Local moving companies in Iowa
When you are heading from Iowa to Seattle, WA, you deserve movers who make your transition simple and stress-free.
Out of 32 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Seattle, WA.
- 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 Seattle, WA
See the table below for average move cost ranges from Iowa to Seattle, WA, organized by service type and the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,207 – $4,850 | $1,067 – $2,660 | $1,023 – $1,874 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,937 – $6,993 | $1,830 – $3,593 | $1,098 – $2,343 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,701 – $9,763 | $2,525 – $4,924 | $1,316 – $2,729 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,772-mile move from Iowa to Seattle, WA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Jan 17, 2026. Every month, moveBuddha refreshes thousands of verified pricing entries from moving companies around the country to mirror seasonal changes and market trends. Final costs may shift with the scale of your move, selected add-ons, parking or access constraints, fuel rates, and schedule. Get multiple quotes to ensure you’re seeing accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Iowa to Seattle, WA
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Seattle, WA, will cost between $1,207 and $4,850. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,937 to $6,993, and a large move will cost from $5,701 to $9,763.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Seattle, WA
If you’re moving from Iowa to Seattle, WA, expect to pay between $1,067 and $2,660 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,830 up to $3,593. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,525 and $4,924. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Seattle, WA
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Iowa to Seattle, WA, with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,023 and $1,874. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,098 and $2,343. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,316 up to $2,729 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to Seattle, WA
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 | ✓ | × | × | × |
From our review of 3,179 movers, see how Iowa movers match up to the nationwide percentage of movers offering 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 Seattle, WA
Before you break out the moving boxes, let’s compare life in Seattle, WA to what you’re used to in Iowa. We’ll dive into things like cost of living, local culture, everyday routines, and the area’s most popular spots.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Seattle, WA
| Iowa | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $1,975 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $842,068 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $77,845 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 158 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 4.8% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
Seattle sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Seattle is about 116% higher than in Iowa, so make sure to budget extra for your monthly rent.
- In Seattle, expect home prices to be about 282% higher than in Iowa. Get ready for a bigger down payment, increased property taxes, and higher overall homeownership expenses.
- Salaries in Seattle are typically 10% higher than in Iowa. That extra income can make it easier to manage your living costs or boost your savings.
- Unemployment in Seattle is about 60% higher than in Iowa, so the job market may be more competitive. Be strategic in your job hunt and consider networking early.
- Residents of Washington don’t pay income tax, so you’ll keep more of what you earn — a big plus for workers and retirees alike.
How life is different in Seattle from Iowa
| Seattle | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-43 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 76ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 36ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 38″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 5″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 58.88 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Seattle voted Democratic, while Iowa voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Seattle average around 76ºF, while Iowa often sees temperatures soar to 84ºF. Relocating to a cooler area means escaping the intense heat, cutting down on energy costs, and enjoying more time outside.
- In the coldest months, temperatures in Seattle typically reach lows of about 36ºF, while Iowa can dip as low as 10ºF. By moving to Seattle, you’ll start to experience milder winters, making everyday life more comfortable, saving money, and giving you more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
- You’ll get about 38 inches of rain each year in Seattle, which is pretty close to the 35 inches you’re familiar with in Iowa. However, even with similar rainfall totals, don’t be surprised if shifts in weather patterns and rainfall timing shake up your daily routine.
- In Seattle, you’ll only get about 5 inches of snow each year, much less than Iowa. That means moving to Seattle brings milder winters, less time shoveling, and lower maintenance.
- Crime rates in Seattle are higher than in Iowa, with a crime index of 58.88 compared to 16.18. While this doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, it’s a good idea to look into local crime data and consider how it could impact your everyday life.
Things to do in Seattle
Whether you love scenic parks, world-class museums, thrilling sports, or renowned universities, Seattle truly offers something for everyone.
Museums in Seattle
- Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP)
- Olympic Sculpture Park
- National Nordic Museum
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Museum of Flight
Parks in Seattle
- Discovery Park
- Olympic Sculpture Park
- Green Lake Park
- Carkeek Park
- Washington Park Arboretum
Sports teams in Seattle
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
- Seattle Mariners (MLB)
- Seattle Kraken (NHL)
- Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
- Seattle Seawolves (MLR)
Universities in Seattle
- University of Washington
- Seattle University
- Seattle Pacific University
- City University of Seattle
- Antioch University Seattle
Other considerations when moving to Seattle, WA
- HOA rules: Check into any neighborhood or community rules on moving ahead of time to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: Something you’ll want to sort out early is booking your building’s elevator and checking their rules for moving.
- Parking permits: In some cities, you’ll need a parking permit for your moving truck, so be sure to look up your new area’s rules before moving day.
- 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. Be sure to confirm your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: Verify your Washington moving license on the state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Washington does not require any moving permits, but it’s helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, so your mail will be forwarded to Washington right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: 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 matters. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.
FAQ
How long does a move from Iowa to Seattle take?
How long it takes to move from Iowa to Seattle, WA depends on your starting point and the type of move you select. Regardless of your choice, packing and loading your belongings usually only takes a day or less, even when you’re doing it yourself.
Planning a move from northern Iowa to Seattle? Be prepared for a longer haul. If you’re renting a truck, set aside one to two days for the journey. Your travel time will depend on your route and how many breaks you take.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Seattle from Iowa can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Iowa to Seattle?
With a 1,772-mile move from Iowa to Seattle, it’s smart to lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. For the best availability and pricing, try to book your move two to three months in advance.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Seattle, WA?
Summer highs in Seattle can hit 76°F, while winter lows drop to 36°F. That’s why most people moving from Iowa to Seattle choose the milder spring or fall months. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and maybe save some money, try planning your move for the summer or winter instead, even if it means braving a little extra heat or cold. Check out more tips on peak moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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