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Best Moving Companies in Minnesota (2024)

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Written by Stephanie Minasian-Koncewicz Updated 12/11/2024

If you’re a Minnesota resident, you may want to consider hiring a professional moving company to help lighten your load. Our top choice is International Van Lines (IVL). Depending on your needs, you can hire a mover that only handles the transport of your belongings, allowing you to take charge of packing and unpacking. On the other hand, you can hire a full-service mover that will handle your entire move from start to finish.

In this article, we’ll discuss our top recommendations for the best moving companies in Minnesota.


7 Best Moving Companies in Minnesota

After in-depth research and review, here are the best moving companies in Minnesota:

Compare the Top Moving Companies in Minnesota

Our Pick
International Van Lines
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American Van Lines
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JK Moving Services
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Allied Van Lines
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North American Van Lines
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1-800-PACK-RAT
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Overall Rating

4.5 / 5 4.3 / 5 4.7 / 5 5 / 5 4.8 / 5 4.3 / 5

BBB Rating

A+ A+ A+ A+ A+ A+

FMCSA Licensing

Carrier/Broker Carrier Carrier Carrier Carrier/Broker Carrier/Broker

Average Price*

$5,250 $5,625 $7,171 $5,370 $5,969 $2,547

Deposit Required

Up to 25% Up to 50% $250 None None Varies

Pros

  • Flexible insurance plans
  • Free month of storage
  • Upfront pricing
  • Hires movers who average 10 years of experience
  • Provides fixed-rate quotes
  • Trains its employees regularly to efficiently handle special packing and crating
  • Background-checked movers
  • Financing available
  • Intuitive AI-assisted online quote tool
  • Climate-controlled storage facilities
  • Expedited relocation services
  • In-house vehicle shipping
  • Budget-planning service
  • No deposit
  • Only provides binding estimates
  • Customized rental periods are available
  • Offers price-matching for comparable services from competitors, such as PODS
  • Containers are made entirely of steel to better protect belongings from weather damage

Cons

  • Below-average customer reviews
  • Outsources some moves
  • Requires up to a 25% deposit
  • Charges higher average prices
  • Has limited customer service on weekends
  • Requires a deposit of up to 50% of the total cost
  • Higher-than-average pricing
  • Long quote process
  • No refund on your deposit
  • Misleading quote tool
  • No weekend support
  • Slow claims process
  • Items may take 10–14 days to arrive
  • Limited storage services according to zip code
  • Three-day requirement for cancellations
  • Can only do long-distance moves with an 8-foot container
  • Requires a deposit for long-distance moves
  • Services aren't available in all states

Summary

We recommend International Van Lines (IVL) if you want the most moving service options possible. The company boasts one of the most extensive moving service catalogs at highly competitive rates.

We recommend American Van Lines if you’re moving high-end items or antiques because it focuses on training its staff to move difficult and valuable items.

We recommend JK Moving Services for its ability to offer financing options through its partnership with Enhancify and its high-end, white-glove packing services.

We recommend Allied if you want to ship a vehicle due to the company’s in-house vehicle relocation services.

We recommend North American Van Lines (NAVL) as the best long-distance mover overall because of its customizable insurance packages, highly rated customer service, and extensive service options.

We recommend 1-800-PACK-RAT for partial-service moves because of its simple and affordable storage and transportation solutions.

Rating Categories

International Van Lines American Van Lines JK Moving Services Allied Van Lines North American Van Lines 1-800-PACK-RAT

Customer Service

5 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5
3.6 / 5

Reputation

4.3 / 5
3.9 / 5
5 / 5
3.9 / 5
3.6 / 5
4.7 / 5

Value

2.8 / 5
3.3 / 5
3.1 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5
5 / 5

Service Offerings

4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5

Item Protection

5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
2 / 5

Scheduling

4.1 / 5
2.3 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
4.1 / 5

Why Trust Us? We conducted 4,800+ hours of research on moving companies and crafted a ranking system based on the following research
31
Companies Considered
1000
Homeowners Surveyed
21000
Reviews Analyzed
22
Providers Compared

Our Top Picks For Moving Companies In Minnesota

International Van Lines

Best Service Offerings
4.5

International Van Lines (IVL) is our top choice for full-service moves in Minnesota. IVL is ideal for homeowners who want to leave every step of the moving process in the hands of professionals. While you’ll pay more than you would for a DIY option, you’ll benefit from the smooth process that comes from a full-service mover.

