Asking for professional assistance for a long distance move is always a smart thing to do. Even if there’s a slight chance you don’t need it, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The last thing you want is to travel across Iowa’s roads transporting your belongings all by yourself. To ensure the safety of your goods, as well as for your peace of mind, consider hiring long distance moving companies Iowa. Your relocation will be much better with them and all that’s left is for you to track down these professionals. Reading Verified Movers reviews will help you find these professionals quickly, allowing you to devote yourself to other important moving tasks sooner rather than later. In case you want to leave Hawkeye State altogether, you can count on us to introduce you to cross country moving companies Iowa, so you’re covered with that as well. Don’t wait and take a look at our platform!
Moving Trends in Iowa
Over the past decade, Iowa experienced more people leaving than arriving. However, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted this trend, making Iowa a more attractive destination for movers. Previously, Iowa faced negative migration trends, but this has recently changed. Last year, the state saw a positive net migration, with over 6,300 more individuals moving into Iowa than leaving.
Iowa’s appeal lies in its extremely low cost of living, 5% lower than the nation’s average. On the other hand, when it comes to people who decide to move out, they are motivated by better opportunities and better quality of life. This balance is always present. However, it seems that in the next few years, Iowa could see a bigger inflow of residents, since the moving trends now are mainly motivated by the cost of living, which is fully in favor of Iowa.
So, your decision to stay in Hawkeye State seems sound and solid. But, choosing one of the cities in Iowa is not easy. All of them have their perks, as well as some downsides. There are a few favorites though, at least in the eyes of your fellow Iowans. So, we’ll analyze the places you can move to in Iowa, and ultimately, help you choose if you haven’t already decided.
What Are Your Potential Options for a New Home in Iowa?
So, before you turn to Iowa moving experts, make sure to know where it is you want to relocate to. Here are some of the most popular state destinations to consider for your household relocation:
- Des Moines: The state’s capital and most populous city, Des Moines are best known for being the starting line for the United States presidential elections every four years.
- Cedar Rapids: Cedar Rapids is home to one of Iowa’s regional airports and serves as a cultural and entertainment hub for the state.
- Davenport/Bettendorf: With a growing employment rate, this was named the most affordable metropolitan area by Forbes in 2010.
- Waterloo/Cedar Falls: Although generally considered to be one metropolitan area, the two cities are actually very different. Waterloo has a more industrial and commercial makeup, while Cedar Falls has the distinct vibe of a college town.
- Iowa City: Iowa City is a hotbed for liberal activism. It’s also where the Hawkeyes play and where students attend the University of Iowa.
- Council Bluffs: Sharing a river border with Nebraska’s Omaha, Council Bluffs is about one-tenth the size of its metropolitan big brother.
- Ames: Ames is home to Iowa State University, and CNNMoney.com ranked the city as the #9 best place to live in 2010.
- Dubuque: One of the most beautiful cities in Iowa, Dubuque is a popular destination for Iowans and other Midwestern tourists.
Des Moines is the most popular place in Iowa
Des Moines is easily the largest city in Hawkeye State. It is almost twice as big as the second-largest city in this state, Cedar Rapids. We’re emphasizing this because most similarly sized metro areas, at least those that are the largest in their respective states, are having a lot of issues migration-wise. COVID-19 pushed a lot of people from big cities to their hometowns, and the fact that these cities are usually slightly more expensive than fellow cities from their states certainly doesn’t help. But, that was definitely not the case with Des Moines.
This is the most popular place in Iowa, both among Iowans on the move and out-of-staters. Many people are coming to live here every year, and it’s easy to see why. First of all, as the most populous metro area in the state, Des Moines provides the most opportunities. There are a lot of job openings in the city and a whole lot of industries you can work in. Young people also fancy this city because it isn’t boring, and it provides them with decent educational opportunities. However, most of all, Des Moines has a cost of living that’s 7% lower than the state average.
