Best Movers Near Spearfish, SD (2026 Reviews)
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Thomas & Sons Moving Company is Spearfish's top-rated moving company on moveBuddha, earning a 4.42/5 stars. Rankings are based on 130 verified customer reviews, BBB rating, and proximity to Spearfish, SD, covering 1 local Spearfish movers.
Local movers in Spearfish are priced hourly. The South Dakota average is $182/hour for a 2-person crew. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate.
Why use moveBuddha for your Spearfish, SD move
- moveBuddha users save more than 30% on average by getting multiple Spearfish mover quotes through our moving cost calculator before booking.
- Book a moveBuddha Certified Spearfish mover and get an extra $1,000 in move coverage plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha steps in with direct dispute mediation between you and your Certified mover.
Moving in Spearfish, SD right now: Peak summer moving season is here. The 4th of July is one of the busiest moving weekends of the year. Prices spike and availability drops sharply around the holiday. If your Spearfish move is scheduled near that window, you should already have a mover locked in. If not, move quickly.
What are the top-rated moving companies in Spearfish, SD?
moveBuddha scored 1 Spearfish movers drawing on 130 verified customer reviews, with a market average score of 4.22/5. Rankings also draw on moveBuddha's reviews of 14 South Dakota movers and 1,734 verified South Dakota customer reviews to surface the closest and highest-rated companies serving Spearfish from nearby locations.
- Thomas & Sons Moving Company: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Green's Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- North Western Movers: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Thomas & Sons Moving Company has been in business for 12 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Thomas & Sons Moving Company has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 149 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.
Quote accuracy 3.7
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Thomas & Sons Moving Company.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Thomas & Sons Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
AJ and his crew were so fast, efficient, and polite. They made moving day much less stressful than I expected. And they were really nice to my dogs! Very highly recommend them!
We have moved over 15 times and this was the most efficient load we've seen. Guys were easy to talk to and work with. They were organized and took pride in their work.
Professional and polite staff
Helpful movers
Efficient service
Careful handling
Affordable rates
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Green's Moving & Storage has been in business for 72 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Green's Moving & Storage has about 89% positive reviews across roughly 28 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.0.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Green's Moving & Storage.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Green's Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The crew was fantastic! Careful, courteous, and they did an amazing job packing our things. Highly recommend their services!"
"We moved from Rapid City to Boise and it went extremely smooth. John Paul was our driver and he was great. All of his guys that loaded us up… were so polite and hardworking."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Good communication
Efficient service
Highly recommended
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. North Western Movers has been in business for 93 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. North Western Movers has about 80% positive reviews across roughly 40 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.2.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from North Western Movers.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. North Western Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Everyone at North Western was extremely helpful and understanding when we had to make last minute adjustments. The crew carefully loaded our belongings which arrived in good condition."
"Mike Sherry and the Allied team were awesome to work with! I felt he kept us informed each step of the way. Very professional and upfront about any delays! I definitely recommend them!!"
How do Spearfish, SD moving companies compare?
| Company | Our rating | Positive reviews | BBB | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4.42 |
92% | A+ | ||
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4.3 |
89% | A+ | ||
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4.2 |
80% | A+ |
Proximity to Spearfish is a ranking factor, so a mover appearing higher on the list may have a lower score than one listed below it. A nearby company can outrank a higher-scored mover based further out. Each company's positive review rate and BBB rating are included so you can compare quality and reputation side by side.
Top-rated movers in nearby South Dakota cities
Popular moving routes from Spearfish, SD
Local movers in Spearfish are the right choice for moves under 500 miles, typically along I-29 and I-90. For longer moves, you need a full-service interstate carrier with USDOT authority, binding estimate practices, and the logistics to handle cross-country delivery. See our guide to the best long-distance movers from Spearfish, SD for route-specific recommendations and pricing.
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How much do movers cost in Spearfish, SD?
Local movers in Spearfish are priced hourly. The South Dakota average is $182/hour for a 2-person crew. Total cost depends on home size and hours on the clock.
| Home size | Estimated local move cost in Spearfish |
|---|---|
| Studio | $282 – $470 |
| 1 bedroom | $376 – $658 |
| 2 bedrooms | $564 – $940 |
| 3 bedrooms | $846 – $1,410 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,128 – $2,068 |
Estimates based on national average local move costs, adjusted for Spearfish's cost of living. Actual costs vary by crew size, hours, and services.
Ready to compare Spearfish mover prices? See our full guide on Spearfish, SD mover costs →
Which Spearfish, SD movers offer specialty services?
