Local moving companies in Iowa
When relocating from Iowa to Lafayette, LA, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey.
Out of 32 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: 4.62 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 Lafayette, LA
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Iowa to Lafayette, LA with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,162 – $4,798 | $841 – $1,931 | $642 – $1,180 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,593 – $6,125 | $1,393 – $2,884 | $659 – $1,374 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,941 – $8,075 | $2,036 – $3,830 | $844 – $1,724 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 999-mile move from Iowa to Lafayette, LA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. Each month, moveBuddha updates thousands of vetted price points from nationwide moving companies to reflect seasonality and market trends. Your final total may vary with move size, add-on services, access or parking constraints, fuel costs, and scheduling. Comparing estimates from multiple movers is the best way to nail down accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Iowa to Lafayette, LA
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Lafayette, LA, you can expect to spend between $1,162 and $4,798. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,593 to $6,125 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home will typically run between $3,941 and $8,075.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Lafayette, LA
When moving from Iowa to Lafayette, LA, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $841 and $1,931. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,393 to $2,884. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,036 up to $3,830. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Lafayette, LA
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom from Iowa to Lafayette, LA, and are renting a truck, plan to spend between $642 and $1,180. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $659 and $1,374. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $844 and $1,724.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to Lafayette, LA
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 | ✓ | × | × | × |
Out of the 3,175 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 | 91% | 96% |
| Antiques | 40% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 2% | 3% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Iowa to Lafayette, LA
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in Lafayette, LA is really like compared to Iowa. From the cost of living and local culture to daily routines, we’ll guide you through the biggest lifestyle changes and must-see attractions to be aware of.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Lafayette, LA
| Iowa | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $2,825 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $214,264 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $59,490 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 5.8% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 4.25% |
Lafayette sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Lafayette is roughly 209% higher than in Iowa. You’ll need to plan for higher monthly rent.
- Home prices are about the same in Lafayette and Iowa, so the cost of buying a home should be in the same ballpark, but local market conditions may still affect your options.
- The average income is about 16% lower in Lafayette than in Iowa. It’s important to review your budget and plan accordingly.
- With unemployment 93% higher in Lafayette than Iowa, expect more competition for jobs. A focused job search will help you get ahead.
- Income taxes are very similar in Louisiana and Iowa, so your paycheck deductions should stay consistent, offering a level of financial predictability as you transition between states.
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 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- During the last presidential election, both Iowa and Lafayette supported the Republican candidate.
- Get set for summer temperatures reaching around 92ºF in Lafayette, hotter than the average 84ºF in Iowa. You’ll enjoy more sunshine and outdoor activities, but be ready for increased cooling costs and warmer days.
- During the coldest part of the year, Lafayette reaches a temperature of 61ºF while Iowa gets down to 10ºF. Relocating to Lafayette means you’ll enjoy milder winters, making daily life easier, more affordable, and better for spending time outside.
- Expect about 62 inches of rain each year in Lafayette—compared to just 35 inches in Iowa. With more rain comes greener scenery and wetter days, so get ready to adjust your routine and invest in some quality waterproof gear.
- Lafayette doesn’t get snow, while Iowa sees around 30 inches annually. Relocating to Lafayette means saying goodbye to shoveling and icy conditions, making winters far easier and more manageable.
- Lafayette has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 45.75 vs 16.18. A higher crime rate isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s your cue to research local safety measures and think about how it might affect your day-to-day life.
Things to do in Lafayette
From parks and museums to sports and top universities, Lafayette has a little bit of everything waiting for you.
Museums in Lafayette
- Lafayette Science Museum
- Acadian Cultural Center
- Children’s Museum of Acadiana
- Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum
- Lafayette Art Gallery
Parks in Lafayette
- Evangeline State Park
- Acadiana Park Nature Station
- Girard Park Center
Sports teams in Lafayette
- Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (Sun Belt)
Universities in Lafayette
- Acadiana Technical College Lafayette Campus
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- South Louisiana Community College
- University of Phoenix Lafayette
- Remington College Lafayette Campus
Other considerations when moving to Lafayette, LA
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to book your building’s elevator ahead of time and check on any moving rules they might have.
- Parking permits: Some cities make you get a parking permit for your moving truck, so remember to look up your new neighborhood’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 the moving company you use has a license before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Louisiana moving license directly 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: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your moving date so your mail will be forwarded to Louisiana without any delays. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: 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: Staying organized keeps your move stress-free. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay on top of every detail.
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.
The farther north you are in Iowa, the longer it’ll take to reach Lafayette. If you’re renting a truck, expect the trip to take one or two days on average, depending on your route and how many stops you make.
Delivery from Iowa to Lafayette can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Always ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Iowa to Lafayette?
If you’re gearing up for a 999-mile move from Iowa to Lafayette, lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. Booking your movers two to three months in advance helps you snag the best rates and ensures you get the date you want.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Lafayette, LA?
Summer in Lafayette can reach highs of 92°F, while winter temperatures can dip to 61°F. That’s why most people moving from Iowa to Lafayette opt for the milder spring or fall weather. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds—and possibly score a better price—think about moving in the off-season, even if you have to endure crazier temperatures. Need more help planning? Check out our tips on peak moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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