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($1,118) Movers From Des Moines, IA to South Dakota

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Estimated cost & time: The cost to move 453 miles from Des Moines, IA to South Dakota averages $431 to $4,946. Your move could take anywhere from one to four days, depending on factors like your moving date, the distance, how much stuff you have, and whether you hire professional movers or go the DIY route.
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Best movers from Des Moines, IA to South Dakota

Best overall value
Safeway Moving Logo Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
4.9
  • checkmarkBest overall value
  • checkmarkVeteran owned
  • checkmarkPortion to charity
American Van Lines Logo American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
4.5
  • checkmarkCertified crews
  • checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
  • checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines Logo Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
4.8
  • checkmarkSpecialty packing services
  • checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
  • checkmark80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation Logo Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
4.9
  • checkmarkFamily owned
  • checkmarkEast coast focus
  • checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines Logo North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans
4.5
  • checkmark1,800 trucks
  • checkmarkStorage available
  • checkmarkCustomized moving plans
Professional Icon
Professional
Container Icon
Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental truck
Freight Icon
Labor-only
Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

Estimated cost to move from Des Moines, IA to South Dakota

Studio Icon

Studio/1 bedroom

  • Full-service mover $1,217 – $3,645
  • Moving container $935 – $1,636
  • Rental truck $404 – $732
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Full-service mover $1,861 – $4,946
  • Moving container $1,208 – $2,347
  • Rental truck $431 – $860
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Full-service mover $3,317 – $7,231
  • Moving container $1,558 – $2,864
  • Rental truck $521 – $1,004
Recent Moving Price Estimates
Allied Van Lines
Kelley, IA Madison, SD
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 26, 2025
United Van Lines
Bondurant, IA Box Elder, SD
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 20, 2025
Roadway Moving
State Center, IA Tabor, SD
3 Bedrooms
Oct 16, 2025
Budget Truck Rental
Cumming, IA White Rock, SD
3 Bedrooms
Oct 10, 2025
American Van Lines
Pleasant Hill, IA Watertown, SD
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 04, 2025
North American Van Lines
Dexter, IA Carthage, SD
2 Bedrooms
Sep 25, 2025
PODS
Gilbert, IA Aberdeen, SD
Studio apartment
Sep 07, 2025
Safeway Moving
Lorimor, IA Egan, SD
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 06, 2025
Colonial Van Lines
Reasnor, IA Volin, SD
2 Bedrooms
Aug 15, 2025
Mayflower Transit
Perry, IA Aurora, SD
1 Bedroom (small)
Aug 11, 2025

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from South Dakota to Des Moines, IA guide .

Local moving companies in Des Moines

Out of 13 Des Moines movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to South Dakota.

  1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
  2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
91.6% of all reviews were positive
8.0% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Two Men and a Truck earns its reputation for being fast, careful, and professional, with 92% of customer feedback praising efficient service, attention to detail, and courteous movers. Most people said the crews worked quickly, handled belongings with care, communicated well, and made moving less stressful. Many customers noted the movers were polite, helpful, and followed directions accurately, setting them apart from less organized competitors.
Some even reported coming in under budget due to team efficiency, and highlighted transparent pricing and great office support. Negative feedback primarily cited issues with item damage, inexperienced movers, and unexpected costs. A small number of reviewers mentioned poor packing, lack of effort to resolve damages, and occasional rude remarks, especially in more complex moves. While damage to belongings arose more often than other negatives, the vast majority of feedback still positions this company as one of the most reliably consistent options for moving services in the region.
Show more
Get a Quote (515) 216-3654

Company Info

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 2527384

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
64.0% of all reviews were positive
36.0% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Fast, affordable, and careful—most customer feedback praises All Mighty Movers LLC for their quick moving process, professional crews, and attentive handling of belongings. Out of 25 reviews analyzed, 64% are positive, often highlighting low rates, polite staff, and efficient service. Clients commonly appreciate how speedily and safely items were moved, noting that furniture and fragile goods arrived undamaged.
Many mention the company beats local competitors in both price and quality, thanks to thoughtful movers who keep an upbeat attitude even with challenging jobs. On the downside, 36% of feedback centers on inaccurate estimates, unexpected charges, and unclear communication, especially regarding additional fees and scheduling. Some customers feel misled when final costs exceeded quoted amounts. Compared to many moving companies, All Mighty Movers earns high marks for efficiency and pricing but leaves room to improve transparency and customer relations, especially for billing and communication during more complex moves.
Show more
Get a Quote (515) 313-1395

