Best Moving Companies in South Dakota (May 2026)
From a pool of 14 movers working across South Dakota, we identified the providers that balance cost, transparency, and reliability. Browse the options below to stack up quotes, review available services, and find the right match for your move.
Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | 4.64
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Colonial Van Lines | 5.0
Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?
At FreightWaves Checkpoint, we routinely evaluate more than 4,000 moving companies across the country using a data-driven scoring system built around performance, accountability, and overall customer experience. Our editorial team assigns weighted scores to the factors that matter most to consumers planning a move.
Here’s how we rank movers:
Customer feedback (40%): Verified consumer reviews carry the most weight in our methodology. We evaluate overall ratings, review volume, consistency across platforms, and patterns in customer experiences to measure satisfaction and service reliability.
Complaint track record (20%): While issues can arise in any move, resolution matters. We review complaint history through public consumer databases, focusing on frequency, severity, and how proactively a company works to address and resolve disputes.
Pricing transparency (15%): Clear estimates, well-defined deposits, and straightforward contracts score higher in our system. We prioritize movers that make it easy to understand what you’ll pay — without hidden fees or vague pricing language.
Service offerings (12%): Companies that provide a wide range of services — including full packing, specialty item handling, storage solutions, and interstate moving — earn stronger marks for flexibility and convenience.
Online experience (8%): We look at how easy a company makes it to get information, request a quote, and understand its services online. Up-to-date websites, clear contact details, and responsive review engagement all factor into the score.
Company track record (5%): Longevity, proper licensing, and overall business stability also play a role. Movers with a consistent operating history and verified credentials receive higher marks.
Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect new data, evolving consumer feedback, and shifts in company performance — helping you compare movers with confidence.
Top Local Movers in South Dakota
We thoroughly researched and reviewed 14 movers across South Dakota, focusing in large part on how well they handle the actual transport of household goods. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK stood out as the top choice for in-state moves due to their balance of efficient handling and excellent customer service.
Here’s our full list of recommended local movers in SD:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, 4.58 out of 5.0
- Brouwer Relocation Inc, 4.42 out of 5.0
- Thomas & Sons Moving Company, 4.3 out of 5.0
- Movin' On Out Inc, 4.44 out of 5.0
- Mini Movers Inc, 4.12 out of 5.0
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (DOT: 2527384) offers a variety of moving services tailored to meet different needs, including full-service and interstate moving, as well as labor-only assistance. They are accommodating for senior moves but do not provide international moving services, which could be a drawback for those relocating abroad.
The company offers added options like junk removal and specialized moving for pianos and safes, ensuring a comprehensive service for their clients. However, they do not have climate-controlled storage, which might be important for those storing temperature-sensitive items. Customers can take advantage of a 5% discount on local moving services.
"The movers wrapped everything to protect it and handled our items with extreme care. If you need to move a bunch of furniture, even just across town, I highly recommend this company."
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
Cons
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Junk hauling
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Debris clean-up
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Brouwer Relocation Inc
Brouwer Relocation Inc (DOT: 125550) offers a comprehensive range of services, including full-service moves, interstate and international relocations, as well as specialized packing for fragile items and antiques. They also provide climate-controlled storage solutions and instant email quotes, making the moving process smooth and efficient.
While they excel in many areas, Brouwer Relocation Inc does not offer junk removal services, which could be a drawback for customers looking to declutter during their move. Despite this, their commitment to thorough packing, shipment tracking, and full valuation coverage ensures a streamlined and secure transition for their clients.
"They called ahead so I knew when they would be here. They were courteous, and professional. They efficiently put everything where I asked them to. Highly recommend!!!"
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
Cons
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Damage to items
- Unprofessional behavior
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Thomas & Sons Moving Company
Thomas & Sons Moving Company (DOT: 2997736) is a versatile moving service provider offering a range of services, including full-service moves, interstate moves, and unpacking. They cater to a wide variety of clientele, providing specialized services such as piano moving and the handling of safes. A notable downside for some customers is that they do not offer international moving services, which may limit options for those looking to relocate overseas.
Despite not accepting credit card payments, they offer unique conveniences like junk removal and storage solutions to enhance their full-service experience. They also support small-scale moves for offices, ensuring they are well-equipped for diverse moving needs. While they provide services for seniors, they do not offer specific discounts for this group.
