The Best Long-Distance Movers in Rochester, MN
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The best long-distance mover in Rochester, 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 1,287 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 Rochester 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 Rochester, 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 19 full-service interstate movers serving Rochester, drawing on 1,287 verified customer reviews across Rochester.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Rochester based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Rochester, MN for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 6 local movers serving Rochester licensed for long-distance moves within Minnesota, drawing on 1,287 verified customer reviews across Rochester. Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.64/5) was named the top-rated Rochester-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 6 of the 6 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 Rochester are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Rochester but stay within Minnesota:
- Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Matt's Moving Company : 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Anderson Moving: 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
Helpful movers
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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 interstate moving and international 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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Company stats
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 intrastate 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!"
Professional and polite staff
Highly recommended
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Careful handling
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Anderson Moving has been in business for 8 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Anderson Moving has about 99% positive reviews across roughly 68 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.5.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Anderson Moving.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Anderson Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Great job! They worked fast and everything was packed expertly. Very skilled at what they do. Highly recommend!!!"
"Absolutely the best moving experience!! Very organized, quick but careful! Super friendly!!"
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
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 labor-only moving and intrastate 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 intrastate 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 Rochester, MN movers offer?
Not every mover in Rochester offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 6 Rochester movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 50% of Rochester movers, compared to 39% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc..
- Junk removal: offered by 50% of Rochester movers, compared to 47% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick: Matt's Moving Company .
- Storage: offered by 83% of Rochester movers, compared to 90% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: Matt's Moving Company .
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 33% of Rochester movers, compared to 12% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc..
- Piano moving: offered by 83% of Rochester movers, compared to 84% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc..
Does Rochester have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 3 of 6 Rochester movers (50.0%), 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 Rochester.
| Art handling in Rochester | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Rochester providers |
Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.
College Muscle Movers, LLC |
| Per-piece handling fee | $47 to $470 |
| Custom crating per item | $141 to $188 |
| What to ask | Confirm experience with your specific medium (oil, sculpture, photography, etc.); general fine art credentials vary widely |
Before booking an art mover: Custom crates and archival materials are the baseline, not an upgrade. Standard blankets cannot protect against UV exposure or humidity shifts. Confirm the mover has handled pieces in the same medium before committing.
Does Rochester have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 3 of 6 Rochester movers (50.0%). Matt's Moving Company (4.58/5) and Action Moving Services, Inc. (4.44/5) rate highest in Rochester.
| Junk removal in Rochester | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Rochester providers | Matt's Moving Company Action Moving Services, Inc. |
| Typical cost per load | $141 to $470 |
| Single large item | $71 to $141 |
| What to ask | Confirm the service covers electronics and appliances; some movers exclude them from standard junk removal pricing |
Removing items before your weight-based quote is finalized lowers the shipment total and the move cost. Bundling junk removal with your move eliminates a separate scheduling step.
Does Rochester have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
No Rochester movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer fragile-only packing.
| Fragile-only packing in Rochester | 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 covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service contract. Limiting crew packing to breakables is the most direct way to reduce packing costs while protecting the items with the highest in-transit breakage risk. moveBuddha's how to pack breakables guide covers what professional packers do differently.
Does Rochester have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 5 of 6 Rochester movers (83.33%). Matt's Moving Company (4.58/5) and College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.56/5) rate highest in Rochester.
| Storage in Rochester | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Rochester providers | Matt's Moving Company College Muscle Movers, LLC |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $242 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $470 |
| What to ask | Confirm the billing start date and whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period |
Storage-in-transit holds belongings in the mover's warehouse between pickup and delivery at about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, roughly $242/month for a 1-bedroom load. Confirm whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period.
Does Rochester have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 2 of 6 Rochester movers (33.33%). Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.64/5) and College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.56/5) rate highest in Rochester.
| Hot tub relocation in Rochester | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Rochester providers | Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. College Muscle Movers, LLC |
| Bundled with full-service move | $141 to $376 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $282 to $752 |
| 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 must be fully drained before loading. Narrow access can add a crane or shuttle relay fee. Get a site-specific quote that accounts for access conditions before committing to a price. moveBuddha's how to move a hot tub guide covers what to verify before the crew arrives.
