How Much Do Madison, WI Movers Cost?

Quick answer: The typical cost for hiring movers in Madison is $85 per hour, with the total cost to move ranging from $479 to $2,976, on average. If you’re moving out of Wisconsin, the cost of hiring long-distance movers in Madison really depends on where you’re moving.

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  • Family owned & operated
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Average cost to hire interstate movers in Madison, WI

Since the cost of moving out of Madison depends so much on where you’re moving, we’ve included some example costs below to give you a better idea of pricing. For more detailed guides on your specific destination, find your moving route to Madison or use our moving cost calculator to get quotes from the top interstate movers.

Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Madison

The cost to move a studio apartment or one-bedroom home out of state from Madison depends on the moving method you choose, how much stuff you have, and how far you’re moving.

Take a look at some example costs to move a one-bedroom cross-country:

Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of state from Madison

As with any move, the cost to relocate a two- or three-bedroom from Madison can vary widely based on move size, distance, and time of year.

Here is a look at some two- and three-bedroom move costs out of Madison:

Cost to move a four-bedroom (or larger) home out of state from Madison

The cost to move a four-bedroom or larger home out of Wisconsin will be significantly higher than for one- or two-bedroom houses, since a bigger house typically means more items. Movers calculate long-distance moves, in part, based on the total estimated volume and weight of your household belongings.

While moving costs can vary, take a look at these cost ranges for moving four or more bedrooms out of Madison:

Best interstate moving companies in Madison, WI

Now that you have an idea of what your move from Madison should cost, it’s time to start looking at the best interstate moving companies. We vetted each one, examining their pricing, services, and our own real-life customer reviews to pick the best options for you.

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
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(844) 794-6004
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 835-2392

Average cost to hire a local moving company in Madison, WI

Hiring a full-service Madison mover is definitely the most convenient option, but that convenience comes at a cost — professional movers tend to be more expensive than other moving options. If you want movers to do all the heavy lifting for you and you can afford it, hire a full-service moving company for your Madison move.

If you want to save money, you can hire a container company, where you do the packing and loading and they transport your belongings in Madison for you, or by renting a moving truck and handling it all on your own.

Here are the average moving costs from Madison to another state with different types of movers:

Destination Professional Movers Containers Rental Trucks
Detroit $1,938 - $5,308 $1,203 - $2,426 $425 - $845
Cheyenne $2,564 - $6,295 $1,538 - $2,869 $713 - $1,483
Phoenix $3,290 - $7,204 $2,024 - $4,051 $1,072 - $2,360

And here's how much professional movers cost in Madison based on your move size:

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $479 $119 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $598 $119 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedroom $861 $167 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedroom $1,758 $233 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedroom $1,991 $233 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedroom $2,976 $327 5 movers 10 hours
  • Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Madison to move a studio apartment is $119 per hour for three hours using a two-person moving crew.
  • One bedroom: Moving a one-bedroom Madison apartment or home will typically take four hours, at an hourly rate of $119, and require two movers.
  • Two bedrooms: It will cost $167 an hour, on average, to hire a three-person crew in Madison to move a two-bedroom home. Two-bedroom moves usually take about five hours.
  • Three bedrooms: Local Madison movers charge an average hourly rate of $233 for a three-bedroom home. A move of this size will usually take eight hours to complete using four movers.
  • Four bedrooms: For a four-bedroom house in Madison, you can expect to pay $233 per hour for nine hours. You’ll likely need a four-person moving crew.
  • Five or more bedrooms: If your Madison home is a five-bedroom or larger, you will pay $327 an hour, on average, for five movers. Moves this size usually take about ten hours to complete.

It's worth noting the cost per hour for Madison movers remains the same for all home sizes, ranging from $119 per hour for two movers to $327 per hour for five movers. As the size of your home increases, the number of movers and hours required for the move also increases, resulting in a higher total cost.

