Hiring Advice
How to Choose a Moving Companyin Minnesota
There are over 300 moving companies in Minnesota. Some are excellent. Some are unlicensed. Some will quote you low and inflate the bill at the end. Here's exactly how to tell the difference.
01
Verify Their MN DOT Number
Any moving company operating in Minnesota must hold a valid MN DOT license. Ask for their number and look it up. If they can't provide one or it comes back invalid — walk away. You have zero legal protection with an unlicensed mover no matter what they tell you.
CPM: MN DOT #385610 — Verify anytime02
Confirm Full Insurance Coverage
Licensing and insurance are two different things. A licensed mover is not automatically insured. Ask directly: "Are you fully insured?" A legitimate company answers this clearly. Also know the difference: Released Value Protection covers $0.60/lb — nearly worthless for high-value items. Full Value Protection covers the actual replacement cost.
03
Read Reviews — The Right Way
Star ratings matter, but patterns inside reviews matter more. Look for: punctuality, careful handling, clear communication, no surprise charges. Red flags: damaged items, price changes at delivery, crew that was late or unprepared. Also check how the company responds to negative reviews — a professional company addresses them directly.
Floor runners before anything moves — a small detail that reveals a lot about how a company operates.
04
Get a Written, Itemized Quote
A professional mover tells you exactly how your bill is calculated before the move begins — hourly rate, flat truck fee, mileage, minimums. Vague pricing or nothing in writing is how you end up with surprise charges at delivery. CPM pricing: $150/hr (2 movers), $225/hr (3), $300/hr (4) + $175 truck fee + $1.29/mile. Disclosed before every job.
05
Ask What Equipment They Bring
A professional crew arrives with moving blankets, shrink wrap, dollies, floor runners, door frame protection, and tie-down straps. These aren't extras — they're the baseline for any professional operation. If the answer is "just the truck," your furniture is going to have a rough day.
06
Ask Who Actually Does the Move
Some companies act as brokers — they take your booking and hire a subcontracted third party to show up. You get strangers you've never vetted handling your belongings. Ask directly: "Will your own employees do the move?" The answer should be a clear, immediate yes.
07
Choose a Company That Knows Minnesota
Local movers know Minneapolis parking permit rules, HOA move-in hour restrictions in the suburbs, and what a March storm can do to a move that looked fine in the forecast two days before. Local experience isn't a nice-to-have — it directly affects how your move goes.
🚩 Red Flags — Walk Away If You See These
- No MN DOT number, or they won't provide one
- Can't name their insurance carrier or coverage type
- Quote is dramatically lower than every other company
- Refuses to give a written, itemized quote
- Asks for a large cash deposit before the move
- Reviews mention hidden charges or price changes at delivery
- Won't tell you who will actually be doing the move
- No reviews, or all reviews are suspiciously generic
What a Great Moving Company Looks Like
- Provides a written, itemized quote before the move begins
- Confirms DOT number and insurance without hesitation
- Shows up on time with a professional crew and proper equipment
- Lays floor protection and door frame pads as standard — not an upsell
- Places every item where you want it and reassembles furniture
- Doesn't leave until you've done a walkthrough and are satisfied
Book a Crew You Can Trust
MN DOT #385610 · Licensed & Insured · Transparent pricing