Best Moving Companies in Minnesota (2026 Guide)

GoodMigrations reviewed 49 licensed movers in Minnesota to identify the best options for local, long-distance, specialty, and DIY moves. Use this guide to compare the top-rated moving companies in Minnesota by move type, service quality, and overall fit.

• 43 of 49 Minnesota movers (87.76%) are licensed for interstate moves, compared to 83.32% nationally. If your destination is across a state line, USDOT licensure isn't optional. Verify it through the FMCSA database before committing.
• 13 Minnesota movers (26.53%) offer full valuation coverage. Under the default released-value coverage movers offer, a 50-lb item worth $1,500 generates a $30 claim. Full valuation coverage closes that gap by paying based on actual repair or replacement cost.
• Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. ranks first among Minnesota local movers and College Muscle Movers, LLC ranks second. Our evaluation weighs customer satisfaction and dispute resolution most heavily, since these factors tend to define the actual moving experience.

GoodMigrations' top local movers in Minnesota:

1. Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. — 4.66/5
2. College Muscle Movers, LLC — 4.58/5
3. Matt's Moving Company — 4.58/5
4. The Move Crew — 4.52/5
5. Premium Moving Services — 4.52/5

• Piano moving: Available from 83.67% of Minnesota movers (vs. 72.72% nationally).
• Antique handling: Available from 34.69% of Minnesota movers (vs. 46.37% nationally).
• Art packing: Available from 38.78% of Minnesota movers (vs. 45.86% nationally).
• Climate-controlled storage: Available from 51.02% of Minnesota movers (vs. 33.29% nationally).
• Fragile-only packing: Available from 4.08% of Minnesota movers (vs. 23.81% nationally).

Top Movers by City in Minnesota

• Minneapolis
• St. Paul

Minnesota moving costs by home size

• Local movers in Minnesota charge an average of $395 for a studio.
• One-bedroom moves within Minnesota run around $541 on average.
• Two-bedroom moves average $863 locally in Minnesota.
• The average for a three-bedroom local move in Minnesota is $1,969.
• Four-bedroom homes average $2,256 for a local Minnesota move.
• For five bedrooms or more, local Minnesota moves average $3,460.

• Home size: A studio move in Minnesota averages $395 with 2 movers over 3 hours. A 3-bedroom runs $1,969 and a 5+ bedroom home averages $3,460, based on GoodMigrations' analysis of Minnesota mover quotes.
• Distance and pricing model: Local moves in Minnesota are typically billed hourly at an average of $105/hour for a 2-person crew. Interstate moves switch to weight-and-distance pricing, with fuel surcharges adding 8–15% to base transportation charges on long-distance jobs.
• Access and site conditions: Stairs, elevators, long carries, or a truck that can't load directly add $71–$470 or more. Shuttle service, which is needed when a full-size truck can't reach your door, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $188.
• Packing services: Full professional packing averages $0.15–$0.21 per pound on your total shipment weight. Fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, and mirrors without extending that cost across everything you own.
• Storage: Storage-in-transit runs approximately $0.50 per cubic foot per month. A 1-bedroom shipment (roughly 514 cu ft) averages $242/month in Minnesota.
• Timing: Peak moving season in Minnesota runs May through September, with June and July seeing the highest demand and rates. Booking midweek or outside the summer window typically gives you lower rates and better scheduling availability.

• Weather: Minnesota experiences temperature extremes characteristic of its continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Minnesota does experience weather such as: rain, snow, blizzards, thunderstorms, hail, derechos, tornadoes, and high-velocity straight-line winds.
• HOA policies: HOA-governed neighborhoods often have specific rules about moving days, truck sizes, parking, and required notice to residents. Read the handbook ahead of time. What you don't know can cost you.
• Building logistics: Multi-story buildings may require service elevator reservations and restrict moving to certain times. Get these details confirmed with your building’s management well before your move date.
• Destination permits: Minnesota has no special permit requirement for moving trucks or containers, but your new city or state may. Check local rules before you finalize your timeline.
• Verifying licensure: Our recommended movers are licensed and insured, but you can confirm USDOT status and safety history for any mover through the FMCSA database.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least 7 days before you move to prevent mail disruptions during the transition.
• Understanding your coverage: Released-value protection is free and legally required, but it only pays $0.60 per pound per item. Full valuation coverage pays based on actual repair or replacement cost.