Not every Spearfish mover handles specialty items. moveBuddha tracked 1 Spearfish moving companies across 5 specialty service categories. The breakdown below shows availability rates for this market and the top-rated mover in each category:
Apartment and high-rise moving in Spearfish
Moving in or out of an apartment or high-rise in Spearfish adds logistical steps that ground-floor moves don't require. Before booking, confirm the following with your mover:
- Elevator reservation: most buildings require a reserved service elevator window. Book it as soon as you have your move date. Slots fill quickly, especially on weekends and the first of the month.
- Certificate of Insurance (COI): many Spearfish apartment buildings and high-rises require a COI from your mover before they'll allow access to service elevators or loading docks. Ask your mover for a COI early. This is a standard request and any licensed mover should provide it without charge.
- Long carry and shuttle fees: if the moving truck can't park within a short distance of the building entrance, a shuttle vehicle or long-carry charge ($75–$500+) may apply. Confirm the loading dock situation before signing your estimate.
- Labor-only movers: Some Spearfish movers offer labor-only service (loading and unloading without a truck), which is useful when you're supplying the container or rental truck. is Spearfish's top-rated labor-only provider.
If your building has strict move-in rules, ask your mover for references from similar Spearfish apartment moves before committing.
DIY moving options in Spearfish, SD
Not every Spearfish move needs a full-service crew. These alternatives cost significantly less:
Rental trucks
The best rental truck options for a DIY move in Spearfish, SD are Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5), U-Haul (4.2/5), and Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5). Budget leads on transparent pricing and discount availability. U-Haul offers 7 truck sizes and one-way rentals for moves that won't bring you back. Penske carries the most consistently maintained fleet, with unlimited mileage on select routes. Use moveBuddha's moving truck size guide to match the right truck to your home size before booking.
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Moving containers
The best moving container companies available in Spearfish, SD are PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5), based on moveBuddha's ratings. Container moves work by dropping a portable unit at your door, giving you several days to load at your own pace, then the company handles pickup and delivery. See our full moving container company guide for cost comparisons by move size, or the moving container sizes guide to find the right unit for your load.
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Labor-only movers + rented truck
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading while you drive the rental truck. You keep full control of your timeline and route, at a fraction of full-service cost. See moveBuddha's guide to the best moving labor companies for vetted options.
Moving in Spearfish, SD: what you need to know
A Spearfish move involves logistics that go beyond booking a crew and loading a truck. The checklist below covers the practical steps specific to moving in this market.
Before move day
- Update your address: file a change of address with the USPS before your move date. Spearfish residents can start at USPS Mover's Guide. Also update your address with South Dakota DMV, your bank, employer, and any subscription services.
- Certificate of Insurance (COI): many Spearfish buildings require a COI from your moving company before granting loading dock or elevator access. Request this from your mover as soon as you book. It's a standard document and any licensed mover should provide it free of charge.
- Reserve your elevator: if you're in a building with a service elevator, reserve a time window as early as possible. Weekend and month-end slots fill fast.
- Get a binding estimate: a binding estimate locks your final price. A non-binding estimate can change based on actual weight or time. Always confirm in writing before signing.
Timing your move
- Peak season (May–September): demand is highest in summer. Spearfish's summer highs reach 88°F, which pushes prices up and crew availability down. Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead during this window.
- Off-peak savings: moves booked in October–April, on weekdays, or mid-month typically cost 10%–20% less. If your schedule is flexible, ask movers about off-peak pricing. See moveBuddha's best time to move guide for a month-by-month breakdown.
- Winter conditions: Spearfish's winter lows reach 17°F. Winter moves are cheaper but require planning for ice, snow delays, and longer loading times. Confirm your mover's weather policy before booking.
South Dakota moving regulations and your rights
- Verify your mover is licensed: all South Dakota movers are required to be licensed with the state. Check your mover's license at South Dakota's licensed movers directory. Ask for their USDOT number for interstate moves.
- Although a local license is not required in South Dakota, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
- Released-value coverage: movers are required to offer basic protection at $0.60 per pound per item at no extra cost. This covers almost nothing on high-value items. Ask about full valuation coverage before signing.
- In South Dakota, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, offering coverage at 60 cents per pound. To enhance protection, discuss Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, consider exploring third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your moving insurance in South Dakota.
- Your rights as a shipper: for interstate moves, the FMCSA requires movers to provide "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" before your move. Read it. It covers estimates, liability, dispute resolution, and the 110% rule. Download it at fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move.
