($308+) Sioux Falls, SD to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Sioux Falls, SD, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $311 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,068 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,186, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,068 or more.
- Moving containers run $910 - $2,790, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $311 - $844.
- 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 $1,948 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 Sioux Falls, SD to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Sioux Falls to Des Moines 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 $1,948 - $5,840 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 283 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
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:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,186 - $4,297, container $910 - $1,588, rental truck $311 - $580, freight trailer $779 - $1,373.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,948 - $5,840, container $1,174 - $2,226, rental truck $335 - $667, freight trailer $884 - $1,746.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $2,665 - $7,068, container $1,534 - $2,790, rental truck $410 - $844, freight trailer $1,263 - $2,276.
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 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 $1,186 - $7,068. 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: $1,186 - $4,297
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,948 - $5,840
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,665 - $7,068
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from South Dakota to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Sioux Falls, SD to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 71% of Sioux Falls movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $447 - $4,470 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready71% of local movers85% 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 coverage57% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% 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 items43% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Movin' On Out Inc | $894 - $2,235 |
| Piano | Any piano type57% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $715 - $3,129 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling43% of local movers | $268 - $1,341 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Brouwer Relocation Inc | $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?
Iowa Motor Truck Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Iowa, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 $1,967 - $5,898. A local mover in Sioux Falls, SD is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Sioux Falls, ranked #1 in South Dakota, based on our analysis of feedback from 244 customers, 91.8% 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 $910 and $2,790. 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 Sioux Falls costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Sioux Falls to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $910 - $1,588
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,174 - $2,226
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,534 - $2,790
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Sioux Falls, SD, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $626, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $67 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $134 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Sioux Falls, SD, and Des Moines, IA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $910. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,174 - $2,226, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 11 years in business
- Movin' On Out Inc (4.4/5), 22 years in business
- Brouwer Relocation Inc (4.9/5), 57 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Sioux Falls, SD to Des Moines, IA
Truck rentals from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Des Moines, Iowa, range from $311 - $844 for the 283-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- 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: $311 - $580
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $335 - $667
- 4+ bedrooms: $410 - $844
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $311 - $844 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. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $134 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $58 and $291 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $81 - $92 in fuel for the 283-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $626 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
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
If you're moving a larger household from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Des Moines, Iowa.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $884 and $1,746.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Sioux Falls to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $779 - $1,373
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $884 - $1,746
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,263 - $2,276
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $67 and $134.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for roughly five hours typically average $626.
What are the best freight companies from Sioux Falls to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Heyl Truck Lines, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Heyl Truck Lines, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Des Moines quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Des Moines, IA
Good news for your budget: Des Moines isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Sioux Falls. Cost of living index runs 87 there against 91 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 38/100 and 57.17/100 here versus 45/100 and 57.8/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from South Dakota to Iowa over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 14 movers in our South Dakota network 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 $1,186 for a studio to $7,068 for a 4 - 5 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 $910 - $2,790. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $311 - $844, 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 $1,948 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 57% of movers in Sioux Falls handle piano moves, and 43% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
