How Much Do Movers Cost in Minnesota? 2026 Moving Cost Guide

If you're planning a move in Minnesota, one of the first questions you're probably asking is: How much do movers cost?

The answer depends on more than just how far you're moving. The size of your home, number of movers needed, amount of furniture and boxes, stairs or elevators, packing services, specialty items, and even the time of year can all affect your final moving cost.

At Premium Moving & Storage, we believe moving prices should be easy to understand. Here's what you should know when estimating the cost of hiring professional movers in Minnesota.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers?

Most local moving companies charge by the hour. Your total price is generally based on the size of the moving crew, how long the move takes, truck or travel charges, and any additional services you request.

A smaller apartment move may only require two movers and a truck, while a larger home may need three, four, or more movers to complete the move efficiently.

Adding movers increases the hourly rate, but that doesn't always mean the move will cost more overall. A properly sized crew can often finish a larger move significantly faster.

How Do Movers Calculate Moving Costs?

For a local move, your estimate may include:

• Number of movers
• Estimated labor hours
• Moving truck
• Travel or trip charges
• Distance between locations
• Number of bedrooms
• Amount of furniture and boxes
• Stairs and elevators
• Walking distance from the truck
• Packing and unpacking
• Packing materials
• Specialty or oversized items
• Storage, when needed

That's why two moves between the same cities can have very different prices.

How Can I Estimate My Moving Costs?

Start by creating an accurate inventory of what you're moving.

Count your larger furniture, beds, TVs, appliances, boxes, garage items, outdoor furniture and anything unusually heavy.

Then consider access at both properties. A three-bedroom home with an attached garage and easy driveway access can sometimes be completed faster than a smaller apartment requiring movers to use elevators and long hallways.

The best estimate comes from giving your moving company an accurate inventory before moving day.

Photos and videos can also help your mover understand the scope of the job.

How Much Do Movers Cost in Minneapolis?

Moving costs in Minneapolis and the surrounding Twin Cities vary depending on the size and complexity of the move.

Apartment moves can be affected by elevators, loading docks, parking restrictions and building requirements. Residential moves may involve stairs, garages, basements and longer distances between the home and moving truck.

When comparing Minneapolis moving companies, don't compare the hourly rate alone.

Ask what's included.

A company advertising a lower hourly rate may separately charge for the truck, travel, equipment, materials or other services.

Read More: Minneapolis Moving Costs in 2026: Complete Pricing Guide for Full-Service Movers

The better question is:

What should I expect my entire move to cost?

What Factors Increase Moving Costs?

Several things can make a move take longer than expected.

More Items Than Originally Estimated

An estimate is only as accurate as the inventory provided. Adding furniture, boxes, garage contents or storage areas on moving day can increase the amount of labor required.

Stairs and Elevators

Stairs, elevators and long hallways increase the amount of time movers spend carrying each item.

Long Carry Distances

If the moving truck can't park near your entrance, movers may need additional time to transport everything between the truck and your home.

Packing

Having movers professionally pack your belongings adds labor and packing-material costs, but it can save a significant amount of preparation time.

Specialty Items

Gun safes, large safes, exercise equipment, oversized furniture and other unusually heavy items may require additional movers or specialized equipment.

Storage

If your new home isn't ready when your old home needs to be emptied, temporary or overnight storage may need to be included in your moving plan.

Do Moving Companies Pack for You?

Yes. Many professional moving companies offer packing services in addition to transportation.

Premium Moving & Storage can help with:

• Full-home packing
• Partial packing
• Kitchen packing
• Fragile-item packing
• TV protection
• Furniture wrapping
• Unpacking
• Packing supplies

You don't necessarily have to hire movers to pack your entire home. Some customers pack their own boxes and have the moving crew handle difficult or fragile items.

Do Moving Companies Provide Boxes?

Many moving companies can provide boxes and other packing supplies.

Common moving supplies include small, medium and large boxes, wardrobe boxes, dish packs, mattress protection, TV boxes, tape and packing paper.

Ask whether materials are included in your estimate or charged separately so there are no surprises on moving day.

How Much Does It Cost to Move a Safe?

The cost of moving a safe depends heavily on its weight, dimensions and location.

Before requesting a quote, provide:

• Approximate weight
• Dimensions
• Photos
• Current location
• Destination
• Number of stairs
• Whether it needs to travel through narrow doorways or hallways

A 200-pound safe on the ground floor is a very different moving project from a 700-pound gun safe located in a basement.

Don't hide the weight or location from your mover to get a cheaper estimate. That can create a serious problem when the crew arrives without the manpower or equipment needed to safely complete the job.

How Can I Lower My Moving Costs?

Preparation can make a major difference.

Have boxes packed and sealed before the movers arrive. Clearly label what is moving and what is staying. Disassemble smaller items when practical, reserve elevators ahead of time, secure parking for the moving truck and remove unnecessary items before moving day.

Most importantly, give your mover an accurate inventory.

A well-planned move is usually a more efficient move.

How to Compare Moving Companies

Price matters, but it shouldn't be your only consideration.

When evaluating movers, ask whether the company is properly licensed and insured, what's included in the estimate, how additional time is billed, what valuation coverage is included and whether there are additional fees that could apply.

You should also look at recent customer reviews and how the company responds when something doesn't go exactly as planned.

A suspiciously cheap estimate isn't a bargain if the final bill looks nothing like the original quote.

Get a Moving Estimate

Every move is different, which is why an accurate estimate starts with understanding what you're actually moving.

Premium Moving & Storage provides local, long-distance, residential and commercial moving services throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, the Twin Cities and surrounding Minnesota communities.

Whether you're moving an apartment, house, office or just a few large items, our team can help you determine the right crew and moving plan for your project.

Request a customized moving quote from Premium Moving & Storage today.