Local moving companies in Iowa
When relocating from Iowa to Arlington, VA, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey.
Out of 32 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Arlington, VA.
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Action Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 70
DOT #: 70719
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: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 299154
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: 21
DOT #: 2991947
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
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Iowa to Arlington, VA
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Iowa to Arlington, VA with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,190 – $4,800 | $795 – $2,035 | $618 – $1,197 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,354 – $5,650 | $1,483 – $2,980 | $708 – $1,478 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,937 – $7,938 | $1,828 – $3,884 | $821 – $1,800 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,001-mile move from Iowa to Arlington, VA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Jan 17, 2026. Each month, moveBuddha updates thousands of vetted price points from nationwide moving companies to reflect seasonality and market trends. Your final total may vary with move size, add-on services, access or parking constraints, fuel costs, and scheduling. Comparing estimates from multiple movers is the best way to nail down accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Iowa to Arlington, VA
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Arlington, VA, you can expect to spend between $1,190 and $4,800. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,354 to $5,650 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home will typically run between $3,937 and $7,938.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Arlington, VA
When moving from Iowa to Arlington, VA, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $795 and $2,035. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,483 to $2,980. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,828 up to $3,884. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Arlington, VA
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom from Iowa to Arlington, VA, and are renting a truck, plan to spend between $618 and $1,197. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $708 and $1,478. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $821 and $1,800.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to Arlington, VA
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Action Moving & Storage, Inc. | × | ✓ | × | × |
| White Glove Movers | ✓ | × | × | × |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
Out of the 3,179 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 | 91% | 96% |
| Antiques | 40% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 2% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Iowa to Arlington, VA
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in Arlington, VA is really like compared to Iowa. From the cost of living and local culture to daily routines, we’ll guide you through the biggest lifestyle changes and must-see attractions to be aware of.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Arlington, VA
| Iowa | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $2,718 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $810,670 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $128,145 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 164 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 4.0% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 5.75% |
Arlington sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Arlington is roughly 197% higher than in Iowa. You’ll need to plan for higher monthly rent.
- Home prices in Arlington are approximately 268% higher than in Iowa. Be sure to budget for a larger down payment, higher property taxes, and increased overall homeownership costs.
- You’ll typically earn about 82% more in Arlington than in Iowa, which means extra breathing room in your budget, whether you want to spend more or save more.
- With unemployment 33% higher in Arlington than Iowa, expect more competition for jobs. A focused job search will help you get ahead.
- Expect income taxes in Virginia to run about 31% higher than in Iowa, which could cut into your paycheck.
How life is different in Arlington from Iowa
| Arlington | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,643 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 81-17 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 27ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 43″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 15″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 15.67 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Arlington voted Democratic, while Iowa was Republican.
- Summer in Arlington usually hits around 88ºF, pretty similar to the 84ºF you’re used to in Iowa. While you won’t face a dramatic change in temperature, you should still keep factors like local humidity, weather trends, and changes to energy costs in mind as you prepare for summer at your new home.
- During the coldest part of the year, Arlington reaches a temperature of 27ºF while Iowa gets down to 10ºF. Relocating to Arlington means you’ll enjoy milder winters, making daily life easier, more affordable, and better for spending time outside.
- Expect about 43 inches of rain each year in Arlington—compared to just 35 inches in Iowa. With more rain comes greener scenery and wetter days, so get ready to adjust your routine and invest in some quality waterproof gear.
- In Arlington, you can expect about 15 inches of snow each year, much less than the 30 inches you’d deal with in Iowa. So, if you’re moving to Arlington, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
- Arlington and Iowa have a similar crime rate of 15.67 and 16.18, respectively.
Things to do in Arlington
From parks and museums to sports and top universities, Arlington has a little bit of everything waiting for you.
Museums in Arlington
- JW Tumbles
- Ball-Sellers House Museum
- David M. Brown Planetarium
- Arlington Historical Museum
- Arlington Arts Center
Parks in Arlington
- Gravelly Point Park
- Long Bridge Park
- Bon Air Park
- Upton Hill Regional Park
- Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Sports teams in Arlington
- Arlington Youth Football Club
Universities in Arlington
- Marymount University
Other considerations when moving to Arlington, VA
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- 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 make you get a parking permit for your moving truck, so remember to look up your new neighborhood’s rules before moving day.
- State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Virginia moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to Virginia, but it’s wise to check local parking regulations ahead of time.
- 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 Virginia without any delays. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It’s essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized keeps your move stress-free. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Iowa to Arlington take?
The time frame for a move from Iowa to Arlington, VA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
The farther north you are in Iowa, the longer it’ll take to reach Arlington. 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.
Delivery from Iowa to Arlington 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 Arlington?
If you’re gearing up for a 1,001-mile move from Iowa to Arlington, lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. Booking your movers two to three months in advance helps you snag the best rates and ensures you get the date you want.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Arlington, VA?
Summer in Arlington can reach highs of 88°F, while winter temperatures can dip to 27°F. That’s why most people moving from Iowa to Arlington opt for the milder spring or fall weather. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds—and possibly score a better price—think about moving in the off-season, even if you have to endure crazier temperatures. Need more help planning? Check out our tips on peak moving seasons.
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!