Best moving companies in Minneapolis, MN 2025

We compared 3 companies and chose the top movers

    • Colonial Van Lines
      4.3(2,662)
    • Allied Van Lines
      3.2(812)
    • PODS
      4.6(4,065)
    Author picture
    Written by Cassidy McCants
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by Jon Bortin

    Best moving companies in Minneapolis, MN 2025

    Our 3 picks for movers in Minneapolis

    1. Best overall: Colonial Van Lines
    2. Interstate moves: Allied Van Lines
    3. Moving containers: PODS

    To help find the best options for you, we compared 80 moving companies and determined which were available in Minneapolis. Then we analyzed ratings and reviews on ConsumerAffairs from Minneapolis customers.

    To make our picks, we also considered pricing, the quote and deposit processes, and the availability of packing services and storage options. Read our full methodology below for all the details. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us, but this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations.

    Colonial Van Lines
    Highlight
    Climate-controlled storage options
    Types of moves
    Commercial, residential, military
    Discounts available
    Seasonal

    Colonial Van Lines provides moves to and from Minneapolis. It offers binding quotes, so your price is locked in as long as your initial inventory is accurate.

    Highlights

    • Broker vs. carrier: Carrier
    • Type(s) of quotes: Binding
    • Storage options: Climate-controlled facilities and modular cubes
    • Packing services: Single items, kitchen, full packing

    Pros

    • Portable moving containers
    • Quick, efficient crews, according to reviewers
    • More than 50 years in the moving industry

    Cons

    • No local or international moves
    • Some reports of communication issues
    • Deposit requirements: Anywhere from one-third of the full price to 40%
    • Discounts: Seasonal
    • “Colonial was amazing and their website was excellent. The coordinator gave me an estimate and said that it could change depending on how much weight I had. He was really informative and I liked him. Then, the movers were there on time and everything was perfect. When they came in, they didn't trash the house and picked up after themselves. I couldn't be happier and I've moved plenty of times to know how bad it could have been.” — Laurie in Waite Park
    • “Colonial Van Lines was affordable so I went with them. It was great with the rep who assisted during the move and everything went fine.” — Darlene and Dean in St. Cloud
    Allied Van Lines
    Highlight
    Online shipment tracking
    Types of moves
    Commercial, residential, military
    Discounts available
    Senior

    Allied Van Lines offers commercial, residential and military moves. It also provides full-service and partial packing, with packing materials provided. It’s a broker and carrier and completes moves to and from Minneapolis.

    Highlights

    • Broker vs. carrier: Broker and carrier
    • Type(s) of quotes: In-home estimates; likely binding
    • Storage options: Storage-in-transit up to 90 days; permanent climate-controlled with security; portable units
    • Packing services: Full-service and partial packing; packing materials provided

    Pros

    • Auto and boat transport
    • Online tracking
    • Efficient, friendly moving crews, according to reviewers

    Cons

    • No 24/7 claims number
    • Some reports of delivery delays
    • Deposit requirements: Varies by carrier
    • Discounts: Senior
    • “This was a very involved Pick-up AND Delivery. This involved dismantling a large, motorized sectional and replacing with another large, motorized sectional, plus 5-piece coffee table, 2 c tables and large floor lamp. That part was done beautifully - they also were so respectful of our property and wanted to make sure it was set up exactly as we wanted....that it was sitting on the area rug correctly. Everything was done with care. Very Impressive!!” — Kay from Minneapolis
    • “We had a perfect move with Berger Allied. The team was extremely careful packing and moving our household items down two flights of stairs into the van.. Once we arrived at our new house, they did an outstanding job of unloading and placing our items in the house. The team was friendly, courteous, and extremely careful and worked very hard. I would highly recommend them.” — Terry from Maple Grove
    PODS
    Highlight
    Flexible timelines
    Types of moves
    Local, long-distance, international
    Discounts available
    Military

    PODS offers local, long-distance and international moves to and from Minneapolis. It provides quotes over the phone, or you can request a quote online.

