Cheapest Movers in Forest Lake, MN (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: After comparing 30 moving companies in Minnesota, our recommended local mover in Forest Lake, MN, is Premium Moving Services 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.

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Preferred partner:

Premium Moving Services

4.62
Best local MN mover:

Matt's Moving Company

4.96
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
Premium Moving Services	Get A Quote	4.62 / 5
Bellhop Moving	Get A Quote	3.9 / 5
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 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

6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Forest Lake, MN

Whether you're moving within Forest Lake, relocating to nearby Wyoming or Columbus, or heading to another Minnesota city less than 50 miles away, are some affordable and highly-rated movers to consider:

Preferred Partner

Premium Moving Services: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Other top partners:

Bellhop Moving: 3.9 out of 5 stars
Matt's Moving Company : 4.96 out of 5 stars
Metcalf Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Goal Line Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Ace Moving & Warehousing: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Premium Moving Services

949 Schaller Dr, S Maplewood, MN 55119 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (30%)
Professional and polite staff (25%)
Good communication (20%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (35%)
Unfriendly or rude staff (30%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)

Review Analysis

Customers rave about Premium Moving Services for their consistent professionalism and efficiency, with input highlighting reliable crews who arrive on time and handle belongings with care. Of the 177 pieces of feedback, 83% are positive, setting this company apart in the moving industry. Satisfied clients value the team’s respectful attitude, strong communication, and diligent work ethic. Many mention that moves are often completed faster than expected, with affordable and transparent pricing. Some even praise the extra care provided for antiques and family heirlooms, an area where other companies often fall short. On the downside, the most frequent complaints revolve around damage to furniture or property, reports of unprofessional conduct, and late arrivals. A few customers also experienced unsatisfactory responses to complaints or felt charges exceeded quoted estimates. Most people seeking fast, careful, and communicative movers would find Premium Moving Services a top contender, but those requiring delicate item handling should pay close attention to their contract and communicate special requirements clearly.

Get a Quote (651) 757-5135

Company Info

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 3047943

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Crating
Crane vans
Storage
Pay by credit card

Matt's Moving Company

290 Chester St, St. Paul, MN 55107 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (29%)
Professional and polite staff (26%)
Careful handling (24%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (23%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (21%)
Unexpected charges (19%)

Review Analysis

Matt's Moving Company earns rave reviews for speed, professionalism, careful handling, and great communication. Customer feedback highlights efficient, friendly teams who make relocation stress-free and consistently deliver on promises. Out of 268 reviews, 92% are positive, a rate few competitors meet. Most praise comes from fast, careful moves and courteous service. Some clients also note excellent organizational skills and timely arrival, making them a top choice among local movers. Negative input, making up less than 7%, focuses on property damage, late crews, and unexpected costs—issues seen in the moving industry but typically resolved at Matt's Moving. Neutral feedback, just over 1%, references broken items and high pricing for smaller moves, though most still mention professionalism. Compared to similar companies, Matt’s Moving stands out for reliability, positive energy, and an ability to exceed expectations—balanced by the need for occasional improvement in scheduling accuracy and claims handling.

Get a Quote (651) 210-8271

Company Info

State license #: 374236

Years in Business: 17

DOT #: 1704106

Services Offered

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

Metcalf Moving & Storage

1255 East Highway 36, St. Paul, MN 55109 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (32%)
Professional and polite staff (28%)
Careful handling (25%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (19%)
Unexpected charges (16%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)

Review Analysis

Metcalf Moving & Storage consistently earns praise for having professional, careful, and efficient crews who communicate well and handle belongings with respect. Out of 234 feedback submissions, over 91% are positive, citing friendly staff, prompt service, and thoughtful packing. Affordable, transparent pricing and timely moves also set them apart from competitors who often lack Metcalf's reliability and care. On the other hand, a small number of customers report issues such as damaged or missing items and frustration over inaccurate estimates. These negative experiences highlight the importance of monitoring for careful inventory tracking and clear cost communication. Compared to many moving firms, Metcalf stands out for strong communication, reliable timetables, and respectful, skilled teams, though customers should clarify estimates and special needs upfront to avoid rare but significant problems.

Get a Quote (651) 484-0211

Company Info

Years in Business: 105

DOT #: 1127088

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Pay by credit card

Goal Line Moving

704 152nd Ln NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (35%)
Professional and polite staff (31%)
Good communication (30%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (12%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (8%)
Lack of communication (7%)

Review Analysis

Goal Line Moving scores rave reviews from every customer, earning a perfect 100% positive feedback across 150 reviews. Movers show up promptly, work efficiently, and treat belongings with care, setting this service apart from competitors. Feedback repeatedly highlights professional, courteous staff, careful handling, great communication, and fair pricing. Many customers report hassle-free scheduling, quick and damage-free moves, and consistently affordable quotes. No critical issues or notable complaints were raised, pointing to reliable, high-quality service that exceeds typical customer expectations for moving companies.