Overall, hiring local Madison movers is a convenient and stress-free way to move within the city. By knowing the approximate cost for your home size, you can budget accordingly and make informed decisions for your upcoming move.

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Madison move using our free and instant moving cost calculator.

Best local moving companies in Madison, WI

Our expert team of analysts has dug deep into licensing, insurance options, online reviews, and hundreds of other data points to find you the best local moving companies in Madison.

  1. Above Average Moving LLC: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  2. Two Men and a Truck: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  3. Armstrong relocation: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  4. Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
  5. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.24 out of 5 stars
Pros
  • Efficient service (38%)
  • Professional and polite staff (35%)
  • Good communication (32%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (29%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (25%)
  • Lack of communication (22%)
Review Analysis
Above Average Moving LLC has 225 customer reviews, with 84% being positive. Customers praise the company's efficiency, friendly staff, and careful handling of belongings. Many noted the reasonable pricing compared to competitors. However, some feedback pointed to issues with communication, unexpected charges, and damage to items during the move. Overall, Above Average Moving stands out for its strong service but has room for improvement in customer interaction and transparency.
Get a Quote (608) 556-7980

Company Info

State license #: 26753

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 2595339

Alternate Names: Above Average Moving LLC


Above Average Moving LLC, a reputable local moving company based in Madison, WI, has been providing top-notch residential moving services since 2017. With high average ratings on Yelp (4.4) and Google My Business (4.8), alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, clients consistently praise their reliability and professionalism. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and office moving, and they stand out by not requiring a deposit and accepting credit cards. If you're looking for a trusted and efficient mover in Madison, Above Average Moving LLC is a dependable choice.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (32%)
  • Efficient service (29%)
  • Careful handling (25%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (28%)
  • Unexpected charges (25%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
Review Analysis
Two Men and a Truck has 275 online customer reviews, with 78% of them being positive. Many customers praised the company for its professional and polite staff, efficient service, and careful handling of belongings. However, some customers reported issues with damaged items, unexpected charges, and delays during their moves. Despite these complaints, the majority of feedback highlights the company's commitment to customer satisfaction and quality service, making them a reliable choice for moving needs compared to other companies.
Get a Quote (608) 340-1557

Company Info

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 2527384

Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.


Two Men and a Truck has been providing local residential moving services in and around Madison, WI since 1994, establishing a solid reputation for reliability. Unlike some nearby competitors, they offer a comprehensive suite of services including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, catering to diverse moving needs. They accept credit cards and require no deposit, ensuring a hassle-free payment experience. Consumer reviews vary, with an impressive 4.6 average rating on Google My Business from 553 reviews and a stellar A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, although Yelp reviews are more mixed.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (32%)
  • Careful handling (30%)
  • Good communication (30%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (32%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (30%)
  • Lack of communication (30%)
Review Analysis
Armstrong Relocation has 57 customer reviews, 68% of which are positive. Many customers praised the company for its friendly and efficient service, noting that the staff handled belongings with care. Positive feedback highlighted good communication and organized packing. On the downside, some customers reported significant damage to items during the move, delays in service, and poor customer support when addressing complaints. This contrast shows that while many enjoyed their experience, others faced serious issues that impacted their satisfaction.
Get a Quote (608) 838-5940

Company Info

Years in Business: 39

DOT #: 1170867

Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc., Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services, The Armstrong Company


Armstrong Relocation, serving Madison, WI, has been a trusted local residential moving company since 1987. While other nearby movers may also offer long-distance and office moving services, Armstrong distinguishes itself with specialized services like packing, unpacking, and handling fragile items such as pianos, art, and antiques. Renowned for their reliability, they boast a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and strong consumer reviews, with a 4.2 average rating on Google. Although their Yelp reviews are more mixed, Armstrong remains a solid choice for those seeking expert local moving services with the added convenience of no required deposit and credit card acceptance.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Efficient service (36%)
  • Professional and polite staff (32%)
  • Good communication (29%)
Cons
  • Unexpected charges (27%)
  • Damage to items (24%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (21%)
Review Analysis
Top Notch Moving and Storage has 227 customer reviews, with 85% of them being positive. Many customers praised the company's efficient service and professional staff, highlighting how helpful and friendly the movers were during their moves. However, some customers reported issues with unexpected charges and damage to their belongings. Overall, Top Notch stands out among moving companies for its commitment to customer satisfaction, though some areas need improvement.
Get a Quote (608) 590-3710