    Highlights

    • Broker vs. carrier: Carrier and broker
    • Type(s) of quotes: Phone
    • Storage options: Various container sizes for short- or long-term storage
    • Packing services: Professional third-party packing services

    Pros

    • Flexibility
    • Cheaper than traditional moving companies
    • Simplified moving process

    Cons

    • Not available in all locations
    • Some delivery delays, according to reviewers
    • Upfront charges
    • Deposit requirements: None; full amount charged one to seven days prior
    • Discounts: Military
    • “We needed to clear out our home for selling but couldn't bring our items to our new home yet so this perfect to have in our driveway till it was time for it to be picked up. The communication was amazing for drop off and pickup/drop off. Both drivers were incredibly kind and friendly! Our pickup driver took amazing care in picking up the Pod and getting it all ready for its trip! I watched the whole thing and was shocked at the attention he took! Every part of this experience was great and eased so much of our stress!” — Jennifer in Ham Lake
    • “This move was from Az to Mn. For my mom, so the size of the pod was perfect! The company was great about communication, before they came and setting up a pickup date was very easy as well. Nothing was broken during transport. Would definitely use this company again!” — Julie in Afton

    Moving Companies in Minneapolis Buyers guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Colonial Van Lines logo
    Allied Van Lines logo
    PODS logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Find a team that works for you & enjoy a stress-free move.

      How to choose a moving company in Minneapolis

      Moving can be daunting, but hiring the right movers can alleviate some of the stress. Here are some tips for finding the right mover for you:

      1. Determine what kind of mover best suits your needs. Is your move local or long-distance, and do you need full-service packing services or basic transport?
      2. Research movers in your area. Check licensing, insurance and customer reviews. Get multiple quotes in writing to avoid misunderstandings and for easy comparison.
      3. Understand how your mover’s pricing and insurance work. Ask about costs for any extra services you’re interested in (e.g., packing, unpacking, storage). Don’t forget to factor in potential costs for bulky items or difficult-to-access areas. Also, clarify the details regarding insurance coverage and the claims process in case of damage.

      Cost to move in Minneapolis

      Hiring movers is worth it for many Americans, but it’s important to understand the costs before you agree to sign on with a broker or carrier. Moving expenses can vary significantly — often from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on distance, number of belongings and any additional services you opt for.

      Larger moves require more work from moving crews and higher truck capacity, which generally leads to higher overall costs. Moving during peak seasons (like summer) or over the weekend, when competition is high, may also mean spending more on a mover.

      To get the most accurate idea of your moving costs, contact several moving companies for quotes. Most companies will ask for a detailed list of your possessions in order to offer an accurate estimate.

      Average cost for moving services from and within Minneapolis

      The figures below are based on current (as of publishing) industry estimates for a three-bedroom home with no additional services.

      Tipping movers

      Tipping your movers isn't required, but it's standard practice — and it’s a way to show your appreciation for their hard work, particularly if they provide excellent service.

      A standard tip for a local move may fall between $20 and $50 per mover. You can adjust this amount based on the difficulty and length of the move. For long-distance moves, a larger tip or a percentage of the total cost is often appropriate. Small gestures like offering cold drinks and snacks are also appreciated.

      DIY moves

      Handling the move yourself can save money, but it also demands considerable effort and planning. You'll likely need to rent a truck, gather packing supplies and enlist the help of friends and family.

      If you choose this route, remember to factor in expenses like truck rental fees and fuel costs. You may also need to rent or buy equipment (e.g., dollies and moving blankets). Consider the time commitment involved, including packing, loading, driving, unloading and unpacking. Will you need time off from work?

      Before deciding if a do-it-yourself move is right for you, carefully evaluate your available time, physical abilities and whether you'll have reliable help.

      Tips for a successful Minneapolis move

      Moving to Minneapolis can be made easier and less expensive by planning ahead, reducing your belongings and using efficient packing strategies.