Pros and Cons

Pros Handles every step of the moving process Can provide long-distance moves in the United States and 180 countries Professional movers can protect fragile items Cons Not ideal for local moves on the West Coast Costs more than self-service moving

Services

International Van Lines’ full-service moves include packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, transport, and can also include storage solutions. International Van Lines can transport your cars and move you out of the country, as well.

Cost

For a three-bedroom move from Minneapolis to Saint Paul, IVL gave us a rough estimate ranging from $4,200–$6,150. This estimate includes loading services and transportation, meaning you can let IVL’s professionals handle every step of the process. However, this is only a rough estimate, so for the most accurate estimate, we recommend getting a free online quote from the company.

American Van Lines

Best Overall Moving Labor
4.3

American Van Lines is a top full-service mover that excels in moving difficult items, such as pianos and antiques. American Van Lines has a fleet of professional moving labor to protect your items. Its team of experienced, background-checked pros will wrap door jambs and banisters and all furniture will be accounted for.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers free storage for a month Provides customized full-service moves Enforces 24-hour surveillance in warehouses Cons Isn’t upfront with pricing information Requires a deposit

Services

American Van Lines offers full-service moving. Here’s a full list of its services:

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Corporate relocation services
  • Military moving
  • International moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Antique and piano moving
  • Storage solutions

Cost

American Van Lines doesn’t offer instant price information. Instead, a moving consultant will calculate your price based on factors such as the size and weight of your belongings and the distance of your move.
We recommend that you fill out this online form for a free quote from AVL.

JK Moving Services

Best Specialized Packing
4.7

JK Moving is a full-service moving company just like International Van Lines, but it works with its customers to create a custom package for your move. JK Moving’s trucks are all GPS-enabled, allowing you to track your shipment from anywhere in the United States. JK Moving’s website features a live chat service to answer any questions you may have, and its team will work around the clock to ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.

Pros and Cons

Pros Allows customers to customize their moves Provides GPS tracking on all trucks Offers an itemized list of your belongings Cons Local moving services are not available in Minnesota More expensive than self-service moving

Services

JK Moving’s range of services includes:

  • Packing and unpacking
  • Loading and unloading
  • Long-distance moves
  • International moves
  • Corporate relocation services
  • Commercial and office moves
  • Government moves
  • Storage

Cost

JK Moving does not provide instant cost information on its website. This is partially due to the customized nature of JK Moving’s services. However, if you’d like quote information, we recommend reaching out to a customer service agent and providing an inventory of items in your home that you need moved.

Allied Van Lines

Best for Vehicle Relocation
5

Allied Van Lines is a full-service moving company that specializes in long-distance relocations, but it’s also equipped to handle local moves. The company offers a variety of add-on options, such as short- and long-term storage and vehicle relocation.

If you’re bringing a boat to or from the Land of 10,000 Lakes—or a snowmobile, RV, or all-wheel-drive truck—you can use Allied’s in-house vehicle transport services and opt for an open or enclosed carrier.

Pros and Cons

Pros In-house vehicle transportation services Provides no-deductible vehicle coverage of up to $100,000 Offers shipment tracking Cons Policies may vary by local agent Optional services can bring the total moving cost to higher than competitor pricing

Services

Allied Van Lines’ offers the following moving services for Minnesota homeowners:

  • International moving
  • Packing and unpacking
  • Loading and unloading
  • Debris removal
  • Furniture disassembly and reassembly
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Online moving tips and checklists

Cost

Allied Van Lines offers free basic liability insurance, but supplemental insurance and optional services, such as crating and vehicle relocation, come with additional costs. Loading, full transport, unloading, a personal relocation consultant, and minimum coverage of your items are included in a basic quote.

