Local moving companies in Iowa

When you are heading from Iowa to Durham, NC, you deserve movers who make your transition simple and stress-free. We’ve handpicked the best local moving companies with expertise in moves from the Hawkeye State to the City of The Viper, so your journey is seamless from start to finish.

Out of 20 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Durham, NC.

  1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. White Glove Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  3. Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  4. Key City Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  5. Action Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/TwoMenAndATruckDesMoines, https://twitter.com/TwoMenDesMoines
92% of all reviews were positive
8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Two Men and a Truck earns its reputation for being fast, careful, and professional, with 92% of customer feedback praising efficient service, attention to detail, and courteous movers. Most people said the crews worked quickly, handled belongings with care, communicated well, and made moving less stressful. Many customers noted the movers were polite, helpful, and followed directions accurately, setting them apart from less organized competitors.
Some even reported coming in under budget due to team efficiency, and highlighted transparent pricing and great office support. Negative feedback primarily cited issues with item damage, inexperienced movers, and unexpected costs. A small number of reviewers mentioned poor packing, lack of effort to resolve damages, and occasional rude remarks, especially in more complex moves. While damage to belongings arose more often than other negatives, the vast majority of feedback still positions this company as one of the most reliably consistent options for moving services in the region.
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Get a Quote (515) 216-3654

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
https://www.facebook.com/whiteglovemoverscr, https://twitter.com/whiteglovemoves?lang=ar-x-fm
94% of all reviews were positive
6% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving should be easier, and White Glove Movers makes that happen for most customers. After analyzing 229 pieces of customer feedback, 94% rate their services positively. Customers consistently report efficient service, professionalism, careful handling, and speed.
Crews are known for being friendly, polite, and willing to accommodate special requests. Pricing is accurate with many moves completed under estimate. Some feedback highlights excellent teamwork, prompt arrivals, and a stress-free process—a performance level that sets this company apart from many moving providers. Yet, a small but steady number of negative experiences cite damaged items, unprofessional behavior during complaints, and misplaced boxes or belongings. Customers who face problems often mention difficulty getting fair resolutions or compensation. White Glove Movers ranks high for efficiency and professionalism, but prospective customers who need extra care for valuables or complex claims should discuss expectations up front.
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Get a Quote (319) 393-3000

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
https://www.facebook.com/Claeysbrothers/?ref=hl, https://twitter.com/claeysbrothers?lang=en
78% of all reviews were positive
22% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Service that’s speedy, skilled, and careful stands out at Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc. From 27 reviews, 78% praised the team’s professionalism, gentle handling, efficiency, strong recommendation rates, and affordable prices. Several customers noted the crew’s friendly attitude, thorough organization, and prompt communication, putting this company ahead of many competitors who struggle with reliability or responsiveness.
Negative feedback (22%) centered on damaged items, surprise charges, and complaints about packing quality. While most customers highlight positive outcomes and attentive service, a few experienced carelessness handling belongings and confusion over costs. The majority of feedback shows Claeys Brothers consistently delivers fast, careful moves with a respected and courteous crew.
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Get a Quote (712) 252-1335

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
https://www.facebook.com/KeyCityMoving/,
94% of all reviews were positive
4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about Key City Moving & Storage's professionalism, careful handling of belongings, fast work, and friendly, polite staff. Feedback highlights efficient moves with recommendations from customers who appreciated quick, damage-free delivery and excellent communication. Negative input focuses on unhelpful phone interactions and lack of follow-up on quotes.
With 48 reviews analyzed and nearly 94% expressing satisfaction, the company stands out for providing a stress-free and reliable moving experience, outperforming many competitors who often receive more mixed input. Only a small portion of input referenced unfriendly customer service, a rare concern based on the high number of positive responses.
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Get a Quote (563) 582-3237

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
https://www.facebook.com/ActionMovingInc/,
90% of all reviews were positive
8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customer feedback for Action Moving & Storage, Inc. paints a picture of a company known for fast, polite, and attentive movers. Out of 178 inputs analyzed, 90% were positive—an exceptional rate that puts them ahead of many competitors in the moving industry. Highlights include swift and careful handling of items, consistently friendly and professional crews, and strong communication from office staff like Stephanie.
Many noted their belongings arrived undamaged and that rates were fair. A few clients did report problems, most commonly with lost or damaged items and challenges with the insurance claim process. Still, the company's efficiency, strong work ethic, and reliability earn them frequent recommendations and repeat business from individuals, families, and organizations. The few negative voices serve as a reminder to remain vigilant about item tracking and claims but do not overshadow the company's reputation for dependable and thoughtful service.
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Get a Quote (712) 252-1938

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

Comparing local moving companies from Iowa to Durham, North Carolina:

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
White Glove Movers
Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc
Key City Moving & Storage
Action Moving & Storage, Inc.