Company Info

Pricing: $130/hr

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2468266

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
92.7% of all reviews were positive
7.3% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving has never looked so easy. From 260 customer feedback entries, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving earned praise for efficient service, professionalism, and careful handling, with 92.7% of responses reflecting positive experiences. The staff often receives high marks for friendliness and effective communication, outperforming many competitors on reliability.
Customers commonly mention the quick moving process and how carefully items are treated. On the downside, some reported damage to belongings, unexpected charges, and unprofessional conduct—chiefly in the few negative submissions, which account for 7.3% of the total. Compared to others, College Hunks stands out for speed, courteous crews, and strong problem-solving skills, but attention to quality control and transparent billing could prevent negative encounters. The company sets a high standard for service and staff demeanor, making it a leading choice in the moving industry.
Show more
Get a Quote (336) 810-1801

Company Info

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 2378173

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
% of all reviews were positive
% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Get a Quote (515) 393-4253

Company Info

Pricing: $150/hr

Years in Business: 17

DOT #: 3527158

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
99.6% of all reviews were positive
0.4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Rave reviews consistently place Adamantine Spine Moving at the top of moving services in Iowa and beyond. Analyzing 223 customer reviews, 99.6% of feedback highlights professionalism, efficient service, excellent communication, careful handling, and quick moving crews. Customers repeatedly mention that staff are polite, approachable, and make stressful moves easy with precise organization and prompt responses.
Quotes tend to be accurate, crews are well-trained, and moves large or small are handled with care. Compared to larger moving firms, Adamantine stands out for its hard-working teams and reliable pricing, with many clients calling the experience the best they’ve had. The only significant complaint noted involves a billing discrepancy where the final charge was much higher than the initial estimate, and the situation wasn’t resolved effectively. This single negative input strongly contrasts the otherwise outstanding reputation. Adamantine’s client input sets it apart from typical moving companies and makes it a top recommendation for anyone looking for trusted moving professionals.
Show more
Get a Quote (319) 519-0154

Company Info

Pricing: $100/hr

Years in Business: 25

DOT #: 1471037

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

Local moving services in Des Moines, IA

Here’s how many movers in Des Moines include specialty add-ons:

Interstate
9 69.23%
Small moves
9 69.23%
Antiques
6 46.15%
Art
7 53.85%
Pianos
10 76.92%
Fragile-only packing
4 30.77%

Cost to move from Des Moines, IA to South Dakota

Check the table below for expected cost ranges to move from Des Moines to South Dakota with various services, based on your home’s size.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental
truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,118 – $3,018 $623 – $1,605 $389 – $746
2-3 bedrooms $1,861 – $4,946 $1,208 – $2,347 $431 – $860
4+ bedrooms $3,317 – $7,231 $1,558 – $2,864 $521 – $1,004

*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 453-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to South Dakota using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes them monthly to account for seasonal shifts and market trends. Your actual cost can change based on move size, added services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers for the most accurate pricing.

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to South Dakota

If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Des Moines to South Dakota, you can expect prices to land between $1,118 and $3,018. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,861 to $4,946 for the trip from Des Moines to SD. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,317 and $7,231.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to South Dakota

Moving containers from Des Moines to South Dakota will cost you $623 to $1,605 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,208 to $2,347. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,558 to $2,864. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Des Moines.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to South Dakota

Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $389 and $746 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Des Moines to South Dakota with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $431 to $860. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $521 to $1,004.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to SD

Here’s what shapes the moving costs in Des Moines:

  • Move size: The number of rooms and volume of belongings directly affect your final bill.
  • Time of year: Summer moves in Des Moines fall during peak season, which usually means higher prices.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

What you should know before moving from Des Moines to SD

When relocating from Des Moines to South Dakota, you can look forward to new experiences, yet it’s crucial to anticipate higher living expenses. With South Dakota typically being more costly than Des Moines, careful financial planning is essential.

Compare the lifestyle in Des Moines with that in South Dakota to better prepare yourself for your upcoming move:

Compare cost of living: Des Moines vs. South Dakota

Des Moines, IA South Dakota
Average rent $1,150 $878
Average home cost $192,347 $306,944
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $69,457
Cost of living index 87 100
Unemployment rate 5.9% 1.9%
State income tax 4.4% 0.0%
  • In South Dakota, rent is about 24% lower than in Des Moines, making housing easier on your budget.
  • Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 60% higher in South Dakota than in Des Moines.
  • On average, incomes in South Dakota run 19% above Des Moines, potentially improving your financial flexibility.
  • Expect the cost of living in South Dakota to be roughly 15% higher than in Des Moines, which may require some budgeting adjustments.
  • South Dakota has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 68%, suggesting a stronger job market.
  • South Dakota has no income tax, so you’ll get to keep more of your paycheck compared to Iowa.