      1. Develop a moving budget

      Make a moving budget by estimating the costs of hiring movers or renting a truck, taking into account the distance, how many things you have and any extra services you want or need. Include expenses for packing supplies, potential travel costs (such as gas, tolls and lodging) and temporary storage if needed.

      Remember to account for insurance, cleaning fees and tipping your movers. Research typical moving costs for similar moves to create a realistic budget.

      2. Reduce clutter and sell or donate

      Although it takes time to sort through your possessions, downsizing can simplify your entire move. Consider holding a garage sale to earn money from unwanted items. You might also donate gently used belongings to charity. Many charities offer convenient donation pickup services, allowing you to declutter while supporting a good cause. (Don't forget to get a donation receipt for potential tax deductions.)

      3. Pack efficiently

      Gather sturdy boxes, packing tape, cushioning wrap and markers. Pack one room at a time, and label boxes clearly with their contents and the intended room in your new home. Use appropriate packing materials to protect fragile items, and consider using wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. Maximize space by filling gaps with towels or clothing, and pack an "essentials" box or bag with items you'll need immediately at your new home.

      Moving within or to Minnesota?

      We’ve got some resources for you.

      » MORE: Moving checklist

      Moving regulations in Minneapolis

      All legitimate moving companies in the U.S. should be licensed and insured. If a mover has to cross state lines, it’s also required to be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. You can check a mover’s USDOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.

      Verify current state regulations with Minnesota’s transportation authority. The Minnesota attorney general has resources online to help protect consumers from illegitimate movers.

      FAQ

      How much does it cost to hire movers?

      When budgeting for your move, remember that local movers generally charge an hourly rate (around $80 to $100 for a two-person crew), while interstate movers calculate costs based on the weight and volume of your belongings. Expect to pay a few thousand dollars or more for long-distance moves. Ultimately, your total moving cost will depend on factors like distance, the amount of stuff you're moving and the time of year.

      Is hiring a mover worth it?

      While a DIY move can be budget-friendly, hiring professional movers is often a worthwhile investment. The stress and hassle of DIY moving can be overwhelming, and it’s not always cheap — consider the costs of truck rental, equipment and time off from work. If your budget allows, professional movers can save you time, money and a whole lot of worry.

      How early should I start planning a move?

      To ensure a smooth move, it's generally recommended to begin planning at least two months ahead of your target date. This time frame allows you to gather quotes from multiple movers and efficiently pack your belongings. It also provides a buffer for unexpected issues that may arise.

      Does Minneapolis have a high cost of living?

      As of publishing, the cost of living in Minneapolis is a bit higher than in nearby cities. Our 2024 study found that a single adult would need a salary of $62,891.37 to live comfortably in Minneapolis.

      Methodology

      ConsumerAffairs carefully collects in-depth, verified reviews to tell each customer’s experience with a company. We believe customer experiences are a crucial indicator when evaluating companies, so these reviews are a significant factor when we make our top picks.

      To choose the top moving companies in Minneapolis, we started with the 80 popular providers listed in our main moving guide. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in Minneapolis. We then weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      • Storage options: We looked at the availability of storage units and any free storage periods.
      • Packing services: We considered the types of packing services offered, including whether a company offers packing services and whether it offers both full and partial packing.
      • Deposit requirements: We prioritized companies that ask for a down payment of 20% or less over those with higher deposit requirements.
      • Discounts: We outlined how many discounts each company offers and what types (e.g., senior, military, student).
      • App: We gave a company preference if it has an app with a useful service, like requesting a quote or tracking a move.
      Article sources

      ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

      1. Minnesota Attorney General, “Hiring a Mover.” Accessed Dec. 3, 2024.

      Not sure how to choose?

      Get buying tips about Moving Companies in Minneapolis delivered to your inbox.

        By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

        Thanks for subscribing.

        You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

        Read Minneapolis moving company reviews

        Showing 10 of 26

        Want your company to be on this guide?

        Yes, continue
        Comparing

        ×