Moving to or from Minnesota? Here’s What Helped Me Get Through It
I’ve only moved a couple of times in my life, but that was more than enough to learn just how overwhelming it can be. The boxes, the decisions, the logistics, it all adds up fast. And if you’re moving in or out of Minnesota, the weather alone can throw a wrench into even the best-laid plans. When I moved from a small town in southern Minnesota to a different part of the state, I had no idea how many little details I’d need to juggle. From dealing with icy sidewalks to figuring out how to load furniture without freezing my fingers off, I quickly realized that even a short-distance move comes with its challenges.
(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)
I’m not a moving expert by any means, but I thought I’d share a few things that helped make our move go a little more smoothly and hopefully save you a bit of stress along the way.
Start Sooner Than You Think You Need To
The first mistake I made was assuming packing wouldn’t take that long. Spoiler: it always takes longer than you expect. Even in a modest house, it’s surprising how much stuff you accumulate. I started out with a few boxes and thought I was ahead of schedule until I hit the kitchen and realized just how many random gadgets and dishes we owned.
If I could go back and change one thing, I’d start packing little by little at least a month ahead. A few boxes a day makes the whole thing feel more manageable.
Winter Moves in Minnesota Take Extra Planning
We happened to move in early March, which in Minnesota can feel like winter one day and spring the next. That unpredictability made things tricky. The day before our move, it snowed six inches. The day after, it melted and turned our driveway into a muddy mess.
If you’re moving in a colder season, here’s what helped:
- Keep old towels and cardboard by the door to protect floors.
- Salt the sidewalk before the movers (or friends!) arrive.
- Keep a thermos of coffee or cocoa handy, it makes a cold move a little more bearable.
Decluttering Made Unpacking So Much Easier
As we packed, I tried to be really honest about what we needed to take with us. I donated a lot more than I expected – things we hadn’t used in years, clothes that didn’t fit, mismatched dishes I was tired of storing. It felt so good to let go of all that before the move.
And when we got to the new house? Unpacking was a breeze. Everything we brought was something we actually wanted or needed.
Labeling Everything Was a Lifesaver
I know this sounds like basic advice, but taking the time to label every box, and being specific, saved us so much frustration. Instead of writing “kitchen,” I labeled a box “kitchen: coffee stuff” so I could find my coffee maker on the first morning.
We also kept a running list of which boxes were most important to open first. That way, we weren’t hunting for pajamas or pet food at 9 p.m.
Storage Made the Transition Way Less Stressful
In our case, we had a weird gap between move-out and move-in dates and we weren’t about to move everything twice. What really helped was using a portable container that we could pack up and have delivered when we were ready.
A friend of mine who moved across the country swore by portable storage containers for rent by PODS when they had a similar situation. They were able to load everything at their own pace, then have it stored safely until their new home was ready. I didn’t use it myself this time, but I can absolutely see the value, especially for long-distance or out-of-state moves.
Don’t Try to Do It All in One Day
One of the best things we did was pace ourselves. We gave ourselves a weekend to move in instead of trying to finish everything in a single day. We unpacked the essentials first: bed, bathroom, kitchen and left the rest for the following week.
I also made sure to set aside one clean corner of the living room where we could sit and take a break. Even when everything else was still in boxes, that one cozy spot helped the new house feel like home right away.
You’ll Get There, One Box at a Time
Moving is never easy, no matter how short or long the distance. But it doesn’t have to be chaotic or miserable, either. Looking back, it was a chance to simplify, reset, and start fresh. And while I hope we don’t have to do it again anytime soon, I know we’ll be more prepared the next time around.
If you’re moving from, to, or anywhere within Minnesota, I hope these little lessons from our experience help make your move feel more doable and maybe even a little exciting.
(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)