7 Best Moving Companies in Minnesota

By Sean Donnelly Updated October 24, 2024

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Planning a move of any size is draining. Professional movers can help you with every step of the process, from packing to transporting your belongings to your new home. We’ve evaluated the best moving companies nationwide and narrowed our recommendations down to the best Minnesota movers. Below, learn more about our top picks and how they can help with your local or long-distance moving needs in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.


Best Moving Companies in Minnesota


Compare the Top Moving Companies in Minnesota

Quickly compare our picks for Minnesota moving companies in the table below.


International Van Lines

Our Top Pick
4.7

International Van Lines (IVL) was founded in 2000 as a logistics management company and international mover. Since 2004, it has provided local and long-distance moving services in all 50 states. Its moving packages are handled by either in-house IVL crews or partner carriers. IVL doesn’t offer binding estimates but specializes in speedy customer service and quick quotes.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Operates in all 50 states and 180 countries
  • Features a cost calculator on its site for quick quotes
  • Provides quality customer service

Cons

  • Operates primarily as a broker in Minnesota
  • Provides non-binding estimates

Moving Services

IVL and its partner companies offer long-distance moves, local moving help, and international moving and logistics management.

IVL also provides the following services: Packing, piano moving, storage services, unpacking, valuation coverage, vehicle shipping

Cost

International Van Lines provides non-binding pricing but was quick to offer a quote when we called for an estimate. When you call, have your inventory list, service requirements, and origin and destination addresses ready. We got a ballpark estimate in 15 minutes, but we recommend allotting more time for a visual inspection of your home via video call.

Deposit: 25%
Payment options: Cash, credit card, check, or money order

American Van Lines

Best for Antiques
4.4

American Van Lines (AVL) is a carrier that offers long-distance moving in the 48 contiguous states. Its moving crew members average 10 years of experience on the job, making them experts in packing and providing customer satisfaction for moves of all sizes. As a bonus, AVL offers binding estimates for all moves. However, its local moving options are limited in Minnesota. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Features experienced moving crews
  • Offers flat-rate pricing
  • Operates solely as a carrier

Cons

  • Requires large deposits for booking
  • Features limited local moving options in some areas

Moving Services

American Van Lines offers both local and long-distance service. However, its local offerings are more limited outside of its central locations in Florida, North Carolina, and Texas.

Residential or commercial moving packages with this provider can include the following services: Antique moving, crating, fine art moving, packing, storage, unpacking, vehicle shipping

Cost

American Van Lines provided a thorough free quote process when we called for an estimate. We spent nearly 40 minutes speaking with an AVL representative about our move’s particulars and service needs. They mentioned that we would have to schedule an in-home consultation to receive truly binding pricing.

Deposit: Up to 50%
Payment options: Cash, credit card, or check

Safeway Moving Inc.

Best for Condos/HOAs
3.5

Safeway Moving Inc. is a moving carrier and broker based in Fort Lauderdale. This mover specializes in long-distance relocation packages and provides flat-rate pricing for all moves. As a bonus, Safeway’s insurance policies offer added protection for all moving clients.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Offers flat-rate pricing for all moves
  • Carries $1 million insurance policies, which exceeds industry standards
  • Features a thorough quote process

Cons

  • Advertises relatively few add-ons
  • Offers no local moving options in Minnesota

Moving Services

Safeway advertises relatively few add-on services but provides many of the basics that you can expect from nationwide providers.

These include the following services: Crating, Loading and unloading, Packing, Storage, Vehicle shipping

Cost

Safeway Moving offered us the most in-depth quote experience of the movers on this list. We spent nearly an hour on the phone with our representative getting cost information. We were informed that our deposit, although large, would be fully refundable.

Deposit: Up to 40%
Payment options: Deposits can be paid via credit card, check, or wire transfer. The remaining costs can be paid with cash, certified check, money order, or credit card.

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

Best for Major Cities
4.2

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a Florida-based moving broker with a nationwide reach. Its moving partners provide everything from labor for loading moving trucks to full-service relocation assistance. IMRG offers a cost calculator tool and moving guides online, including a blog post with tips for moving from Minnesota to Florida, to make the moving process more accessible to the average moving client.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Has partners in all 50 states
  • Provides price matching for competing quotes
  • Offers partner company bios online to help you understand your moving options

Cons

  • Provides non-binding estimates
  • Operates solely as a broker

Moving Services

IMRG’s partner companies offer local and long-distance service throughout all 50 states. Some of these companies can provide limited international service, but this will depend on your exact location. IMRG offers the following services: Crating, packing, packing materials, storage, and vehicle shipping.

Cost

IMRG provides price matching for clients who receive lower competing quotes. As a broker, it requires larger deposits to secure your booking. The customer service team at IMRG offers reliable estimates.