Now, when it comes to moving trends, here are a few things worthy of mentioning. Des Moines gets most residents from Ames, as there were almost 1,000 relocations from Ames to the largest city in Iowa last year. Considering that the population of Amos is only 66.000, this is a staggering number. Also, not even twice as many people went in the opposite direction, so Des Moines is a clear winner here. A similar story is with Cedar Rapids, a city that sends around 500 people to Des Moines yearly. Moving from Iowa City to Des Moines is also popular, with around 300 relocations during the last year. Moving from Davenport to Des Moines is also a popular route.
Cedar Rapids doesn’t have numbers as good as Des Moines, but it is nevertheless a desirable place to live
Cedar Rapids is one of the best places in Iowa. It’s great for young families, and it’s very cheap. The cost of living in this city is 11% lower than the nation’s average. It’s truly a budget-friendly option that shouldn’t disappoint you. And the moving trends here aren’t bad at all. But, they are slightly overshadowed by the fast-growing Des Moines. Cedar Rapids usually welcomes between 200 and 300 people to Des Moines, while around 500 people relocate in the opposite direction, which is certainly not good. However, Cedar Rapids gains residents in relation to Davenport and Iowa City. Cedar Rapids welcomes most people from Iowa City, and this is well over 500 people a year. If you decide to move here, we think you’ll enjoy it.
Sioux City
People are increasingly choosing Sioux City as their home due to its affordability, quality of life, and job opportunities. But, it’s also worth noting that many choose moving Sioux City to Iowa City. The average home price in Sioux City is $215,000, which is lower than Iowa’s median of $229,000, making it an attractive place for homebuyers. The city has significant employment opportunities, particularly in the food industry, with major companies like Tyson Foods and Seaboard Foods serving as leading employers.
Surprisingly for a town without a major university, Sioux City has a dynamic arts and cultural scene. It offers numerous museums, year-round performances, and public art displays, including sculptures in parks and murals throughout the city. The Missouri River adds to the city’s charm, providing beautiful scenery and ample recreational activities. While lacking a major state college, Sioux City is home to esteemed smaller colleges and junior colleges, enhancing its educational appeal. These factors make Sioux City a compelling choice for those looking to relocate.
Iowa City
Iowa City is experiencing steady growth, with its population increasing by 0.87% since the last census, reaching about 75,500 residents. This city offers many cultural activities, including great parks, trails, festivals, sports events, and even an independent film theater catering to diverse interests. Its lively downtown is home to the University of Iowa and features an array of independent shops, a variety of eateries, and an active nightlife, making it an attractive hub for both students and professionals.
Nationally, Iowa City consistently earns high rankings for its quality of life. It’s also strategically located within a five-hour drive from major cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, Omaha, Kansas City, and St. Louis, providing additional urban experiences without the need to live in a metropolitan area. The community is known for its safety, diversity, and acceptance. Moreover, the cost of living in Iowa City is 1% lower than the Iowa average and 7% lower than the national average, making it an economically attractive place to live.
Davenport and Ames
Cities like Davenport and Ames are, unfortunately, losing residents at the moment since people are flocking to two of the largest cities in Iowa. In Davenport, the higher-than-average crime rate is a significant concern; its crime statistics position it higher than 96% of all other neighborhoods in the nation. The city’s industrial nature, while providing jobs, also contributes to environmental issues and pollution, particularly in its waterways, which are currently under clean-up efforts. Also, Davenport faces socio-economic challenges, with 16.5% of its residents living at or below the poverty level, which is 32.7% higher than the rest of Iowa.
In Ames, known primarily as a university town, the departure of residents is attributed to limited long-term employment opportunities outside of academia. After graduation, young professionals often seek more diverse career options, leading them to move to larger cities with broader job markets. Moreover, as students leave, they take their spending power with them, which affects local businesses and contributes to economic fluctuations. Both cities, despite their unique qualities, are experiencing these outflows as residents seek better safety, economic stability, and broader professional opportunities elsewhere.
