How to Choose the Best Local Mover in St. Paul
You should consider several key factors when choosing a moving company. Here are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in St. Paul.
Determine Your Budget
Local movers in St. Paul charge an average hourly rate of $58. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,489 in total. Your actual cost will vary depending on any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, your home size, the season, and move distance.
We suggest obtaining quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Remember to request written estimates. These should detail the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is complete.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are valuable when evaluating moving companies. Looking at customer reviews on websites such as Google Reviews, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, social media, and Yelp will indicate which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in St. Paul must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving intrastate, choose an intrastate mover licensed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT).
The requirements differ if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can check a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether the mover offers the specific services you need when requesting quotes. Conduct an inventory of your home before requesting quotes and make a list of any basic or add-on services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Furthermore, tell your moving company representative about any particular requirements or unique circumstances you may have to evaluate the company's capacity to offer adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers include the following basic services as a part of their base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When seeking a quote from your moving company, disclose any additional services you need. Increased pricing may apply for these services:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in St. Paul, MN
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when moving to, from, or within St. Paul.
Schedule an Early Move
St. Paul traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously congested. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more difficult than with a personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic typically leads to higher costs if they charge by the hour. Scheduling your move for the early morning ensures that your movers arrive before traffic peaks and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is limited.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the peak moving season and St. Paul's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your move, particularly if you begin your search for a moving company too late. The high demand could make it more difficult to secure your desired mover. If you book in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the season. However, your movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most movers won't transport items that haven't been packed by the time your move is supposed to start. You should start packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have some spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it.
How Much do Movers Cost in St. Paul, MN
Movers in St. Paul cost $2,726 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $8,248 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.
| Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 250 miles | $2,726 | $3,585 | $8,248 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,344 | $4,263 | $11,617 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,396 | $4,841 | $12,444 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,391 | $5,931 | $14,634 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in St. Paul
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