Collegiate Power Movers crew carrying wrapped furniture through a home entrance
Moving Tips

12 Moving Tips Every Minnesotan Should Know

Collegiate Power Movers
Woodbury, MN
Updated October 2026

We've carried a lot of couches up narrow stairwells. After moving families across the Twin Cities and Minnesota since 2022, we know exactly what makes moving day go smoothly — and what turns it into a mess. Here are the twelve things we wish every client knew before we showed up.

Tip 01

Book Earlier Than You Think

May–Sept books fast: plan on 2–3 weeks ahead, more for the end or start of a month. October–April, about a week is usually enough.

Tip 02

Be Fully Packed on Arrival

When we arrive and boxes still need filling, the clock is running. Every box sealed and ready — or let us pack it.

Tip 03

Label Every Box by Room

"Miscellaneous" is not a room. Label with the destination — Kitchen, Master Bed, Office. Saves time on both ends.

Tip 04

Clear All Pathways First

Walk every hallway, doorway, and staircase the night before. Move rugs, shoes, and obstacles. Clear path = fast move.

Tip 05

Disassemble the Night Before

Bed frames, big desks, tall shelving. Break it down, bag the hardware, tape the bag directly to the piece it belongs to.

Tip 06

Heavy Items in Small Boxes

Books, tools, dishes go in small boxes. Pillows and bedding go in large boxes. Heavy items in large boxes break and injure.

Floor protection runners laid by Collegiate Power Movers before a Minnesota move

Floor protection laid before anything moves — standard on every CPM job.

Pro Tip

Professional movers should always lay floor runners before a single item is moved. We do this on every job automatically. If a mover skips this step, that tells you everything about how they work.

Tip 07

Keep an Essentials Bag With You

Meds, charger, change of clothes, toiletries — rides with you, not on the truck. You'll thank yourself at 10pm.

Tip 08

Disclose Specialty Items Early

Pianos, gun safes, antiques — tell us when you book, not when we arrive. They change crew size and gear. See specialty moving.

Tip 09

Reserve the Elevator Early

Twin Cities buildings can book service elevators well ahead, especially at month-end. No reservation can add hours.

Tip 10

Arrange for Kids & Pets

Open doors, heavy furniture, chaotic pace — not a safe place for kids or pets. Send them elsewhere for the day.

Tip 11

Plan Where the Truck Parks

Save a spot close to the door at both homes. In Minneapolis and Saint Paul, check permits and snow emergency rules.

Tip 12

Do a Final Walkthrough

Every closet, cabinet, attic, basement — before we leave. We've seen people leave irreplaceable things behind.

Quick Answers

How far in advance should I book movers in Minnesota?

From May through September, book two to three weeks ahead, and earlier if you are moving at the end or start of a month. From October through April, about a week ahead is usually enough.

Should everything be packed before the movers arrive?

Yes. With hourly movers, packing while the crew waits adds to your bill. Have every box packed, sealed, and labeled by room, or book a packing service ahead of time.

What should I put in a moving day essentials bag?

Medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes, toiletries, important documents, and anything you need the first night. Keep it with you instead of on the truck.

How do I prepare my home for movers?

Clear hallways and stairs, take apart beds and large furniture the night before, reserve the elevator if you have one, save a parking spot near the door, and arrange care for kids and pets.

Keep Reading 7 Moving Myths That Are Costing You Money How to Choose a Moving Company in Minnesota How Much Do Movers Actually Cost in Minnesota?

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Collegiate Power Movers
Giveaway
Careers
Woodbury
Shakopee
Eden Prairie
Wayzata
Saint Paul
Stillwater
Edina
Maple Grove
Minnetonka
Bloomington
Minneapolis
Inver Grove Heights
Eagan
Oakdale
Cottage Grove
Roseville
Chaska
Burnsville
Hastings
Farmington
Prior Lake
Lakeville
Lake Elmo
Savage
Rosemount
Apple Valley
Local Moving
Packing & Unpacking
Long Distance
Specialty Items
Commercial Moving
Speedy Moving
About us
Moving Guide
Realtor Resource
Coverage Options
Contact
Blog
Book now
Giveaway
Careers
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Woodbury
Shakopee
Eden Prairie
Wayzata
Saint Paul
Stillwater
Edina
Maple Grove
Minnetonka
Bloomington
Minneapolis
Inver Grove Heights
Eagan
Oakdale
Cottage Grove
Roseville
Chaska
Burnsville
Hastings
Farmington
Prior Lake
Lakeville
Lake Elmo
Savage
Rosemount
Apple Valley
Folder: Services
Back
Local Moving
Packing & Unpacking
Long Distance
Specialty Items
Commercial Moving
Speedy Moving
About us
Folder: Resources
Back
Moving Guide
Realtor Resource
Coverage Options
Contact
Blog
Book now

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