We may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website. Our team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services.More
Moving boxes with belongings in room

Best Moving Companies in South Dakota

Get a quote from local moving experts

Join the 6,755 people who have received a free, no-obligation quote in the last 30 days

Invalid Zip Code
Enter details in under 3 minutes

Join the 6,755 people who have received a free, no-obligation quote in the last 30 days

Clicking “Get Your Estimate” submits your data to Home Service Quotes, which will process your data in accordance with the Home Service Quotes Privacy Policy.

Ad Disclaimer

Written by Stephanie Koncewicz Updated 12/11/2024

Planning a South Dakota move takes time, effort, and money. A professional moving company can eliminate some of the time and effort by taking care of the most labor-intensive tasks. Whether you are moving to, from, or within South Dakota, there are dozens of moving companies that can help, but some such as our top choice International Van Lines (IVL) stand out more than others.

To help you compare your options and make an informed choice, we researched, rated, and reviewed the best moving companies nationwide. This guide covers our top picks for your South Dakota move, providing an overview of each company’s services and availability.

Ad Disclaimer

Get Estimates from Moving Companies in Your Area

Compare quotes from local pros

Invalid Zip Code
Get Your Estimate

Clicking “Get Your Estimate” submits your data to Home Service Quotes, which will process your data in accordance with the Home Service Quotes Privacy Policy.


Top 6 Moving Companies in South Dakota

Through in-depth research, we determined that the best moving companies in South Dakota are the following:

Our Pick
International Van Lines
Visit Site
American Van Lines
Visit Site
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Visit Site
Moving APT
Visit Site
JK Moving Services
Visit Site
North American Van Lines
Visit Site

Overall Rating

4.5 / 5 4.3 / 5 4 / 5 4.3 / 5 4.7 / 5 4.8 / 5

BBB Rating

A+ A+ B B+ A+ A+

FMCSA Licensing

Carrier/Broker Carrier Broker Broker Carrier Carrier/Broker

Average Price*

$5,250 $5,625 $5,054 $4,683 $7,171 $5,969

Deposit Required

Up to 25% Up to 50% Up to 33% Varies $250 None

Pros

  • Flexible insurance plans
  • Free month of storage
  • Upfront pricing
  • Hires movers who average 10 years of experience
  • Provides fixed-rate quotes
  • Trains its employees regularly to efficiently handle special packing and crating
  • Offers a quick quote process for last-minute moves
  • Prescreens all third-party movers in its network
  • Provides full-service packing and crating for all moving customers
  • Offers an online cost estimator
  • Offers price-matching
  • Provides quick service
  • Background-checked movers
  • Financing available
  • Intuitive AI-assisted online quote tool
  • Budget-planning service
  • No deposit
  • Only provides binding estimates

Cons

  • Below-average customer reviews
  • Outsources some moves
  • Requires up to a 25% deposit
  • Charges higher average prices
  • Has limited customer service on weekends
  • Requires a deposit of up to 50% of the total cost
  • No customer service on the weekends
  • No refund on your deposit if it's more than 72 hours after booking
  • Not responsible for damage due to broker status
  • Not responsible for any damage due to broker status
  • Service varies by location according to reviews
  • Unwanted contact from partner companies may occur
  • Higher-than-average pricing
  • Long quote process
  • No refund on your deposit
  • Items may take 10–14 days to arrive
  • Limited storage services according to zip code
  • Three-day requirement for cancellations

Summary

We recommend International Van Lines (IVL) if you want the most moving service options possible. The company boasts one of the most extensive moving service catalogs at highly competitive rates.

We recommend American Van Lines if you’re moving high-end items or antiques because it focuses on training its staff to move difficult and valuable items.

We recommend Interstate Moving & Relocation Group as a reputable broker if you need to move quickly. The company’s customer service is prompt, and its broker network helps you find a vetted mover fast.

We recommend Moving APT because of its highly rated customer service and its ability to quickly provide you with multiple quotes for its partner companies.

We recommend JK Moving Services for its ability to offer financing options through its partnership with Enhancify and its high-end, white-glove packing services.

