Local moving companies in Iowa
When you’re moving from Iowa to Richmond, VA, 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 Capital of the South.
Out of 32 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Richmond, 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
- Black Belt Movers: 4.42 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
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Iowa to Richmond, VA
This table details typical cost ranges to move from Iowa to Richmond, VA, depending on your home size and the moving service selected.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,131 – $4,676 | $853 – $2,124 | $688 – $1,307 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,471 – $6,175 | $1,530 – $2,876 | $758 – $1,463 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,980 – $7,636 | $2,087 – $3,716 | $924 – $1,836 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,095-mile move from Iowa to Richmond, VA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 17, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes the data each month to capture seasonal shifts and market changes. Your actual cost can differ based on shipment size, extra services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers to gauge a fair price.
Cost to hire professional movers from Iowa to Richmond, VA
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Richmond, VA, typically costs between $1,131 and $4,676. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,471 and $6,175. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Iowa to Richmond, VA, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,980 up to $7,636.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Richmond, VA
When relocating from Iowa to Richmond, VA, you’ll typically spend between $853 and $2,124 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,530 up to $2,876. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,087 and $3,716. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Richmond, VA
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck from Iowa to Richmond, VA, expect to pay between $688 and $1,307. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $758 to $1,463. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $924 and $1,836.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to Richmond, 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 | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Black Belt Movers | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
After evaluating 3,180 movers, here’s how Iowa movers measure up to the countrywide competition in terms of offered 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 Richmond, VA
Before packing your bags, it’s important to understand how life in Richmond, VA 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. Richmond, VA
| Iowa | Richmond | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $1,595 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $350,897 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $59,606 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 95 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 7.1% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 5.75% |
Richmond sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Richmond is approximately 75% higher than in Iowa. Keep this in mind when planning your budget.
- Home prices are about 59% higher in Richmond than in Iowa. It’s important to factor in increased costs for a down payment, property taxes, and overall homeownership expenses.
- Expect salaries in Richmond to be approximately 16% lower than in Iowa. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making your move.
- Even though unemployment in Richmond is 137% higher than in Iowa, you’ll still find opportunities if you’re proactive. Start building your network early.
- Income taxes are 31% higher in Virginia 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 Richmond from Iowa
| Richmond | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 226,610 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 44″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 11″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 48.45 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Iowa and Richmond both voted Republican in the last election.
- Get ready for summer highs of around 90ºF in Richmond, 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 Richmond usually drop to around 28ºF, while in Iowa, they can fall as low as 10ºF. Moving to Richmond 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 44 inches of annual rainfall in Richmond 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 Richmond, you’ll get about 11 inches of snow each year, far less than Iowa. That means moving to Richmond will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
- Crime rates in Richmond are higher than in Iowa, with a crime index of 48.45 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 Richmond
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Richmond.
Museums in Richmond
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
- White House of the Confederacy
- Science Museum of Virginia
- Edgar Allan Poe Museum
- Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Parks in Richmond
- Belle Isle
- Libby Hill Park
- Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System)
- Capitol Square Park
- Rockwood Park
Sports teams in Richmond
- Richmond Kickers (USL League One)
- Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A East)
Universities in Richmond
- University of Richmond
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Union University
Other considerations when moving to Richmond, VA
- 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: 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). Double-check that your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to settle in Virginia, 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 Virginia on time. 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 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 Richmond take?
The time it takes to move from Iowa to Richmond, VA 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 Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond?
If you’re planning a 1,095-mile move from Iowa to Richmond, 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 Richmond, VA?
Summer temperatures in Richmond can soar to 90°F, while winters can get as chilly as 28°F. That’s why most people making the move from Iowa to Richmond 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
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