How life is different in Des Moines, IA from South Dakota

From the weather and population to local politics, here’s how life in South Dakota stacks up against what you’re used to in Des Moines.

Des Moines, IA South Dakota
Population 699,292 919,318
Political leaning Democratic 57-41 Republican 63-37
Summer high 86ºF 85ºF
Winter low 13ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 36″ 23″
Annual snow 33″ 39″
Crime index 5.0 21.14
  • In the last presidential election, South Dakota leaned Republican, while Des Moines supported Democratic.
  • Summertime highs settle at approximately 85ºF in South Dakota as well as 86ºF in Des Moines, ensuring the climate feels quite familiar. Apart from temperatures, it’s important to think about humidity, weather trends, and energy costs to grasp what summertime will be like in your new area.
  • Colder winters set in at 7ºF in South Dakota, compared to 13ºF in Des Moines. With this change, expect brisker winters and higher costs, but also the unique appeal of a colder climate.
  • In South Dakota, you’ll get only about 23 inches of rain per year, versus 36 inches in Des Moines. Less rain means more sunshine, more time outdoors, and fewer weather-related concerns.
  • Each year, South Dakota gets about 39 inches of snow, while Des Moines sees only 33 inches. More snow means beautiful winter views and lots of outdoor activities, but it also calls for extra prep and upkeep.
  • South Dakota records a higher crime rate (21.14) than Des Moines (5.0). It’s wise to research neighborhoods to understand how this may affect your day-to-day.

Other considerations when moving to South Dakota

When you’re moving from Des Moines to South Dakota, you’ll want to do more than just pack your boxes and hire movers. Make sure you’re up to speed on local rules, permits, and other logistics that could affect your move.

  • HOA rules: Always check community regulations beforehand so your move-in goes smoothly.
  • Elevator reservation: Be sure to reserve the elevator if your building requires it for move-ins.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: 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. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they’re properly licensed.
  • State regulator: You can verify a South Dakota moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s site.
  • Moving permits: There’s no need for a moving permit in South Dakota, but be sure to look up local parking rules before moving day.
  • Change of address: Make sure to fill out your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You can choose your official move date and have your mail forwarded to South Dakota. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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.
  • Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay organized and be sure you haven’t missed a thing.

Things to do in South Dakota

Whether you’re into sports, parks, museums, or universities, South Dakota has tons for you to discover and enjoy.

Museums in South Dakotatoggle

  • Adams House
  • The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs
  • Adams Museum
  • Tatanka: Story of the Bison
  • South Dakota Air and Space Museum

Parks in South Dakotatoggle

  • Falls Park
  • Canyon Lake Park
  • Founders Park
  • Memorial Park
  • Upper Chautauqua Park

Sports teams in South Dakotatoggle

  • Aberdeen Wings (NAHL)
  • Rapid City Rush (ECHL)
  • Sioux Falls Skyforce (NBA G League)
  • Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)

Universities in South Dakotatoggle

  • University of South Dakota
  • South Dakota State University
  • South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
  • Dakota State University
  • Augustana University

FAQ

How long does a move from Des Moines to South Dakota take?

Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Des Moines, IA, to South Dakota? Most moves on this route usually take one to four days, depending on your service. Just a heads up. Moving during the hectic summer season might leave you open to delays.

To keep your move on track and steer clear of delays, be sure to ask about the delivery timeline before you book your movers.

How many movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?

There are eight movers in Des Moines that offer customized crates for a variety of fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped pieces, including artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you will need special crating for any of your items, be sure to confirm with a Des Moines moving company that they will be able to accommodate your specific needs.

What is the best way to get a car from Des Moines to South Dakota?

Need to get your car from Des Moines to South Dakota? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Des Moines to South Dakota car shippers.

Why are people moving from Des Moines to South Dakota?

Many people are moving to South Dakota because of its outstanding tax benefits and robust job market.

Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to South Dakota.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Des Moines?

Can I pay for my move from Des Moines, IA, with cash?

There are four movers in Des Moines that accept cash payments. Even so, cash is not the norm in the moving industry, where traceable payment types are preferred. Plan to pay a deposit to lock in your booking and move date. The rest of the balance is usually due at pickup or after delivery—verify timing and accepted methods with your mover.

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