- Industry oversight: South Dakota Trucking Association sets professional standards for South Dakota movers. Membership is voluntary but signals accountability. Ask your mover if they hold membership.
Frequently asked questions: moving in Spearfish, SD
How much do movers cost in Spearfish, SD?
Local movers in Spearfish, SD charge by the hour. Based on moveBuddha's data from 1 Spearfish movers, hourly rates range from $165/hour to $165/hour, with a median of $165/hour.
Key cost factors for a Spearfish move, based on moveBuddha's review data:
- Access fees: stairs, elevators, long carries, and shuttle service each add $75–$500+ when the truck can't load directly. Get these costs itemized in your estimate before signing.
- Deposit requirement: many Spearfish movers require a deposit to secure your booking. Confirm refund terms before paying.
- Full valuation coverage: available from select Spearfish movers. The default released-value protection covers only $0.60 per pound. Full valuation coverage costs extra and covers replacement value.
- Hours on-site: local moves bill by the clock. Home size, floor access, elevator waits, and how much packing work the crew handles are the primary time drivers.
- Long-distance pricing: moves leaving Spearfish across state lines are priced by shipment weight and mileage, not hourly. 100% of Spearfish movers (1 companies) handle interstate moves. Fuel surcharges on long-distance moves typically add 8%–15% to transportation charges.
- Packing services: packing service and material availability vary by company. Professional packing adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound on average.
DIY options like a rental truck or moving container reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's analysis. Use the moving cost calculator to get a market-specific baseline before collecting quotes.
What do full-service movers in Spearfish include, and what costs extra?
A standard full-service move in Spearfish, SD includes loading, transport, and unloading. Basic furniture padding and simple disassembly/reassembly for bed frames and standard furniture pieces are included in the base rate. Packing, valuation upgrades, storage, crating, and specialty-item handling are add-ons billed separately. The table below shows what Spearfish movers offer and what each add-on typically costs, based on moveBuddha's review data.
| Add-on service | % of Spearfish movers | Typical cost impact |
|---|---|---|
| Access fees (stairs, elevator, long carry, shuttle) | Situational | $75–$500+ when the truck can't load directly; shuttle service adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums starting around $200 |
Every add-on above requires written confirmation before booking. A binding estimate locks the final price. A non-binding estimate can change based on actual weight or time. See the hidden and unexpected moving costs guide for a full breakdown of what to request in writing.
Do movers in Spearfish offer senior, military, or other discounts?
moveBuddha found no confirmed senior, military, AAA, student, teacher, or law enforcement discounts among the Spearfish movers in its database. That does not mean discounts are unavailable. Ask each mover directly at the quote stage, since some companies offer unpublished rates for eligible groups. Confirm any discount in writing before signing.
How far in advance should I book movers in Spearfish?
Book Spearfish movers at least 4–6 weeks ahead during peak moving season (May through September) and on month-end dates. For off-peak moves (October through April, mid-month, or on a weekday), 2–3 weeks is usually sufficient. Last-minute bookings (under 1 week) are possible but limit your options to movers with open capacity, which may not include your preferred company or the best-rated crews.
Once you have a date, request a binding written estimate before paying any deposit. Confirm the mover's cancellation and reschedule policy in writing at booking. Some Spearfish movers charge a fee for changes made within 48–72 hours of the move.
What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and do Spearfish movers provide one?
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document from your mover's insurance carrier that names your building as an additional insured and confirms the mover carries active liability coverage. Many Spearfish apartment buildings, condos, and commercial properties require a COI before they'll permit a moving crew to use service elevators or loading docks.
Any licensed, insured Spearfish mover should provide a COI at no charge. Request it as soon as you book. Your building management may need it 5–10 business days before your move. If a mover hesitates or charges for a COI, that is a red flag worth taking seriously.
Are movers in Spearfish licensed and insured?
South Dakota requires moving companies operating within the state to hold a valid state license. Verify a mover's license at the South Dakota licensed movers directory. For interstate moves (crossing state lines), movers must also hold a USDOT number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify any USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Always ask your Spearfish mover for their license number and USDOT number before signing. moveBuddha verifies licensing and insurance status for all movers in its database as part of the review process.
How long does a local move take in Spearfish?
