($303+) Sioux Falls, SD to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Sioux Falls, SD, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $303 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,959 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 283 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 $1,109, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,959 or more.
- Moving containers run $826 - $2,741, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $303 - $774.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Sioux Falls, SD, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,823 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 Sioux Falls, SD to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Sioux Falls to Des Moines: 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 $1,823 - $5,575. Moving containers run about 41% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 83% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 4 days for this 283-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 283-mile route from Sioux Falls to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,109 - $4,145 with full-service movers, $826 - $1,531 with a container, $303 - $559 with a rental truck, or $752 - $1,364 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,823 - $5,575 full-service, $1,077 - $2,022 by container, $310 - $649 by rental truck, or $853 - $1,651 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $2,649 - $6,959 full-service, $1,392 - $2,741 by container, $387 - $774 by rental truck, or $1,171 - $2,047 by freight.
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 Sioux Falls, SD to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 283-mile move from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $1,109 - $6,959. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $268 - $1,788. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Sioux Falls and Des Moines. Local movers in Sioux Falls typically start around $424 as a base rate plus $182/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Sioux Falls to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,109 - $4,145
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,823 - $5,575
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,649 - $6,959
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 Sioux Falls to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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 Sioux Falls, SD to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Sioux Falls movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing64% of local movers | $447 - $4,470 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $179 - $1,073/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $268 - $2,146 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage7% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs29% of local movers | $894 - $2,682 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,235 - $8,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $670 - $1,272 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationallyTop pick: Hanson-Maves Co (SD) | $894 - $2,235 |
| Piano | Any piano type21% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $715 - $3,129 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $268 - $1,341 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $581 - $1,788 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $268 - $13,410+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $268 - $3,129+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Sioux Falls to Des Moines?
Movers licensed to operate in Iowa are typically members of the Iowa Motor Truck Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Sioux Falls, SD?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Sioux Falls to Des Moines with a local mover averages $1,751 - $5,352. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Sioux Falls, SD can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.56/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Sioux Falls, ranked #1 in South Dakota, based on our analysis of feedback from 864 customers, 94.4% of which is positive.
Address: 222 N Marion Rd Suite B, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107 | Founded: 2015
Moving container costs from Sioux Falls, SD to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $826 and $2,741. 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 Sioux Falls typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Sioux Falls to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $826 - $1,531
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,077 - $2,022
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,392 - $2,741
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $67 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $134 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Des Moines, IA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $626 in Sioux Falls, SD. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a South Dakota to Iowa 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 $826. 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 $1,077 - $2,022.
What are the best moving containers Sioux Falls to Des Moines?
- 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 Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls:
- Movin' On Out Inc (4.4/5), 22 years in business
- Mini Movers Inc (4.0/5), 35 years in business
- MICHAEL JUNK- Junk Removal Services
Moving truck rental costs from Sioux Falls, SD to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 283-mile move from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $303 and $774. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $81 - $92
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Sioux Falls daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Sioux Falls to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $303 - $559
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $310 - $649
- 4+ bedrooms: $387 - $774
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $303 - $774 when pricing out a rental truck from Sioux Falls to Des Moines. Fuel alone runs $81 - $92, and overnight lodging ($134/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $81 - $92 for the 283-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for about 5 hours typically costs around $626.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 283-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $134 per night, adding $268 - $402 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $45 and $268.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Sioux Falls to Des Moines?
- 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 Sioux Falls, SD to Des Moines, IA
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 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Des Moines, Iowa. 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 $853 and $1,651.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Sioux Falls to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $752 - $1,364
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $853 - $1,651
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,171 - $2,047
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $67 - $134 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for about five hours typically runs $626.
What are the best freight companies from Sioux Falls to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Sioux Falls to Des Moines. 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: Sioux Falls, SD vs Des Moines, IA
Sioux Falls and Des Moines land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 91 in Sioux Falls and 87 in Des Moines, and average rent is $1,100/mo vs. $1,150/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 38 vs 45 and safety scores are 57.17 vs 57.8.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from South Dakota to Iowa, 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 23 movers in South Dakota, so you have real options to compare for this 283-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Sioux Falls, SD, to Des Moines, IA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,109 for a studio to $6,959 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 283-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $826 - $2,741. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $303 - $774, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,823 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Sioux Falls, SD, to Des Moines, IA
What do local movers charge in Sioux Falls?
Local movers based in Sioux Falls typically start around $424 as a base rate, plus $182/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 Des Moines run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Iowa?
When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements.
What are the best neighborhoods in Des Moines?
For families, Linden Heights, Waterbury, and Waveland Park are worth a look in Des Moines. If you're moving solo or without kids, Sherman Hill, Downtown, and East Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Des Moines?
Des Moines has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 39, compared to 38 and 46 in Sioux Falls. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Des Moines a safe place to live?
Des Moines has a safety index of 57.8 out of 100 and a crime index of 5.0, compared to 57.17 and 42.83 in Sioux Falls. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Sioux Falls movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 21% of movers in Sioux Falls handle piano moves, compared to 40% nationally.