Local Moving Company
Metcalf Moving & Storages has served the local moving needs for residents in Minnesota for over 100 years. We know Minneapolis/St Paul and Rochester, MN, so well because we are part of the community. Whether moving down the street, across town or to a nearby city, we will move your belongings with care.
Local Moving Services
From small apartments to large single family homes, our moving crews provide the level of service you need. Since all moves are not the same, and the help you need will vary, we provide flexible service from simply moving the heavy items to full service packing, transporting, and unpacking. Contact us to discuss your needs and receive a free quote.
If you need short or long-term storage, our warehouse facilities provide secure, protected storage solutions. We will transport your belongings from your current location to storage and then deliver them where and when you need. Flexible storage solutions can help ease the process of moving.
Local Moving Checklist
To help you plan your local move, we’ve created a local moving checklist and timeline. Following this plan will help your move go smoothly with less stress.
6 Weeks Prior to Move: Organizing details.
- Create a “Move Information” file for all moving-related documents.
- Contact insurance agent to transfer and adjust property, fire and auto insurance.
- Gather irreplaceable items to carry with you on your move (wills, stock certificated, jewelry, photos, etc.).
- Complete change-of-address forms: available form your local post office or online at www.usps.com.
- Create a floor plan of your new home and begin planning where to place furniture.
4-5 Weeks Prior to Move: Taking an objective look.
- Decide what will go with you and what can be left behind. Remember: The more you move the more it will cost.
- Make a list: items to leave behind, items for Metcalf to move and items you’ll move yourself.
- For each item in the “leave behind” pile- decide if you’re going to sell it, give it away or dispose of it before your move.
- Have a garage sale at least two weeks prior to your move and advertise it locally.
- Decide which items you want professionally packed.
- Start collecting suitable boxes and packing materials. Ask your moving representative for a “Do-It-Yourself Packing Guide.”
3 Weeks Prior to Move: Working with your mover.
- Notify Metcalf if there are any changes in what you’re moving, changes to dates or if you have other needs related to your move.
- Arrange for a babysitter on move day (for young children) so you can concentrate your efforts on the move. More tips for moving with children.
- Clear off worktables and place rakes, shovels and hoses in one location.
- We cannot accept responsibility for safely moving plants, so consider moving them yourself of giving them away.
- Change address with magazines and newspapers.
2 Weeks Prior to Move: Preparing items you don’t use often.
- Make your final packing decisions.
- Clean and clear your home, including closes, basements and attics.
- Plan meals to use up food in your freezer.
- Drain the oil and gasoline from lawnmower and power tools to ensure safe transportation.
- Tape and seal all non-toxic, non-flammable fluids in plastic bags.
- For moving appliances, schedule disconnection and preparation. Your Metcalf consultant can help you with that.
- Back up all computer files and consider saving them in an online location or carrying them with you. Be sure to disconnect your computer and pack it (unless we are packing it for you).
- If you need to store anything, ask your consultant about storage options.
1 Week Prior to Move: Tie up all loose ends.
- Check through the Move Planner, provided by your Metcalf representative – to be sure you haven’t forgotten anything.
- Arrange to have your utilities (electric, gas, phone, etc.) disconnected the day AFTER your scheduled move-out.
- Call ahead to have utilities connected at your new home the day before, or the day of, your move in.
- Make it clear which items you are taking yourself. If you have a closet or extra room available, put all of these items together and label them accordingly to avoid confusion.
- Give your representative phone number(s) to reach you during the move.
- Clean your stove, empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator and freezer at least 24 hours before moving to let them air out. Try using baking soda to get rid of any odors.
Move Day: Take a final look around.
- Be on hand when the movers arrive.
- When the crew arrives, review details and paperwork.
- It’s your responsibility to make sure everything is loaded- so remain at home until loading is completed. Do a final walk-through before the crew leaves.
- Take a final look: lights are off, furnace/AC is off, water is off, utilities arranged for disconnection, closets are checked, windows and exteriors are closed and locked, old house keys/garage door openers left for new occupants.
- Be there to greet movers at your new home. Plan to stay around to direct the placement of your items and answer questions.
- Have payment on hand for moving charges. If you wish to pay by credit card, have that set up prior to the move.
- Make sure all utilities have been connected.
- Confine your pets to an out-of-the-way room do they aren’t agitated by the activity.
- To prevent damage, avoid using TVs, computers and other electronic equipment and
appliances 24 hours after delivery- allowing them time to adjust to room temperature. - Enjoy your new home!
You can download a PDF version of our Movers Checklist here.
Get a free moving quote by filling out our contact form. To see how Metcalf Moving & Storage can help you with your moving needs, please feel free to contact us.
Local Move FAQs
Local moving costs are typically charged by the hour and depend on the number of crew members needed. Most local moves in the Twin Cities and Rochester areas range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Costs vary based on the size of your home, number of items, accessibility (stairs, elevators, long hallways), and time of year. Most companies have a 2-hour or 4-hour minimum.
Local moves can take anywhere from 2-8 hours or more depending on the size of your home, number of items, stairs, and complexity. Movers usually provide estimates based on home size, but variables like difficult access, heavy items, and disassembly needs can affect timing.
For local moves, booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance is recommended, but your mover will do everytihng they can to work with shorter notice if needed. During peak moving season (May-September), book earlier as the first and last weeks of each month fill up quickly—especially in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.
Late spring through early fall offers the best moving weather in Minnesota. Summer is the busiest and most expensive season. If moving in summer, book well in advance. Winter moves may offer better pricing and availability.
Yes, most local movers come equipped with dollies, blankets, straps, and basic moving equipment. They can also sell or provide packing materials like boxes, tape, and packing paper. Some companies include wardrobe boxes for free on local moves.
if you are packing boxes yourself, make sure they are taped closed and ready to go. Create clear pathways to all exits, empty and clean appliances, disconnect electronics, label boxes clearly with room destinations, and have valuable documents and medications in with you, separate from the moving truck. In winter, ensure walkways are clear of snow and ice.
Movers cannot transport hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, propane), perishable food, plants, pets, prescription medications, important documents, cash, jewelry, and other irreplaceable personal items. Keep these with you during the move.
This varies by company. Many allow you to leave lightweight clothing in dressers, but movers may ask you to empty them if they’re too heavy or could cause damage. Always empty fragile and heavy items from cabinets and secure loose shelves and doors.
Tipping is customary but not required. A general guideline is $20-40 per mover for local moves, or 5-10% of the total cost. Adjust based on the quality of service, difficulty of the move, and your satisfaction. Tipping is never expected but always appreciated.
Most moving companies accept major credit cards, cash, certified checks, and money orders. Some may offer payment plans. Payment is typically due before unloading at your destination.
Moving companies are required to provide basic liability coverage (typically $0.60 per pound per article). Consider purchasing additional moving insurance for full replacement value, especially for valuable items. Check with your homeowners insurance as well, to see if you have any coverage during a move.
Since local moves are charged hourly, you only pay for actual time used. Most companies prorate to the next 15 minutes after meeting the minimum hourly requirement. If your move is well-organized, it may take less time than estimated.