In this guide
O'Fallon is about 35 miles west of downtown St. Louis in St. Charles County, and a move there is a local job billed by the hour. The drive across the Missouri River adds 40 to 60 minutes each way, so traffic on I-70 or I-64 has a real effect on the bill. The best plan is to load in the city early, cross the river before the afternoon rush, arrange a city blocking permit if your St. Louis street has no room for the truck, and enjoy the easy part at the other end, where almost every O'Fallon home has a driveway.
Arch Moving is locally owned and serving St. Ann, right off I-70 between the city and St. Charles County. We serve St. Louis, O'Fallon, St. Peters, St. Charles, and Wentzville, so this route is home ground for us. Here is what the move costs, how to handle each end, and what changes when you live in O'Fallon.
What the Move Costs
Our guide to St. Louis moving costs explains what goes into the price. The clock starts when the movers arrive at the first home, and there is a travel fee based on the distance to and from our warehouse.
How the Drive Affects the Bill
On an hourly move you pay for the time the movers spends driving between the two homes.
| Departure | Typical drive | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Before 7 a.m. | 35 to 45 minutes | Clear in both directions |
| Mid-morning | 40 to 50 minutes | The best window for a loaded truck |
| 3:30 to 6 p.m. | 60 to 80 minutes | Westbound commuter traffic at the river bridges |
Evening traffic runs west, toward St. Charles County. A truck that leaves the city at 4 p.m. Sits in it.
Arch Mover Tip
Ask for the first start of the day. Movers that begins loading at 8 a.m. Is usually over the river by late morning and unloading before the commute begins.
The Two Routes
I-70
crosses the Missouri River on the Blanchette Bridge and runs through St. Charles and St. Peters to O'Fallon. It is the direct route from north St. Louis and the airport area.
I-64
, also called Highway 40, crosses on the Daniel Boone Bridge and reaches O'Fallon from the south by Highway K or Route 364. It suits moves from Clayton, the Central West End, and south county.
Both bridges are bottlenecks at rush hour. Your movers will pick based on your two addresses and the time of day.
The St. Louis End
City moves are the harder half.
Parking
Many St. Louis neighborhoods have street parking only. The city requires a Blocking Right of Way permit for anything that blocks part of a street or sidewalk, including moving trucks.
If you have an alley, a garage, or room at the curb, you may not need one. Ask your mover.
Stairs and Tight Spaces
Brick homes in Soulard, Tower Grove, Benton Park, and The Hill have narrow staircases and small landings. Large sofas and box springs sometimes need to come apart or go out by a window. Walk-up apartments add time for every flight.
Apartment Buildings
Downtown lofts and Central West End buildings usually need an elevator reservation. Our guide to St. Louis apartment moves covers the rules.
The O'Fallon End
This is the easy half.
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Most homes have a driveway and a garage
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Subdivision streets are wide
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No city permit is needed for a truck in your own driveway
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Homes are newer, with wider doors and stairs
A few things to check:
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Homeowner associations. Some limit how long a truck or container can stay, or the hours for moving.
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New construction. Confirm the driveway is poured and the closing is complete before you set the date.
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Basements. Finished basements are common, and carrying furniture down adds time.
What Changes When You Live in O'Fallon
Space
The main reason people make this move. Houses are larger and newer, with yards and garages, at prices below comparable homes in the inner suburbs.
The Commute
If you still work in the city or in Clayton, plan for 40 to 60 minutes each way at peak times. Many residents work in St. Charles County itself or along the I-64 corridor in Chesterfield.
Schools and Family Life
O'Fallon is served by several school districts depending on your address, including Fort Zumwalt, Wentzville, and Francis Howell. Check which one covers a home before you buy. The city has a large parks system and plenty of youth sports.
Taxes and Bills
St. Louis City has a 1 percent earnings tax on people who live or work in the city. If you both live and work outside the city after the move, it no longer applies to you. Check your own situation with a tax professional.
Our comparison of St. Peters and O'Fallon looks at the two neighboring cities side by side, and our guide to moving to St. Peters covers the next town east. If you are also considering the Illinois side, our guide to the Metro East move covers that direction.
Planning the Move
1
Six weeks out. Get estimates and book. Our guide on booking movers ahead covers lead times.
2
Four weeks out. Sort and donate. You are moving to a bigger house, but there is no reason to move things you do not want.
3
Two weeks out. Apply for the city blocking permit if you need one. Check association rules in O'Fallon.
4
One week out. Finish packing. Our packing tips help you do it faster.
5
Move day. Be ready when the movers arrive. Keep documents and valuables in your own car.
Arch Mover Tip
Label boxes by room in the new house, not the old one. A larger home has more rooms, and "upstairs bedroom" is not specific enough when there are four of them.
Saving on This Route
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Pick a weekday in the middle of the month. Our guide to the cheapest moving days explains why.
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Start early to stay ahead of bridge traffic
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Pack everything yourself
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Take apart beds and tables the night before
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Reserve parking at the city end
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Move between October and April if your dates allow
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is O'Fallon from St. Louis?
About 35 miles from downtown. The drive takes 35 to 50 minutes outside rush hour.
Is this a local move?
Yes. It stays within Missouri and the metro area and is billed by the hour.
Do I need a permit for the moving truck?
In O'Fallon, no, if the truck uses your driveway. In St. Louis City, a blocking permit is required if the truck blocks part of the street or sidewalk.
How long does the move take?
It depends on the size of the home, the stairs at both ends, and traffic on the drive.
What is the best time of day to move?
Early morning. It keeps the truck out of westbound evening traffic at the Missouri River bridges.
Moving to O'Fallon
Arch Moving handles local and long distance moves, packing and unpacking, furniture assembly, piano moving, labor-only jobs, and junk removal across St. Louis, St. Charles County, and the Metro East.
Request a free estimate for your move to O'Fallon.
About the author
Hayden Mattingly
Owner, Arch Moving · St. Ann, MO
Hayden Mattingly owns and runs Arch Moving, a locally owned moving company in St. Ann serving St. Louis, St. Charles County and the rest of Missouri. He leads a crew with a combined 20 years in the moving industry, trains movers from within, and oversees residential, commercial, packing and long-distance moves. He writes these guides from what his crews handle on real St. Louis moves.
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Before you book
1
Count rooms and heavy items
2
Note stairs at both homes
3
Pick a mid-week date
4
Arrange truck parking
Keep Planning Your O'Fallon Move
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