7 Things People Forget When Moving in the Twin Cities

Moving in the Twin Cities whether you’re relocating to Minneapolis or St. Paul requires more than just packing boxes and booking a truck. The unique weather, local regulations, and neighborhood layouts create challenges many people don’t anticipate. If you’re planning a move, here are seven commonly overlooked details that can make or break your moving day.

Checking City Parking Regulations

One of the biggest oversights during a Twin Cities move is failing to plan for parking. Many Minneapolis and St. Paul neighborhoods have restricted street parking, permit-only zones, or limited space for large moving trucks.

In some cases, you may need to request temporary no-parking signage or notify the city in advance. Downtown areas, in particular, can be tricky due to loading zone rules and traffic restrictions. Professional St Paul movers are typically familiar with these requirements and can help coordinate logistics, but it’s still wise to confirm details ahead of time.

Preparing for Minnesota Weather

Minnesota weather is unpredictable even outside of winter. Snow, ice, heavy rain, and extreme heat can all impact moving day.

People often forget to

• Lay down protective floor coverings for snow and mud
• Clear sidewalks and driveways
• Prepare salt for icy surfaces
• Protect furniture from moisture

Winter moves are especially challenging. Hiring experienced moving services minneapolis residents trust can ensure your belongings are handled safely in harsh conditions.

Reserving Elevators in Apartments and Condos

If you’re moving into or out of a multi-unit building, reserving an elevator is essential. Many buildings in both Minneapolis and St. Paul require advance booking and may limit moving hours.

Some buildings also require

• Proof of insurance from movers
• Damage deposits
• Protective padding for elevators and hallways

Forgetting this step can delay your move or even force you to reschedule.

Updating Utilities at the Right Time

Utility transfers are often left until the last minute. In the Twin Cities, this can create major problems, especially in winter. You don’t want to arrive at your new home without heat in January.

Be sure to schedule

• Electricity transfer
• Gas service
• Water service
• Internet and cable setup

Ideally, utilities should be activated the day before or the morning of your move. Double-check confirmation emails to avoid surprises.

Measuring Doorways and Stairwells

Historic homes are common in St. Paul, and older properties in Minneapolis may have narrow staircases or tight entryways. Many people forget to measure large furniture items before moving day.

Couches, bed frames, refrigerators, and large dressers may not fit easily through older doorways. Measuring ahead of time can save you from costly damage or last-minute scrambling.

Experienced st paul movers and Twin Cities professionals often assess these challenges during an estimate, but it’s always helpful to double-check dimensions yourself.

Not Decluttering Before Packing

It’s tempting to pack everything and sort it out later, but moving is the perfect time to declutter. The more items you move, the higher your cost and the longer the process takes.

Before packing

• Donate unused clothing
• Dispose of broken furniture
• Recycle outdated electronics
• Shred old paperwork

Reducing volume can significantly lower moving expenses and make unpacking easier. Many people regret not downsizing before their move especially when paying by the hour.

Overlooking First-Day Essentials

After a long moving day, the last thing you want is to dig through dozens of boxes looking for your toothbrush or phone charger. Yet many people forget to prepare an essentials bag.

Your first-night box should include

• Toiletries
• Medications
• Important documents
• Chargers
• Basic kitchen items
• A change of clothes

If you’re moving with children or pets, pack their necessities separately as well. Having these items readily available reduces stress and helps you settle in comfortably.

Conclusion

Moving in the Twin Cities comes with unique considerations that many people overlook. From parking permits and elevator reservations to weather preparation and utility scheduling, small details can make a big difference. Taking the time to plan thoroughly and working with reliable moving services Minneapolis homeowners recommend can transform a potentially stressful day into a smooth transition.

Whether you’re relocating across the river or settling into a new neighborhood, being proactive about these commonly forgotten tasks will help ensure your move in Minneapolis or St. Paul is efficient, organized, and far less stressful.