The Cost of Moving to Other Cities in Iowa
Knowing the distance and the approximate cost of moving between the cities can come in handy if you are just deciding where to move. If you are looking to move from Iowa City to West Des Moines you should plan a budget of around $900 – $1130. If you want to move from Des Moines to Clive, the price would be around $950. You can also discuss these numbers with long distance movers Iowa, as they will be able to tell you the approximate moving prices as well. Don’t forget that you can also grab a free moving quote here on our platform. So, you have enough options to anticipate the price and prepare your moving budget accordingly.
Moving Assistance Options Long Distance Moving Companies in Iowa Can Provide You With
There are many moving assistance options for you to choose from. These services will help you navigate the move in the direction you like, offering you a completely customized experience tailor-made to your needs. Let’s start by listing some basic moving services:
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Storage services
- Packing services
Of course, there are also some special moving services that long distance moving companies Iowa can provide you with, so take a look at the most common ones:
- Pet moving services
- Senior moving services
- Junk removal
- Dumpster rental
- Mobile storage rental
- Art shipping, handling, and crating
- White glove moving services
And if there is something else that you are looking for – we are sure that you will find it here since this was just the tip of the iceberg! Feel free to check out our movers’ database, and you’ll find many companies offering various services to choose from.
There is a good reason why packing service is one of the most used ones
This is one of the most popular moving services, and people often already know why. If you have ever tried to pack yourself for a move or even a vacation, you know how hard it can get. Once you start going through everything you own, you will want to think about the items, maybe reminisce about the memories, or start playing with something you forgot about. Packing is time-consuming even without this. And with all this, it takes ever more time and energy as well. The best suggestion is to declutter once you start packing, as you will be able to put the item into one of the piles. They can be things you keep, sell, throw away or donate. Make as many piles as you want.
But, back to packing. A lot of reputable long distance moving companies in Iowa will offer this service to you. Movers will then come to you with their packing material and start the work. You can bet that they will do it far better and faster than you, as they are experienced with packing. You will also know that all of your items are protected correctly and will be ready for the drive. This is also great because the movers will have an idea about how to load everything into the truck once the moving day comes along.
How to Pick Reliable Long Distance Movers in Iowa?
Every relocation is unique and requires your complete devotion. That is precisely what makes moving house so hard. On the other hand, with long distance moving companies Iowa, you can move in no time. And at an affordable rate. All you have to do is take a look at our movers’ database and find yourself a mover that can and will satisfy your criteria. After doing so, you will have the move that you are hoping for. So, how to get there? Below, you’ll find a couple of things you need to pay attention to.
Checking if your long distance movers Iowa are licensed should be a priority
There’s no point in learning anything about certain long distance movers in Iowa if it turns out that they’re not even licensed. This increases the likelihood of hiring fraudulent movers, and this is surely the last thing you need during the move. So, to avoid these fraudulent companies, you really should check whether they’re licensed or not first. The best thing is that you don’t have a lot of research to do. All you need to do is visit the Iowa Department of Transportation and find out which moving professionals in Hawkeye State have the required permits.
Check out Verified Movers reviews and learn from the experiences of other folks
Now that you know that everything is ok with long distance moving companies in Iowa you’re thinking of hiring, at least on paper, it’s time to hear what other people have to say. Unfortunately, the fact that the company is licensed doesn’t mean that they’re good at all. Don’t worry, because their former customers will tell you all about it. Verified Movers understands the importance of reviews, and this is why we made them more accessible through Verified Movers reviews. Now, you can enjoy reading countless testimonials and, in the end, make the best decision. As simple as it might sound, try to stay away from companies with bad ratings and bad reviews.
Verified Movers Is Able to Assist You in Several Ways
At Verified Movers, we have made it our goal to help you choose your moving company much easier than you would on your own. It is with hard work that we filled our database with 27,000 moving companies from all over the country. Using our services will save you a lot of time as we try to match you with some of the best long distance movers Iowa. After this, you only need to get in touch with them and start planning your relocation. But, how do we exactly do what we do?
