Moving from Sioux Falls to Illinois: Top Movers & Costs
If you're moving from Sioux Falls to Illinois, you're looking at a 542-mile haul across the Great Plains. That's far enough that you'll want to hire professionals, but not so far that costs become astronomical. Here's what I've found works best for this route.
Best Moving Companies in Sioux Falls
Out of the movers I've reviewed who handle interstate relocations from Sioux Falls, these five consistently deliver solid results:
- Two Men and a Truck — 4.48 / 5
- Brouwer Relocation Inc — 4.48 / 5
- Movin' On Out Inc — 4.38 / 5
- Advanced Moving — 4.3 / 5
- Affordable Moving LLC — 4.22 / 5
Two Men and a Truck
Rating: 4.4 / 5 stars | Address: 222 N Marion Rd Suite B, Sioux Falls, SD 57107
Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile (Grade A+)
What customers say: Two Men and a Truck earns consistent praise for professional crews, careful handling, and efficient execution. Out of 244 customer reviews, 92% were positive. Common strengths include friendly, attentive staff and attention to detail on load-outs. The main complaints center on occasional damage, surprise charges not clearly explained upfront, and rare scheduling delays.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, piano moving, storage, safes, credit card payments.
Company info: License #2575221 | DOT #2527384 | 9 years in business
Get a quote: (605) 550-4799
Brouwer Relocation Inc
Rating: 4.4 / 5 stars | Address: 4800 N. Velocity Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile (Grade A+)
What customers say: Nearly 96% of Brouwer's 220 reviews are positive. Customers consistently report excellent communication, polite staff, speedy service, and careful item handling. Movers are described as professional and responsive. A small share of clients experienced delays or rare mishandling, but damage-free, on-time deliveries dominate the feedback.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing/unpacking; office relocations; specialty handling for hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques; crating; shipment tracking; full-valuation coverage; storage; fragile-only packing; safes; credit card payments.
Company info: License #125550 | DOT #125550 | 55 years in business
Get a quote: (888) 211-2452
Movin' On Out Inc
Rating: 4.3 / 5 stars | Address: 927 E 8th St Suite 122, Sioux Falls, SD 57103
Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile (Grade A+)
What customers say: Out of 70 reviews, 84% were positive—exceeding typical industry standards. Customers highlight quick service, polite crews, and careful handling. Movers are noted for friendliness and ability to handle last-minute requests. Only 11% reported issues like unexpected costs or damaged items, with neutral feedback focusing on minor label mix-ups.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, office moves, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, crane vans, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Cash and credit card accepted; deposit required.
Company info: License #1201875 | DOT #1201875 | 21 years in business
Get a quote: (605) 977-6683
Advanced Moving
Rating: 4.3 / 5 stars | Address: 27056 Kerslake Pl, Tea, SD 57064
Yelp reviews | BBB profile (Grade A+)
What customers say: Advanced Moving stands out for prompt, professional crews and reasonable pricing. Over 92% of reviews are positive. Customers emphasize efficient service, friendly movers, and careful handling. Many say they'd rehire the company or recommend it to friends. Some clients reported billing issues and packing quality concerns, but these represent a small minority.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, office relocations, specialty items (pianos, pool tables, art, antiques), crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Money order, cash, and credit card accepted.
Company info: License #961086 | DOT #961086 | 23 years in business
Get a quote: (605) 333-6000
Affordable Moving LLC
Rating: 4.2 / 5 stars | Address: 2121 Tracy Ln, Sioux Falls, SD 57103
Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile (Grade A+)
What customers say: Nearly 90% of reviews favor Affordable Moving LLC. Customers praise efficient service, courteous crews, quick relocations, and genuinely affordable rates. Many note belongings arrived safely and crews worked swiftly without sacrificing professionalism. A few clients faced damaged items or surprise charges, so clarify policies upfront. Overall, strong reputation for budget-friendly, speedy moves.
Services: Local moves, packing/unpacking, office relocations, pianos, crating. Credit card payments accepted.
Company info: DOT #2533619 | 10 years in business
Get a quote: (605) 213-3663
Specialty Services Available in Sioux Falls
If you need specialty handling for your move, here's what's available locally:
- Interstate moves: 83% of Sioux Falls movers
- Pianos: 67%
- Antiques & art: 50% each
- Fragile-only packing: 50%
- Small moves: 50%
Cost to Move from Sioux Falls to Illinois
Use the table below to estimate your move. Costs vary based on home size and service type.
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed | $1,255 – $3,633 | $680 – $1,530 | $390 – $763 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,367 – $6,021 | $1,217 – $2,288 | $425 – $859 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,321 – $9,011 | $1,559 – $2,976 | $525 – $1,101 |
These estimates reflect a 542-mile move from Sioux Falls, SD to Illinois and include approximate fuel costs. Your actual quote will depend on exact load size, optional services, parking/access challenges, fuel fluctuations, and timing. Always request quotes from multiple movers for accuracy.
Full-Service Moving Costs
Hiring professional movers for a studio or one-bedroom home runs $1,255–$3,633. A two- to three-bedroom move ranges from $2,367–$6,021, while four-plus bedrooms land in the $4,321–$9,011 ballpark. These prices reflect the complexity of loading, transporting, and unloading across state lines.
Moving Container Costs
If you prefer moving containers, expect $680–$1,530 for a small load, $1,217–$2,288 for two to three bedrooms, and $1,559–$2,976 for larger homes. Containers give you flexibility in packing timeline, though you handle the physical work.
