Fact Checked by: 
Industry-trained crews
Local moving companies in South Dakota
When you’re moving from South Dakota to Oakland, CA, make your move easy with one of the best local movers who know the ins and outs of relocating from the Mount Rushmore State to the vibrant Town. We’ve chosen companies that are known for smooth, stress-free transitions, so you can settle in easily.
Out of 7 South Dakota movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Oakland, CA.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Brouwer Relocation Inc: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Thomas & Sons Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Movin' On Out Inc: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Green's Moving & Storage: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2575221
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2527384
Two Men and a Truck offers highly reputable local residential moving services in and around Sioux Falls, SD, having served the community since 2016. This company stands out among other local movers for its comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for pianos and safes, all without requiring a deposit. With an impressive Google rating of 4.8 from 331 reviews, a solid 4.0 rating on Yelp, and an A+ BBB rating, customers frequently commend their professionalism and reliability. Two Men and a Truck is an excellent choice for those seeking trustworthy and efficient local movers in Sioux Falls.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 125550
Years in Business: 55
DOT #: 125550
Brouwer Relocation Inc has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Sioux Falls, SD since 1970. Unlike many nearby movers, Brouwer Relocation boasts a stellar reputation with an impressive average rating of 4.9 from 715 reviews on Google and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, although they have a lower average on Yelp. The company also provides comprehensive packing and unpacking services, along with specialized moving for hot tubs, pool tables, and antiques, ensuring every aspect of your move is handled with care. With no deposit required and shipment tracking available, Brouwer Relocation stands out as a reliable and convenient choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2997736
Alternate Names: Thomas and Sons Moving Company, LLC
Thomas & Sons Moving Company has been a trusted name in local residential moving around Rapid City, SD, since 2014. Unlike many competitors, they boast exceptional customer satisfaction, with an average rating of 4.7 from 125 Google reviews and a strong Yelp presence. An A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau further underscores their reliability. They offer comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and the ability to move specialized items like pianos and safes, all without requiring a deposit.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 1201875
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1201875
Movin' On Out Inc, operating since 2004, specializes in local residential moving services in and around Sioux Falls, SD. Their reputation is bolstered by strong consumer feedback, including an average rating of 4.4 on Google from 44 reviews and a stellar A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Unlike some nearby movers, they also offer comprehensive packing and unpacking services, and can handle delicate items like pianos and antiques. For customers seeking reliability and a range of specialized moving solutions, Movin' On Out Inc stands out as a reputable choice within the local market.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 71
DOT #: 207599
Green's Moving & Storage, serving Rapid City, SD since 1953, excels in local residential moving services with a steadfast reputation. Unlike many nearby movers, they offer comprehensive packing and unpacking services and can handle specialized moves such as pianos and pool tables. Their credibility is bolstered by an impressive 4.7 average rating from 18 Google reviews and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, even though a lone Yelp review suggests otherwise. For clients seeking a dependable and established moving company, Green's Moving & Storage stands out as a solid choice, accepting credit cards and requiring no deposit.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Comparing local moving companies from South Dakota to Oakland, California:
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Brouwer Relocation Inc | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Thomas & Sons Moving Company | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Movin' On Out Inc | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Green's Moving & Storage | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Out of the 2,884 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how South Dakota movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| South Dakota | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 100% | 97% |
| Antiques | 33% | 48% |
| Military Discount | 0% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from South Dakota to Oakland, CA
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in Oakland, CA is really like compared to South Dakota. From the cost of living and local culture to daily routines, we'll guide you through the biggest lifestyle changes and must-see attractions to be aware of.
Cost of living: South Dakota vs Oakland, CA
| South Dakota | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $878 | $2,200 |
| Average home value | $306,944 | $736,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,457 | $94,389 |
| Unemployment rate | 2% | 5% |
| State income tax | 0% | 13% |
Oakland sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Oakland is about 151% higher than in South Dakota. Be sure to factor in the higher move-in costs and monthly rent when budgeting for your move.
- Expect home prices in Oakland to be about 140% higher than in South Dakota. Plan ahead for a bigger down payment, higher property taxes, and increased overall costs of owning a home.
- Salaries in Oakland are typically 36% higher than in South Dakota. That extra income can make it easier to manage your living costs or boost your savings.
- Unemployment in Oakland is about 137% higher than in South Dakota, but you can still land a great job by being proactive. Get a head start on networking and stay focused on the job hunt.
- Income taxes in Oakland are 13% higher than in South Dakota, so keep this in mind when you’re budgeting. Your take-home pay might be a bit less.
How life is different in Oakland from South Dakota
| Oakland | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 440,646 | 919,318 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high | 72ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 44ºF | 7ºF |
| Annual rain | 24" | 23" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 39" |
| Crime index | 68.62 | 21.14 |
Oakland sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Oakland voted Democratic and South Dakota voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Oakland peaks at about 72ºF while South Dakota, gets up to 85ºF. Swapping scorching summers for a cooler climate means you can escape the heat, cut down on energy bills, and enjoy more time outside.
- During the coldest part of the year, Oakland reaches a temperature of 44ºF while South Dakota gets down to 7ºF. Relocating to Oakland means you’ll enjoy milder winters, making daily life easier, more affordable, and better for spending time outside.
- You can expect 24 inches of annual rainfall in Oakland, which is just about the same as in South Dakota with 23 inches of rainfall. While you probably won’t see a big change in the total amount of precipitation, shifts in when and how that rain falls could still affect your everyday routine.
- In Oakland, it only snows about 0 inches annually vs the39 inches of snow in South Dakota that you are likely used to. Moving to Oakland, with less snow, means less maintenance and fewer winter-weather events, making it perfect it you prefer a milder winter season.
- Oakland has a higher crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 68.62 vs 21.14. A higher crime rate isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s your cue to research local safety measures and think about how it might affect your day-to-day life.
Things to do in Oakland
Whether you love scenic parks, world-class museums, thrilling sports, or renowned universities, Oakland truly offers something for everyone.
Museums in Oakland
Parks in Oakland
Sports Teams in Oakland
Universities in Oakland
Other considerations when moving to Oakland, CA
- Weather: Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
- HOA rules: Before moving day, check your neighborhood or community rules so you don't run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to book your building’s elevator ahead of time and check on any moving rules they might have.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for your moving truck, so check your new neighborhood’s regulations before moving day.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Be sure to confirm your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can check your California moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to California, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules before moving day.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your moving date so your mail will be forwarded to California without any delays. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Insurance rules vary by state. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized is key to a stress-free move. Our moving checklist helps you stay on track, so you don’t miss a single detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from South Dakota to Oakland take?
The time it takes to move from South Dakota to Oakland, CA varies based on where you’re starting and the type of move you pick. No matter which option you choose, loading up your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it on your own.
If you’re starting from northern South Dakota, it’ll take longer to get to Oakland. When renting a truck, plan for a one- to two-day drive, depending on your route and how often you stop.
Delivery from South Dakota to Oakland can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Always ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from South Dakota to Oakland?
If you’re planning a 1575-mile move from South Dakota to Oakland, it’s a good idea to schedule your moving date as soon as your plans are confirmed. To get the best rates and secure your preferred date, aim to book your movers two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Oakland, CA?
Summer highs in Oakland can hit 72°F, while winter lows drop to 44°F. That’s why most people moving from South Dakota to Oakland choose the milder spring or fall months. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and maybe save some money, try planning your move for the summer or winter instead, even if it means braving a little extra heat or cold. Check out more tips on peak moving seasons.