Company Info

Years in Business: 5

DOT #: 3322160

Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC


Top Notch Moving and Storage, established in 2020, specializes in local residential moving services in and around Madison, WI. With excellent customer feedback on Google My Business and a high BBB rating, they stand out among the competition for their reliable and professional service. The company also offers packing, unpacking, and crating services, making it a one-stop solution for all moving needs. While their Yelp reviews are mixed, the overwhelmingly positive Google reviews suggest a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Friendly and Professional Staff
  • Efficient Service
  • Quick Response Times
Cons
  • Damaged Items During Moves
  • Poor Customer Service for Claims
  • Lack of Proper Equipment
Review Analysis
College Hunks has received positive feedback for their efficiency, professionalism, and friendly service, with many customers highlighting their ability to handle challenging tasks and provide quick responses. However, some reviews indicate serious concerns about damaged items during moves, lack of proper equipment, and poor customer service regarding claims for damages. While many customers express satisfaction with the moving and junk removal services, there are notable complaints about inconsistent experiences and unresolved issues.
Get a Quote (336) 810-1801

Company Info

DOT #: 2378173


College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving stands out as a reputable local moving company in and around Madison, WI, offering a range of services from residential moves to office relocations, packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. Unlike some nearby competitors, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making the process more convenient for their customers. With an impressive average rating of 4.9 from 493 Google reviews and 4.6 from 13 Yelp reviews, they clearly have a strong track record of customer satisfaction. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving is a reliable choice for anyone in need of local moving services.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

Visit our best movers in Madison page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews. And if you’re moving outside of Madison, consider one of Madison’s top long-distance movers.

City moving costs in Wisconsin

Average cost of PODS in Madison, WI

PODS will cost $220–$7,448, on average, in Madison. The exact PODS cost you’ll pay will depend on whether you use an eight-, 12-, or 16-foot container (note: 12-foot containers are only available for local moves). The distance of your move will also greatly impact cost.

A local Madison move within 50 miles of your home will run between $220 and $813, while long-distance moves (100-250 miles) will typically cost $250–$2,107. Container pricing on cross-country moves from Madison can cost an average range of $2,068–$7,448.

Here's a breakdown of related PODS costs:

  • Storage fee: $149–$359 (first 30 days is free)
  • Damage coverage: 10–$439.95 per month, depending on the protection plan. Coverage ranges from container-only (no contents protection) to $300,000. All plans have a deductible of $100.
  • Door lock (if necessary): $25 (if purchased through PODS; you can also purchase from home improvement stores or online retailers)

If you’re looking for the cost-savings of a DIY move and the convenience of full-service movers, moving containers like PODS are a great option. You’ll handle loading and unloading, but they will drop off your empty container at your current home, pick it up once it’s loaded, and deliver it to your new location. This means you won’t have to worry about driving.

PODS is our overall top pick for moving containers in Phoenix based on their stellar reputation, nationwide availability, and multiple container sizes and insurance plans. But you should take a look at least two other highly rated moving container companies on our list to see which one offers the right combination of services and pricing for your move.

Best moving containers in Madison, WI

The best Madison moving container companies provide multiple container sizes, pricing transparency and deals, and secure, state-of-the-art facilities for longer-term storage needs. They should also have a solid reputation for quality customer service and efficient drop-off and pickup of containers.

