Moving can be one of life’s most exciting milestones — but let’s face it, it can also be one of the most stressful. Between organizing, packing, transferring utilities, and making sure nothing gets left behind, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
If you’re planning a move in the Twin Cities, this Minneapolis moving checklist will guide you through the process step-by-step. Whether you’re relocating a small apartment, a large home, or even your business, we’ve covered everything you need for a smooth, stress-free move.
Start Early and Create a Moving Timeline
The earlier you start planning, the better your experience will be — especially if you’re moving during peak seasons (summer and early fall).
What to do 6–8 weeks before your move:
- Set your moving date
- Research and book a trusted Minneapolis moving company
- Create a digital or physical binder to track receipts, checklists, and paperwork
- Notify your landlord (if renting) or start prepping your home for sale
- Start purging: donate, sell, or trash anything you don’t need
Starting early gives you time to vet Minneapolis commercial movers if you’re relocating your business or need help with specialty items.
Hire the Right Movers (Residential or Commercial)
Choosing the right movers can make or break your experience. Don’t just go with the first name you see online. Look for a reliable Minneapolis moving company with experience, strong reviews, and full-service offerings.
Questions to ask before booking:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Do you provide packing and unpacking services?
- Do you have experience with local, long-distance, or commercial moves?
- What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
- Do you offer climate-controlled storage options?
For businesses, Minneapolis commercial movers can handle office furniture, sensitive equipment, and file systems with minimal downtime.
Plan Your Packing Strategy
Packing is where most people get overwhelmed, but it doesn’t have to be. Having a strategy will keep you organized and prevent last-minute panic.
Packing Tips:
- Label boxes by room and contents
- Color-code with stickers or tape (e.g., blue for kitchen, red for bedroom)
- Use small boxes for heavy items (like books) and large boxes for light items (like pillows)
- Keep an “essentials” box with items you’ll need immediately (toiletries, chargers, clothes)
- Snap photos of electronics before unplugging for easy setup later
If you want to save time and stress, many Minneapolis moving companies offer professional packing services — a real lifesaver for big households or tight timelines.
Transfer Utilities and Change Address
Don’t forget the behind-the-scenes tasks that can lead to headaches if overlooked. Set aside time to update important accounts and transfer services.
Essential tasks:
- Transfer or shut off utilities (gas, electric, water, trash)
- Set up new services at your new home
- Update your address with USPS, banks, credit cards, and insurance companies
- Update voter registration and driver’s license
- Notify your employer, doctor, and any subscriptions or services
A good rule of thumb: start updating your address 2–3 weeks before your move to avoid delays in mail and service disruptions.
Prepare for Moving Day Like a Pro
Moving day is the main event — and you want everything to go off without a hitch.
Moving Day Prep:
- Confirm your moving time and address with your movers
- Charge your phone and keep chargers, snacks, and water accessible
- Pack valuables and personal documents separately (don’t send them with movers)
- Walk through your old home one last time to ensure nothing is left behind
- Have cash or digital tips ready for your moving crew if they did a great job
If you’re relocating a business, Minneapolis commercial movers often coordinate with building managers for elevator access, loading zones, and security — saving you from disruptions.
Clean and Close Out Your Old Space
Whether you’re selling or leaving a rental, it’s important to leave your old place clean and ready for the next occupant.
Final Cleaning Tasks:
- Vacuum and mop floors
- Wipe down counters, cabinets, and appliances
- Patch holes in walls and remove nails or hooks
- Take out the trash and leave any keys, garage openers, or remotes
Bonus tip: Hire a local cleaning company to handle this step and free yourself up to focus on settling into your new space.
Unpack Strategically in Your New Home
You’ve arrived — now what? Take your time and unpack with a strategy to avoid chaos.
First Rooms to Unpack:
- Kitchen – Get the essentials out so you can cook and eat
- Bathroom – Set up toiletries, towels, and toilet paper
- Bedroom – Assemble beds and unpack clothes
- Living Room – Organize seating and electronics
Save decorative items and less urgent boxes for later. If you’ve hired full-service movers, they may even help with furniture placement and room setup.
Some Minneapolis moving companies also offer white-glove services, including furniture assembly, TV mounting, and trash removal.
Moving a Business? Here’s a Bonus Section
Relocating a commercial space comes with a unique set of challenges — from coordinating IT systems to minimizing operational downtime. If you’re making a business move in Minneapolis, hire a dedicated team of Minneapolis commercial movers that specialize in:
- Office furniture breakdown and reassembly
- Server and tech equipment transport
- Secure file handling
- Weekend or after-hours scheduling
By trusting professionals, you reduce disruptions and protect your business assets.
Conclusion: Make Your Minneapolis Move Smooth and Simple
Moving is a major life event, but it doesn’t have to be chaotic. With the right planning, checklists, and a trusted Minneapolis moving company by your side, you can relocate confidently — and actually enjoy the process.
From hiring reliable movers to setting up your new space, every step matters. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or business owner, this checklist is your ultimate guide to a stress-free move in Minneapolis.
