($837+) Minneapolis, MN to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $797 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,779 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,221 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,438, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,779 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,257 - $4,262, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $797 - $2,138.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to New Orleans, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,820 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Minneapolis, MN to New Orleans, LA
There are 3 main ways to move from Minneapolis to New Orleans: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,820 - $6,678. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,221 miles, expect 2 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,221-mile route from Minneapolis to New Orleans, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,438 - $5,162, container $1,257 - $2,333, rental truck $797 - $1,505, freight trailer $1,156 - $2,166.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,820 - $6,678, container $1,688 - $3,387, rental truck $897 - $1,844, freight trailer $1,310 - $2,710.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,789 - $9,779, container $2,217 - $4,262, rental truck $1,105 - $2,138, freight trailer $1,902 - $3,768.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Minneapolis, MN to New Orleans, LA
Full-service movers for the 1,221-mile relocation from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $2,438 and $9,779. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $315 - $2,100, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Minneapolis typically charge a base rate around $240 plus $109 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,438 - $5,162
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,820 - $6,678
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,789 - $9,779
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Minneapolis to New Orleans.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Minnesota to Louisiana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Minneapolis, MN to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Minneapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In New Orleans, 75% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $525 - $5,250 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $210 - $1,260/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $315 - $2,520 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage29% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,050 - $3,150 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,625 - $10,500 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $786 - $1,494 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items41% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $1,050 - $2,625 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $840 - $3,675 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $315 - $1,575 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $683 - $2,100 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $315 - $15,750+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $315 - $3,675+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis to New Orleans?
Look for Louisiana Motor Transport Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Louisiana beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Minneapolis, MN. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Minneapolis, MN to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,257 and $4,262. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Minneapolis costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Minneapolis to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,257 - $2,333
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,688 - $3,387
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,217 - $4,262
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $735 in Minneapolis, MN. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $79 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $158 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your New Orleans, LA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Minnesota to Louisiana move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,257. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,688 - $3,387, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis to New Orleans?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Minneapolis to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Minneapolis:
- AAA Movers (4.4/5), 38 years in business
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Daymakers Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis, MN to New Orleans, LA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,221 miles from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to New Orleans, Louisiana, running $797 - $2,138. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $408 - $466
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Minneapolis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $797 - $1,505
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $897 - $1,844
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,105 - $2,138
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Minneapolis to New Orleans starts at $797 - $2,138, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($408 - $466) , overnight lodging ($158/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $79 and $368.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $158.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $408 and $466 for the 1,221-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $735 for 2 movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to New Orleans?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Minneapolis, MN to New Orleans, LA
If you're moving a larger household from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to New Orleans, Louisiana.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,310 and $2,710.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,156 - $2,166
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,310 - $2,710
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,902 - $3,768
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $79 - $158 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for about five hours typically runs $735.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to New Orleans?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- T.A. Dedicated, Inc. (4.8/5 stars): T.A. Dedicated, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN vs New Orleans, LA
Good news for your budget: New Orleans isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Minneapolis. Cost of living index runs 102 there against 107 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 71/100 and 43.94/100 here versus 58/100 and 32.69/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Orleans, LA to Minneapolis, MN guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Minnesota to Louisiana, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 49 movers in Minnesota, so you have real options to compare for this 1,221-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,221-mile route from Minneapolis, MN, to New Orleans, LA, run $2,438 - $9,779 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,257 - $4,262, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $797 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,820, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Entergy and Ochsner Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to New Orleans, LA
Is New Orleans a safe place to live?
New Orleans has a safety index of 32.69 out of 100 and a crime index of 67.31, compared to 43.94 and 56.06 in Minneapolis. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Minneapolis, MN to New Orleans, LA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Minneapolis, MN to New Orleans, LA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Louisiana also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Minneapolis, MN to New Orleans, LA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($408 - $466), daily insurance ($32/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $158/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Minneapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in Minneapolis handle piano moves, and 41% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