Get a Quote (612) 361-9916

Company Info

State license #: 2926126

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 2926126

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Storage
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Ace Moving & Warehousing

11365 Xeon St NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55448 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (35%)
Efficient service (30%)
Careful handling (28%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (18%)
Unexpected charges (15%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (12%)

Review Analysis

Feedback about Ace Moving & Warehousing makes moving feel less daunting. With 238 total reviews, nearly 90% of customers describe positive experiences. Customers praise efficient service, professionalism, careful handling, strong communication, and quick moves. Many report that staff handle belongings with great care, and booking is straightforward. Movers are consistently described as friendly, on time, and ready to go the extra mile. Some mention competitive pricing and knowledgeable estimators, which are rare assets among movers. Negative input centers around inaccurate cost estimates, lost items, and difficulty getting timely follow-up when something goes wrong. While most customers say their valuables arrive undamaged, a few report unresolved insurance claims or poor resolution of lost or damaged property. Ace is noted for professional service and efficiency well above many competitors, but those considering complex or long-distance moves should push for clear documentation and maintain open communication during the process.

Get a Quote (763) 755-2045

Company Info

Years in Business: 17

DOT #: 125550

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Safes
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
DOD certified

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

Moving from Minnesota to another state involves more than just packing boxes. You’ll also need the support of an experienced moving team. These interstate moving companies have the know-how and manpower to make your move as easy as possible::

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 Forest Lake, MN

Going with a full-service mover for your Forest Lake, Minnesota move is the easiest way to go. That convenience can be costly, however. To keep moving costs lower, consider using one of the leading moving container companies, or a rental truck provider in Forest Lake.

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 Forest Lake, 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 Forest Lake, 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 Forest Lake 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	$375	$136	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$508	$136	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$809	$186	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$1,880	$263	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$2,086	$271	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$3,227	$372	5 movers	10 hours

Compare the top Forest Lake, MN movers

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

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
Matt's Moving Company	5/5	A+	3.6/5	4.7/5
Metcalf Moving & Storage	4.7/5	A+	4/5	4.7/5
Goal Line Moving	4.6/5	A+	5/5	5/5
Ace Moving & Warehousing	4.6/5	A+	2.2/5	4.8/5
Daymakers Moving & Storage	4.5/5	A+	4.7/5	4.9/5
Bosley Movers LLC	4.4/5	A+	3.3/5	4.8/5
Good Stuff Moving	4.4/5	A+	3.7/5	/5
Modern Moving	4.2/5	F	1.4/5	4.9/5
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving	4/5		1/5	5/5
RJ Moving	3.7/5		4.7/5	5/5

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.

We only feature movers that are properly licensed. Take a look at our best movers in Minnesota list to find vetted options.

What should I look for in a reputable Forest Lake mover?

Choosing a reputable Forest Lake moving company doesn’t have to be hard if you focus on a few key considerations:

Reputation: Whether it's a family-run business or a major van lines provider, their reputation tells you a lot about what to expect.
Dispute resolution: Companies with many unresolved issues are red flags. Even top Forest Lake movers have occasional hiccups— it’s how they handle them that matters.
Move-specific experience: Just because a mover is great for local jobs doesn't mean they’re ready for your long-distance move. Ask about their experience with moves like yours.

Are long-distance moves available through Forest Lake moving companies?

While some Forest Lake movers specialize in local jobs, others are equipped for long-distance moves, too. If you’re relocating out of state, browse our picks for the best long distance movers in Forest Lake.

Which day of the week is cheapest for hiring movers in Forest Lake, MN?

Movers in Forest Lake, Minnesota, are often cheaper to hire on weekdays, as weekends see higher demand and pricing. According to our research, the cheapest moving period is from October through April—outside the peak May to September season.

To cut costs, book your Forest Lake move as early as possible. Avoid high-demand days like weekends, holidays, and summer months. And be wary of movers who offer extremely low quotes. They might raise prices at the last minute.

What’s the most affordable way to relocate from Forest Lake, MN?

Renting a truck is often considered the cheapest way to move out of state or within Forest Lake, Minnesota. It’s also the most hands-on — expect to manage the packing, lifting, and driving on your own.

Is a moving container a good option for relocating from Forest Lake?

Moving containers let you move on your timeline, but keep in mind you’ll be doing all the loading and unloading yourself. After you're packed, the company picks up the container and delivers it to your new home, eliminating the need to drive a moving truck.

What are my options for loading help with a moving container in Forest Lake?

Using a rental truck or container but need some muscle? Labor-only moving companies can help with just the loading and unloading. It’s a great way to make your move faster and easier while still keeping costs down.

Do movers in Forest Lake provide storage services?

Yes, most Forest Lake movers offer both short- and long-term storage. Just note that some use third-party warehouses, so it’s wise to ask upfront about where your things will be stored and how much it will cost.

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