We recommend North American Van Lines (NAVL) as the best long-distance mover overall because of its customizable insurance packages, highly rated customer service, and extensive service options.

Rating Categories

International Van Lines American Van Lines Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Moving APT JK Moving Services North American Van Lines

Customer Service

5 / 5
4.4 / 5
3.8 / 5
4.3 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5

Reputation

4.3 / 5
3.9 / 5
2.9 / 5
3.9 / 5
5 / 5
3.6 / 5

Value

2.8 / 5
3.3 / 5
4.2 / 5
4.2 / 5
3.1 / 5
4.7 / 5

Service Offerings

4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
4.7 / 5
5 / 5

Item Protection

5 / 5
5 / 5
3.5 / 5
4.3 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5

Scheduling

4.1 / 5
2.3 / 5
3.9 / 5
2.3 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5


Our Top Picks For Moving Companies In South Dakota

International Van Lines

Best Service Offerings
4.5

International Van Lines (IVL) is our top recommendation for full-service moves due to its comprehensive service offerings and helpful customer resources. IVL can accommodate long-distance and local moves in all 50 U.S. states and 180 countries. It offers a customizable full-value contents coverage plan and moving insurance for both self-pack and full-service customers. Additionally, IVL’s website features tools such as a moving calculator, a shipment tracking portal, and an informative blog.

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes basic furniture assembly in quotes Provides affordable insurance options Offers ocean and air freight for international moves Cons Requires a 25% deposit for booking Does not provide binding estimates

Services

Every IVL move includes loading and unloading services as well as basic furniture disassembly and reassembly. Customers can also add storage in transit, auto transport, and full packing services. IVL is a practical choice for international moves as it offers air and ocean freight. Note that as a carrier and a broker, IVL may use subcontractors for some moves.

Cost

Customers must pay a 25% deposit to reserve their moving day with IVL. The deposit is refundable with at least 48 hours’ notice. The remaining balance is split into two equal payments due at pickup and delivery.

Although IVL does not provide binding estimates, you can use the company’s online moving calculator or request a ballpark price via an online form. All quotes take into account mileage, fuel, tolls, and taxes. Expect to pay more for logistical hurdles such as elevators, long carrying distances, or several flights of stairs. Get your personalized IVL quote.

American Van Lines

Best Overall Moving Labor
4.3

American Van Lines (AVL) is a family-owned company that sets high standards for its staff. Not only are all of its movers background-checked and employed full-time, but they also average 10 years of experience. Further, AVL provides specific training for antique and piano moving specialists.

Pros and Cons

Pros Requires all movers to undergo extensive training Employs specialists for moving fragile, high-value items Offers binding and nonbinding estimates Cons Does not provide instant online quotes Only serves the contiguous United States

Services

Customers can choose to have AVL pack all of their belongings or only the most fragile or valuable items. Self-packing is also available. AVL offers piano, antique, and fine art moving services, auto shipping assistance, and private storage units.

AVL does not service Alaska and Hawaii or handle international moves. However, its weekly shuttles to major U.S. cities help you quickly complete cross-country moves if you are looking for fast interstate movers.

Cost

AVL requires an up-front deposit of 10%–50%, which you must pay via credit card. The remaining balance, due upon delivery, can be paid via cash, credit card, money order, or cashier’s check.

Although American does not provide instant online quotes, it does offer both binding and non-binding estimates. Binding estimates require virtual or in-home consultations. Get your personalized AVL quote.

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

Most Efficient
4

Interstate Moving and Relocation Group (IMRG) is a moving broker, which means it partners with third-party moving companies rather than handling your move itself. IMRG has 25 years of experience and a goal of exceeding its customers’ expectations. It operates nationwide, working with a network of pre-screened moving companies.

Pros and Cons

Pros Thoroughly pre-screens all of its moving partners Prioritizes excellent customer service Negotiates prices to achieve lower moving costs Cons Does not have a shipment tracking portal Has a strict cancellation policy

Services

IMRG can coordinate corporate and military moves, international moves, and long-distance moves within the United States. It has partners that offer auto transportation, packing services, furniture disassembly, and nearly anything else you might need for your move. Local moving services may not be available everywhere, but IMRG does have partners in several major cities and works with other companies that can handle short-distance moves.

