Local moving companies in Iowa
When you’re moving from Iowa to Durham, NC, make your move easy with one of the best local movers who know the ins and outs of relocating from the Hawkeye State to the vibrant City of The Viper.
Out of 32 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Durham, NC.
- 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 Durham, NC
This table details typical cost ranges to move from Iowa to Durham, NC, depending on your home size and the moving service selected.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,227 – $4,983 | $799 – $2,094 | $645 – $1,341 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,510 – $5,866 | $1,462 – $3,097 | $718 – $1,502 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,238 – $7,992 | $1,995 – $4,162 | $949 – $1,810 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,071-mile move from Iowa to Durham, NC using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes the data each month to capture seasonal shifts and market changes. Your actual cost can differ based on shipment size, extra services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers to gauge a fair price.
Cost to hire professional movers from Iowa to Durham, NC
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Durham, NC, typically costs between $1,227 and $4,983. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,510 and $5,866. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Iowa to Durham, NC, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,238 up to $7,992.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Durham, NC
When relocating from Iowa to Durham, NC, you’ll typically spend between $799 and $2,094 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,462 up to $3,097. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,995 and $4,162. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Durham, NC
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck from Iowa to Durham, NC, expect to pay between $645 and $1,341. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $718 to $1,502. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $949 and $1,810.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to Durham, NC
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 | ✓ | × | × | × |
After evaluating 3,175 movers, here’s how Iowa movers measure up to the countrywide competition in terms of offered 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 Durham, NC
Before packing your bags, it’s important to understand how life in Durham, NC differs from what you’re used to in Iowa. From the cost of living and cultural vibe to everyday experiences. We’ll walk you through key lifestyle differences and the top local attractions you can explore in your new hometown.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Durham, NC
| Iowa | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $1,699 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $391,719 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $69,117 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 99 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 4.1% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 4.5% |
Durham sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Durham is approximately 86% higher than in Iowa. Keep this in mind when planning your budget.
- Home prices are about 78% higher in Durham than in Iowa. It’s important to factor in increased costs for a down payment, property taxes, and overall homeownership expenses.
- Because income levels in Durham are comparable to those in Iowa, you can expect a similar financial situation in your new hometown.
- Even though unemployment in Durham is 37% higher than in Iowa, you’ll still find opportunities if you’re proactive. Start building your network early.
- Income tax rates are nearly the same in North Carolina and Iowa, which should make your financial transition smoother.
How life is different in Durham from Iowa
| Durham | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 283,506 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-48 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 46″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 4″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 54.72 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Iowa and Durham both voted Republican in the last election.
- Summer temperatures in Durham typically reach 89ºF, which is about the same as the average 84ºF you’re used to in Iowa. That means you won’t have to worry about a major heat increase. However, be sure to consider local humidity, weather patterns, and possible shifts in energy costs for a complete picture of what summer living will be like in your new home.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in Durham usually drop to around 30ºF, while in Iowa, they can fall as low as 10ºF. Moving to Durham 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.
- You can expect about 46 inches of annual rainfall in Durham vs only 35 inches in Iowa. More rainfall equates to lusher landscapes and rainier days, so you’ll want to make a few tweaks to your routine. Grab some waterproof gear before you move.
- In Durham, you’ll get about 4 inches of snow each year, far less than Iowa. That means moving to Durham will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
- Crime rates in Durham are higher than in Iowa, with a crime index of 54.72 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 Durham
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Durham.
Museums in Durham
- Museum of Life + Science
- Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
- Museum of Durham History
- V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection
- Golden Belt
Parks in Durham
- West Point on the Eno
- RollingView Falls Lake State Park
- Durham Central Park
- Historic Durham Athletic Park
- Forest Hills Park
Sports teams in Durham
- Duke University (ACC)
- Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball)
Universities in Durham
- Duke University
- North Carolina Central University
- Durham Technical Community College
Other considerations when moving to Durham, NC
- HOA rules: Before your move, double-check any neighborhood or community guidelines to help everything go smoothly.
- 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: Some cities require a parking permit for your moving truck, so check your new neighborhood’s regulations before moving day.
- State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Double-check that your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to settle in North Carolina, but it’s a smart idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- 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 North Carolina on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized is key to a stress-free move. Our moving checklist helps you stay on track, so you don’t miss a single detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Iowa to Durham take?
The time it takes to move from Iowa to Durham, NC depends on where you’re starting and the kind of moving option you choose. No matter which route you go, packing and loading your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it all on your own.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in Iowa, the longer the drive time to Durham 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.
Depending on the company’s schedule and shipping logistics, delivery from Iowa to Durham can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re using professional movers or a moving container. Be sure to ask for an estimated timeline before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Iowa to Durham?
If you’re planning a 1,071-mile move from Iowa to Durham, it’s a good idea to schedule your moving date as soon as your plans are confirmed. To get the best rates and secure your preferred date, aim to book your movers two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Durham, NC?
Summer temperatures in Durham can soar to 89°F, while winters can get as chilly as 30°F. That’s why most people making the move from Iowa to Durham prefer the milder weather of spring or fall. But if you’re hoping to dodge the crowds and maybe snag a better deal, consider moving during summer or winter. Sure, you’ll have to handle a bit more heat or cold, but it could be worth it. Want more advice? Check out our tips on peak moving season.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!