AJ and his crew were so fast, efficient, and polite. They made moving day much less stressful than I expected. And they were really nice to my dogs! Very highly recommend them!
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
Cons
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Poor complaint handling
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Junk hauling
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Full packing
Movin' On Out Inc
Movin' On Out Inc (DOT: 1201875) is a versatile moving company offering a range of services to cater to diverse needs. They provide full-service moving, including packing and unpacking, and specialize in handling fragile items, antiques, and pianos. The company also accommodates small moves and offers climate-controlled storage and crating services.
While Movin' On Out Inc excels in offering comprehensive moving solutions, a potential downside is that they do not provide international moving services, which could be a limitation for those looking to move abroad. Additionally, they support various payment methods including cash and credit card, adding convenience for their clients.
"Movin’ On Out did an absolutely fantastic job! They moved my stuff quickly and thoroughly, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. The team was professional, efficient, and handled everything with care. Highly recommend!"
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Helpful movers
- Quick moving process
Cons
- Unfriendly or rude staff
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Mini Movers Inc
Mini Movers Inc (DOT: 1458823) offers a range of services ideal for customers seeking comprehensive moving solutions. They provide full-service moving, including packing and unpacking, which can significantly ease the stress of relocation. For those concerned about their belongings, they also offer full valuation coverage, ensuring peace of mind during the move.
One limitation is that Mini Movers Inc does not provide international moving services, which might be a drawback for clients planning overseas relocations. Additionally, they do not offer discounts for seniors or students, making them less ideal for those looking to save on moving costs. Despite this, their service offerings cater well to a variety of local and interstate moving needs.
"Zach & Tim facilitated my move yesterday. They got the job done so quickly and with care. Kept me laughing the entire time as they hustled. Everything was transferred with no damage, great care and pride."
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Friendly and approachable staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
Cons
- Damage to items
- Unprofessional behavior
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Local Movers In South Dakota
Looking for a local moving company to work with? Check out these resources:
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Local Movers in SD?
Most movers charge an hourly rate that increases with the number of people on the job. In South Dakota, local moving costs average around $182 per hour — but that number can climb fast depending on your home size and how much help you need. The table below will give you an idea of what you'll pay for your local SD move or dive deeper with our guide on South Dakota movers costs:
| Home Size | Crew Size | Move Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1 BR | 2 movers | 3–4 hours | $1,093 – $1,458 |
| 2 BR | 3 movers | 4–5 hours | $2,186 – $2,733 |
| 3 BR | 4 movers | 6–7 hours | $4,373 – $5,102 |
| 4+ Bedroom | 4–5 movers | 8+ hours | $5,830 – $8,199 |
Best Long-Distance Movers in South Dakota
We evaluated every long-distance mover operating across South Dakota, from price estimates to customer follow-through. Out of all 14 companies we reviewed, Colonial Van Lines offered the most consistent and reliable service.
Here’s a closer look at the top-rated movers in SD:
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Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Colonial Van Lines
Colonial Van Lines (USDOT: 1434373) is a full-service moving company based in Pompano Beach, Florida, that handles long-distance moves across 48 states. With more than 50 years in the business and over 12,000 moves completed each year, they know their way around an interstate move. Colonial offers packing, storage, and long-distance transport throughout the continental US, all handled by highly trained crews. Their easy-to-use mobile app makes getting a quote quick, and customers often highlight the company’s friendly, professional, and reliable customer service.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Expert in-house crews
- Home electronics setup
- Trash & debris removal
Cons
- No local or international moves
- Not available in AK or HI
Services
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service across contiguous 48 states; excludes Alaska & Hawaii)
- Cross-country & interstate moving (full-service coordination from packing to delivery)
- Professional packing & unpacking (trained packers, specialty blankets, shrink-wrap, custom crating)
- Moving storage services (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled storage options)
- Corporate & commercial relocation (efficient packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Full-service moving (end-to-end handling by CVLU-trained professionals)
- Customizable quotes via moving app or specialist (accurate, transparent estimates with virtual inventory)
- Colonial Moving App (virtual estimates, inventory updates, checklists, and box ordering)
- Colonial Van Lines University training (movers with 2–4 week curriculum and ~10-year average experience)
- Family-owned national service (50+ years, 250k+ moves, 4.6 Trustpilot rating)
Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving (USDOT: 3756000) is a veteran-owned moving company built around the idea of military-level precision. Thanks to its nationwide network of truck capacity, Safeway is able to offer very competitive pricing without cutting corners. The company also uses a multi-stage quality assurance process to keep moves on track from pickup through delivery. That combination of accurate pricing and consistent quality is a big reason Safeway earned a spot on our list.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
