($303+) Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Sioux Falls, SD, runs anywhere from $303 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,156 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 282 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $942, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,156 or more.
- Moving containers run $835 - $2,506, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $303 - $782.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Sioux Falls, SD. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,612 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Sioux Falls: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,612 - $4,694. Moving containers run about 31% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 80% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 4 days for this 282-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 282-mile route from Des Moines to Sioux Falls, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $942 - $3,741 | $835 - $1,531 | $303 - $554 | $767 - $1,378 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,612 - $4,694 | $1,120 - $1,981 | $329 - $630 | $896 - $1,601 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,139 - $6,156 | $1,378 - $2,506 | $387 - $782 | $1,137 - $2,194 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD
For the 282-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, full-service movers cost between $942 and $6,156. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $266 - $1,772 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Des Moines generally start around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $942 - $3,741
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,612 - $4,694
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,139 - $6,156
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Des Moines to Sioux Falls.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD
Specialty needs vary by market: 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Sioux Falls, 50% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing62% of local movers | $443 - $4,430 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $177 - $1,063/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $266 - $2,126 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $886 - $2,658 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,215 - $8,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $664 - $1,261 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $886 - $2,215 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $709 - $3,101 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $266 - $1,329 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $576 - $1,772 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $266 - $13,290+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $266 - $3,101+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Sioux Falls?
All three below meet the standards set by the South Dakota Trucking Association, the group most South Dakota movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Des Moines, IA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Des Moines to Sioux Falls with a local mover averages $1,660 - $4,834. Working with a local mover based in Des Moines, IA often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.56/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Des Moines, ranked #2 in Iowa, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,052 customers, 93.8% of which is positive.
Address: 2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 | Founded: 1997
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, cost between $835 and $2,506. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Des Moines typically costs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $835 - $1,531
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,120 - $1,981
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,378 - $2,506
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Sioux Falls, SD. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $620 in Des Moines, IA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $66 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $133 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to South Dakota move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $835. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,120 - $1,981.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Sioux Falls?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Des Moines to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Des Moines:
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- The Approved Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD
Truck rentals from Des Moines, Iowa, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, range from $303 - $782 for the 282-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $79 - $91
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Des Moines to Sioux Falls based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $303 - $554
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $329 - $630
- 4+ bedrooms: $387 - $782
Pro tip: A rental truck from Des Moines to Sioux Falls looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $303 - $782. But once you factor in fuel ($79 - $91), overnight lodging ($133/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $66 and $310.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $133.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $79 and $91 for the 282-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $620 for 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Sioux Falls?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Des Moines, Iowa, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $896 and $1,601.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $767 - $1,378
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $896 - $1,601
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,137 - $2,194
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $620.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $66 and $133 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Sioux Falls?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Des Moines to Sioux Falls, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Sioux Falls, SD
Good news for your budget: Sioux Falls isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Des Moines. Cost of living index runs 91 there against 87 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 45/100 and 57.8/100 here versus 38/100 and 57.17/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Sioux Falls, SD to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to South Dakota, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Iowa alone has 58 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 282-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to Sioux Falls, SD, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $942 - $6,156 on the 282-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $835 - $2,506, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $303 - $782. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,612 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Sanford Health and Avera Health.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Sioux Falls, SD
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is Sioux Falls a safe place to live?
Sioux Falls has a safety index of 57.17 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.83, compared to 57.8 and 5.0 in Des Moines. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Sioux Falls?
Sioux Falls has a walkability score of 38 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 46, compared to 45 and 39 in Des Moines. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Sioux Falls?
For families, McKennan Park, Downtown Sioux Falls, and West Sioux Falls are worth a look in Sioux Falls. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Sioux Falls, East Sioux Falls, and McKennan Park tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in South Dakota?
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.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.