Check out these highly rated moving containers:

Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
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Average cost to rent a moving truck in Madison, WI

You'll definitely have to break a sweat, but moving truck rentals in Madison will be much easier on your wallet than full-service movers. The average cost to rent a moving truck in Madison ranges from $19-$39 per day.

While cheaper than full-service moving companies, you’ll have to do all the heavy lifting yourself — from boxing up your belongings to loading them on the truck, hauling them to your new spot, and unloading everything there.

Here are the typical costs of Madison rental trucks:

  • Base cost: $19–$39 per day
  • Mileage fee: $0.89–$0.99 per mile
  • Fuel cost: Depends on driving distance
  • Truck coverage: $20–$55 based on coverage level
  • Equipment costs (optional): Dolly, straps, blankets

The total cost to rent a truck from companies like Budget or U-Haul will depend on:

  • How far you drive the truck
  • How long you have the truck rental
  • Additional insurance
  • Parking
  • Toll fees
  • Fuel
  • Accommodations and dining
  • Moving equipment rentals

Best moving truck rentals in Madison, WI

The best moving truck rentals in Madison provide affordable rates with no hidden fees, a variety of truck sizes, and plenty of physical locations across the U.S. for convenient rental returns.

These top moving truck rentals certainly fit the bill:

Best Availability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285
Most Reliable
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Check prices (844) 847-9517
At A Glance
  • Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
  • Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
  • Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
read our full review
Check prices (844) 847-9517
Best Value Rental
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
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Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Madison, WI

The average cost of labor-only moving companies in Madison is an hourly rate of $43 for each crew member. Most moves — even small one-bedroom apartments — require a crew of two movers, so plan on about $85.0 per hour to hire labor assistance in Madison.

Best labor-only moving companies in Madison

The best Madison labor-only movers have a reputation for professional and efficient service, but also provide reasonable hourly rates and a variety of optional services like packing that you can pick and choose from to create a customized plan suited to your specific needs.

We like these top-notch labor-only movers:

Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
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Best customer experience
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

Factors that affect the cost of movers in Madison, WI

The biggest factor that affects the cost of movers in Madison, WI, is distance, but there are several other price considerations to keep in mind, including:

  • The size of your move: The more belongings you have, the more your move will cost. Moving a four-bedroom home will typically be more expensive than moving a studio apartment.
  • When you move: You’ll usually pay more to move during peak season (May–September) because demand is higher. Similarly, the time of month and day of the week you book your move will impact cost. Demand will be higher the first and last of each month, when leases change over, and on Fridays and Saturdays, the most popular moving days. To save money on your move, consider booking during the week and in the middle of one of the off-season months, if possible.
  • The type of move: Professional movers are the most convenient option, but they will cost you more than going with a DIY option like moving container companies or moving truck rentals.
  • Any add-on services you select: Even if you go with a DIY move, you may want to hire third-party movers to assist you with loading and unloading. And professional movers offer a variety of optional services like packing and unpacking to help customize and streamline your relocation. But these additional services will come at an extra cost.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Have important documentation. Places like high rises and managed apartments will often require a copy of your mover's insurance and elevator reservation on moving day.
  • Get approval. Check ahead with any neighborhood, community, or HOA rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Secure a parking permit (if needed). The Residential Parking Permit allows residents to park in excess of the posted one- or two-hour time limits on designated streets in their area between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, or in locations designated for resident parking only between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. This provides residents the opportunity for the limited storing of vehicles on public streets to the partial exclusion of commuter vehicles. A Residential Parking Permit does not guarantee a parking place. It allows the right to park if space is available. It is recommended to apply online.
  • Check state licensing laws. Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations.
  • Invest in moving insurance. For a secure move in Wisconsin, explore movers' insurance options to safeguard your belongings. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection with discussions on Full Value Protection or explore customized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wisconsin state moving insurance. Ensure a smooth and protected relocation experience with the right insurance coverage.

Work with your movers to ensure all these items are taken care of before moving day.

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