- Long distance and cross country moves only
- A portion of every move is donated to charity
- Verification process to guarantee pricing and quality of service
- High level of customer service and support
- Veteran owned company
Cons
- Require a deposit at booking
- No local moving services offered
Services
- Long-distance moving (all 50 states, GPS tracking, barcode-scanned inventory)
- Flat-rate pricing (virtual walk-throughs, no hidden fees)
- Price matching (meets or beats quotes from qualified competitors)
- Comprehensive insurance ($6/lb full-value protection option)
- Packing and unpacking services (includes last-minute packing for an extra charge)
- Custom crating (for fragile, heavy, or high-value items like art and electronics)
- Storage options (30 days free, climate-controlled, long-term available, prorated billing)
- International moving (limited info online, contact customer service)
- 24/7 customer service (available by phone at all times)
American Van Lines
American Van Lines (USDOT: 614506) is a long-distance moving company known for its hands-on approach and experienced crews. Based in Florida, the company handles interstate moves nationwide and stands out for using full-time, background-checked movers rather than temporary labor. American Van Lines offers packing, storage, and specialty services for items like antiques and pianos, with a strong focus on careful handling. Customers often point to the company’s professionalism and attention to detail as key reasons it earns high marks.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Last-minute moves
- Private storage options
- Handles antiques, pianos & fine art
- Flat-rate pricing
Cons
- May require a deposit at booking
- Automated calls may be overwhelming
Services
- Local moving (affordable hourly rates, packing, custom crating)
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service, excludes Alaska and Hawaii)
- Packing services (upgrade to include professional wrapping, packing, inventorying)
- Antique and piano moving (specialized handling of fragile/oversized items, custom crating available)
- Military moves (in-home estimates, discounts, packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Corporate relocation (commercial moving, furniture disassembly/reassembly, storage)
- Storage options (secure, private units with surveillance, climate control, fire/storm protection)
- Moving boxes and supplies (available for purchase from AVL)
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines (USDOT: 076235) is one of the most recognizable names in the moving industry, with a nationwide and global network backed by more than 80 years of experience. Alongside full-service local, long-distance, and international moves, Allied offers Allied Express, a portable container option that includes professional loading and unloading. With packing, storage, and specialty services also available, Allied provides flexible solutions for a wide range of moving needs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Specialty packing services
- Short- and long-term storage
- Appliance disconnection & reconnection
- International shipping
Cons
- Pricing is generally higher than other van lines
- Pricing estimates can take 3-5 days
Services
- Household moving (local, long-distance, cross-country — packing, loading, transport, unloading, unpacking)
- Long-distance & interstate moving (contiguous U.S.; full-service options)
- International moving (130+ countries; online tracking, customs clearance, destination services)
- Military moves (PCS, deployment; temporary/in-transit storage; compliance with DoD regulations)
- Corporate & office relocation (employee moves, office packing, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
- Packing & unpacking services (professional crews, specialty materials, custom crating for fragile/odd items)
- Moving supplies & kits (boxes, shrink-wrap, moving kits available)
- Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units with security)
- Portable storage containers (rentable containers for packing/storing during move)
- Full-service moving coordinators & 24/7 support (dedicated move coordinator, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)
BLVD Moving
BLVD Moving (USDOT: 3342827) is a long-distance moving company that puts a strong emphasis on clear pricing and customer communication. The company coordinates interstate moves nationwide and is known for assigning a dedicated move coordinator to guide customers through each step of the process. With professional packing, storage options, and a focus on consistency from pickup to delivery, BLVD Moving is a solid choice for customers who want a more organized, transparent moving experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Full-time professional crews
- Flexible rescheduling
- Last-minute services
Cons
- Limited insurance options
- Limited pricing on website
Services
- Long-distance moving (nationwide interstate relocations coordinated across the contiguous US), Cross-country & interstate moving (full-service coordination from packing through delivery), Professional packing & unpacking (trained crews, high-quality materials, specialty packing for fragile items), Moving storage services (short- and long-term storage options through partner facilities), Dedicated move coordinator (single point of contact from quote to delivery), Transparent pricing model (detailed estimates based on virtual or phone inventory reviews), Carrier-vetted moving network (licensed and insured interstate carriers meeting BLVD’s service standards), Specialty item moving (oversized furniture, antiques, and delicate household goods), Customer support throughout the move (proactive communication and scheduling updates from pickup to drop-off)
How South Dakota Movers Stack Up
- Total movers: Of the 3,155 total professional moving companies in the U.S., 14 are located in SD.