Although customer service is one of IMRG’s standout features, it’s worth noting that its customer service hours are limited to weekdays. The company does not offer shipment tracking on its website, either.

Cost

IMRG will offer an instant ballpark quote after you fill out its online survey. The date, distance, and size of your move will all factor into your estimate. You must complete a checklist of the number and type of items you’ll be moving to get an accurate quote.

IMRG requires a deposit, which it will only refund if you cancel your move in writing within 72 hours of booking. Your deposit can be applied to another IMRG move within 24 months if that window has passed. If you don’t book your move more than five days in advance, your deposit is non-refundable regardless of when you cancel. The company accepts credit cards and checks.

To request a free quote, you can call 866-922-5801 or fill out IMRG’s online form. Get your personalized IMRG quote.

Moving APT

Best Customer Service
4.3

Moving APT partners with a network of third-party moving companies as a moving broker rather than providing its own moving services. The company ensures all its partners have liability insurance, professional moving equipment, trustworthy employees, specialty services, and discounts. Moving APT also offers live 24/7 support and employs a team of moving consultants to help its customers find the best rates.

Pros and Cons

Pros Has a large network of well-vetted moving companies Provides 24/7 customer support via phone Offers price-matching and discounts Cons Operates as a broker, not a mover Requires seven days’ notice to refund deposits

Services

Moving APT can arrange local and long-distance moves to anywhere in the country. Be sure to tell your moving consultant about any special requests you might have, such as financing or furniture assembly. Its partners offer everything from packing and unpacking assistance to paper shredding and cleaning services.

Moving APT can arrange moving services for pianos, valuables, antiques, heavy machinery, and other special items. It can also manage corporate relocations, vehicle shipping, and international moves.

Cost

Every Moving APT partner provides discounted services for military members, senior citizens, and differently abled customers. Discounts for early reservations and short-distance moves are also available. Moving APT recommends calling 800-360-0037 for personalized assistance with finding the best movers for your needs and budget.

Customers can get an instant ballpark quote online or fill out a moving inventory for a binding estimate. Keep in mind that Moving APT does charge a deposit to book your move. That deposit is refundable if you cancel at least seven days before your moving date. Get your personalized Moving APT quote.

JK Moving Services

Best Specialized Packing
4.7

JK Moving Services provides ample room for customization. DIY, fragile-only, and full-service packing options give you more control over the cost of your move. You can also choose from several payment options, including a financing program powered by Enhancify. If you encounter any questions or issues, your dedicated personal moving coordinator is there to help.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers financing through Enhancify Includes a week of free storage with smaller moves Provides 24/7 live customer support Cons Does not have local movers in South Dakota Does not provide instant online quotes

Services

JK Moving employs well-trained and background-checked professional movers. Customers who need help with fragile or high-value items can take advantage of the company’s special services for antiques, fine art, pianos, and wine. JK Moving can provide auto transport, short-term and long-term storage, and unpacking services.

Cost

JK Moving charges an up-front deposit to book your move. Your remaining balance will be due before shipping, but financing can make the cost more affordable. Enhancify offers rates as low as 0% for qualified customers.

Although JK Moving does not provide instant online quotes, it does offer three options for binding estimates. Customers can complete a virtual self-survey, schedule a virtual consultation, or book an in-home consultation.

North American Van Lines

Best for Claims
4.8

North American Van Lines (NAVL) makes it easy for customers to file claims with its simple online forms. Both domestic and international customers will also find the email address and phone numbers for NAVL’s claims departments posted on the company’s website. However, NAVL takes proactive measures to ensure that your belongings arrive safely at your destination. Its highly trained drivers must meet strict criteria, including annual certification.

