Local moving companies in Iowa
When relocating from Iowa to Grand Rapids, MI, 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 Grand Rapids, MI.
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Action Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 70
DOT #: 70719
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: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 299154
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
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: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Iowa to Grand Rapids, MI
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Iowa to Grand Rapids, MI with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,039 – $3,139 | $659 – $1,537 | $387 – $736 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,842 – $5,247 | $1,132 – $2,228 | $429 – $840 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,524 – $7,088 | $1,506 – $2,888 | $534 – $972 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 478-mile move from Iowa to Grand Rapids, MI using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Jan 17, 2026. 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 Grand Rapids, MI
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Grand Rapids, MI, you can expect to spend between $1,039 and $3,139. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,842 to $5,247 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home will typically run between $3,524 and $7,088.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Grand Rapids, MI
When moving from Iowa to Grand Rapids, MI, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $659 and $1,537. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,132 to $2,228. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,506 up to $2,888. 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 Grand Rapids, MI
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 Grand Rapids, MI, and are renting a truck, plan to spend between $387 and $736. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $429 and $840. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $534 and $972.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to Grand Rapids, MI
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Action Moving & Storage, Inc. | × | ✓ | × | × |
| White Glove Movers | ✓ | × | × | × |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
Out of the 3,179 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% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Iowa to Grand Rapids, MI
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in Grand Rapids, MI 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. Grand Rapids, MI
| Iowa | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $1,659 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $328,256 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $63,299 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 94 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 4.3% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 4.25% |
Grand Rapids sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Grand Rapids is roughly 82% higher than in Iowa. You’ll need to plan for higher monthly rent.
- Home prices in Grand Rapids are approximately 49% higher than in Iowa. Be sure to budget for a larger down payment, higher property taxes, and increased overall homeownership costs.
- The average income is about 10% lower in Grand Rapids than in Iowa. It’s important to review your budget and plan accordingly.
- With unemployment 43% higher in Grand Rapids than Iowa, expect more competition for jobs. A focused job search will help you get ahead.
- Income taxes are very similar in Michigan 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 Grand Rapids from Iowa
| Grand Rapids | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,893 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 48.3-49.7 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 37″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 64″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 44.23 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Grand Rapids voted Democratic, while Iowa was Republican.
- Summer in Grand Rapids usually hits around 82ºF, pretty similar to the 84ºF you’re used to in Iowa. While you won’t face a dramatic change in temperature, you should still keep factors like local humidity, weather trends, and changes to energy costs in mind as you prepare for summer at your new home.
- During the coldest part of the year, Grand Rapids reaches a temperature of 17ºF while Iowa gets down to 10ºF. Relocating to Grand Rapids means you’ll enjoy milder winters, making daily life easier, more affordable, and better for spending time outside.
- You’ll get about 37 inches of rain each year in Grand Rapids, pretty similar to the 35 inches you’re used to in Iowa. The overall rainfall might not change much, but the timing and patterns could still impact your day-to-day life.
- Every year, Grand Rapids gets around 64 inches of snow, much more than the 30 inches that Iowa typically sees. With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter.
- Grand Rapids has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 44.23 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 Grand Rapids
From parks and museums to sports and top universities, Grand Rapids has a little bit of everything waiting for you.
Museums in Grand Rapids
- Gerald R. Ford Museum
- Grand Rapids Public Museum
- Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
- Grand Rapids Art Museum
- Urban Institute For Contemporary Arts
Parks in Grand Rapids
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park
- Blandford Nature Center Richmond Park
- Riverside Park
- Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park
Sports teams in Grand Rapids
- Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)
Universities in Grand Rapids
- Aquinas College
- Calvin University
- Cornerstone University
- Grace Christian University
- Kuyper College
Other considerations when moving to Grand Rapids, MI
- 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: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Michigan moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to Michigan, 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 Michigan without any delays. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- 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 Grand Rapids take?
The time frame for a move from Iowa to Grand Rapids, MI, 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 Grand Rapids. 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 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids?
If you’re gearing up for a 478-mile move from Iowa to Grand Rapids, 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 Grand Rapids, MI?
Summer in Grand Rapids can reach highs of 82°F, while winter temperatures can dip to 17°F. That’s why most people moving from Iowa to Grand Rapids 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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