($757+) Minneapolis, MN to Richmond, VA Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Richmond, VA, runs anywhere from $813 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 1,218 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 $2,297, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,779 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,244 - $4,397, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $813 - $2,248.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Richmond, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,791 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Minneapolis, MN to Richmond, VA
There are 3 main ways to move from Minneapolis to Richmond: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,791 - $6,678. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,218-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,218-mile route from Minneapolis to Richmond, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,297 - $5,323 | $1,244 - $2,406 | $813 - $1,551 | $1,203 - $2,253 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,791 - $6,678 | $1,671 - $3,286 | $819 - $1,826 | $1,283 - $2,710 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,188 - $9,779 | $2,194 - $4,397 | $1,072 - $2,248 | $1,737 - $3,409 |
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 Richmond, VA
For the 1,218-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Richmond, Virginia, full-service movers cost between $2,297 and $9,779. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $307 - $2,044 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Minneapolis generally start around $240 plus $109 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,297 - $5,323
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,791 - $6,678
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,188 - $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 Richmond.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Minnesota to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Minneapolis, MN to Richmond, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Minneapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Richmond, 89% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $511 - $5,110 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $204 - $1,226/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $307 - $2,453 |
| 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 | $1,022 - $3,066 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,555 - $10,220 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $765 - $1,454 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items41% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $1,022 - $2,555 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $818 - $3,577 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $307 - $1,533 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $664 - $2,044 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $307 - $15,330+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $307 - $3,577+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis to Richmond?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Minneapolis, MN. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Minneapolis, MN to Richmond, VA
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Richmond, Virginia, cost between $1,244 and $4,397. 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 Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,244 - $2,406
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,671 - $3,286
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,194 - $4,397
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Minneapolis, MN and Richmond, VA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $715 in Minneapolis, MN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $77 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $153 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Minnesota to Virginia 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 $1,244. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,671 - $3,286, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis to Richmond?
- 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 Richmond, VA
Truck rentals from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Richmond, Virginia, range from $813 - $2,248 for the 1,218-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $396 - $453
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 Richmond based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $813 - $1,551
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $819 - $1,826
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,072 - $2,248
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Minneapolis to Richmond starts at $813 - $2,248, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($396 - $453) , overnight lodging ($153/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $715.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $396 - $453 for the 1,218-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $61 and $332, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $153 per night for hotel stops on the 1,218-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $307 - $460.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to Richmond?
- 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 Richmond, VA
For larger DIY moves from Minneapolis, Minnesota, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Richmond, Virginia.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,283 and $2,710.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,203 - $2,253
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,283 - $2,710
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,737 - $3,409
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $715.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $77 and $153 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to Richmond?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- 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 operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Minneapolis to Richmond. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN vs Richmond, VA
Minneapolis and Richmond land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 107 in Minneapolis and 95 in Richmond, and rent tracks closely too ($1,484/mo vs. $1,595/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (71 vs 51) and safety scores (43.94 vs 51.55) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Richmond, VA to Minneapolis, MN guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota to Virginia, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Minnesota alone has 49 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,218-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 1,218-mile move from Minneapolis, MN, to Richmond, VA, costs between $2,297 and $9,779 with full-service movers, $1,244 - $4,397 with a moving container, and $813 - $2,248 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,791 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Brink's and CarMax.
FAQs: Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Richmond, VA
How do I know a mover is licensed in Virginia?
In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV).
What are the best neighborhoods in Richmond?
For families, Bellevue, Byrd Park, and Museum District are worth a look in Richmond. If you're moving solo or without kids, Monroe Ward, The Fan District, and The Museum District tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Richmond?
Richmond has a walkability score of 51 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 51, compared to 71 and 83 in Minneapolis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Richmond a safe place to live?
Richmond has a safety index of 51.55 out of 100 and a crime index of 48.45, 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 Richmond, VA?
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 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.