Deposit: Up to 33%
Payment options: Credit cards or electronic checks; payment methods vary depending on the provider

Moving APT

Best for Coordinated Moves
4.5

Moving APT is a nationwide moving broker based in Florida. Its customer service team brokers out moving services to all 50 states. It has more than 2,500 individual partners spread across the country and can provide self- and full-service moving experiences to most locations in Minnesota.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Offers quick quotes over the phone and online
  • Provides moving guides and resources online
  • Offers company bios for its partners for full transparency

Cons

  • Requires large deposits to book
  • Has reviews that mention spotty quality across its service area

Moving Services

Moving APT offers quality moving services on short notice. Fast booking and quotes make it a great choice for local or long-distance moves planned in a short time. Note that you may need to pay added fees for moves booked at the last minute. Moving APT can offer the following services: Crating, moving supplies, packing, price matching for competing quotes, storage, and vehicle shipping.

Cost

Moving APT provides quick quotes via a cost calculator tool online and in-depth quotes over the phone. We received a non-binding estimate in about 20 minutes. You should schedule an in-home consultation to get an accurate residential moving quote.

Deposit: Up to 33%
Payment options: Credit card, cash, and certified check

JK Moving Services

Best Mobile App
4.9

JK Moving Services is a moving carrier and broker based in Virginia. Since its founding in 1982, it has assisted more than half a million individuals with their moving needs. It doesn’t offer local moving help in Minnesota but can provide long-distance relocation assistance to and from the lower 48 states.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Features a mobile app for move tracking and payment
  • Offers financing options as low as 0%
  • Has well-trained moving crews for specialized packing and crating needs

Cons

  • Offers no local moving option in Minnesota
  • Features reviews that mention poor broker partner quality

Moving Services

JK Moving’s crews are trained in an on-site facility that includes a fully furnished house. This makes its specialized packing and crating for antiques more reliable. JK Moving’s crews offer the following services: Antique moving, commercial moving, crating, fragile packing, packing, storage solutions, and vehicle shipping.

Cost

We recommend setting aside time for an in-person or visual assessment of your goods before you call to receive accurate pricing. We were able to get a ballpark estimate within 20 minutes. Our representative mentioned small deposit requirements and outlined all payment options, including financing.

Deposit: $250
Payment options: Credit card, cash, check

Allied Van Lines

Best Customer Experience
4.7

Allied Van Lines is one of the most reputable carriers in the United States and has more than 500 locations throughout all 50 states. It has numerous Minnesota locations, including agents in Minneapolis and St. Paul. These locations offer a standard range of services, along with specialized small move solutions and in-house vehicle shipping.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Offers local and long-distance service in Minnesota
  • Provides in-house vehicle shipping
  • Works primarily as a carrier

Cons

  • Features somewhat limited customer service hours
  • Has varied reviews across different locations

Moving Services

Allied excels thanks to its diverse service profile. It provides vehicle shipping with its own trucks and a dedicated small-move service called Allied Express. Its quality crews offer the following service options: Allied Express, assembly and disassembly, commercial moves, crating, packing, residential moves, storage, and vehicle shipping.

Cost

Allied gave us a quick ballpark estimate when we called for pricing. Its representatives were friendly and mentioned that we would not have to pay a deposit to book. They also mentioned that we couldn’t secure binding pricing unless we scheduled a video call or visual estimate.

Deposit: None required
Payment options: Cash, credit card, check, or money order


Our Recommendation

Regardless of the size or distance of your upcoming Minnesota relocation, we recommend requesting free moving quotes from three providers before booking. Undergoing a professional quote process can simplify your move and clarify your service needs. Start the process a few months in advance to ensure you’re less stressed come moving day


Minnesota Moving Companies FAQ

How are moving companies regulated in Minnesota?

All local moving companies are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Minnesota moving companies must also obtain necessary truck insurance and business licensing. Check this registration with any mover you consider.

What is the cost of moving labor in Minnesota?

The average cost of moving labor in Minnesota is $310, according to U-Haul MovingHelp data. This accounts for two movers and two hours of work. Costs will likely be higher in larger urban areas like the Twin Cities and lower in rural areas.

What is the cost of living in Minnesota? 

BestPlaces.net lists Minnesota’s cost of living at 2.8% below the national average. While healthcare costs 22% less than the nationwide average, the cost of miscellaneous amenities is 17% above average. The median cost of a home is $309,500.

Where are Minnesota residents moving to?

Minnesota residents are moving to Wisconsin, North Dakota, Arizona, and Florida. According to the U.S. Census Bureau data, these states gained the most new residents from Minnesota between 2020 and 2021.


How We Chose the Top Moving Companies in Minnesota

We researched and analyzed dozens of full- and self-service moving companies and formulated a moving review methodology based on a number of factors, including package options, pricing, and reputation. We also identified customer pain points based on customer-review analysis, proprietary consumer surveys, and interviews with former and current moving professionals.

Speaking directly to a representative at each company, we determined the number of package options available, the coverage provided, the types of moves available (long-distance, local, and international), and any extra perks offered, such as mobile apps, moving checklists, and 24/7 customer service.

We also gathered pricing data from each company and determined whether they provide ballpark estimates or binding quotes. Finally, to determine reputation, we evaluated companies based on their rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and their overall score on Google Reviews.