Moving Costs & Estimates in Minnesota

Understanding what a move costs before you start getting quotes puts you in a much better position. You know what questions to ask, what’s driving the number, and whether the estimate you’re looking at actually reflects your situation.

This page covers how Matt’s Moving prices moves in Minnesota and Wisconsin, what goes into your estimate, the difference between estimate types, and how to make sure you’re comparing quotes accurately.

Get a free, no-obligation estimate from Matt’s Moving — a moving specialist will review your inventory and build a quote based on your actual situation.

Local moves within the Twin Cities metro and surrounding communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin are priced by the hour. The crew’s time starts when they arrive and ends when the job is complete. Your total is determined by how long the move actually takes.

A few things that directly affect how many hours a local move requires: the volume of what you’re moving, how many flights of stairs are involved, how far the truck needs to park from the entrance, whether packing is included, and whether there are specialty items that require extra equipment or handling.

This is why two moves that look similar on paper can come in at different numbers. A three-bedroom home on a main level with a truck parking right outside moves faster than the same amount of stuff on the third floor of a building with a long carry to the parking lot. The hourly model means you pay for the actual work, not a rough estimate of it.

Long-distance moves within Minnesota or into Wisconsin are handled differently than local jobs. Rather than an hourly rate, these moves are typically priced based on the distance between locations and the weight or volume of what’s being transported.

Matt’s Moving handles long-distance residential moves, including relocations to Wisconsin communities like Hudson, Eau Claire, Menomonie, New Richmond, Hammond, and Somerset. These moves involve more logistics than a local job — route planning, drive time, crew coordination, and sometimes storage if the timing between locations doesn’t line up cleanly. All of that factors into the quote.

If you’re moving out of state, it’s also worth confirming that the company you’re working with holds the appropriate federal authority for interstate moves. Matt’s Moving operates under US DOT #1704106 and HHG/MN DOT #374236.

Matt’s Moving doesn’t build estimates over the phone from a bedroom count. A moving specialist reviews your actual inventory and uses that information to build a quote that reflects your real situation.

The estimate accounts for the size and volume of what you’re moving, access conditions at both locations, whether packing services are needed, any specialty items like pianos, safes, or exercise equipment, and the distance between your current and new address.

The more complete and accurate your inventory going in, the more accurate your final quote will be. Last-minute additions on moving day can affect the total if they add significant time to the job. The best way to avoid surprises is to walk every room before your estimate appointment and include everything — the garage, basement, storage areas, and any items in outbuildings.

Not all estimates work the same way, and understanding the difference matters when you’re comparing quotes from different companies.

Non-Binding Estimates

A non-binding estimate is an approximation. The final bill can be higher or lower depending on how the actual move compares to what was originally projected. These are common for hourly local moves where the final cost depends on actual time.

Binding Estimates

A binding estimate locks in a price based on the agreed scope of work. If the move goes exactly as described, that’s what you pay. If the scope changes — items are added or conditions turn out to be different from what was communicated — the terms of the estimate govern how adjustments are handled.

Always ask which type of estimate you’re receiving and make sure you understand the terms before signing anything.

Matt’s Moving comes equipped with the materials needed to do the job properly. Moving pads, shrink wrap, wardrobe boxes, dollies, and binders are part of how the crew works — not extras you get charged for separately. There are no hidden costs. What you’re quoted is what you pay for the agreed scope of work.

If packing services are added, that includes both labor and materials. If specialty items are part of the move, the appropriate equipment and crew size are factored into the estimate. These details get covered during the estimate conversation so nothing is ambiguous going into moving day.

When you move in Minnesota has a real effect on what you’ll pay and how much flexibility you have on scheduling.

Summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, is peak moving season in the Twin Cities. Demand is highest, availability fills up faster, and pricing can reflect that. If you’re moving during peak season, getting your estimate done and your date locked in early gives you the best options.

Fall and winter moves are more flexible and often more affordable. Matt’s Moving operates year-round, and a January move in Minnesota is handled the same way a July move is — with the same professional crew and the same standard of care for your belongings.

Weekday moves also tend to have more availability than weekends, which can affect scheduling options especially during busy stretches.

If you’re getting quotes from multiple companies, a few things to watch for when you’re comparing them.

Make sure each quote is based on the same scope of work. A quote that doesn’t include packing will look cheaper than one that does, but they’re not the same job. An estimate built from a real inventory review will be more accurate than one given over the phone without seeing what’s actually in your home.

Verify that any company you’re considering is properly licensed and insured. Minnesota movers operating legally carry state licensing, and interstate movers require federal FMCSA authority. Matt’s Moving is fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and carries more coverage than the local average.

Check the review history. Matt’s Moving holds a 4.7-star average across Google, Yelp, and Facebook, is A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau, and has moved more than 200,000 customers across Minnesota over 15 years.

Finally, pay attention to how the company communicates with you before the move. That kind of communication tends to reflect how a company operates on moving day too.

Estimates are free and there’s no obligation to book. A moving specialist will walk through your home, review your inventory, and put together a quote based on your actual situation. No guessing, no vague ranges, no pressure.

If you have questions about pricing before you schedule an estimate, you can call Matt’s Moving directly at (612) 216-2665.