Allied’s website includes an instant quote tool that provides an approximate cost range for your move based on how far you’re moving and the size of your home and its contents. For example, moving a two-bedroom home from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Santa Fe, New Mexico, during the spring would cost between $4,418 and $5,049 before the addition of any optional services.

Other factors for determining a quote include:

  • The amount and weight of your items
  • The special handling of any items
  • The time of year of your move
  • The layout of your home, including entry and access points

Fill out this quick online survey to get a free instant quote from Allied Van Lines.

North American Van Lines

Best for Claims
4.8

North American Van Lines is available in all 50 states and more than 130 countries. It has a network of more than 500 local movers and can accommodate local, long-distance, and international moves of all sizes. The company offers special rates for certain groups, such as American Legion and union members, and has an easy online or over-the-phone claims process for both domestic and international claims.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers full-service, fragile-only, and self-service packing Valuation coverage is customized to match the value of your specific items Offers price-matching options Cons Storage options are based on local availability and can be limited Has a longer in-home estimate scheduling process than other competitors

Services

North American’s list of services includes:

  • Packing and unpacking
  • Loading and unloading
  • Mobile storage containers
  • Specialty services for pianos, fine art, and antiques
  • Boxes and packing supplies
  • Vehicle transport

Cost

North American Van Lines cost estimates are based on distance, as well as the total size and weight of your items. The company’s discount program for American Legion members provides up to $100,000 in replacement coverage protection on household items while in transit for a bottom-line savings of $850.

Discount program members also receive access to exclusive moving and storage discounts, non-peak rates year-round, and guaranteed quotes. A similar program for union members and their families includes up to $50,000 replacement coverage (a savings of $560) and all perks provided to Legion members, with the addition of packing discounts.

Other factors that can affect your total moving cost include:

  • The number of bedrooms in your home
  • The layout of your home, including any access issues
  • Any items that need special handling services, such as crating
  • The time of year of your move
  • The addition of any optional services

For a free quote from North American Van Lines, complete this quick online form.

1-800-PACK-RAT

Best Self-Service Mover
4.3

1-800-PACK-RAT is our top choice for a self-service mover in Minnesota. 1-800-PACK-RAT is not a full-service mover like International Van Lines. Instead of taking care of every step of the moving process, 1-800-PACK-RAT will drop a container off at your house and let you load it yourself. This gives people more flexibility with scheduling their move.

Pros and Cons

Pros Allows flexibility with moving timelines Has three sizes of containers to choose from Offers moving supplies that are available for purchase Cons Not available nationwide Offers moving labor through third parties

Services

1-800-PACK-RAT’s services include container delivery and storage, but it can also drop off portable storage containers at your home, adding a layer of convenience to traditional self-storage. Moving supplies and moving labor can also be arranged for your moving day.

1-800-PACK-RAT service options:

  • Moving labor (through a third-party company)
  • Portable storage containers
  • Storage solutions
  • Moving supplies
  • Car shipping services

Cost

1-800-PACK-RAT gave us a quote of $450.59 for a 12-foot container and $470.49 for a 16-foot container. These prices include delivery, transportation, and pick-up. If you want to rent the containers for additional months, it will cost $262.50 and $282.50 for each container, respectively. For a personalized quote, fill out this online form.

PODS

Convenience
4.2

PODS is a container delivery service like 1-800-PACK-RAT, and its flexibility with storage and transportation make it our top choice for convenience. PODS can rent a container for you to keep on your property, but it can also offer storage solutions for you in case your new home isn’t quite ready for move-in

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides maximum flexibility to movers Has storage facilities nationwide Its containers come with $10,000 in contents protection Cons Busier moving times can increase prices Doesn’t offer in-house moving labor

Services

PODS services include dropping off, transporting, and picking up containers. You can either get your PODS container delivered to your new location or to a storage facility.

PODS services:

  • Local moving
  • Long distance moving
  • Storage
  • Packing and loading assistance (through a third-party company)
  • On-site self-storage containers

Cost

PODS gave us a quote for $456 for a 16-foot container. This includes the initial delivery, rent, and drop-off. To rent the container for an additional month, it costs $229.


