Best Movers Near Brainerd, MN (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jul 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: After comparing 30 moving companies in Minnesota, our recommended local mover in Brainerd, MN, is Red's Transfer & Storage Inc. thanks to their pricing, variety of moving solutions, and great customer reviews. Safeway Moving earns our top pick for out-of-state or long-distance moves from Minnesota because they are affordable without cutting corners on service.

Hi, I'm Ryan.
Let's get moving.

I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.

Best local MN mover:

Red's Transfer & Storage Inc.

4.48
Best interstate mover:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best DIY moving option:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
International Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.45 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5

Our track record

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

Founded in 2015
3,500+ moving companies analyzed
$50,000 in moving grants delivered
Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
Fact-checked for accuracy

2 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Brainerd, MN

Whether you're moving within Brainerd, relocating to nearby Harding or Lastrup, or heading to another Minnesota city less than 50 miles away, here are some affordable and highly-rated movers to consider:

Red's Transfer & Storage Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.38 out of 5 stars

Red's Transfer & Storage Inc.

619 Lincoln Ave NE, St Cloud, MN 56304 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Friendly and approachable staff
Affordable rates

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Lack of communication
Unprofessional behavior

Review Analysis

Red's Transfer & Storage Inc. stands out for its professional and personable team, earning praise in 70.5% of the 61 customer reviews assessed. People often mention careful handling, efficient service, approachable staff, and competitive pricing. Many note that the team is friendly and attentive, helping reduce the stress of moving. Customers appreciate promptness and the extra care taken with delicate or valuable items. Some feedback, making up 29.5% of reviews, centers on serious issues: damaged or missing belongings, unreturned calls, and unprofessional attitudes from certain staff. A few reviewers describe unresolved claims and lack of accountability regarding item damage. These concerns set Red's apart from other movers, as their negative input is more about reliability and trust than isolated incidents. While most input is positive, potential customers should weigh the chance of service inconsistency and communication problems.

Get a Quote (320) 251-2833

Company Info

Years in Business: 69

DOT #: 589275

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Crating
Storage
Pay by credit card

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

2330 Co Rd 137 C, Waite Park, MN 56387 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Friendly and approachable staff
Quick moving process

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Inexperienced movers
Poor complaint handling

Review Analysis

Customers rave about TWO MEN AND A TRUCK’s consistently professional, friendly, and efficient moving crews. Nearly 90% of feedback highlights effective communication, speedy service, careful handling, and staff courtesy. Movers often exceed expectations for both organization and respect for property. Friendly attitudes and prompt arrivals set this provider apart from typical moving companies. Only one review describes severe damage to items and home, inexperienced staff, and slow reimbursement after a negative experience. Neutral input centers on high pricing. Most users recommend the service for reliability, with drawbacks appearing rare. This strong track record positions TWO MEN AND A TRUCK as more dependable and courteous than many competitors.

Get a Quote (763) 200-5729

Company Info

State license #: 877973

Years in Business: 24

DOT #: 2527384

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Pianos
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

Other local MN movers

While these local Minnesota movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:

Cheapest movers when moving out of Minnesota

Making a move from Minnesota to another state? You'll want a reliable interstate moving company to handle the journey. Check out our top picks

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Safeway Moving

rating

4.85 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

International Van Lines

rating

4.45 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

24/7 cust. service
Competitive rates
10% discounts

Get A Quote

(855) 929-4120

Mayzlin Relocation

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

American Van Lines

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Cheapest DIY moving options in Brainerd, MN

A full-service mover can make your Brainerd, Minnesota relocation stress-free, but it often comes with a higher price tag. To save a bit, you might want to look into the best moving container companies or explore rental truck options available in Brainerd.

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

U-Pack

rating

5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Check prices Visit Website

MovingYourself

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Offers car shipping
No hidden fees

Check prices (352) 322-2920

Budget Truck Rental

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Check prices Visit Website

Top-rated movers in other nearby Minnesota cities

See less

How we chose the best movers in Brainerd, MN

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 30 Minnesota movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of movers in Brainerd, MN

Take a look at the pricing table below to get a general idea of the costs associated with local moves in and around the Brainerd area. For more details, you can also check out our guide on the moving costs in Minnesota.

Please note that the moving quotes provided in the table are rough estimates, and your actual costs may differ depending on the unique needs of your move. For a more precise estimate, consider using our moving cost calculator.

Home Size	Avg. Total Cost	Cost/hour	# of Movers	# Hours
Studio	$410	$148	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$551	$145	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$876	$208	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$2,035	$287	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$2,331	$296	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$3,577	$402	5 movers	10 hours

Compare the top Brainerd, MN movers

Let’s compare how the top movers in Brainerd, MN stack up in terms of their reputation.

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
Red's Transfer & Storage Inc.	4.5/5	A+	1.9/5	/5
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK	4.4/5	A+	3/5	4.7/5

FAQs

How can I tell if a moving company is licensed?

To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT.

All movers included in our listings hold the proper licenses. Visit our best movers in Minnesota roundup for suggestions.

How can I choose a reliable mover in Brainerd?

Searching for a reputable Brainerd mover can feel overwhelming, but focusing on these important factors can help you narrow down your choices:

Reputation: Whether it’s a local startup or a national van lines company, their track record matters.
Dispute resolution: Avoid companies known for dragging out complaints. Every Brainerd mover will face customer feedback— the best ones respond quickly and fairly.
Specialized experience: Not all movers are equipped for every job. A company great at local moves might not be ideal for a cross-country relocation. Make sure they’ve done moves like yours.

Do movers in Brainerd offer long-distance services?

Many Brainerd moving companies handle long-distance relocations, though some focus solely on local moves. For out-of-state moves, we’ve compiled the best long distance movers in Brainerd.

What day is usually the least expensive to move in Brainerd, MN?

The most budget-friendly days to hire movers in Brainerd, Minnesota, are weekdays, since demand tends to be higher on weekends. Generally, the least expensive time to move is during the off-season from October to April. Expect higher rates from May through September due to peak demand.

Booking early is key if you’re planning a move from Brainerd. For the best deal, steer clear of weekends, holidays, and the busy summer months. Be cautious with quotes that seem too low—some movers may hike the price significantly on moving day.

What’s the most cost-effective way to move from Brainerd, MN to another state?

Renting a truck is typically the cheapest option for moving out of state or around Brainerd, Minnesota. Just keep in mind that it's a no-frills option. You’ll need to take care of all the packing, loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

Should I consider a moving container for my move from Brainerd?

Moving containers are a convenient option if you prefer a flexible schedule. Just be ready to handle the loading and unloading yourself. Once you're packed up, the company picks up the container and delivers it to your new place — no need to worry about driving.

Can I get help loading my moving container in Brainerd?

Yes! Labor-only movers can be a smart add-on if you're using a rental truck or moving container. They’ll take care of the heavy lifting, making your move smoother and more efficient without breaking the bank.

Are storage options available through Brainerd movers?

Most moving companies in Brainerd provide storage solutions, whether you need something for a few days or indefinitely. Some movers, however, work with third-party storage providers. Always ask for details about storage services and fees when talking to movers.

Learn more: Should you use your mover's storage solutions?