• Best local mover in Minnesota: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.66/5). Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. leads our review of 49 Minnesota movers. Local costs range from $395 for a studio to $3,460 for a 5+ bedroom home.
• Best interstate mover from Minnesota: Safeway Moving (4.5/5). Safeway is our top-rated carrier for long-distance moves originating in Minnesota, with flat-rate pricing, top-tier customer service, and full interstate licensing.
• Best for certified crew quality: American Van Lines (4.5/5). AVL is the strongest pick for movers who want professionally trained, full-time employees, not contractors, handling their long-distance move.

• Verified licensing and insurance: Confirm the mover holds current permits to operate in the North Star State and carries adequate insurance. The FMCSA database is the fastest way to check, and it's free.
• Real-world reputation: Customer reviews and personal recommendations carry more weight than marketing. Look for consistent themes across multiple sources rather than cherry-picked testimonials.
• Services that match your move: Whether you need full-service packing, specialty item handling, storage, or basic labor, confirm that the company actually offers what you need before booking.
• Flexible scheduling: Last-minute changes happen. A mover that handles them without punitive fees is worth the extra effort to find upfront.
• Clear, upfront pricing: Get itemized estimates from at least 3 companies. Including one flat-rate carrier in that comparison gives you a useful baseline for evaluating quotes.
• Knowledge of Minnesota: Local familiarity with traffic patterns, building access rules, and permit requirements makes for a smoother move and fewer surprises on the day of your move.
• Equipment quality and crew professionalism: Ask about truck condition and crew training before you book. Both have a direct effect on whether your belongings arrive in the same shape they left.

• Plan around Minnesota's moving season. Summer in the state brings temperatures from 59°F to 81°F and peak demand for movers. Book early, stay hydrated, and limit how long heat-sensitive items sit in a truck.
• Schedule around traffic in major metros. Rush hour in Minneapolis and other large Minnesota cities typically runs 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. on weekdays. Midday moves through those areas tend to go faster and cost less on hourly-rate bookings.
• Pack for your first night first. An essentials bag with toiletries, chargers, medications, and a few changes of clothes based on the weather at your destination prevents a lot of unnecessary digging through boxes.
• Transport valuables yourself. Passports, hard drives, jewelry, and similar items are better off in your personal vehicle where you have direct oversight throughout the move.
• Take breaks and drink water. Moving is physically demanding work. Pacing yourself throughout the day prevents the kind of fatigue that leads to mistakes and injuries.
• Explore the area early. Get familiar with your new neighborhood in the first week. Even just a walk around the block or a visit to a nearby coffee shop helps the place start to feel like home faster.

How much do movers cost in Minnesota?

A 2-person moving crew in Minnesota averages $105/hour. Depending on home size, total local move costs run $395 (studio) to $3,460 (5+ bedrooms). Add-ons like packing, storage, and specialty item handling will push the total higher.

When is the best time to move in Minnesota?

Summer is peak moving season in Minnesota. Rates are higher and movers book up quickly between May and September. The most cost-effective windows are fall and winter (October through April) or midweek any time of year. If summer is unavoidable, book as far in advance as possible.

Are there items Minnesota movers won't transport?

Most Minnesota movers have a restricted items list that includes hazardous materials, perishable food, and commonly plants or flammables. Policies vary by company, so confirm what your mover won't take before moving day to avoid having to make alternate arrangements at the last minute.

• Pricing and payment transparency: We look at whether companies offer flat-rate or binding estimates, how clearly costs are broken down upfront, and what payment options are available. Movers who present accurate, itemized quotes rank higher than those who lead with low estimates and adjust later.
• Services offered: We examine what's included in standard packages versus what carries an added cost, and identify which movers offer specialty services like packing, storage, fragile-only handling, and custom crating that aren't universally available in Minnesota.
• Customer feedback: We analyze reviews from the BBB, Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot, focusing on how companies handle problems, not just how often things go smoothly.
• Reputation and compliance: We check licensing status, USDOT authorization, insurance coverage, and industry standing. A company's regulatory track record is a meaningful indicator of accountability.
• Add-on options and availability: We evaluate whether specialty services like fragile-only packing, custom crating, and climate-controlled storage are genuinely available or just listed. We also factor in how many states each carrier serves.