Minnesota was ranked as the fifth best state to live and work in 2023, according to CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business study. It’s not surprising, then, that Americans are flocking to the upper Midwest state in droves — 120,500 people moved to Minnesota in 2022. Luckily, moving companies in Minnesota are not lacking when it comes to local and long-distance services.
After careful vetting, we chose Allied Van Lines, Relief Moving Company and Good Stuff Moving as our top movers in Minnesota. Allied Van Lines’ lack of a deposit requirement, well-trained crews and in-house vehicle shipping make it ideal for longer moves to the state.
Relief Moving Company’s first-time client discount and easy quote process stand out for local moves. Good Stuff Moving is also a great choice thanks to the company’s years of experience and positive reputation in the state.
The USA TODAY Homefront team vetted movers using a proprietary review process. We measured companies on pricing, services, customer satisfaction and more. Here’s what you need to know about our list of the six best providers for a Minnesota move.
Best moving companies
Minnesota’s top long-distance and local moving companies have strong customer review scores, varied service options and competitive pricing models.
Long-distance:
Compare top long-distance movers for Minnesota
Our top choices for Minnesota moves received high marks on our thorough grading scale because of availability, value and services. See how the long-distance and interstate movers compare in the table below.
| Provider | Our Rating | Deposit | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
4.6 | Up to 25% | Visit Site | |
4.6 | None | Visit Site | |
JK Moving ServicesVisit Site | 4.7 | $250 | Visit Site |
4.6 | None | Visit Site | |
4.6 | Up to 33% | Visit Site | |
4.2 | 10% to 50% | Visit Site | |
4.3 | 15% to 40% | Visit Site | |
4.3 | Up to 33% | Visit Site |
| Provider | Deposit | Our Rating | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 25% | 4.6 | Visit Site | |
| None | 4.6 | Visit Site | |
JK Moving ServicesVisit Site | $250 | 4.7 | Visit Site |
| None | 4.6 | Visit Site | |
| Up to 33% | 4.6 | Visit Site | |
| 10% to 50% | 4.2 | Visit Site | |
| 15% to 40% | 4.3 | Visit Site | |
| Up to 33% | 4.3 | Visit Site |
No results were found.
Best long-distance movers in Minnesota
Here are our picks for Minnesota’s best interstate and long-distance movers.
Allied Van Lines
4.6
USDOT Number : 76235 Coverage : 50 states BBB Rating : A+
Our Thoughts
Allied Van Lines ranks second in our overall list of best long-distance moving companies. Allied doesn’t have a deposit requirement, which can help if you’re on a budget or have money tied up in closing costs for a new home. The company also provides expedited service for small moves through its Allied Express service plan, which can increase efficiency for long-distance moves for customers in small homes.
Services
Service area: 50 states and 130 countries
Base services:
- Transportation of goods
- Loading and unloading
- Released-value protection
Add-on services:
- Vehicle shipping
- Packing (fragile only, full-service or materials)
- Crating
- Piano moving
- Allied Express for small moves
- Extra Care Protection for household goods
Storage: Allied provides short- and long-term storage services at most of its locations.
Quote process and pricing
Quote type: Allied offers binding quotes for long-distance moves.
Pricing: Long-distance estimates are based on move distance and shipment weight.
Sample cost: We reached out to Allied for a three-bedroom, 1,800-mile move quote. Allied’s customer service representative provided a ballpark estimate since we could not schedule an in-home consultation. Our quote was $7,000 with no add-ons. Packing services increased our total to $10,000.
Deposit: None required
Payment methods: Allied accepts credit cards, cash, certified checks and money orders.
Insurance coverage
In addition to released-value protection, Allied offers Extra Care Protection (ECP) — increased coverage that promises to replace or repair any item in your inventory if it is damaged or lost during your move. This added coverage will increase your invoice total but can be worth it for peace of mind, especially if you have valuable items in your cargo. Note that you must fill out a high-value inventory form for items valued at $100 per pound or higher.
