra rain comes with lusher landscapes and wetter days, so it’s a good idea to grab some quality waterproof gear and embrace the new climate.
- In Columbus, you’ll get just 0 inches of snow each year, far less than the 30 inches you’re accustomed to in Iowa. With gentler winters, you can expect less shoveling, safer roads, and fewer cold-weather hassles. If you’re hoping for a milder winter, Columbus is a smart move.
- Crime rates in Columbus are higher than in Iowa, with a crime index of 72.18 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 Columbus
From parks and museums to sports and top universities, Columbus has a little bit of everything waiting for you.
Museums in Columbus
Parks in Columbus
Sports Teams in Columbus
Universities in Columbus
Other considerations when moving to Columbus, GA
- Weather: Columbus has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
- 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: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they're properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Georgia moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to settle in Georgia, 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 Georgia right on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Insurance rules vary from state to state. Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover's responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- 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 Columbus take?
The time frame for a move from Iowa to Columbus, GA, 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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus?
Because of the 1000-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Iowa to Columbus 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 Columbus, GA?
With the summer highs of 92ºF and the winter lows of 35ºF, most people move to Columbus 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 Columbus during summer or winter.
