Local moving companies in Iowa
When you are heading from Iowa to St. Paul, MN, 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 St. Paul, MN.
- 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 St. Paul, MN
See the table below for average move cost ranges from Iowa to St. Paul, MN, organized by service type and the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $902 – $2,984 | $602 – $1,352 | $296 – $492 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,601 – $4,286 | $1,114 – $2,027 | $296 – $638 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,120 – $5,877 | $1,454 – $2,536 | $389 – $693 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 250-mile move from Iowa to St. Paul, MN 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 St. Paul, MN
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Iowa to St. Paul, MN, will cost between $902 and $2,984. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,601 to $4,286, and a large move will cost from $2,120 to $5,877.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to St. Paul, MN
If you’re moving from Iowa to St. Paul, MN, expect to pay between $602 and $1,352 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,114 up to $2,027. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,454 and $2,536. 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 St. Paul, MN
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 St. Paul, MN, with a rental truck, expect to spend between $296 and $492. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $296 and $638. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $389 up to $693 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to St. Paul, MN
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 St. Paul, MN
Before you break out the moving boxes, let’s compare life in St. Paul, MN 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. St. Paul, MN
| Iowa | St. Paul | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $1,350 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $278,221 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $63,483 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 102 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 4.9% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 9.85% |
St. Paul sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in St. Paul is about 48% higher than in Iowa, so make sure to budget extra for your monthly rent.
- In St. Paul, expect home prices to be about 26% higher than in Iowa. Get ready for a bigger down payment, increased property taxes, and higher overall homeownership expenses.
- Salaries in St. Paul are usually about 10% lower than in Iowa. Make sure to review your finances and adjust your budget before you relocate.
- Unemployment in St. Paul is about 63% 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 Minnesota come in about 124% higher than in Iowa, which can reduce how much of your earnings you actually keep.
How life is different in St. Paul from Iowa
| St. Paul | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,176 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 83ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 7ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 32″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 52″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 50.86 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, St. Paul voted Democratic, while Iowa voted Republican.
- Summers in St. Paul usually hit highs of 83ºF, right in line with the average 84ºF you’re used to in Iowa. So, you can expect a smooth transition in terms of temperature. Still, don’t forget to factor in the local humidity, typical weather patterns, and changes in energy costs to get a full sense of what summer will really feel like in your new place.
- In the coldest months, St. Paul typically drops to lows of 7ºF. That’s pretty similar to Iowa, where temperatures reach 10ºF. Thankfully, you’ll experience predictable costs with few winter weather–related interruptions to your day-to-day life.
- You’ll get about 32 inches of rain each year in St. Paul, which is pretty close to the 35 inches you’re familiar with in Iowa. However, even with similar rainfall totals, don’t be surprised if shifts in weather patterns and rainfall timing shake up your daily routine.
- Each year, St. Paul sees about 52 inches of snowfall, while Iowa averages just 30 inches. With more snow comes stunning winter scenery and plenty of outdoor fun, but also the need for extra preparation and warm gear.
- Crime rates in St. Paul are higher than in Iowa, with a crime index of 50.86 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 St. Paul
Whether you love scenic parks, world-class museums, thrilling sports, or renowned universities, St. Paul truly offers something for everyone.
Museums in St. Paul
- Science Museum of Minnesota
- Minnesota History Center
- Historic Fort Snelling
- James J. Hill House
- Minnesota Children’s Museum
Parks in St. Paul
- Rice Park
- Mears Park
- Harriet Island Regional Park
- Indian Mounds Regional Park
- Lilydale Regional Park
Sports teams in St. Paul
- Minnesota Wild (NHL)
- St. Paul Saints (MiLB)
- St. Paul Twin Stars (NPSL)
- Minnesota United FC (MLS)
- Minnesota Whitecaps (PHF)
Universities in St. Paul
- Saint Catherine University
- Concordia University
- Hamline University
- Macalester College,
- University of St. Thomas
Other considerations when moving to St. Paul, MN
- 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: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Be sure to confirm your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: Verify your Minnesota moving license on the state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Minnesota 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 Minnesota right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives 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 St. Paul take?
How long it takes to move from Iowa to St. Paul, MN 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 St. Paul? 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 St. Paul 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 St. Paul?
With a 250-mile move from Iowa to St. Paul, 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 St. Paul, MN?
Summer highs in St. Paul can hit 83°F, while winter lows drop to 7°F. That’s why most people moving from Iowa to St. Paul 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
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