Pros and Cons

Pros Allows customers to file claims online Provides shipment tracking via WorldTrac Offers transparent bottom-line or not-to-exceed pricing Cons Available services and payment options vary by location Subcontracts some moves to third-party companies

Services

NAVL offers three levels of packing assistance: full-service packing, fragile-only packing, or self-packing. Regardless of your choice, the company will handle the loading and unloading. Auto transport and storage are also available.

If you select its white-glove moving services, NAVL will provide not only packing but also unpacking, furniture setup, picture hanging, and cleaning services. Its movers can even disassemble and reassemble your entertainment system and home gym.

Cost

When customers request a binding estimate, NAVL allows them to choose between bottom-line and not-to-exceed pricing. Bottom-line pricing gives you a fixed total, while not-to-exceed pricing guarantees that your final total will not exceed a certain amount. Custom pricing is also available for more complicated situations.

Customers must complete a virtual home walk-through or phone interview to receive a binding estimate. NAVL also provides instant ballpark quotes on its website. Get your personalized NAVL quote.


Compare the Services of the Best Moving Companies in South Dakota

When researching average moving rates, it may be difficult to find an accurate figure for a situation that matches yours exactly. We recommend requesting custom quotes from at least three companies so you can compare rates that are specific to your move. Here’s a quick comparison of our top picks for South Dakota moves.

ProviderGet EstimateAvailabilityLocal MovesInterstate Moves
International Van LinesGet Estimate50 States
American Van LinesGet Estimate48 States
Interstate Moving & Relocation GroupGet Estimate50 States
Moving APTGet Estimate50 States
JK MovingGet Estimate50 States
(except Va., Md., and Washington, D.C.)
North American Van LinesGet Estimate50 States

Other Considerations When Moving to South Dakota

Finding long-distance moving companies is only one step in the process of relocating to or from South Dakota. For instance, you may want to secure homeowners or renters insurance for your new home. South Dakota is part of Tornado Alley and has also been known to experience blizzards, flooding, and even earthquakes. Insurance can help you pay for repairs, replacements, and temporary living expenses if something happens to your home.

You might also want to invest in a home warranty to cover your home’s appliances, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems. Lawn care and pest control services help residents maintain their property. Pet owners might benefit from pet insurance for their furry family members.

Here are a few helpful resources for South Dakota renters and homeowners:


Our Conclusion

Any move to, from, or within the state of South Dakota is easier with the right moving company. Our top recommendation for South Dakota moves of any size or distance is International Van Lines. IVL can assist all types of moves—from local to international—with full-service offerings and a list of add-on options. We also recommend American Van Lines for its top-notch moving staff and IMRG as a reputable moving broker. If you are moving within the Sioux Falls area but across a state border, check out our top moving company recommendations in Minnesota and our top recommended movers in Iowa.

The best mover for you will depend on your needs and budget, so be sure to compare at least three quotes before choosing.


FAQ About Moving Companies in South Dakota

What is the best way to find a good moving company in South Dakota?

The best way to find a good moving company in South Dakota is by talking to people you know and trust. Ask family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers for their recommendations. You can also consult reviews from Yelp, BBB, Trustpilot, and similar sites to get a second opinion on any companies they recommend. Further, you can consult round-ups like ours to get a snapshot of each top company’s offerings.

How can you get an estimate for the cost of a move in South Dakota?

Most companies have two options to get an estimate for the cost of a move to South Dakota: fill out an online form or call. Some companies take the information from your form and call you back with their quote, while others provide an instant ballpark estimate. Calling the company directly allows you to speak with a representative, ask about discounts, and discuss the particulars of your move.

If you would like a binding estimate, you will likely have to complete a moving inventory, in-home consultation, or virtual survey. Binding estimates are more precise than instant quotes because they consider more factors.

What is the most reputable moving company in South Dakota?

It’s almost impossible to single out one as the most reputable moving company in South Dakota. However, you can use BBB, Trustpilot, and similar sites to gauge the quality of a moving company.


Our Rating Methodology

We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.

Why Trust Us? We conducted 4,800+ hours of research on moving companies and crafted a ranking system based on the following research
31
Companies Considered
1000
Homeowners Surveyed
21000
Reviews Analyzed
22
Providers Compared

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.