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Local moving companies in Iowa
When relocating from Iowa to Lafayette, LA, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey from the Hawkeye State to the lively Hub City. 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 Lafayette, LA.
- 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 Lafayette, Louisiana:
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 Lafayette, LA
Before you grab the packing tape, let’s see how life in Lafayette, LA 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 Lafayette, LA
| Iowa | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $2,825 |
| Average home value | $220,277 | $214,264 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $59,490 |
| Unemployment rate | 3% | 6% |
| State income tax | 4% | 4% |
Lafayette sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Lafayette is about 209% higher than in Iowa, so make sure to budget extra for your move-in costs and monthly rent.
- Buying a home in Lafayette could be more affordable, with prices averaging 3% less than in Iowa.
- On average, incomes in Lafayette are about 16% lower than in Iowa. Make sure to review your finances and adjust your budget before you move.
- Even though unemployment in Lafayette is about 93% higher than in Iowa, you’ll still find opportunities if you’re proactive. Start building your network early and approach your job search with a smart strategy.
- Income taxes are 3% lower in Lafayette compared to Iowa. This could help you save more, pay off debt sooner, or give you extra wiggle room in your budget.
How life is different in Lafayette from Iowa
| Lafayette | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,374 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 60-38 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 92ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 61ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 62" | 35" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 30" |
| Crime index | 45.75 | 16.18 |
Lafayette sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The last presidential election saw both Iowa and Lafayette siding with the Republican party.
- Get set for summer temperatures reaching around 92°F in Lafayette, hotter than the average 84°F in Iowa. You’ll enjoy more sunshine and outdoor activities, but be ready for increased cooling costs and warmer days.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in Lafayette usually drop to around 61°F, while in Iowa, they can fall as low as 10°F. Moving to Lafayette 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.
- Expect around 62 inches of rain each year in Lafayette, which is quite a bit more than the 35 inches you're used to back in Iowa. With the extra rainfall comes lusher landscapes and more rainy days, so be sure to add rain gear to your wardrobe and get ready to embrace life in a wetter, greener setting.
- In Lafayette, 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, Lafayette is the place for you.
- Crime rates in Lafayette are higher than in Iowa, with a crime index of 45.75 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 Lafayette
From beautiful parks and fascinating museums to exciting sports and stellar universities, Lafayette really has something for everyone.
Museums in Lafayette
Parks in Lafayette
Sports Teams in Lafayette
Universities in Lafayette
Other considerations when moving to Lafayette, LA
- Weather: It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.
- 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: If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify your Louisiana moving license status right on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to Louisiana, 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 Louisiana on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Insurance requirements differ depending on the state. Choose Released Value Protection for free coverage at 60 cents per pound from movers. For full-value protection, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- 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 Lafayette take?
The time frame for a move from Iowa to Lafayette, LA, 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette?
Because of the 999-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Iowa to Lafayette 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 Lafayette, LA?
With the summer highs of 92ºF and the winter lows of 61ºF, most people move to Lafayette 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 Lafayette during summer or winter.
