The bottom line: If you’re organizing a 1,415 mile relocation from Maine to Iowa, your costs could range anywhere between $701 and $6,073. Safeway Moving is our top recommendation for full-service moves, while we suggest Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine as the top local mover in Maine.
- 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 Iowa to Maine guide.
Best Maine to Iowa Full-Service Moving Companies
Long-distance moves, like the one from Maine to Iowa, 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
- American Van Lines
- International Van Lines
- Mayzlin Relocation
- North American Van Lines
- Our Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
- Best For: Sustainability
- Availability: 48 states (not in AK or HI)
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. 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.
3. 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.
4. Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin Relocation focuses on long-distance moves with a personal touch, offering binding estimates so you know your total cost upfront. The company provides packing, storage, and furniture disassembly, with the option to add white-glove handling for fragile or high-value items.
Unlike some movers, Mayzlin doesn’t hand off jobs to outside crews but instead handles everything in-house, ensuring consistency from start to finish. It handles moves across the lower 48 states and builds customized moving plans to fit your needs.
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 Maine.
DIY Maine to Iowa Moving Options
Maine to Iowa Moving Containers
If you’re looking to move from Maine to Iowa on a budget, renting a moving container is a smart alternative to hiring full-service movers or driving a truck yourself.
You pack at your own pace, and the company transports the container for you. With many offering storage options, it’s a flexible choice that keeps things simple if your schedule changes.
These moving container companies stand out as the best for your interstate move from Maine to Iowa:
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.
Maine to Iowa Moving Truck Rentals
Feeling confident about driving? Renting a moving truck is among the most affordable ways to relocate from Maine to Iowa. You’ll pack and load everything yourself, but you’ll also enjoy full control over your timing and route.
Truck rental services offer different sizes — from compact vans to large box trucks — so there’s an option whether you’re moving light or heavy.
Below are the top truck rental providers in Maine:
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.
Maine to Iowa Small Load Movers
Many traditional moving companies aren’t ideal for small moves because of their minimum size requirements. If you’re going from Maine to Iowa with a lighter load, a specialized small move company is likely a better (and more cost-effective) option.
Here are our top picks for small load movers serving the Maine to Iowa route:
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 Maine to Iowa
You’re starting a new chapter, moving from Maine to Iowa — memories, keepsakes, and all.
Expect professional moving services for this route to cost anywhere from $701 to $6,073. On average, movers in Maine charge $135 per hour for packing, loading, and transporting your items safely.
Below, you’ll find an estimated cost breakdown for your move to the Hawkeye State.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $3,415 – $6,094 | $1,659 – $2,683 | $1,033 – $1,862 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,738 – $7,368 | $1,910 – $3,237 | $1,084 – $1,859 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,189 – $8,068 | $2,302 – $3,865 | $1,181 – $2,148 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,349 – $10,923 | $2,597 – $4,584 | $1,377 – $2,447 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $7,367 – $11,111 | $3,042 – $5,304 | $1,512 – $2,840 |
Cost Factors When Moving From Maine to Iowa
Moving from Maine to Iowa? 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 Portland, ME to Des Moines, IA—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 ME to IA
When moving from Maine to Iowa, getting a detailed and accurate quote can save you money and stress.
Many negative reviews trace back to poor estimates. Don’t settle for unclear or overly generic pricing that could balloon later.
Use these tips to secure an accurate estimate for your long-distance move:
- Make sure logistics are nailed down. Pickup and delivery info, times, and dates should all be confirmed in writing.
- Ask for a binding quote. This locks in your moving cost and keeps you from being hit with extra charges down the line.
- Book a pre-move survey. A virtual or in-home walk-through ensures movers don’t miss bulky items that could skew your quote.
- Check for fine-print fees. Look for charges tied to stairs, limited access, or long-distance carries — and ask about anything unclear.
- Compare quotes side by side. Seeing the details from three or more companies helps highlight both strong offers and potential scams.
Learn more about the average cost of movers in Maine.
Living in Maine vs. Iowa
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 Maine and Iowa to consider before your move.
Cost of living
| Metric | Maine | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,009 | $914 |
| Average home cost | $401,297 | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,251 | $70,571 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 89 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% | 3.0% |
| Average sales tax | Not available | Not available |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 4.4% |
Weather
| Metric | Maine | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Summer high | 78ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 7ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 46″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 75″ | 30″ |
Demographics
| Metric | Maine | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,395,722 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 52.6-45.3 | Republican 53-45 |
| Crime index | 13.17 | 16.18 |
Things To Do in Iowa
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 Iowa.
Popular Attractions in Iowa
- Iowa State Capitol
- Amana Colonies
- Blank Park Zoo
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Center
- Lost Island Waterpark
- National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
- Pikes Peak State Park
- Visit Okoboji
- Field of Dreams
- Grotto of the Redemption
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
- Union Pacific Railroad Museum
- Buffalo Bill Museum
- John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
- Old Capitol Museum
- Okoboji Classic Cars
Parks in Iowa
- Vander Veer Botanical Park
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Eagle Point Park
- Terry Trueblood Recreational Area
- Clear Lake State Park
- Mines of Spain Recreation Area
- Eagle Point Park
- Raccoon River Park
- Big Woods Lake Recreation Area
FAQs
What are the benefits of moving from Maine to Iowa?
Some of the benefits of moving from Maine to Iowa include:
- Low cost of living
- Ample economic opportunity
- High quality of education
- No traffic
- Beautiful outdoors
Who regulates interstate moves out of Maine?
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 Maine.
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 Iowa?
The worst time to move to Iowa 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 Maine to Iowa?
You should book your move from Maine to Iowa 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 Maine to Iowa?
It’s a lot easier to get an online estimate for your move from Maine to Iowa, 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 Maine to Iowa?
The cheapest way to move from Maine to Iowa 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 Iowa?
Moving is more than just getting your stuff from Maine to Iowa. 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 Iowa 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 Iowa DMV for a new driver’s license.
- Plan a housewarming party and start exploring your new neighborhood in Iowa!
How We Chose the Top Maine to Iowa 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.