Local moving companies in Memphis
Out of 7 Memphis movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Iowa.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Guardian Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Cord Moving and Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving & Storage of Memphis, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: BSTB Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
Alternate Names: Alexander Mayflower , Alexander Moving Express , Mayflower Transit
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 68
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Company, Inc. , United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 104
DOT #: 181102
Alternate Names: Cord Moving – Memphis , North American Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Local moving services in Memphis, TN
Quick breakdown of Memphis movers that offer specialty add-on services:
Cost to move from Memphis, TN to Iowa
The table below breaks down average costs for moves from Memphis to Iowa, varying by home size and service option.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,216 – $3,626 | $710 – $1,732 | $454 – $847 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,179 – $5,419 | $1,219 – $2,371 | $475 – $996 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,871 – $8,430 | $1,594 – $3,223 | $648 – $1,202 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 615-mile move from Memphis, TN, 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 Memphis to Iowa
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Memphis to Iowa will cost between $1,216 and $3,626. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,179 to $5,419, and a large move will cost from $3,871 to $8,430.
Cost of moving containers from Memphis to Iowa
If you’re moving from Memphis to Iowa, expect to pay between $710 and $1,732 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,219 up to $2,371. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,594 and $3,223. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Memphis.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Memphis 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 Memphis to Iowa, expect to spend between $454 and $847. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $475 and $996. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $648 up to $1,202 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Memphis to IA
When calculating the price of Memphis 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 Memphis, 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 Memphis to IA
Moving to Iowa from Memphis, TN, you’ll notice that the cost of living remains fairly consistent. Your budget might remain steady, but it’s wise to examine the details to spot any subtle shifts.
Compare cost of living: Memphis vs. Iowa
| Memphis, TN | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,299 | $914 |
| Average home cost | $143,715 | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $48,090 | $70,571 |
| Cost of living index | 86 | 89 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 3.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.4% |
Iowa sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 30% less expensive in Iowa compared to Memphis, leaving you more flexibility with your income.
- Homes in Iowa cost about 53% more than in Memphis, so expect a higher mortgage payment.
- Expect incomes in Iowa to be about 47% higher than in Memphis, offering more opportunities to save or spend.
- The cost of living in Iowa is nearly identical to Memphis, so budget impacts should be minimal.
- In Iowa, the unemployment rate is about 63% below Memphis’s, a positive sign of healthier job opportunities.
- Iowa has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay.
How life is different in Memphis, TN from Iowa
When relocating from Memphis 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 Memphis.
| Memphis, TN | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 633,104 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 54″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 3″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 77.49 | 16.18 |
Iowa Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Iowa leaned Republican, while Memphis supported Democratic.
- Cooler summer days in Iowa reach typical highs around 84ºF, whereas Memphis sees warmer peaks approaching 91ºF. By selecting a cooler spot, you’ll enjoy less heat, decreased energy costs, and lots of fresh-air activities, which is ideal if comfort and time spent outside are your priorities.
- Winter lows in Iowa can drop to 10ºF, colder than Memphis 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 54 inches you’re used to in Memphis. 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 3 inches that Memphis 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 Memphis, with indexes at 16.18 vs 77.49. A lower crime rate usually means safer neighborhoods and extra peace of mind.
Other considerations when moving to Iowa
If you’re moving from Memphis 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 Memphis to Iowa take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Memphis, TN to Iowa? Typically, the process takes about one to six 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 Memphis movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There are four movers in Memphis that offer custom-built crates for delicate or unusual items like artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you need special crating, confirm with a Memphis moving company that they can accommodate your specific items.
What is the best way to get a car from Memphis to Iowa?
Looking to move your car from Memphis 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 Tennessee to Iowa.
Why are people moving from Memphis to Iowa?
Many people are moving to Iowa because of its low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Iowa.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Memphis?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Memphis.
Do movers in Memphis, TN, accept cash?
Yes, two movers in Memphis 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
Tennessee moving services
Popular Tennessee routes
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