Local moving companies in Durham
Out of 27 Durham movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Iowa.
- TROSA Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Truckin’ Movers Corporation: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Miracle Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: C-726
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 675014
Alternate Names: TROSA Inc., TROSA Moving & Storage, TROSA Lawn Care, TROSA Thrift , TROSA Moving , Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers , Trosa Furniture & Frameshop , TROSA Lawncare
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2443
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Oliver & Finley, LLC , Two Men And A Truck
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2262
Years in Business: 48
DOT #: 0233952
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2894
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2461529
Alternate Names: Miracle Movers of Raleigh, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Local moving services in Durham, NC
Quick breakdown of Durham movers that offer specialty add-on services:
Cost to move from Durham, NC to Iowa
The table below breaks down average costs for moves from Durham to Iowa, varying by home size and service option.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,089 – $4,374 | $816 – $2,135 | $652 – $1,289 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,316 – $5,638 | $1,492 – $3,037 | $718 – $1,456 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,108 – $7,900 | $2,138 – $3,845 | $967 – $1,903 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,071-mile move from Durham, NC, to Iowa using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified prices from movers nationwide, updating the data monthly to track seasonal patterns and market trends. Your final quote may differ due to move size, optional services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Always compare estimates from several movers for an accurate picture.
Cost to hire movers from Durham to Iowa
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Durham to Iowa will cost between $1,089 and $4,374. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,316 to $5,638, and a large move will cost from $4,108 to $7,900.
Cost of moving containers from Durham to Iowa
If you’re moving from Durham to Iowa, expect to pay between $816 and $2,135 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,492 up to $3,037. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,138 and $3,845. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Durham.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Durham to Iowa
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 with a rental truck from Durham to Iowa, expect to spend between $652 and $1,289. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $718 and $1,456. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $967 up to $1,903 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Durham to IA
When calculating the price of Durham movers, consider:
- Move size: The bigger your home and the more stuff you have, the more expensive your move will be.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Durham, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Going the DIY route can be less expensive but demands more effort compared to hiring experts.
What you should know before moving from Durham to IA
Leaving Durham for Iowa means embracing a new lifestyle — and likely saving some cash. Living in Durham typically comes with a higher price tag, so your move could open the door to more affordable living.
Check out the cost of living comparison below to understand how Durham and Iowa measure up, helping you to prepare for the future.
Compare cost of living: Durham vs. Iowa
| Durham, NC | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,699 | $914 |
| Average home cost | $391,719 | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,117 | $70,571 |
| Cost of living index | 99 | 89 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 3.0% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 4.4% |
Iowa sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 46% less expensive in Iowa compared to Durham, leaving you more flexibility with your income.
- You’ll pay roughly 44% less for housing in Iowa compared to Durham, saving you money each month.
- Incomes in Iowa are comparable to Durham, so you won’t face major financial changes after relocating.
- You’ll spend roughly 10% less on the cost of living in Iowa compared to Durham, a boost for your budget.
- In Iowa, the unemployment rate is about 27% below Durham’s, a positive sign of healthier job opportunities.
- With nearly identical income tax rates in Iowa and North Carolina, your paycheck should look about the same in either place.
How life is different in Durham, NC from Iowa
When relocating from Durham to Iowa, get ready for some changes. From weather and population to politics, here’s how living in Iowa stacks up against life in the Durham.
| Durham, NC | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 283,506 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-48 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 46″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 4″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 54.72 | 16.18 |
Iowa Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both Durham and Iowa voted Republican.
- Comparable summer highs of about 84ºF in Iowa match those of 89ºF in Durham. With similarly warm temperatures, adjusting to your new climate might prove easy. Consider examining humidity, climate patterns, and energy demands for a full representation of how summers will unfold in your new home.
- Winter lows in Iowa can drop to 10ºF, colder than Durham at 30ºF. Moving here means preparing for chillier winters, higher heating costs, and more intense seasonal weather — but also scenic snowy days and winter activities.