Once you visit our website, you will encounter a platform full of moving companies and some other useful resources. You can check out the company’s websites, read between the lines of moving reviews, and the services they offer. With Verified Movers, you are not simply saving your time, you are also making the right steps toward the safety of your move. When there are so many moving scams happening around us, we want to keep you safe, and we’re trying to achieve that by giving you as much information on Iowa’s moving professionals as we can. That way, all that remains is for you to make the decision, which will be an informed one after consulting us. Also, you can take a look at our blog for any other moving-related thing you need help with. Since it has been updated daily for years now, there is truly something for everyone out there.
What Should You Look for in Long Distance Moving Companies Iowa?
- Long distance moving companies Iowa with years of experience. One thing that is important for your choice of movers to have is all the necessary Iowa relocation expertise. Not only does that mean familiarity with Hawkeye State, but it also means nurturing good client relations.
- Professional consultants and precise estimates. One of the benefits of hiring professional and experienced long distance moving companies Iowa is that they are able to provide you with the best solutions. Plus, good communication makes the challenge of migration much easier. However, not all Iowa long distance movers are as eager to have open and honest conversations with their customers. This is why you should look for a professional mover with the right attitude in dealing with clients.
- A plethora of moving tips and advice. Top-rated long distance movers in Iowa will have a well-established relationship with their clients. This is because, as professionals, they know all about the moving efforts and struggles our clients go through. And that is what our premium selection of movers can provide to you
DIY Move Across Iowa: Is It a Good Idea?
People often feel like they can manage a relocation on their own. Either because of money or because they think it can be an easy thing to do. However, organizing everything takes a lot of time and energy. Moving on your own can go by nicely as well, of course. How much of your time are you willing to spend on organizing a DIY move? In today’s world, it is hard to make a sacrifice with time, and that is why you can hire long distance movers Iowa. So, how do you move on your own? Firstly you need to plan everything. Having a good plan means that you won’t forget anything once everything starts looking messy. You can plan your time, packing, moving day, or anything you want.
After that, you should get all the needed packing materials. When buying boxes, think of different sizes for different-sized items. They should be filled to the top, but you can use packing peanuts for filling the box, instead of trying to fit too many items. This will both prevent things from getting damaged and also keep them in a good position during transport. Once you’re done packing, be sure to label everything. You will need to hire a moving truck and then start the drive early on your moving day so you hit all the deadlines. As you can see, while being manageable, a DIY move is exhausting and completely unnecessary. We are happy to help you in this scenario as well, but our preferred option remains to avoid moving mistakes and hire long distance moving companies in Iowa.
How Does Moving With Professionals Change Your Moving Process?
When you hire long distance lovers Iowa, this will change. You can still plan your move, but you probably won’t need to go into so many details. This depends on the number of services you want to hire. But, professional movers will have a lot of your time as they have experience with this and can be very fast. Still, no matter how fast they are, they will always put safety in front of them. Meaning that they will take care of your items very well. Knowing this can help you relax which is a good thing before the move, especially to a new city or part of the state.
Having professional movers with you can mean that you have time to focus on other things while movers are moving your home. You might need to finish something for your work, old home, or simply explore your new neighborhood. Whatever it is that you can use your time for, now it will be possible. You can skip all of the processes of packing, buying materials, and having to hire the right truck. A team of professionals can do all that for you.
Things That Affect Your Moving Cost
Calculating your relocation budget can help you with your expectations and can ease your mind. The best way to do this is to realize two factors impact the price. How much is your load weight is the first one? And how far away your new house is is the second one. So, with the weight of the load, the more things you have, the more work and space moves will be needed, so the cost will rise. The same goes for the distance. The further away your new home is from the old one, the more the price will be.
Once you know all this, calculating your approximate budget shouldn’t be hard. Also, add any additional moving services you are getting and storage if you will use one. Another great thing that you can get used to is the free estimates. Long distance moving companies in Iowa offer free estimates where they can tell you how much your move should cost. But, always take them with a grain of salt, as it is just an estimate and the real cost can be different.
Let Professionals Handle Everything for You
As we have mentioned many times before, moving is a process. And a complex one. That can mean only one thing – it is hard to take on. However, with the right professional on your team, things can get much simpler. And in no time. Long distance moving companies Iowa are highly-trained, well-experienced, and professional. 3 factors that guarantee your satisfaction when moving to or from Iowa.
Moving Organization
Starting ahead of time is the best thing you can do. Even if you find yourself a mover. There are just so many tasks that need to be completed before your moving day comes any closer. Let’s dive in!
- Make a plan and stick to it.
- Create an inventory list as well as a moving checklist and help yourself stay organized.
- Calculate your moving budget and make sure you don’t overspend.
- Find a reliable mover you can trust and rely on.
- Donate, sell or recycle items that you don’t need or use need anymore.
- Buy professional packing materials and ensure your belongings’ safety.
Long Distance Moving Companies by Cities in Iowa
- Long distance moving companies Des Moines
- Long distance moving companies Cedar Rapids
- Long distance moving companies Davenport
- Long distance moving companies Sioux City
- Long distance moving companies Iowa City
- Long distance moving companies Ankeny
- Long distance moving companies West Des Moines
Turn to Verified Movers to Find the Professionals Who Suit You the Most!
Once you decide to go on a long distance move, you’ll be in for a huge adventure. However, you should do everything you can to take some weight off your shoulders. This is what the experts are here for. The moving process is tremendously easier with professional assistance, and finding it is an easy process once you find yourself on our platform. Verified Movers reviews from former customers who had experience with long distance movers in Iowa, will allow you to learn about their services firsthand. Long distance moving companies Iowa are easier than ever to reach, so make sure to visit our website and track down your ideal moving team today!
Facts About Iowa
01. Main Information
Popular Cities
Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City
Governor
Kim Reynolds
US Senators
Chuck Grassley, Joni Ernst
State Website
State Moto
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
State Nickname
The Hawkeye State
02. Geo Population
Area (sq mi)
56,272
Total Population
3,233,572
Highest Elevation
1,671 ft
Lowest Elevation
480 ft
Time Zone
Central/UTC
03. Education
Top 5 Elementary Schools
Maharishi School, Rivermont Collegiate, Hopewell Elementary, Pleasant View Elementary, Riverdale Heights Elementary
Top 5 Middle Schools
Maharishi School, Rivermont Collegiate, Pleasant Valley Junior High School, Gilbert Middle School, Waukee South Middle School
Top 5 High Schools
Maharishi School, Rivermont Collegiate, West Senior High School, Pleasant Valley High School, Ames High School
Top 5 Colleges
Iowa State University, University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, Grinnell College, Drake University
04. Rates
Crime Rate
18.7 (per 1,000 residents)
Employment Rate
68.1%
Average Income (household)
$65,429
Poverty Rate
11.1%
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there more tips for the moving day?
For your moving day, you can also pack a bag of necessities. This is in case your items are not delivered by the time you expect. Them. You can have everything you need, a fresh change of clothes, basic sometimes, chargers and your electronics. You can also pack some water and snack if you get hungry during the drive.
How long does it take to relocate across the state of Iowa?
If you decide to move with long distance moving companies Iowa, your relocation definitely won't take too long. However, you still need some patience. Usually, your belongings will arrive at your new address in 1 to 2 weeks from the pickup. But, something unforeseen can always happen, so sometimes it can last a while longer.
Are there any items that won't be allowed in the trucks of long distance moving companies Iowa?
Some items are, in fact, prohibited from entering the moving truck. And, chances are that you actually have some of those in your household. Usually, we're talking about hazardous or flammable substances here. Still, we advise you to check this with your long distance movers Iowa in order to be sure that all of your items can be transferred.