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Local moving companies in Iowa
When you’re moving from Iowa to Columbia, SC, 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 Soda City. We’ve chosen companies that are known for smooth, stress-free transitions, so you can settle in easily.
Out of 26 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Columbia, SC.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Key City Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.52 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: 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: 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: 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
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, serving Clive, IA since 2018, specializes in local residential moves and stands out from other nearby movers with their comprehensive packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. They also cater to office moving needs, making them a versatile choice. While their Yelp reviews average 3.2 from 14 ratings, their astounding 4.8 out of 1452 Google reviews suggest a generally positive customer experience. Additionally, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, offering convenience and flexibility. Despite their F rating from the BBB, their extensive positive feedback on Google indicates a largely satisfactory service.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Comparing local moving companies from Iowa to Columbia, SC
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 | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Key City Moving & Storage | ✓ | × | × | × |
| White Glove Movers | ✓ | × | × | × |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
After evaluating 2,888 movers, here’s how Iowa movers measure up to the countrywide competition in terms of offered services and discounts:
| Iowa | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 90% | 96% |
| Antiques | 46% | 48% |
| Military Discount | 3% | 3% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Iowa to Columbia, SC
Before packing your bags, it’s important to understand how life in Columbia, SC 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. Columbia, SC
| Iowa | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $1,447 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $64,683 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 87 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 5.2% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 7.0% |
Columbia sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Columbia is approximately 58% higher than in Iowa. Keep this in mind when planning your budget.
- Home prices in Columbia are comparable to those in Iowa, so the buying process should be pretty straightforward. Still, keep an eye on local market trends, which could change things.
- Expect salaries in Columbia to be approximately 8% lower than in Iowa. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making your move.
- Even though unemployment in Columbia is 73% higher than in Iowa, you’ll still find opportunities if you’re proactive. Start building your network early.
- Income taxes are 59% higher in South Carolina than in Iowa. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
How life is different in Columbia from Iowa
| Columbia | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 53-45 | |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 46″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Columbia leaned , while Iowa went Republican.
- Get ready for summer highs of around 94ºF in Columbia, warmer than the average 84ºF in Iowa. With more sunshine, you’ll have extra chances for outdoor fun, but expect higher cooling costs and a hotter daily routine.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in Columbia usually drop to around 35ºF, while in Iowa, they can fall as low as 10ºF. Moving to Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia, you’ll get about 1 inch of snow each year, far less than Iowa. That means moving to Columbia will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
- Heading to Columbia means you’ll be moving to a safer place, with a crime index of 3.0, lower than Iowa’s 16.18. A drop in crime usually means tighter communities, safer neighborhoods, and less daily stress. While safety isn’t everything, the peace of mind can be well worth the move.
Things to do in Columbia
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Columbia.
Museums in Columbia
Parks in Columbia
Sports teams in Columbia
Universities in Columbia
Other considerations when moving to Columbia, SC
- 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: 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. Double-check that your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify a South 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 South 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 South Carolina on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: 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: 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 Columbia take?
The time it takes to move from Iowa to Columbia, SC 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia?
If you’re planning a 1,073-mile move from Iowa to Columbia, 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 Columbia, SC?
Summer temperatures in Columbia can soar to 94°F, while winters can get as chilly as 35°F. That’s why most people making the move from Iowa to Columbia 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
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