Rental Truck Costs
Truck rentals are typically the cheapest option, but you're responsible for all loading, driving, and unloading. Studio/one-bedroom costs $390–$763; two to three bedrooms, $425–$859; four-plus bedrooms, $525–$1,101. Fuel is included in these estimates.
Factors That Affect Your Moving Cost
When comparing quotes, keep these in mind:
- Move size: Larger homes and more belongings = higher costs.
- Time of year: Summer peak season drives up rates. Winter moves are often cheaper.
- DIY vs. professional: Self-moves cost less upfront but demand significant time and physical effort.
- Distance and route: The 542-mile trip from Sioux Falls to Illinois is long enough to require proper planning but not so extreme that costs skyrocket.
- Add-on services: Packing, unpacking, specialty handling (pianos, antiques), and storage all increase the final bill.
Cost of Living: Sioux Falls vs. Illinois
Before you move, understand how Illinois compares financially. Here's a side-by-side breakdown:
| Metric | Sioux Falls, SD | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,100 | $1,179 |
| Average home price | $318,982 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $58,538 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 91 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 0% | 4.95% |
Key takeaways:
- Rent runs about 7% higher in Illinois, so budget for slightly steeper monthly housing costs.
- Home prices are roughly 22% lower in Illinois—a meaningful savings if you're buying.
- Incomes are about 34% higher in Illinois, giving you more earning potential.
- Cost of living is nearly identical between the two; your lifestyle expenses should remain stable.
- Unemployment is 66% higher in Illinois (5.3% vs. 3.2%), meaning more job competition.
- Illinois charges 4.95% state income tax; South Dakota charges zero. This is a significant financial difference—your take-home pay will shrink.
How Life Differs: Sioux Falls vs. Illinois
| Factor | Sioux Falls, SD | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,600 | 12,549,689 |
| Political lean | Republican (63-37) | Democratic (55-45) |
| Summer high | 84°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 60°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 27" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 38" | 22" |
| Crime index | 42.83 | 19.7 |
Weather & environment:
- Summers are comparable: Both around 84–86°F. Adjusting to heat shouldn't be jarring, but check humidity and energy costs—they may surprise you.
- Winters are significantly colder in Illinois (17°F vs. 60°F lows). Expect higher heating bills, more snow removal, and true winter weather.
- Rain increases by 48% (40" vs. 27" annually). Pack waterproof gear and prepare for more frequent wet days.
- Snow decreases by 42% (22" vs. 38" annually). Fewer brutal winters mean less shoveling and milder seasonal swings.
- Crime is notably lower in Illinois (19.7 vs. 42.83 crime index), offering safer neighborhoods and greater peace of mind.
Politics & culture:
Illinois leans Democratic at the state level, while Sioux Falls is solidly Republican. If politics matter to your community fit, this is worth knowing. Illinois is also vastly more urban—Chicago dominates the state's culture and economy.
Important Logistics Before You Move
Don't just book movers and show up. Handle these details first:
Regulations & permits:
- State licensing: Illinois requires moving companies to hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission for intrastate and household goods moves. Verify your mover's license is current on the state's official regulatory website before signing.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois municipalities require parking permits for moving trucks. Check local ordinances for your destination neighborhood.
- Moving permits: You won't need a state-level moving permit, but confirm local parking rules.
- HOA rules: If you're moving into a community with an HOA, check for moving restrictions or reserved-time requirements.
- Elevator reservation: Many Illinois buildings require advance elevator reservations on move day. Book early to avoid conflicts.
Logistics:
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before moving. Set an official move date so mail forwards properly.
- Moving insurance: Most carriers offer Released Value Protection at 60 cents per pound—basic and free, but limited. For full-value coverage matching your items' replacement cost, ask your mover about options or consider third-party insurance.
- Use a moving checklist: Our moving checklist keeps you organized so nothing slips through.
What to Expect on Move Day
A Sioux Falls-to-Illinois move typically takes one to six days, depending on service type and current demand. Summer moves often run longer due to peak-season volume. Confirm delivery timelines with your mover ahead of time so you're not caught off guard.
Things to Do in Illinois
Once you're settled, Illinois offers plenty to explore:
Museums & culture:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Outdoor spaces:
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
Sports:
- Chicago Cubs & White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
Universities:
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Sioux Falls–to–Illinois move take?
Typically one to six days, depending on your service choice and current mover demand. Summer moves may take longer. Confirm delivery timelines with your mover in advance.
Do Sioux Falls movers handle custom crating for art and antiques?
Yes—four local movers offer custom-built crates for delicate items like artwork, antiques, and electronics. Confirm your chosen company can handle your specific pieces.
What's the best way to ship a car from Sioux Falls to Illinois?
Look for a car shipping service with strong experience, transparent pricing, and solid customer reviews. Professional carriers ensure your vehicle arrives safely.
Why do people move from Sioux Falls to Illinois?
Chicago's economic opportunities, cultural attractions, and job market draw most relocators. Illinois offers more urban amenities and higher earning potential than Sioux Falls.
Do Sioux Falls movers accept cash?
Two local movers accept cash, though it's uncommon in the industry. Traceable payment methods (credit card, check) are standard. You'll typically pay a deposit to book, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm payment methods and timing with your mover.
Start Your Move
Ready to move from Sioux Falls to Illinois? Compare quotes from top-rated movers and lock in the best rate for your route. Whether you're moving for work, family, or a fresh start, getting multiple estimates takes the guesswork out of cost.