Local moving companies in Iowa

  1. Key City Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  2. Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  3. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. Porter Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  5. Black Belt Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars

Key City Moving & Storage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 125563

Years in Business: 114
9710 Royal Wood Dr, Peosta, IA 52068

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.

Get a Quote (563) 582-3237

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 70719

Years in Business: 69
5600 Harbor Dr, Sioux City, IA 51111

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.

Get a Quote (712) 252-1335

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 2527384

Years in Business: 27
2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA 50322

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.

Get a Quote (515) 216-3654

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Porter Moving Company
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.52 / 5

DOT #: 2427654

Years in Business: 10
1151 26th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Porter Moving Company has been providing local residential moving services in and around Cedar Rapids, IA since 2014. Unlike many nearby movers, Porter Moving also offers packing, unpacking, and crating services, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience. Their capability to move specialty items like pianos and safes sets them apart. Consumer reviews are mixed, with strong Google ratings averaging 4.6 but lower Yelp reviews around 2.7, and a BBB rating of B-. Overall, Porter Moving is a reputable choice for local moves, backed by years of experience and a wide range of services.

Get a Quote (319) 560-5050

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Black Belt Movers
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.52 / 5

DOT #: 3527158

Pricing: $150/hr

Years in Business: 17
1209 SW ORDNANCE RD STE B, ANKENY, IA 50023

Black Belt Movers, serving the Ankeny, IA area since 2009, offers a comprehensive range of local residential moving services. With an A rating from the Better Business Bureau and an average Yelp rating of 4.0 based on 15 reviews, their reputation stands strong among nearby moving companies. They also provide office moving, packing, unpacking, and specialized services like moving pianos and antiques. Unlike many competitors, they accept credit cards, require no deposit, and provide full valuation insurance coverage.

Get a Quote (515) 393-4253

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to SCtoggle

There are many factors that influence Iowa moving costs. The cost to move from Iowa to South Carolina will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Iowa is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from IA to SC

If you’re moving to South Carolina from Iowa, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Iowa vs. South Carolina

Iowa South Carolina
Average rent cost $914 $1,065
Average home cost $220,277 $295,769
Average income (per capita) $70,571 $63,623
Cost of Living Index 89 96
Unemployment rate 3.0% 4.7%
Average Sales Tax 6.94% 7.46%
State Income Tax 4.4% 7.0%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 17% more expensive in South Carolina than in Iowa.
  • Home prices are about 34% higher in South Carolina than in Iowa.
  • The average income is about 10% lower in South Carolina than in Iowa.
  • Cost of living is 8% lower in South Carolina than in Iowa.
  • South Carolina has a higher unemployment rate than Iowa by about 57%.
  • Sales taxes are 7% higher in South Carolina than in Iowa.
  • Income taxes are 59% higher in South Carolina than in Iowa.

How life is different in South Carolina vs. Iowa

South Carolina Iowa
Population 5,373,555 3,207,004
Political leaning Republican 58-42 Republican 53-45
Summer high 91ºF 84ºF
Winter low 33ºF 10ºF
Annual rain 48" 35"
Annual snow 1" 30"
Crime index 28.0 16.18
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of South Carolina is approximately 68% greater than the population of Iowa.
  • In the last presidential election, South Carolina voted Republican and Iowa voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in South Carolina is 91ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, South Carolina reaches the temperature of 33ºF and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
  • You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in South Carolina versus 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa.
  • In South Carolina, it snows about 1 inch annually versus 30 inches of snow in Iowa.
  • South Carolina has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 28.0 vs. 16.18.

Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. South Carolina

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in South Carolina compared to Iowa.

Pros of living in Iowa Pros of living in South Carolina
Low cost of living Warm southern hospitality
Ample economic opportunity Plentiful outdoor activities
High quality of education Beautiful landscapes
No traffic Consistently gorgeous weather
Beautiful outdoors Rich historical significance

Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. South Carolina

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Iowa for South Carolina.

Cons of living in Iowa Cons of living in South Carolina
Severe weather conditions High cost of living
Limited recreational opportunities Hurricane frequency
High taxes Low quality of healthcare
High emphasis on politics High taxes
Rustic food Abundance of construction

Other things to consider for your Iowa to South Carolina movetoggle

  • Weather: South Carolina had hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters and coastal areas of the state have very mild winters. While precipitation is abundant the entire year in almost the entire state, the coast tends to have a slightly wetter summer, while inland, the spring and autumn transitions tend to be the wettest periods and winter the driest season, with November being the driest month.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: South Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to South Carolina. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers' insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in South Carolinatoggle

While you’re in South Carolina, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Charleston's Historic District
  • Myrtle Beach
  • Hilton Head Island
  • Brookgreen Gardens
  • Middleton Place
  • Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
  • Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
  • Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
  • Huntington Beach State Park
  • Fort Sumter National Monument
  • South Carolina State Museum
  • Caesars Head State Park
  • Congaree National Park
  • DuPont Planetarium
  • Alligator Adventure
  • UFO Welcome Center
  • The Battery
  • Falls Park on the Reedy
  • Charleston Tea Plantation
  • The Peace Center
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to South Carolina?toggle

Hiring a full-service Iowa moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Iowa to South Carolina?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Iowa to South Carolina separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to South Carolina?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Iowa to South Carolina are the amazing upsides of living in South Carolina such as warm southern hospitality and plentiful outdoor activities.

Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or South Carolina?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in South Carolina. Housing is much more affordable in Iowa, with average rent about 14% less and home prices 26% lower than in South Carolina. Taxes are also lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by South Carolina residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in South Carolina?toggle

You should make approximately $63,489 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in South Carolina. The cost of living in South Carolina is approximately $3,628 per month for an individual and $6,082 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in South Carolina you live For example, larger cities like Charleston and Columbia will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources

Iowa moving services

Popular Iowa routes

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