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 WAtoggle

There are many factors that influence Iowa moving costs. The cost to move from Iowa to Washington 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 WA

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

Cost of living: Iowa vs. Washington

Iowa Washington
Average rent cost $914 $1,900
Average home cost $220,277 $588,856
Average income (per capita) $70,571 $90,325
Cost of Living Index 89 115
Unemployment rate 3.0% 4.8%
Average Sales Tax 6.94% 6.5%
State Income Tax 4.4% 0.0%
  • Rent is about 108% more expensive in Washington than in Iowa.
  • Home prices are about 167% higher in Washington than in Iowa.
  • The average income is about 28% higher in Washington than in Iowa.
  • Cost of living is 29% lower in Washington than in Iowa.
  • Washington has a higher unemployment rate than Iowa by about 60%.
  • Sales taxes are 6% lower in Washington than in Iowa.
  • Washington has no income tax.

How life is different in Washington vs. Iowa

Washington Iowa
Population 7,812,880 3,207,004
Political leaning Democratic Republican 53-45
Summer high 79ºF 84ºF
Winter low 31ºF 10ºF
Annual rain 38" 35"
Annual snow 18" 30"
Crime index 37.32 16.18
  • The population of Washington is approximately 144% greater than the population of Iowa.
  • In the last presidential election, Washington voted Democratic and Iowa voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Washington is 79ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Washington reaches the temperature of 31ºF and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
  • You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Washington versus 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa.
  • In Washington, it snows about 18 inches annually versus 30 inches of snow in Iowa.
  • Washington has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 37.32 vs. 16.18.

Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Washington

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

Pros of living in Iowa Pros of living in Washington
Low cost of living Beautiful landscapes
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
High quality of education High quality of life
No traffic Bountiful recreational opportunities
Beautiful outdoors Delicious seafood

Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Washington

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 Washington.

Cons of living in Iowa Cons of living in Washington
Severe weather conditions Constant rain
Limited recreational opportunities Bad traffic
High taxes High cost of living
High emphasis on politics High crime rate
Rustic food Natural disasters

Other things to consider for your Iowa to Washington movetoggle

  • Weather: Washington state rarely experiences extreme weather to worry about. Your move should be unaffected by the weather conditions. However, it's always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time and maybe prepare for a little rain!
  • 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: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Washington 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 Washington. 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 planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Washingtontoggle

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

  • Olympic National Park
  • Mount Rainier National Park
  • The Space Needle and Seattle Center
  • Pike Place Market
  • The Museum of Flight
  • Snoqualmie Falls
  • Lake Chelan
  • Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
  • North Cascades National Park
  • San Juan Islands
  • Leavenworth
  • Museum of Glass
  • Washington State Capitol Building
  • Bellingham
  • Puget Sound
  • Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
  • Spokane Riverfront Park
  • Deception Pass State Park
  • Washington State Ferries
  • Port Angeles

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Washington?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 Washington?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 Washington separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Washington?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Iowa to Washington are the amazing upsides of living in Washington such as beautiful landscapes and ample economic opportunity.

Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Washington?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in Washington. Housing is much more affordable in Iowa, with average rent about 52% less and home prices 63% lower than in Washington. Washington has no income tax.

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

You should make approximately $69,323 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Washington. The cost of living in Washington is approximately $3,148 per month for an individual and $8,036 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Washington you live For example, larger cities like Seattle and Spokane will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources