The bottom line: If you’re planning a 1,165 mile move from Iowa to Connecticut, expect to spend anywhere from $724 to as much as $6,008. Our top recommendation for full-service moving is Safeway Moving, while TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is our choice for local movers in Iowa.
- Best Long-Distance Movers
- Best Moving Containers
- Best Moving Truck Rentals
- Best Small Load Movers
Check out these options to narrow down your search:
Going the other way? Check out our moving from Connecticut to Iowa guide.
Best Iowa to Connecticut Full-Service Moving Companies
Long-distance moves, like the one from Iowa to Connecticut, can be complicated and stressful without the right support.
Working with a reliable interstate moving company can simplify the process and save you from costly surprises.
Here are our top picks for movers that consistently deliver great service and fair pricing on this route:
- Safeway Moving
- Colonial Van Lines
- American Van Lines
- International Van Lines
- North American Van Lines
1. Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving locks in pricing upfront, so you won’t get hit with surprise charges on long-distance moves. The company handles relocations across all 50 states and includes 30 days of free storage with every move, which can be helpful if your new home isn’t ready right away.
Safeway is known for its military-grade packing standards and commitment to price transparency. If you want a predictable, hands-off move with no hidden fees, it’s a solid option.
2. Colonial Van Lines
Colonial Van Lines is a long-distance moving specialist that focuses on interstate residential and commercial moves, including cross-country and state-to-state relocations. With more than five decades in the moving and storage industry and over 250,000 long-distance moves completed, the family-run company brings a deep bench of experience to complex routes.
Colonial invests heavily in training: movers attend Colonial Van Lines University in Pompano Beach, where they practice packing and handling techniques in a fully furnished demo home before working in customers’ houses.
You can start with a virtual quote through the company’s mobile app and then add services like professional packing, extra valuation coverage, vehicle shipping, storage (including climate-controlled options), and moving supplies.
3. American Van Lines
American Van Lines (AVL) stands out as a full-service mover with strong values at its core. Committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, AVL makes environmental responsibility a top priority in every move.
They walk the talk by upgrading their trucks with cutting-edge, energy-saving tech, giving back to local communities, and constantly finding new ways to shrink their environmental footprint.
AVL stands out for its variety of services and dependable team, making it a solid choice for anyone tackling an interstate move. If you want peace of mind and a straightforward moving experience, AVL should definitely be on your radar.
4. International Van Lines (IVL)
International Van Lines (IVL) provides full-service long-distance moving across all 50 states, offering everything from packing and storage to furniture disassembly and reassembly. If you’re moving overseas, IVL also has air and ocean freight options.
The company requires a deposit to book, but its flexible cancellation policy allows you to adjust plans if needed. With virtual estimates available, you can get a quote without scheduling an in-home walkthrough.
5. North American Van Lines (NAVL)
North American Van Lines (NAVL) has been handling long-distance moves since 1933, with services available in all 50 states. The company provides binding estimates, so you’ll know your cost upfront, and offers full-value protection for extra peace of mind.
One of its standout features is real-time shipment tracking, which lets you follow your move every step of the way. Whether you need full packing services or just transportation, NAVL gives you the flexibility to plan your move your way.
Learn more about the best movers in Iowa.
DIY Iowa to Connecticut Moving Options
Iowa to Connecticut Moving Containers
A moving container is a cost-effective solution for relocating across Iowa without the hassle of driving a rental truck.
You can take your time loading your items, while the container company handles the long-haul transport. It’s ideal if you want more flexibility and built-in storage in case your new home isn’t move-in ready.
Here are our top picks for moving container companies for your interstate journey from Iowa to Connecticut:
1. PODS
PODS gives you flexibility with long-distance moves by letting you pack at your own pace. You can keep the container in your driveway, store it at a PODS facility, or have it delivered straight to your new home. Pricing is transparent, with month-to-month rental options, and there’s no rush to unload since you keep the container as long as needed.
2. U-Pack
With U-Pack, you only pay for the space you use on a moving trailer or in a ReloCube, making it a budget-friendly choice for interstate moves. Unlike PODS, you have just three days to load and unload, but transportation is included in the price. There’s no deposit required, and U-Pack regularly offers discounts, including savings for military members and students.
Iowa to Connecticut Moving Truck Rentals
For those comfortable behind the wheel, renting a truck can be a smart and economical way to move from Iowa to Connecticut.
You’re in charge of the whole process — loading, driving, and unloading — with the flexibility to choose the right size vehicle for your belongings.
Here are the top-rated truck rental options across Iowa:
1. Budget Truck Rental
Budget Truck Rental keeps costs low with frequent discounts, including deals for students, military members, and AARP members. One-way rentals for interstate moves include unlimited miles, so you won’t get hit with extra fees for going over a mileage cap. Budget’s fleet isn’t as big as U-Haul’s, but if you find a location near you, it’s often one of the cheapest ways to move.