Customer thoughts
Allied’s location in Roseville, Minnesota earned 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. Many positive reviews highlight the care and attentiveness of Allied’s move crews, who provided thorough inventories, reliable communications and careful handling of belongings. Mary’s review stood out from the 160 reviews we read. In her 5-star review, she wrote, “The crew was respectful, helpful, and worked very hard from start to finish. I couldn’t ask for better service.”
Negative feedback described trouble with delivery delays and scheduling issues.
Moving APT
4.6
USDOT Number : 2247863 Coverage : 50 states BBB Rating : B+
Our Thoughts
Moving APT brokers full- and self-service options for all types of moves. The company provides speedy quotes and upfront pricing. Moving APT shares information and company bios about moving partners on its website. In our experience, this isn’t always the case with brokers, so we commend the transparency. We also like that the handy quote feature on Moving APT’s website checks moving prices for top moving companies in 30 seconds or less.
Services
Service area: 50 states
Base services:
- Released-value protection
- Loading and unloading
- Transportation of all goods
Add-on services:
- Storage
- Packing services
- Vehicle shipping
- Packing supplies
Storage: Moving APT offers 30 days of free storage for all long-distance moves. Many of the company’s partners also provide short- and long-term storage options.
Quote process and pricing
Quote type: This mover offers binding quotes if its moving coordinators can conduct video calls or in-person estimates.
Pricing: Long-distance estimates are based on move distance and shipment weight.
Sample cost: We contacted Moving APT for a three-bedroom, 1,800-mile move quote. Our estimate was $5,399 with packing, including 30 days of free storage.
Deposit: Moving APT takes deposits of up to 33% of your final moving cost.
Payment methods: This provider accepts credit cards, checks and cash.
Insurance coverage
Moving APT offers the federally mandated released-value protection for all moving plans. Some locations and partners may offer full-value protection for an additional fee. This level of coverage gives added security during a long-distance relocation. Ask your move coordinator for more information about the availability and details of this coverage.
Customer thoughts
Moving APT has 3.4 out of 5 stars on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Five-star reviews mention hardworking and polite crews. One-star feedback describes late arrival times and damaged items.
American Van Lines
4.2
USDOT Number : 614506 BBB Rating : A+
Our Thoughts
American Van Lines stands out for its bottom-line, flat-rate pricing. Though charging a flat rate can lead to higher costs in some cases, many are willing to pay a premium for the expertise and reputation of AVL’s well-trained move crews. AVL only hires movers with an average of a decade of experience.
Services
Service area: This provider offers long-distance moving services to all lower 48 states.
Base services:
- Released liability coverage
- Packing services
- Loading and unloading
- Storage
Add-on services:
- Vehicle shipping
- Piano moving
- Crating
Storage: This provider offers short- and long-term storage solutions.
Quote process and pricing
Quote type: AVL offers binding estimates for long-distance moves.
Pricing: Estimates are calculated on shipment weight and move distance.
Sample cost: We reached out to AVL for a quote and spent almost 40 minutes discussing service needs with a move coordinator. AVL quoted us a three-bedroom, 1,800-mile move. Our price was $8,984 with packing and $7,004 without this add-on service.
Deposit: Deposit amounts can range from 10% to 50% of your total moving cost.
Payment methods: This provider accepts cash, certified checks and credit cards.
Insurance coverage
AVL offers full-valuation coverage for a fee, while released-value protection is included in all moves. Discuss with your move coordinator about which protection plan is right for you.
Customer thoughts
AVL has 4.1 out of 5 stars on BBB, which is higher than most other national moving companies. In a 5-star review, Derek said the company provided great communication and service.
Critical 1-star reviews express frustration about pricing and delivery issues, as noted in Margaret’s comments.
Best movers for a local Minnesota move
The following local Minnesota movers scored well on our rating scale due to the high volume of positive customer feedback, customizable moving services and great customer service.
Relief Moving Company
4.9
USDOT Number : 3135924 BBB Rating : A+
Our Thoughts
Relief Moving Company rose to the top in our research for its quick and easy quote process. A customer service representative reached out within minutes after filling out a form online. This mover has impressive customer feedback on platforms such as Google Reviews. We were especially impressed that our estimate included a 12% discount for first-time clients.
Services
Service area: This provider serves the majority of Minnesota.
