Local moving companies in Iowa

When you are heading from Iowa to Raleigh, 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 Oaks, 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 Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, 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 2,594 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% 5%

Things to know before moving from Iowa to Raleigh, NC

Before you start packing, let’s explore what life in Raleigh, NC has in store compared to Iowa. We’ll break down everything from the cost of living and local culture to spots you don’t want to miss.

Cost of living: Iowa vs Raleigh, NC

Iowa Raleigh
Average rent cost $914 $1,670
Average home value $220,277 $431,795
Average income (per capita) $70,571 $2,572
Unemployment rate 3% 4%
State income tax 4% 5%
  • Rent in Raleigh is about 83% higher than in Iowa. Be sure to factor in the higher move-in costs and monthly rent when budgeting for your move.
  • Expect home prices in Raleigh to be about 96% higher than in Iowa. Plan ahead for a bigger down payment, higher property taxes, and increased overall costs of owning a home.
  • Salaries in Raleigh are typically about 96% lower than in Iowa. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making the move.
  • Unemployment in Raleigh is about 43% higher than in Iowa, but you can still land a great job by being proactive. Get a head start on networking and stay focused on the job hunt.
  • Income taxes in Raleigh are 2% higher than in Iowa, so keep this in mind when you’re budgeting. Your take-home pay might be a bit less.

How life is different in Raleigh from Iowa

Raleigh Iowa
Population 467,665 3,207,004
Political leaning Republican 51-48 Republican 53-45
Summer high 90ºF 84ºF
Winter low 30ºF 10ºF
Annual rain 46" 35"
Annual snow 4" 30"
Crime index 38.87 16.18
  • In the last presidential election, both Iowa and Raleigh voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Raleigh is 90ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF. A hotter summer brings more sunshine and chances to enjoy the outdoors, but you might need to adjust your routine, brace for higher cooling bills, and get used to a warmer way of life.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Raleigh reaches a temperature of 30ºF while Iowa gets down to 10ºF. Relocating to Raleigh means you’ll enjoy milder winters, making daily life easier, more affordable, and better for spending time outside.
  • You can expect about 46 inches of annual rainfall in Raleigh vs only 35 inches of rainfall 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 Raleigh, it only snows about 4 inches annually vs the 30 inches of snow in Iowa that you are likely used to. Moving to Raleigh, with less snow, means less maintenance and fewer winter-weather events, making it perfect it you prefer a milder winter season.
  • Raleigh has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 38.87 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 Raleigh

From parks and museums to sports and top universities, Raleigh has a little bit of everything waiting for you.

Museums in Raleightoggle

  • African American Cultural Complex
  • Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh
  • Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University
  • Haywood Hall House & Gardens
  • Marbles Kids Museum
  • North Carolina Museum of Art
  • North Carolina Museum of History
  • North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
  • North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame
  • City of Raleigh Museum
  • J. C. Raulston Arboretum
  • Joel Lane House
  • Mordecai Plantation
  • Pope House Museum

Parks in Raleightoggle

  • Pullen Park
  • William B. Umstead State Park
  • Yates Mill County Park
  • JC Raulston Arboretum
  • Neuse River Trail
  • Lake Johnson Park
  • Mordecai Historic Park
  • Anderson Point Park

Sports Teams in Raleightoggle

  • Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
  • North Carolina FC (USL)
  • North Carolina Courage (NWSL)
  • Carolina Mudcats (MiLB)

Universities in Raleightoggle

  • North Carolina State University
  • Wake Technical Community College
  • Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
  • Montreat College's School of Professional and Adult Studies
  • William Peace University
  • Shaw University
  • Skema Business School
  • St. Augustine's University

Other considerations when moving to Raleigh, NC

  • Weather: The climate in Raleigh is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
  • HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
  • 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: 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: 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). Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before booking.
  • State regulator: You can verify your North Carolina moving license status right 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 wise to check local parking regulations ahead of time.
  • 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: Insurance requirements differ depending on the 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: Peace of mind matters. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.

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

Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Raleigh, NC:

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

Pros of living in Iowa Pros of living in Raleigh, NC
Low cost of living Exceptional beauty
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
High quality of education Quality education
No traffic Bountiful arts and recreational activities
Beautiful outdoors Quality healthcare

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

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows; these are the things to be aware of when leaving Iowa for Raleigh.

Cons of living in Iowa Cons of living in Raleigh, NC
Severe weather conditions High cost of living
Limited recreational opportunities Quiet nightlife
High taxes Temperamental weather
High emphasis on politics Allergy-inducing pollen
Rustic food Urban sprawl

FAQ

How long does a move from Iowa to Raleigh take?

How long it takes to move from Iowa to Raleigh, NC depends on your starting point and the type of move you choose. No matter the method, loading your belongings usually takes a day or less, even if you’re doing it yourself.

The farther north you are in Iowa, the longer it’ll take to reach Raleigh. 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.

Depending on the company’s schedule and shipping logistics, delivery from Iowa to Raleigh 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 Raleigh?

With a 1093-mile move from Iowa to Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, NC?

With summer temperatures reaching 90°F and winter nights dipping to 30°F, most people make the move from Iowa to Raleigh in the spring or fall. If you want to skip the crowds during peak moving seasons and potentially save some cash, consider scheduling your move in the summer or winter instead.

Helpful moving resources