Does Rochester have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 5 of 6 Rochester movers (83.33%). Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.64/5) and Matt's Moving Company (4.58/5) rate highest in Rochester.
| Piano moving in Rochester | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Rochester providers | Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. Matt's Moving Company |
| Upright piano | $752 to $1,410 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,128 to $2,350 |
| Grand piano | $1,692 to $3,290 |
| 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 weigh 400 to 800 lbs; grands top 1,200 lbs. Standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb, so request full valuation coverage for the instrument. moveBuddha's best piano movers guide covers specialists worth considering.
Who are the best movers in Rochester, MN for small long-distance moves?
College Muscle Movers, LLC leads Rochester's small-move providers with a 4.56/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Premium Moving Services at 4.48/5. 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 Rochester, 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 Rochester residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in Rochester?
2 of 6 Rochester movers (33.33%) offer labor-only services, compared to 53.06% statewide and 54.51% nationally. Premium Moving Services (4.48/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Rochester, followed by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.44/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester. 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 Rochester, 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 Rochester. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Rochester 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 Rochester, MN
- Peak season pricing: Summer (May–September) is peak season; prices run 15% to 25% higher and availability is tighter. Book early to avoid last-minute rate spikes.
- Winter moves: Rochester's winter lows average 5°F. Winter moves avoid peak-season costs but may require weather contingency planning.
- Building access: Multi-unit buildings in Rochester often require elevator reservations and a COI from the moving company before crews can enter. Confirm requirements with your building manager at least 2 weeks out.
- USDOT verification: Every interstate carrier must hold a valid USDOT number. Check any mover's status at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before booking.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Rochester, 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 Rochester. 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 Rochester?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Rochester move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Rochester, 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 Rochester, 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 |
| College Muscle Movers, LLC | 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 Rochester, MN
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Rochester, MN.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 6 movers moveBuddha tracks in Rochester, 6 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 Rochester 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 Rochester, MN move. Interstate costs from Minnesota range from $400 for a studio to $3,465 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Common questions about moving from Rochester, MN
What licensing requirements apply to long-distance movers in Rochester?
Any moving company transporting goods from Rochester to another state must hold a valid USDOT number and active FMCSA registration. 6 of the 6 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Rochester meet that standard, and every mover on this page is among them. Verify any company's status in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move explains what to expect and what protections apply throughout your interstate move.
Should I choose a local or national mover for my Rochester relocation?
For moves within Minnesota, a local mover in Rochester is the more cost-effective choice. moveBuddha has reviewed 6 movers in the area, with 6 licensed for intrastate routes and 6 authorized for cross-state moves.
For relocations leaving Minnesota, national carriers bring more logistics infrastructure for long hauls, which can reduce delays and coordination failures on complex routes, even if the price tag is higher.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Rochester?
November and December are the cheapest months to hire movers in Rochester; winter lows average 5°F, demand drops sharply from the summer peak, and movers have more open schedule capacity, which creates real leverage to negotiate on price. Off-season timing also comes with faster quote turnaround and more predictable availability.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Rochester?
Budget-friendly moves from Rochester almost always come down to a DIY approach, especially within 50 miles. Rental trucks and moving containers cut costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing research. The two most affordable routes are a rental truck from companies like U-Haul or a moving container from PODS. Additional strategies for longer moves are in our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.
How do I get a COI for my Rochester move?
Ask your moving company for a certificate of insurance (COI) naming your Rochester building as an additional insured. Most licensed movers handle this routinely. Just provide the building legal name and required coverage limits (usually $1 million general liability) when you book. Allow at least 2 weeks for processing.
Can long-distance movers handle difficult property access in Rochester?
Yes, but you need to disclose access constraints upfront. Hillside driveways, narrow streets, high-rise elevators, gated communities, and properties without adequate truck parking all affect crew size, equipment, and pricing. Full-size moving trucks cannot navigate tight or steep approaches. Movers will use a shuttle truck for the final leg, which adds a fee typically ranging from $141 to $470. Describe your property conditions in detail when requesting quotes so estimates are accurate from the start.
How to choose the right long-distance mover in Rochester, MN
Start with moveBuddha's top-rated picks: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. for in-state moves and Safeway Moving for moves out of Minnesota. Get 3 or more quotes, check each company's USDOT number in the FMCSA database, and request a binding or not-to-exceed estimate rather than a non-binding one. For a move from Rochester, 4 to 6 weeks' lead time is the target. moveBuddha has vetted 6 movers in the area so you don't have to start from scratch.
