The Best Long-Distance Movers in Owatonna, MN
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The best long-distance mover in Owatonna, MN is Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.64/5 stars) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) for moves out of Minnesota, per moveBuddha's analysis of 49 Minnesota movers and 1,654 verified customer reviews. Interstate costs across Minnesota range from $546 for a 1-bedroom to $2,261 for a 4-bedroom home.
Planning a long-distance move from Owatonna right now: Peak summer moving season. The 4th of July is one of the busiest interstate moving weekends of the year; rates spike and carrier capacity tightens sharply. If your move is scheduled around the holiday, you should already have a binding estimate locked in. If not, act quickly and be prepared to be flexible on exact dates.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Owatonna, MN?
National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry active FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations. moveBuddha reviewed 20 full-service interstate movers serving Owatonna, drawing on 1,654 verified customer reviews across Owatonna.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Owatonna based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Owatonna, MN for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 7 local movers serving Owatonna licensed for long-distance moves within Minnesota, drawing on 1,654 verified customer reviews across Owatonna. Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.64/5) was named the top-rated Owatonna-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 7 of the 7 movers offer full packing services, which can reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move.
Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Owatonna are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Owatonna but stay within Minnesota:
- Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Matt's Moving Company : 4.58 out of 5 stars
- AAA Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- College Muscle Movers, LLC: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Metcalf Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Good communication
Efficient service
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. has been in business for 76 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. has about 87% positive reviews across roughly 91 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.6.
Quote accuracy 4.3
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc..
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"We just moved across the country from Colorado Springs to Virginia and our driver, Chris Roth, was phenomenal. He communicated throughout the entire process and was easy to contact and very responsive to any questions we had."
"The entire move went well. Everyone made us feel cared for and our property valued. The move itself took three hours less than expected. Nothing was lost or broken."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Matt's Moving Company has been in business for 18 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Matt's Moving Company has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 268 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.5.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Matt's Moving Company .
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Matt's Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Matt S.’s crew was AMAZING! On time. So sweet and friendly, and they moved quickly and carefully. Riley’s packing and organizing ability with the PODS was a thing of beauty. I can’t say enough good things about the experience. Hire them."
"Corrie and crew did an excellent job today! They were fast, efficient and handled everything with care. The best moving experience I've had!"
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. AAA Movers has been in business for 38 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. AAA Movers has about 61% positive reviews across roughly 377 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.3.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from AAA Movers.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. AAA Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The movers were efficient and very respectful of my furniture and home. They wrapped doors and put mats down where they walked. Very courteous, even giving me a $20 they found in the couch! Highly recommend our crew."
"Just had the most seamless move with this company! They were on time, professional, and handled my belongings as if they were their own. Everything arrived at my new place in perfect condition. Friendly team, highly recommend for a fuss-free move!"
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. College Muscle Movers, LLC has been in business for 19 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. College Muscle Movers, LLC has about 81% positive reviews across roughly 461 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.9.
Quote accuracy 3.8
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from College Muscle Movers, LLC, and College Muscle Movers, LLC makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. College Muscle Movers, LLC emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"I had such a wonderful experience. The movers were on time, courteous, professional, careful, and very efficient. Not a single item was damaged, and I highly recommend them to everyone!"
"Movers were prompt, efficient and did a great job! Definitely recommend and would use again."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Good communication
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Metcalf Moving & Storage has been in business for 107 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Metcalf Moving & Storage has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 234 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.9.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Metcalf Moving & Storage.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Metcalf Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"We had four movers who were the absolute best. They worked as a team, careful with our belongings. Highly recommend Metcalf Moving and Storage for your next move."
"Special thank you to Noel A, Carlos M, Frank O, and Zuly! They were kind, respectful and efficient in every way! Made my first moving process so easy. Couldn’t be more happy!!"
How moveBuddha rates movers: Every company on this page is scored against 5 criteria: USDOT/FMCSA licensing status, review quality (weighted by recency and volume), quote accuracy verified through submitted moves, pricing transparency (binding vs. non-binding estimates), and customer service responsiveness. No mover pays to appear in these rankings. This reflects moveBuddha's independent analysis of 49 Minnesota moving companies.
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes out of Minnesota. Find your exact moving route →
What add-on services do Owatonna, MN movers offer?
Not every mover in Owatonna offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 7 Owatonna movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 43% of Owatonna movers, compared to 39% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc..
- Junk removal: offered by 57% of Owatonna movers, compared to 47% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick: Matt's Moving Company .
- Storage: offered by 86% of Owatonna movers, compared to 90% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: Matt's Moving Company .
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 14% of Owatonna movers, compared to 12% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc..
- Piano moving: offered by 86% of Owatonna movers, compared to 84% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc..