Out of the 2,891 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 Durham, NC

Before you break out the moving boxes, let’s compare life in Durham, NC 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 Durham, NC

Iowa Durham
Average rent cost $914 $1,699
Average home value $220,277 $391,719
Average income (per capita) $70,571 $396,291
Unemployment rate 3% 4%
State income tax 4% 5%
  • Rent in Durham is about 86% higher than in Iowa. Be sure to factor this into your budget, since both your move-in costs and monthly rent will be higher.
  • In Durham, expect home prices to be about 78% higher than in Iowa. Get ready for a bigger down payment, increased property taxes, and higher overall homeownership expenses.
  • You’ll typically earn about 462% more in Durham than in Iowa, which means extra breathing room in your budget, whether you want to spend more or save more.
  • Unemployment in Durham is about 37% higher than in Iowa. Still, you can snag a great job by being proactive. Start networking early and hit the ground running on your job hunt.
  • Income taxes in Durham are 2% higher than in Iowa, so keep this in mind when you’re mapping out your budget. Your take-home pay might be a bit less than what you’re used to.

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
  • The last presidential election saw both Iowa and Durham siding with the Republican party.
  • Get set for summer temperatures reaching around 89°F in Durham, 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 Durham usually drop to around 30°F, while in Iowa, they can fall as low as 10°F. 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.
  • Expect around 46 inches of rain each year in Durham, 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 Durham, you’ll only get 4 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, Durham is the place for you.
  • 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 Durhamtoggle

  • 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 Durhamtoggle

  • West Point on the Eno
  • RollingView Falls Lake State Park
  • Durham Central Park
  • Historic Durham Athletic Park
  • Forest Hills Park

Sports Teams in Durhamtoggle

  • Duke University (ACC)
  • Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball)

Universities in Durhamtoggle

  • Duke University
  • North Carolina Central University
  • Durham Technical Community College

Other considerations when moving to Durham, NC

  • Weather: The climate in Durham is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
  • HOA rules: Before moving day, check your neighborhood or community rules so you don't run into any unexpected issues.
  • 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 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). Be sure to confirm your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
  • State regulator: You can check your North Carolina moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
  • Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to North Carolina, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules before moving day.
  • 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 North Carolina without any delays. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Insurance rules vary by state. 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.

Compare the pros and cons of Iowa vs. Durham, NC

Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Durham, NC:

Moving to a new place is always exciting! Here’s a quick look at what makes living in Durham unique compared to life in Iowa.

Pros of living in Iowa Pros of living in Durham, NC
Low cost of living Low cost of living
Ample economic opportunity Quality education
High quality of education Wonderful restaurants
No traffic Ample economic opportunity
Beautiful outdoors Friendly people

Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Durham, NC:

Moving from Iowa to Durham can bring some unexpected hurdles—here’s what you’ll want to watch out for along the way.

Cons of living in Iowa Cons of living in Durham, NC
Severe weather conditions Terrible traffic
Limited recreational opportunities High crime rate
High taxes Humidity
High emphasis on politics Allergy-inducing pollen
Rustic food Limited public transportation

FAQ

How long does a move from Iowa to Durham take?

The time it takes to move from Iowa to Durham, NC varies based on where you’re starting and the type of move you pick. No matter which option you choose, loading up your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it on your own.

If you’re starting from northern Iowa, it’ll take longer to get to Durham. When renting a truck, plan for a one- to two-day drive, depending on your route and how often you stop.

Delivery from Iowa to Durham 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 Durham?

If you’re planning a 1071-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 highs in Durham can hit 89°F, while winter lows drop to 30°F. That’s why most people moving from Iowa to Durham 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