- You’ll enjoy about 35 inches of annual rain in Iowa, which is less than the 46 inches you’re used to in Durham. That means brighter skies, extra outdoor time, and fewer rainy-day interruptions.
- Every year, Iowa gets around 30 inches of snow, much more than the 4 inches that Durham typically sees. With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter.
- Iowa has a lower crime rate than Durham, with indexes at 16.18 vs 54.72. A lower crime rate usually means safer neighborhoods and extra peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of Durham, NC versus Iowa:
Moving to a new place brings exciting possibilities. Here’s what makes living in Durham special compared to Iowa.
| Pros of living in Durham, NC | Pros of living in Iowa |
|---|---|
| Low cost of living | Low cost of living |
| Quality education | Ample economic opportunity |
| Wonderful restaurants | High quality of education |
| Ample economic opportunity | No traffic |
| Friendly people | Beautiful outdoors |
Comparing the cons of Durham, NC versus Iowa:
Making the move from Durham to Iowa isn’t always easy, and there are important factors to consider.
| Cons of living in Durham, NC | Cons of living in Iowa |
|---|---|
| Terrible traffic | Severe weather conditions |
| High crime rate | Limited recreational opportunities |
| Humidity | High taxes |
| Allergy-inducing pollen | High emphasis on politics |
| Limited public transportation | Rustic food |
Other considerations when moving to Iowa
If you’re moving from Durham to Iowa, there’s more to do than just booking a moving crew and transporting your stuff. Be sure you’re on top of local regulations, permits, and any logistics that might affect your move.
- HOA rules: Confirm whether your HOA has any moving restrictions or requirements before scheduling your movers.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Certain cities ask you to get parking permits for moving trucks or large vehicles. Check in advance to see if you’ll need one for your move.
- State licensing: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check a Iowa moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Iowa, but make sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Iowa. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary from state to state. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Use a checklist to move with confidence. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and ensures everything’s covered, so you can relax and focus on the move.
Things to do in Iowa
No matter what you’re into, from parks and museums to sports or college-town vibes—Iowa is packed with things for you to explore and enjoy.
Museums in Iowa
- National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
- Figge Art Museum
- National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
- The Putnam Museum & Science Center
- Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Parks in Iowa
- Vander Veer Botanical Park
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Eagle Point Park
- Terry Trueblood Recreational Area
Sports teams in Iowa
- Iowa Wolves (NBA G League)
- Iowa Hawkeyes (NCAA)
- Northern Iowa Panthers (NCAA)
- Iowa State Cyclones (NCAA)
- Drake Bulldogs (NCAA)
Universities in Iowa
- Iowa State University
- University of Iowa
- University of Northern Iowa
- Maharishi International University
- Grinnell College
FAQ
How long does a move from Durham to Iowa take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Durham, NC to Iowa? Typically, the process takes about two to eight days, but the service you choose can affect the timeline. Keep in mind that if you’re planning a summer move, things might take a bit longer due to higher demand.
Keep your move on track by confirming delivery timelines with your movers ahead of time. That way, you won’t get stuck with any surprise delays.
How many Durham movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There are 12 movers in Durham that offer custom-built crates for delicate or unusual items like artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you need special crating, confirm with a Durham moving company that they can accommodate your specific items.
What is the best way to get a car from Durham to Iowa?
Looking to move your car from Durham to Iowa? Choose a service that puts professionalism and vehicle care first, backed by real experience. Check out our top picks for car shippers from North Carolina to Iowa.
Why are people moving from Durham to Iowa?
Many people are moving to Iowa because of its low cost of living and ample economic opportunity. On the other hand, people are moving away from Durham because of the terrible traffic and high crime rate.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Iowa.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Durham?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Durham.
Do movers in Durham, NC, accept cash?
Yes, five movers in Durham accept cash. However, cash is uncommon in the moving space, where traceable payment types are standard. You’ll typically pay a deposit to secure your booking before moving day. The rest of the total is due at pickup or post-delivery—confirm the schedule and permitted payment methods with your mover.
Helpful moving resources
North Carolina moving services
Popular North Carolina routes
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