The Cheapest Option for Local Moves in Minneapolis: Save Money Without the Stress

Moving locally in Minneapolis doesn’t always mean moving cheaply. Even if you’re just relocating a few blocks from Uptown to Downtown or shifting across the river to St. Paul, the costs of moving can add up quickly. That’s why so many people search for the cheapest option for local moves, and the truth is, there are several strategies to keep costs low while still ensuring your move goes smoothly.

This guide breaks down your most affordable options, compares DIY vs. professional moving, and shows you how to save money without sacrificing peace of mind.

Why Even Short Moves Can Be Costly

Local moves are often underestimated. Many people think, “It’s just a short drive, how expensive can it be?” But even moving across town comes with costs:

• Renting a moving truck (plus gas and insurance)
• Buying packing materials like boxes, tape, and padding
• Taking time off work to handle the move
• Possible damage to furniture, walls, or floors
• Fines or tickets if you park illegally during the move

When you add everything up, what seems like the “cheapest option” can sometimes turn into the most expensive mistake.

What Are the Cheapest Options for Local Moves?

There isn’t just one single answer to this question. The cheapest method depends on how much you’re moving, where you’re moving to, and what resources you already have available. Here are the most common and affordable options for local moves in Minneapolis:

DIY Moving

This is usually the first option people consider when trying to cut costs. You rent a truck, gather some friends or family, and move everything yourself.

Pros: It’s usually the lowest upfront cost, and you control the entire process.

Cons: It’s physically exhausting, time-consuming, and risky. Without professional equipment, you could damage your furniture or even injure yourself. Plus, truck rental fees, fuel, and insurance add up quickly.

If you’re moving out of a third-floor walk-up in Dinkytown or into a narrow apartment in Downtown Minneapolis, DIY might not be the bargain it seems.

Borrowing or Renting a Small Vehicle

If you don’t own much furniture, you might be able to borrow a pickup truck from a friend or rent a small van for the day. This works best for students or people moving from a studio or small one-bedroom apartment.

• Pros: Very affordable if you don’t have much to move.
• Cons: Large furniture like couches, mattresses, or dining tables may not fit, forcing you to make multiple trips. And if you try to strap big items to a small car, you risk damaging both your belongings and your vehicle.

Portable Moving Containers

Another increasingly popular option is using a portable storage container. A company delivers a container to your home, you load it, and then it’s transported to your new address.

Pros: You don’t need to drive a truck, and you can load at your own pace.

Cons: Delivery fees and storage costs can make this more expensive than you’d expect. You also still have to do the heavy lifting yourself.

Hiring Labor-Only Movers

If you can arrange your own transportation but don’t want to carry heavy furniture, labor-only movers may be the cheapest option for local moves. These professionals will load and unload your belongings, but you provide the truck or container.

• Pros: Saves your back while still keeping costs lower than full-service moving.
• Cons: You’re still responsible for driving the truck, handling logistics, and protecting your furniture during transport.

For affordable and flexible options, explore our Residential Moving Services. We can customize a local move to fit your budget.

Affordable Full-Service Movers

Surprisingly, hiring a full-service moving company is often the most affordable choice in the long run. Here’s why:

• Professionals bring the right equipment to move furniture safely.
• They work efficiently, saving you hours.
• They prevent costly damage to your belongings and your apartment.
• You pay one transparent rate instead of juggling multiple hidden costs.

When you factor in time, energy, and potential damage, professional movers are often the cheapest option for local moves, especially in Minneapolis, where parking restrictions, tight stairwells, and old buildings make moving a challenge.

Check out our Specialty Moving Services if you need help with pianos, antiques, or other fragile and oversized items.

How to Keep Your Local Move Affordable

No matter which option you choose, these strategies will help lower costs:

Declutter Before Moving

The cheapest way to move is to move less. Sell, donate, or recycle items you don’t need before packing.

Use Free Packing Supplies

Look for free boxes on Facebook Marketplace or ask local stores for extras. Use towels, blankets, and clothes instead of bubble wrap.

Choose Off-Peak Moving Days

Moving on weekends or at the beginning/end of the month is more expensive. Mid-week, mid-month moves usually come with better rates.

Get Multiple Quotes

Even if you’re just moving across the street, it’s worth requesting quotes from local Minneapolis movers. Many companies (including Affinity Moving) provide free estimates so you can compare costs upfront.

Request your Free Moving Quote today and see how affordable professional local moving can be.

DIY vs. Professional Movers: Which Is Truly Cheaper?

At first glance, DIY might seem like the cheapest choice. But here’s what to consider:

• Time: A DIY move can take days, while professionals can finish in hours.
• Safety: Without proper training, heavy lifting can cause injuries.
• Hidden Costs: Gas, insurance, food for helpers, and potential damage to furniture or walls all add up.
• Peace of Mind: Professional movers guarantee your belongings arrive safely.

Many Minneapolis residents discover that what looked like the “cheapest option” actually costs more once you account for stress, time, and damage. That’s why hiring affordable, transparent movers often makes the most sense.

Why Affinity Moving Is the Affordable Choice in Minneapolis

At Affinity Moving, we know budget matters. Our goal is to provide affordable, professional moving services without hidden fees. Here’s what makes us one of the cheapest options for local moves in the Twin Cities:

• Flat, transparent pricing no surprises.
• Customizable services only pay for what you need, from packing to full-service moves.
• Fast and efficient crews saving you money on hourly rates.
• Local expertise we understand Minneapolis apartments, parking rules, and neighborhood layouts.

When you add it all up, Affinity Moving is the affordable choice for anyone looking for a stress-free local move in Minneapolis.

Areas We Serve in the Twin Cities

We provide budget-friendly local moving services in:

• Minneapolis
• St. Paul
• Bloomington
• Edina
• Maple Grove
• Eagan
• Minnetonka
• Plymouth
• And surrounding suburbs

Conclusion

If you’re planning a short move within Minneapolis, you don’t have to spend a fortune. For some, borrowing a truck or renting a small van may work. For others, hiring labor-only movers can be the right balance of affordability and help. But for many residents, hiring a full-service moving company ends up being the cheapest option for local moves once you factor in time, energy, and hidden costs.

At Affinity Moving, we’ve helped countless Minneapolis residents move locally without breaking the bank. From packing supplies to careful handling of furniture, we’re here to make your next move both affordable and stress-free.

Call (612) 682-6584 today or request your free estimate online to see why we’re one of the most cost-effective moving companies in Minneapolis.