2. Penske Truck Rental
Penske trucks are well-maintained and newer than most competitors, reducing the chances of breakdowns on a long drive. Unlimited mileage is included on all one-way moves, making it ideal for cross-country trips where you don’t want to worry about tracking every mile. Penske also partners with AAA to offer discounts, and there are additional savings for college students and military members.
3. U-Haul
U-Haul has the largest truck rental network in the U.S., which means there’s a good chance you’ll find a location nearby. One-way rentals don’t include unlimited mileage like some competitors, but U-Haul often beats other companies on base rental prices. If you need flexibility, U-Haul also offers trailer rentals and the option to hire loading help through its Moving Help marketplace.
Iowa to Connecticut Small Load Movers
If you’re moving a smaller home or apartment from Iowa to Connecticut, some full-service companies might not be the right fit due to minimum load sizes.
We’ve rounded up the best movers that focus on smaller, more flexible moves for people headed from Iowa to Connecticut:
1. MovingYourself
MovingYourself is a cost-effective option for small moves, since you pay only for the truck space you need. Instead of renting an entire moving truck, you load your belongings into a designated section of a commercial trailer, keeping costs low. The company handles transportation, so you don’t have to drive a rental truck across state lines.
2. MiniMoves
MiniMoves specializes in small interstate moves, making it a solid option if you’re relocating a studio apartment or just shipping a few pieces of furniture. Unlike most full-service movers, MiniMoves doesn’t have high weight minimums, so you’re not stuck paying for space you don’t need. Packing and loading services are available, and the company offers custom crating for fragile or high-value items.
Cost To Move From Iowa to Connecticut
You’re starting a new chapter, moving from Iowa to Connecticut — memories, keepsakes, and all.
Expect professional moving services for this route to cost anywhere from $724 to $6,008. On average, movers in Iowa charge $199 per hour for packing, loading, and transporting your items safely.
Below, you’ll find an estimated cost breakdown for your move to the Constitution State.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $2,612 – $4,882 | $1,313 – $2,195 | $768 – $1,325 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,663 – $5,770 | $1,526 – $2,516 | $729 – $1,462 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,470 – $5,971 | $1,871 – $2,996 | $843 – $1,688 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,135 – $6,769 | $1,982 – $3,547 | $993 – $1,863 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,597 – $7,771 | $2,182 – $4,083 | $1,036 – $1,940 |
Cost Factors When Moving From Iowa to Connecticut
Moving from Iowa to Connecticut? These factors will shape your total costs:
- Move size: More possessions mean a higher cost. A few boxes and furniture from a studio are much cheaper to move than the contents of a multi-bedroom home with large, heavy items.
- Distance covered: The longer the move—from Des Moines, IA to Waterbury, CT—the more it’s likely to cost because of added mileage charges.
- Specialty services: Additional charges come into play if you need things like fragile item packing, piano moving, or disassembly services.
- The timing of your move: Costs surge in summer due to high demand. Scheduling in the less busy spring or fall months can help you save.
- DIY or pro movers: Want to save 20%–30%? Handle the move yourself. Just be ready for the workload of transporting everything without help.
Get Accurate Estimates for Your Move From IA to CT
Planning a move from Iowa to Connecticut? Getting solid estimates is a must for budgeting smartly.
Review sites are full of cautionary tales about unexpected costs from bad estimates. Vague or overly simple quotes can lead to headaches later.
To avoid surprises and get an accurate quote, follow these steps:
- Get multiple bids. Request quotes from several movers to understand pricing norms and identify any suspiciously low offers.
- Book a pre-move survey. Whether it’s virtual or in person, this gives movers a clear view of what they’re transporting so they can quote accurately.
- Insist on a written agreement. Go over your contract carefully to ensure all charges — and any exclusions — are spelled out clearly.
- Choose a binding estimate. This protects your budget and ensures your price doesn’t change once your belongings are weighed.
- Confirm your moving timeline. Verify pickup and delivery windows and make sure all addresses and timing are correct.
Learn more about the average cost of movers in Iowa.
Living in Iowa vs. Connecticut
Every state is unique, from the economy to the weather to the people who live there. Here are a few key differences between living in Iowa and Connecticut to consider before your move.