Base services:
- Released-value protection
- Loading and unloading
- Transportation of goods
- Disassembly and assembly
Add-on services:
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Safe moving
- Packing supplies
- Crating
Quote process and pricing
Quote type: Relief Moving Company offers ballpark quotes for local moves.
Pricing: This provider bases its hourly rates on the number of movers assigned to the job. The company has a three-hour minimum for jobs. You’ll be charged in 15-minute increments after the three hours of labor.
Sample cost: We asked Relief Moving Company for an estimate for a three-bedroom local move in Minneapolis. Our quote for three movers and a truck was $260 per hour. Our estimate included a first-time client discount of $156, or 12% of the $1,300 total estimate.
Deposit: This mover requires a 25% deposit at the time of booking and another 20% two weeks before the move date.
Payment methods: Relief Moving Company accepts debit cards and credit cards. Customers paying cash receive a 4% discount.
Insurance coverage
This mover provides the mandatory released-value protection coverage.
Customer thoughts
Relief Moving Company is rated an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. Maria’s review highlighted many of the common themes of positive feedback, especially the hassle-free scheduling and payment processes, efficiency and professionalism. Rachael explained how Relief Moving Company could fit her move into its schedule at the last minute and commended the company for excellent communication.
On the negative side, a review from Jess detailed a frustrating moving experience filled with communication issues and a lack of professionalism. The mover responded courteously and professionally, acknowledging Jess’ feelings and apologizing for her experience.
Good Stuff Moving
4.8
USDOT Number : 893209 BBB Rating : A+
Our Thoughts
Good Stuff Moving claims on its website that its movers have completed around 50,000 moves since 1999. This experience and company longevity help make it a solid choice for your local Minnesota move. We were also impressed by how quickly the company could provide us with a quote. They reached out within an hour of requesting a quote online.
Services
Service area: This mover serves the majority of Minnesota.
Base services:
- Transportation of goods
- Loading and unloading
- Released-value protection
Add-on services:
- Packing and unpacking
- Packing supplies
Quote process and pricing
Quote type: This mover offers ballpark quotes for local moves.
Pricing: Good Stuff Moving charges hourly rates based on the number of movers.
Sample cost: Good Stuff Moving provided us with a free quote for a three-bedroom local move. Our estimated hourly rate for two movers and one truck was $195. Our estimate also included a “destination fee” at $6 per mile, with a $150 minimum, and a 4% service fee for hourly moving labor.
Deposit: Our estimate did not mention a deposit requirement.
Payment methods: The mover accepts cash, checks and all major credit cards. All moves paid with credit cards are subject to a 3% fee.
Insurance coverage
This company provides the federally mandated released-value protection.
Customer thoughts
Good Stuff Moving is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. Katie described her moving crew as courteous, hardworking and cheerful. She said the movers were efficient and respectful with all belongings throughout the process. Kavya also mentioned the movers’ efficiency and professionalism.
Negative reviews mention damage to property and items left behind during a move.
Matt’s Moving
4.8
USDOT Number : 1704106 BBB Rating : A+
Our Thoughts
Matt’s Moving’s customer service team was helpful and friendly throughout the quote process. We liked the thoroughness of this mover’s website, including the informational sections on office moves, apartment moving and commercial moving.
Services
Service area: The mover services Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin.
Base services:
- Loading and unloading
- Released-value protection
- Transportation of goods
Add-on services:
- Packing and unpacking
- Packing materials
- Storage services
- Junk removal
- Piano moving
Quote process and pricing
Quote type: This mover offers ballpark quotes.
Pricing: Local moves are priced per hour based on the number of movers assigned to complete the job.
Sample cost: Matt’s Moving provided us with a free moving quote for a local relocation within Minneapolis. For three movers and one truck, our quoted rate was $255 per hour. Our estimate also included a $191.25 auto trip charge.
Deposit: Our estimate did not mention any deposit requirements.
Payment methods: This mover accepts credit cards, checks and cash.
Insurance coverage
This mover offers the standard released-value protection at no cost. Full-coverage options are available for an additional fee.