Does Owatonna have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 3 of 7 Owatonna movers (42.86%), compared to 38.78% statewide and 45.9% nationally. Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.64/5) and College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.56/5) rate highest for art handling in Owatonna.
| Art handling in Owatonna | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Owatonna providers |
Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.
College Muscle Movers, LLC |
| Per-piece handling fee | $42 to $420 |
| Custom crating per item | $126 to $168 |
| What to ask | Confirm experience with your specific medium (oil, sculpture, photography, etc.); general fine art credentials vary widely |
Standard blankets do not protect framed artwork or sculpture against UV exposure, humidity fluctuation, or impact fractures. Custom crates and archival packing are the baseline, not an upgrade. Ask any art mover for references specific to the media you are moving before signing.
Does Owatonna have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 4 of 7 Owatonna movers (57.14%). Matt's Moving Company (4.58/5) and AAA Movers (4.56/5) rate highest in Owatonna.
| Junk removal in Owatonna | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Owatonna providers | Matt's Moving Company AAA Movers |
| Typical cost per load | $126 to $420 |
| Single large item | $63 to $126 |
| What to ask | Confirm the service covers electronics and appliances; some movers exclude them from standard junk removal pricing |
Items removed before a weight-based quote is locked in lower the base moving rate. Movers offering bundled junk removal can clear furniture and appliances on load day. Confirm they cover electronics and appliances before booking.
Does Owatonna have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
No Owatonna movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer fragile-only packing.
| Fragile-only packing in Owatonna | Details |
|---|---|
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
| What to ask | Confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items; some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack |
Fragile-only packing applies professional packing only to dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps (the items that account for most in-transit breakage claims) without the cost of a full-service contract. moveBuddha's how to pack breakables guide is useful if you're handling any items yourself.
Does Owatonna have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 6 of 7 Owatonna movers (85.71%). Matt's Moving Company (4.58/5) and AAA Movers (4.56/5) rate highest in Owatonna.
| Storage in Owatonna | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Owatonna providers | Matt's Moving Company AAA Movers |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $216 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $420 |
| What to ask | Confirm the billing start date and whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period |
Storage-in-transit is priced at about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, roughly $216/month for a 1-bedroom load. Verify the billing start date and whether coverage remains active during the storage period before signing.
Does Owatonna have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 1 of 7 Owatonna movers (14.29%). Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.64/5) and College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.56/5) rate highest in Owatonna.
| Hot tub relocation in Owatonna | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Owatonna providers | Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. College Muscle Movers, LLC |
| Bundled with full-service move | $126 to $336 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $252 to $672 |
| What to ask | Confirm full drainage is required before pickup and whether tight backyard access may add a crane or shuttle relay fee |
Hot tubs weigh 500 to 1,000 lbs empty and require full drainage before pickup. Bundling into a full-service move is almost always cheaper than a standalone specialty carrier. See moveBuddha's guide on how to move a hot tub for what to expect.
Does Owatonna have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 6 of 7 Owatonna movers (85.71%). Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.64/5) and Matt's Moving Company (4.58/5) rate highest in Owatonna.
| Piano moving in Owatonna | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Owatonna providers | Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. Matt's Moving Company |
| Upright piano | $672 to $1,260 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,008 to $2,100 |
| Grand piano | $1,512 to $2,940 |
| What to ask | Confirm the crew carries piano boards and rigging straps, and request full valuation coverage; standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb |
Uprights run 400 to 800 lbs and grands top 1,200 lbs, both beyond what standard moving equipment handles safely. Piano boards, padded blankets, and rigging straps are required. moveBuddha's piano mover guide covers what to look for when vetting a crew.
Who are the best movers in Owatonna, MN for small long-distance moves?
AAA Movers leads Owatonna's small-move providers with a 4.56/5 moveBuddha score, followed by College Muscle Movers, LLC at 4.56/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
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DIY options for your Owatonna, MN long-distance move
Labor-only movers and rental trucks are the 2 most cost-effective alternatives to full-service moving, reducing total cost by roughly 30% for Owatonna residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in Owatonna?
3 of 7 Owatonna movers (42.86%) offer labor-only services, compared to 53.06% statewide and 54.51% nationally. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.36/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Owatonna, followed by College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.56/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Owatonna residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Owatonna moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Owatonna. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose.
Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Owatonna, MN?
PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and U-Pack (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Owatonna. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Owatonna residents who can handle their own loading and unloading.
Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What to know before booking a long-distance mover in Owatonna, MN
- Property access: Hillside properties, high-rise buildings, and gated communities may require a shuttle truck, elevator booking, or a COI from your mover. Flag any access restrictions when requesting quotes so movers can price them accurately.
- Timing: Avoid booking the last week of any month (high demand) and peak summer weekends. Fall and winter moves typically offer better rates and availability.