Cost of living
| Metric | Iowa | Connecticut |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $1,374 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $405,595 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $90,213 |
| Cost of living index | 89 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 3.0% |
| Average sales tax | Not available | Not available |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 3.0% |
Weather
| Metric | Iowa | Connecticut |
|---|---|---|
| Summer high | 84ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 10ºF | 18ºF |
| Annual rain | 35″ | 50″ |
| Annual snow | 30″ | 37″ |
Demographics
| Metric | Iowa | Connecticut |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,207,004 | 3,617,176 |
| Political leaning | Republican 53-45 | Democratic 56-44 |
| Crime index | 16.18 | 16.44 |
Things To Do in Connecticut
Moving can be overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to explore a brand-new place, with new things to do.
Luckily, there’s plenty to discover in Connecticut.
Popular Attractions in Connecticut
- Mystic Seaport
- Historic Ship Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum
- Lake Compounce Amusement Park
- Beardsley Zoo
- Hammonasset Beach State Park
- Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
- Dinosaur State Park and Arboretum
- Gillette Castle State Park
- The Mark Twain House & Museum
- Yale University Art Gallery
Museums in Connecticut
- Mystic Seaport Museum
- The Mark Twain House & Museum
- Yale University Art Gallery
- Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center
- Stamford Museum & Nature Center
- Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
- The Submarine Force Museum
- Stepping Stones Museum for Children
- Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History
- Bruce Museum
Parks in Connecticut
- Cove Island Park
- Tarrywile Park & Mansion
- Seaside Park
- Elizabeth Park
- Ocean Beach Park
- Gillette Castle State Park
- Wickham Park
- Mianus River Park
- Hubbard Park
- East Rock Park
FAQs
What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Connecticut?
Some of the benefits of moving from Iowa to Connecticut include:
- Natural beauty
- Bountiful recreational opportunities
- Diverse lifestyle options
- Great outdoor environment
- Amiable small communities
Who regulates interstate moves out of Iowa?
For interstate moves, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency that oversees all safety regulations for moving companies that handle moves out of Iowa.
The FMCSA also makes sure all moving companies are registered through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and maintain a USDOT number.
When is the worst time to move to Connecticut?
The worst time to move to Connecticut is during the summer months, when the weather is at its hottest and moving costs are at their highest due to the peak season.
How far in advance should I book movers from Iowa to Connecticut?
You should book your move from Iowa to Connecticut as far in advance as possible, but the rule of thumb is between three and six months ahead of moving day.
This will help ensure you get the moving date you want, and some companies may even offer an early-bird discount for booking early.
Should I get in-home estimates for a move from Iowa to Connecticut?
It’s a lot easier to get an online estimate for your move from Iowa to Connecticut, but this could cost you in the long run.
Taking a little extra time for an in-home or virtual walkthrough of your home will help ensure your mover accurately quotes you a price based on the amount of items you have and the size and layout of your home.
What’s the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Connecticut?
The cheapest way to move from Iowa to Connecticut is likely to rent a moving truck and handle the move yourself.
While this can save you some money, keep in mind that a DIY move means you’ll be doing the heavy lifting and driving on your own.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of moving, a full-service company, while more expensive, might be the better option.
What should you do when you arrive in Connecticut?
Moving is more than just getting your stuff from Iowa to Connecticut. You also need to handle logistics to settle into your new home.
Here’s what to add to your to-do list for a seamless move:
- Forward your mail and change your address for things like banks, credit cards, tax agencies, and insurance companies.
- Contact local utility companies in Connecticut to get your internet, cable, electricity, water, and gas set up.
- Plan for a safe transition by installing a security system, testing smoke detectors, and changing the locks on your new home.
- Register your car and visit the Connecticut DMV for a new driver’s license.
- Plan a housewarming party and start exploring your new neighborhood in Connecticut!
How We Chose the Top Iowa to Connecticut Moving Companies
To ensure we provide accurate and reliable recommendations, we use a thorough evaluation process to rate and review local and long-distance movers across the U.S. in these key categories:
- Pricing and payment options: Transparent pricing is a major factor. We assess whether companies offer flat-rate pricing and binding estimates to help customers avoid unexpected fees and stay within budget. We also look for multiple payment options (credit card, cash, and check).
- Services: We examine a company’s packages to see which services come standard and which ones come at an added cost, helping customers find the most comprehensive services at the most affordable rate.
- Customer feedback: We analyze online reviews from consumer review sites like the BBB, Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google and look for common praises and complaints.
- Reputation: A company’s reputation is crucial. We look at industry ratings, compliance with regulations, and whether they carry sufficient insurance to protect customers’ belongings.
- Add-on options: We evaluate optional services that carry an extra fee — like fragile-only packing, custom crates, and specialized handling of electronics — can make a move easier, especially if they’re not commonly offered by other companies.
- State availability: The number of states a company serves is key. Companies with a national reach are ranked higher than those within just the contiguous U.S. or with more limited availability.
- Ease of scheduling: We give higher ratings to companies that offer straightforward and accessible scheduling options to get things moving quickly.