Compare the Services of the Best Moving Companies in Minnesota

While moving on your own is usually the cheapest option, a moving company is a worthwhile investment. Moving companies can protect your belongings with trained labor and make your moving experience stress-free.

Easily see how the best moving companies in Minnesota stack up against each other.

Best For Star Rating BBB Rating Deposit Required Link
International Van Lines International Van Lines Best Service Offerings
A+ Up to 25% GET ESTIMATE
American Van Lines American Van Lines Best Overall Moving Labor
A+ Up to 50% GET ESTIMATE
Safeway Moving Inc. Safeway Moving Inc. Most Reliable Pricing
B- Up to 40% GET ESTIMATE
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Most Efficient
B Up to 33% GET ESTIMATE
Moving APT Moving APT Best Customer Service
B Varies between partners GET ESTIMATE
JK Moving Services JK Moving Services Best Specialized Packing
A+ $250 GET ESTIMATE
North American Van Lines North American Van Lines Best for Claims
A+ None GET ESTIMATE
Allied Van Lines Allied Van Lines Best for Vehicle Relocation
A+ None GET ESTIMATE
United Van Lines United Van Lines Best Base Moving Coverage
A+ None GET ESTIMATE
Mayflower Mayflower Best for Large Moves
A+ None GET ESTIMATE
International Van Lines
Logo International Van Lines
Best For Best Service Offerings
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Deposit Required Up to 25%
GET ESTIMATE
American Van Lines
Logo American Van Lines
Best For Best Overall Moving Labor
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Deposit Required Up to 50%
GET ESTIMATE
Safeway Moving Inc.
Logo Safeway Moving Inc.
Best For Most Reliable Pricing
Star Rating
BBB Rating B-
Deposit Required Up to 40%
GET ESTIMATE
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Logo Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Best For Most Efficient
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
Deposit Required Up to 33%
GET ESTIMATE
Moving APT
Logo Moving APT
Best For Best Customer Service
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
Deposit Required Varies between partners
GET ESTIMATE
JK Moving Services
Logo JK Moving Services
Best For Best Specialized Packing
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Deposit Required $250
GET ESTIMATE
North American Van Lines
Logo North American Van Lines
Best For Best for Claims
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Deposit Required None
GET ESTIMATE
Allied Van Lines
Logo Allied Van Lines
Best For Best for Vehicle Relocation
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Deposit Required None
GET ESTIMATE
United Van Lines
Logo United Van Lines
Best For Best Base Moving Coverage
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Deposit Required None
GET ESTIMATE
Mayflower
Logo Mayflower
Best For Best for Large Moves
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Deposit Required None
GET ESTIMATE

Our Conclusion

All companies on our list are excellent choices when hiring movers in Minnesota. However, not all companies are right for every move. Long distance movers can be a worth while investment if your new to the North Star State. If you’re considering a moving company, we highly recommend getting a free quote from several companies, including the six providers on our list. This will help you narrow down your decision by allowing you to compare moving services and costs.


Useful Resources for Residents in Minnesota


FAQs About Moving Companies in Minnesota

Is hiring a full-service moving company worth it for my Minnesota move?

While a full-service moving company is usually more expensive than a self-service moving company, it can help with packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, and transporting your belongings. Full-service companies take on every aspect of the moving process, granting you peace of mind.

Do I need contents protection when I am moving from Minnesota?

By law, moving companies automatically insure your belongings at 60 cents per pound. This isn’t very much protection, so if you’re feeling uneasy about leaving your possessions in another company’s hands, contents protection plans can be purchased to insure your items. Usually, home insurance doesn’t cover damages during a move, so it may be wise to consider purchasing some extra protection.

How far in advance should I book my move?

There’s no hard and fast rule, but we recommend booking your move at least one to two months in advance, since trucks and storage units can get booked up quickly. During warmer months, more people move and it can be more difficult to book movers.


Our Rating Methodology

We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.

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