Local Spearfish moves are billed by the hour, so understanding time estimates helps you budget accurately. Based on moveBuddha's Spearfish-area data:
- Studio/1 bedroom: 2–4 hours with a 2-person crew
- 2 bedrooms: 4–6 hours with a 2-person crew
- 3 bedrooms: 6–8 hours with a 3-person crew
- 4+ bedrooms: 8–12 hours with a 3–4 person crew
These are averages. Actual time increases with stairs, elevator waits, long carries from truck to door, and the amount of packing the crew handles. Pre-packing boxes, reserving an elevator, and ensuring a clear loading path are the most effective ways to keep hourly costs on track.
Do Spearfish movers have experience with apartments and high-rises?
Yes. Most Spearfish movers regularly handle apartment and high-rise moves. When evaluating a mover for this type of move, ask specifically about their experience with:
- Service elevator scheduling and building move-in procedures in Spearfish
- Providing a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for building management
- Shuttle vehicles or alternative loading setups when a truck can't park close to the entrance
- Stair carries if the service elevator is unavailable or too small for large pieces
A mover with genuine Spearfish apartment experience will ask about your building's move-in process during the quoting stage, not after you've signed. If they don't ask, bring it up yourself before committing.
What is the best time of year to move in Spearfish?
The cheapest time to move in Spearfish is October through April, particularly on weekdays and mid-month dates when mover demand drops. Moving during this window can reduce your total cost by 10%–20% compared to peak summer rates.
Peak season runs May through September. Spearfish's summer highs reach 88°F, which makes physically demanding moves harder on crews and can slow load times on the hottest days. Demand is highest on weekends, the first and last days of the month, and during the school-year transition in late August.
Winter moves are the most affordable but require contingency planning. Spearfish's winter lows reach 17°F. Confirm your mover's weather delay policy before booking a winter move.
Regardless of season, booking 4–6 weeks ahead gives you the best pick of Spearfish's top-rated movers and the most flexibility on scheduling.
How moveBuddha selects and reviews Spearfish, SD moving companies
moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 14 South Dakota moving companies using a five-factor weighted scoring system: customer satisfaction (40%), dispute resolution (20%), industry reputation (15%), online reputation (15%), and service options (10%). Rankings for Spearfish draw on 1,734 verified customer reviews across South Dakota: real move experiences submitted by customers, not scraped from third-party platforms.
That scoring system draws on moveBuddha's dataset of 1,000+ live price points and research across 4,500+ movers nationwide, so you're getting recommendations built on real market data, not just review aggregation.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently completes moves on time, communicates proactively, and delivers within the estimated cost. These factors matter most when hiring a mover.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems happen in every industry. We reward companies that take clear ownership of issues and make genuine, documented efforts to resolve them.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company holds standing in professional moving organizations and participates in industry oversight, which signals accountability beyond customer reviews alone.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains accurate, up-to-date information online and responds promptly and professionally to customer inquiries and complaints.
- Service options (10%): We favor companies that offer full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery. These services matter on a complex move.
Read our complete moving company rating methodology for the full scoring breakdown.
See how Spearfish's top movers stack up. Get free quotes from moveBuddha's #1-ranked Spearfish movers →
How to move in Spearfish: permits, COI, and city logistics
A step-by-step guide to planning a local move in Spearfish, SD, including permit requirements, certificate of insurance, elevator booking, and mover verification.
- Verify your mover's license and insurance. Although a local license is not required in South Dakota, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Verify a license.
- Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI). If your Spearfish building requires a COI for loading dock or elevator access, request one from your mover immediately after booking. Any licensed mover should provide it free of charge within a few business days.
- Reserve your parking and elevator access. Contact your building manager to reserve a service elevator window and, if needed, a parking permit for the moving truck on your Spearfish street. Book these at least 2 weeks before your move date.
- Get a binding written estimate. Request a binding estimate from at least 3 Spearfish movers. A binding estimate locks your final price. Review all line items (including access fees, packing, and valuation coverage) before signing.
The final verdict: moving in Spearfish, SD
- Best overall: Thomas & Sons Moving Company (4.42/5), moveBuddha's #1-ranked Spearfish mover.
- Best runner-up: Green's Moving & Storage (4.3/5).
- Best for specialty items (piano, antiques, art): Thomas & Sons Moving Company (4.42/5).
- Best labor-only / DIY assist: (/5). Hire for loading and unloading while you supply the truck.
- Going rate: $165/hour median for a Spearfish crew.
Collect at least 3 binding estimates, confirm your mover's license and insurance, and request a COI if your building requires one. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to set your budget baseline before reaching out to movers.