- USDOT verification: Interstate moves require a USDOT-registered carrier. Verify credentials at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing anything.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Owatonna, MN?
Moving costs across Minnesota range from $400 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $146/hour) to $3,465 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Minnesota mover quotes. The table below shows Minnesota statewide averages by home size. For city-specific data, see moving costs in Owatonna. Your actual cost will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from Minnesota* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $400 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $546 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $868 |
| 3-bedroom home | $1,974 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,261 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $3,465 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Minnesota. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Minnesota statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Owatonna?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Owatonna move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Owatonna, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
Final Verdict: Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Owatonna, MN
| Mover | MB Score | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.9/5 | Interstate moves out of Minnesota | National carrier |
| American Van Lines | 4.9/5 | Interstate, value option | National carrier |
| Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. | 4.64/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| Matt's Moving Company | 4.58/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| AAA Movers | 4.56/5 | Small loads under 3,000 lbs | Local mover |
| Units Moving and Portable Storage | 4.3/5 | Self-pack, ~30% savings vs. full-service | Moving container |
| Budget Truck Rental | 4.3/5 | DIY driving, lowest cost option | Rental truck |
How to book a long-distance mover from Owatonna, MN
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Owatonna, MN.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 7 movers moveBuddha tracks in Owatonna, 7 hold active FMCSA interstate authorization.
- Confirm binding vs non-binding estimate. Ask whether your estimate is binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed. A binding or not-to-exceed estimate locks your price; non-binding estimates can increase at delivery based on actual weight or services added.
- Request a COI if your building requires it. If your building requires a certificate of insurance (COI), request one from your mover at least 2 weeks before move day. Most licensed interstate carriers provide COIs at no extra charge when given building requirements upfront.
- Compare national carriers vs in-state movers. Compare national carriers serving Owatonna against in-state long-distance movers. National carriers suit cross-state routes; local carriers often cost less for moves within Minnesota.
- Book 4–6 weeks ahead during peak season. Book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for peak-season moves (May through September). Summer calendars fill fast and rates run 15% to 25% higher than off-peak months.
- Get a route-specific cost estimate. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a route-specific long-distance estimate for your Owatonna, MN move. Interstate costs from Minnesota range from $400 for a studio to $3,465 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Long-distance moving from Owatonna, MN: frequently asked questions
What licenses does a long-distance mover in Owatonna need?
7 of the 7 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Owatonna hold a valid FMCSA registration and USDOT number, the 2 federal credentials required before any company can transport household goods across state lines. All movers recommended on this page carry both. Confirm any company's status independently in the FMCSA's carrier database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move covers what to expect during an interstate move and what protections apply at every stage.
Should I hire locally or go national when moving from Owatonna?
Local Owatonna movers offer the best value for moves within Minnesota, across the 7 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in the area. 7 of those hold FMCSA interstate authorization for cross-state routes. The top-rated options on this page cover both.
For moves that cross into another state, national carriers bring purpose-built long-distance logistics, a meaningful advantage when coordinating a move over a long distance.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Owatonna?
Movers in Owatonna run slowest in November and December, when temperatures drop to an average low of 4°F and moving demand falls well below its summer peak. Reduced competition for mover calendars creates a genuine window to push back on the initial estimate. Off-peak moves in Owatonna typically come with better availability and shorter booking lead times than any other time of year.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Owatonna?
DIY moving is the most affordable option out of Owatonna, especially within 50 miles. moveBuddha's research shows that rental trucks and moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% versus full-service movers. The cheapest options are renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. For longer moves, our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state covers additional cost-cutting strategies.
Will my Owatonna apartment building require a COI from the movers?
Multi-unit buildings, condos, and managed communities in Owatonna frequently require a certificate of insurance (COI) from any moving company working on the property. Ask your building management what coverage limits and additional insured language they require, then confirm your mover can match them before booking. Request the COI at least 10 to 14 business days before your move.
Do Owatonna movers charge extra for hills, narrow streets, or elevator buildings?
They can. Shuttle fees apply when a full-size truck cannot access your property, common for hillside homes, narrow residential streets, and properties with tight turns. High-rise elevator buildings may also charge a long-carry fee if the elevator is far from truck parking. Disclose all access conditions when getting quotes: a mover who knows about constraints upfront will price them into the original estimate rather than adding a surcharge at delivery.
Your next step for a long-distance move from Owatonna, MN
The best starting point is 3 quotes from licensed movers. moveBuddha's top picks are Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. for in-state moves and Safeway Moving for interstate relocations. Confirm USDOT/FMCSA credentials for any company you consider, ask for a binding estimate, and book at least 4 weeks ahead. moveBuddha has reviewed 7 Owatonna movers so every recommendation on this page has been independently vetted.