Customer thoughts
Matt’s Moving has 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. Praise includes Heather’s review, where she described her moving crew as “phenomenal.” She wrote the movers were prompt and carefully handled belongings. Patricia said Matt’s Moving is trustworthy and efficient.
Negative feedback mentioned damaged items and unclear pricing.
A guide to professional movers: Making an informed choice
Verify that a moving company holds proper licensing, fits within your budget and provides the necessary services before you book. Try to secure your ideal moving date at least one month ahead of time to increase the likelihood of mover availability. This is especially crucial during the busy moving months of spring and summer.
Moving services
Add-on services can make your move more convenient and less stressful. Many movers offer the following services for an additional cost:
- Packing and unpacking
- Packing supplies
- Crating
- Short- and long-term storage services
- Cleaning services
- Debris removal
- Vehicle shipping
- Piano moving
- Safe moving
- Moving supplies
Carriers vs. brokers
The moving industry functions under two basic service models: carriers and brokers. This choice can impact your overall moving process, so it’s important to understand a moving company’s business model before you book. Some companies will be licensed as both a carrier and broker to widen their service area.
Carriers
Brokers
Carriers are directly responsible for providing moving services. Unlike brokers, carriers own and operate moving trucks, employ professional movers and have authorization to transport your belongings.
Brokers are not movers. They act as intermediaries, arranging the connection between clients and for-hire carriers. In other words, they sell your move to the moving company with the winning bid. While brokers can streamline the process by connecting you with a reputable carrier and managing the booking, they typically require an upfront convenience fee and do not handle your moving services directly.
Moving regulations
Movers must follow certain federal and state regulations depending on the types of moves they offer.
Regulations for interstate and long-distance movers
All interstate and long-distance moving companies are subject to federal regulations and are required to hold active U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Verify a mover’s registration status using the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database before booking.
Regulations for intrastate and local movers in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Transportation oversees movers in the state. Check that your intrastate moving company is properly registered before booking.
Moving costs
Your move distance and inventory size play the biggest role in your moving estimate. Below, we broke down key differences between local and long-distance moving costs.
Long-distance moving costs
Shipping weight and move distance determine the price of a long-distance relocation. Request a binding estimate if your move is farther than 50 miles. When your estimate is binding, your invoice won’t exceed your estimated amount unless you adjust your inventory, service needs or move distance between your quote day and moving day.
Local moving costs in Minnesota
Local moves are usually billed hourly. Your rate depends on the moving company and the number of movers assigned to your move. Our estimates for a local Minnesota move fall between $195 per hour for two movers and $260 for three movers. Many local movers have a labor minimum as well that you should ask about when you get a quote.
Moving insurance
All moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage for free. This no-cost coverage is called released-value protection and typically covers 60 cents per pound per item. This coverage is generally included in all moving packages and is mandated by federal law.
Consider full-value protection if you want additional coverage. Under most full-value plans, you’ll specify a declared value for your shipment and pay a premium based on a percentage of that value before the move. This coverage can guarantee full reimbursem*nt for any lost or damaged items.
Final take: Book with Allied Van Lines or Relief Moving Company for your Minnesota move
We believe Allied Van Lines and Relief Moving Company are the best movers for relocating to, from or within Minnesota.
Allied Van Lines’ range of in-house operations, such as vehicle shipping can streamline the moving process. The company’s straightforward pricing structures take the guesswork out of planning your move budget. Relief Moving Company’s easy quote process means you won’t have to stress over finding an estimate. They were able to take all of our information over the phone and email. The mover’s discount for first-time clients is also a plus.
Aim to book your moving company at least four to eight weeks in advance for better scheduling options. We recommend obtaining at least three quotes before making your final choice.
Our rating methodology for moving companies
Our moving recommendations are all backed by our detailed rating methodology. To fairly assess both interstate and local movers, we have tailored two sets of review standards for long-distance and intrastate movers.
Both sets of review standards assess factors including reputation and customer satisfaction, availability and range, services offered, pricing and quote practices and customer service. We rate each moving company out of 100 possible points. We then divide the final score by 20 to obtain the 5-star rating we feature in our reviews.
BBB and Google Reviews ratings are accurate as of May 2024.