- Average rating: 4.21 stars — compared to the national average rating of 4.32 stars.
- Mover associations: SD does not currently have any official moving associations. A lack of in-state mover associations doesn’t necessarily reflect poorly on movers in SD — many still meet high standards — but it may mean there's less local oversight or coordination compared to states with active industry groups.
Specialty Services Offered
| Service | SD Movers | SD % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antiques | 3 | 21.43% | 1,460 | 46.28% |
| Art | 3 | 21.43% | 1,446 | 45.83% |
| Climate-Controlled Storage | 4 | 28.57% | 1,049 | 33.25% |
| Debris Removal | 3 | 21.43% | 816 | 25.86% |
| Fragile-Only Packing | 4 | 28.57% | 753 | 23.87% |
| Labor-Only | 6 | 42.86% | 1,721 | 54.55% |
| Office Moving | 11 | 78.57% | 2,691 | 85.29% |
| Small Moves | 4 | 28.57% | 1,549 | 49.1% |
| Total Movers | 14 | 100% | 3,155 | 100% |
What Impacts the Cost of South Dakota Long-Distance Moves?
- The amount of belongings: Larger moves require more truck space and time, which increases both shipping and service costs.
- The time of year: High-demand months like July and August typically mean steeper moving costs due to tighter truck schedules.
- Add-ons: 85.71% of South Dakota movers will pack and unpack your goods for a fee. If you need storage, 11 companies can assist, though storage adds extra charges to your move.
- How far you move: The longer your route, the more you’ll spend on freight-related costs like fuel, mileage, and driver time.
How To Choose the Right South Dakota Mover
Hiring a mover in South Dakota is a big decision, especially when your household freight is riding hundreds or even thousands of miles. Beyond cost, look at a mover’s reliability and how they handle logistics.
Here’s what to evaluate:
- Licensing and credentials: Only hire movers registered with the FMCSA and properly insured for interstate transport.
- Pricing and estimates: Virtual or in-home walkthroughs produce the most accurate quotes. Collect at least three quotes to compare.
- Discounts and price matching: Don’t miss out — 0 movers in SD offer military discounts, and 0 offer senior pricing. Many match competitor rates.
- Service and reviews: Look for consistently high-rated companies with reliable customer feedback.
- Booking and flexibility: Ask about their policies for changes, rescheduling, or cancellations.
FAQs
How long does it take to ship my household goods?
Transit time depends on the distance, route, and truck availability. Local moves may arrive same-day, while long-distance hauls typically take 5–14 days depending on scheduling and route efficiency.
How is the cost of a move calculated?
Moving costs are based on shipment weight, total mileage, and services like packing or storage. The larger and farther your move, the more you’ll pay in freight-related charges like fuel, labor, and truck time.
Can I track my shipment during a long-distance move?
Many full-service movers offer tracking through a mobile app or customer portal, especially for long-haul relocations.
What happens if my delivery is delayed?
Delays can happen due to weather, mechanical issues, or route changes. Reputable movers will communicate updates and may offer compensation or adjusted delivery windows depending on their policy.
Thinking About Moving to South Dakota?
Moving to South Dakota means getting familiar with everything from local job markets to lifestyle perks. This section highlights what new residents should know, including housing prices, recreational activities, and the general vibe of the area.
Life in South Dakota: What To Expect
- South Dakota has a cost of living index of 100, right on par with the national average. Rent averages $878, and home values sit near $306,944.
- The job market in South Dakota is more competitive, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%. Top industries include Finance and insurance ($8.1 billion), Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($5.4 billion), and Manufacturing ($5.1 billion).
- Recreation options in South Dakota include attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial, outdoor escapes such as Falls Park and Canyon Lake Park, and museums like Adams House and The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs.
- Sports lovers can cheer on teams like Aberdeen Wings (NAHL) and Rapid City Rush (ECHL), which draw fans from across the state.
South Dakota Relocation Resources
