($330+) Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Sioux Falls, SD, runs anywhere from $305 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,194 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,049, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,194 or more.
- Moving containers run $857 - $2,762, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $305 - $771.
- 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 $1,605 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD
Moving options from Des Moines to Sioux Falls fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,605 - $4,631 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 282 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
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 | $1,049 - $3,881 | $857 - $1,510 | $305 - $586 | $828 - $1,415 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,605 - $4,631 | $1,117 - $2,118 | $331 - $646 | $903 - $1,798 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,288 - $6,194 | $1,534 - $2,762 | $401 - $771 | $1,251 - $2,210 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 282-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with costs ranging from $1,049 - $6,194. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $266 - $1,772. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Des Moines and Sioux Falls. Local movers in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate plus $142/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: $1,049 - $3,881
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,605 - $4,631
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,288 - $6,194
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to South Dakota. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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.
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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 85% nationally. In Sioux Falls, 71% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $443 - $4,430 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% 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 coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% 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 items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $886 - $2,215 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $709 - $3,101 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $266 - $1,329 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $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?
Look for South Dakota Trucking Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in South Dakota beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
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 $1,573 - $4,539. 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 (4.58/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Des Moines, ranked #1 in Iowa, based on our analysis of feedback from 251 customers, 91.6% 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 $857 and $2,762. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Des Moines costs roughly $60/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $857 - $1,510
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,117 - $2,118
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,534 - $2,762
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $620 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $66 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $133 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Sioux Falls, SD, destination before booking.
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 $857. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,117 - $2,118, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD
Renting a moving truck for the 282-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, costs between $305 and $771, before these typical add-ons:
- 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: $305 - $586
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $331 - $646
- 4+ bedrooms: $401 - $771
Pro tip: A rental truck from Des Moines to Sioux Falls looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $305 - $771. But once you factor in fuel ($79 - $91) , overnight lodging ($133/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 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. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $903 and $1,798.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Sioux Falls:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $828 - $1,415
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $903 - $1,798
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,251 - $2,210
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a 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.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Sioux Falls. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Sioux Falls, SD
Des Moines and Sioux Falls land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 87 in Des Moines and 91 in Sioux Falls, and rent tracks closely too ($1,150/mo vs. $1,100/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (45 vs 38) and safety scores (57.8 vs 57.17) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Sioux Falls, SD to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Iowa to South Dakota, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 36 movers in Iowa, so you have real options to compare for this 282-mile move.
Our take
The 282-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Sioux Falls, SD, costs between $1,049 and $6,194 with full-service movers, $857 - $2,762 with a moving container, and $305 - $771 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,605 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer 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
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 do local movers charge in Des Moines?
Local movers based in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate, plus $142/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Sioux Falls run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
