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Best 5 Movers in Rochester, MN

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Written By Jessica Hurtault|Last Updated: April 18, 2024

The vibrant city of Rochester, Minnesota has locals who count on the services of a mover when relocating. Movers can make your move less stressful and more efficient, sparing you from the challenge of navigating the rough roads without assistance. We've compiled a list of the best moving companies in Rochester below.

Here are our picks for the best moving companies in Rochester for local and long-distance relocations.

Top Pick
4.8
  • Best Overall
  • Full-Service Mover
  • Worldwide Availability
Most Experienced Mover
4.5
  • Experienced Crews
  • Binding Estimates
  • Price-Matching Policy
Most Customer-Oriented
4.4
  • No-fuss estimates
  • Nationwide moves
  • Donates to St Jude Children's Research Hospital

Top-Rated Moving Companies in Rochester, MN

Midwest Moving Company Logo

Midwest Moving Company

5/5
Based on 434 customer reviews.

Services Offered

StorageResidential MovingInternationalLong DistanceInterstatePackingPianos

Highlights

  • Helps educate customers
  • Free quotes
  • Good customer service
2725 Whynaught Ct Se Unit A, Rochester, MN 507-512-3099 midwestmovingcomp.com
Rochester Storage Logo

Rochester Storage

4.7/5
Based on 191 customer reviews.

Services Offered

BoatsResidential MovingStorage

Highlights

  • Good customer service
  • Helps educate customers
  • Reliable service
3554 9th St Nw, Rochester, MN 507-517-1103 rochesterstoragesolutions.com
A Smooth Move Logo

A Smooth Move

4.7/5
Based on 43 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Residential MovingPackingStoragePianos

Highlights

  • Good customer service
  • Punctual service
  • Transparent pricing
5397 Us-52, Rochester, MN 507-280-6683 asmoothmove.biz
Piepho Moving & Storage - Rochester MN Movers Logo

Piepho Moving & Storage - Rochester MN Movers

4.6/5
Based on 64 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Residential MovingArt And AntiquesInternationalPackingLong DistanceStoragePianos

Highlights

  • Transparent pricing
  • Good customer service
  • Free quotes
4121 Us-14, Rochester, MN 507-203-2801 piepho.com

More Local Moving Companies

Metcalf Moving & Storage

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

1550 3rd Ave SE
Rochester, MN 55904

Allied Van Lines

User Reviews: 4.3/5 

4121 US-14 Suite 201
Rochester, MN 55901

Ace Moving and Warehousing

User Reviews: 4.3/5 

2725 Whynaught Ct SE
Rochester, MN 55904

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Minneapolis

User Reviews: 5/5 

17471 Kenwood Trail
Lakeville, MN 55044

Jakes Moving and Storage

User Reviews: 4.3/5 

20645 W Gale Ave
Galesville, WI 54630

Jamison moving llc

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

9916 Credit River Blvd
Prior Lake, MN 55372

The Approved Movers MN

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

8130 E Point Douglas Rd
Cottage Grove, MN 55016

Shirtless Movers

User Reviews: 3.7/5 

6388 158th St W
St Paul, MN 55124

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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Facts about Rochester
Population:121,728
Median Age:37.0 years
Median Rent:$1,498
Median House Value:$315,576
Cost Of Living Percentile:80.8%
Median Income:$83,973

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How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Rochester

You should consider a few crucial factors when choosing a moving company. These are some things to look out for when hiring movers in Rochester.

Determine Your Budget

The average cost of hiring a local mover in Rochester is $74 per hour. The overall cost adds up to $4,284 for a two-bedroom move. Factors that affect your actual cost include move distance, the season, your home size, and any additional tasks you need done.

Consider obtaining quotes from a minimum of three reputable moving companies in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are important in this process. They should have a total cost breakdown, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your moving company's estimate until your move is finished.

Read Customer Reviews

Moving companies rely on solid customer feedback. You can identify moving companies that provide good customer service by reading reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau, social media, Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google Reviews.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Rochester must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are moving from one Minnesota city to another, choose an intrastate mover licensed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT).

If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up the company’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Ask if your chosen mover can deliver the services that align with your expectations when requesting quotes. Take a full inventory of your home before requesting quotes and note down any essential or additional services you may need. Share any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative to assess if the company can accommodate your specific requirements.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers offer the following standard services as a part of their base price:

  • Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
  • Loading and unloading
  • Released liability coverage for loss or damage

Make sure you inform your mover of any special services you require during the quote process. Services that result in increased pricing include the following:

  • Crating for art or antiques
  • Extra flights of stairs
  • Long carries
  • Packing
  • Piano moving
  • Storage
  • Unpacking
  • Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Rochester, MN

Here are some additional tips to consider for your Rochester move.

Schedule an Early Move

Rochester gets hectic during rush hour. Navigating it can be more challenging in a moving truck compared to a standard personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may lead to delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge by the hour. Try to arrange your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.

Avoid Busy Season

The busiest period for moving, which falls between May and September, coincides with the fairly hot temperatures in Rochester. This can slow or negatively impact your moving experience. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to lock in the moving company you want. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.

Pack in Advance

We recommend you start packing around six weeks in advance to prevent stressing over last-minute packing on your moving day. Spending time packing a couple boxes each day can get the task done without overwhelming you. Most movers only transport items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before they arrive.

How Much do Movers Cost in Rochester, MN

Movers in Rochester cost $2,655 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,379 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.

DistanceStudio-1 Bedroom2-3 Bedroom4+ Bedroom
Less than 250 miles$2,655$3,197$7,379
250-999 miles$3,270$3,833$10,833
1,000-2,499 miles$3,310$4,389$11,289
2,500+ miles$3,241$5,460$13,439

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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Rochester

What is the average cost of living in Rochester?

80.8% of cities have a higher cost of living than Rochester, with housing being the main contributor. According to the U.S. Census, the median home value is $315,577, while the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,498.

What is the housing market like in Rochester?

Housing costs in Rochester fall into the top percentile. Rochester's median home value is currently $315,577 and rent is $1,498, according to the most recent U.S. Census.

How much do movers cost in Rochester?

On average, movers charge between $135 and $238 per hour when transitioning in Rochester. This amount was derived using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and accounts for a two-bedroom home and current rates in the city.

When should I begin contacting moving companies?

Reaching out to movers six to eight weeks before you need to move should give you enough time to compare companies and secure one. During your research, you can gather quotes, assess the services offered, and read reviews to gauge customer satisfaction.

How should I pack things up for my move?

When packing for a move, start in advance and gather necessary supplies like tape, bubble wrap, sturdy boxes, and packing paper. Sort through and organize your belongings, pack one room at a time, and label each box. Put heavy items in separate boxes, and keep essentials apart for easy access. Take apart large furniture if you can and use appropriate packing materials to protect fragile items. The packing process can be stressful, so you may want to consider hiring packing services from a moving company to simplify the process.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.