Local moving companies in Madison
Out of 5 Madison movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Illinois.
- Above Average Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 26753
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2595339
Alternate Names: Above Average Moving LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc. , Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services , The Armstrong Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3322160
Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Local moving services in Madison, WI
At a glance, the number of Madison movers with specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from Madison, WI to Illinois
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Madison to Illinois with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $744 – $2,771 | $555 – $1,329 | $221 – $378 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,387 – $4,040 | $981 – $1,869 | $242 – $493 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,904 – $5,037 | $1,325 – $2,290 | $305 – $553 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 204-mile move from Madison, WI, to Illinois using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha collects and verifies thousands of prices from movers nationwide, then updates the figures monthly to reflect seasonal changes and market dynamics. Your total may vary with load size, extra services, access or parking hurdles, fuel prices, and your move date. Get several mover quotes to better validate pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Madison to Illinois
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Madison to Illinois typically costs between $744 and $2,771. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,387 and $4,040. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) you’re looking at costs ranging from $1,904 up to $5,037.
Cost of moving containers from Madison to Illinois
If you’re relocating from Madison to Illinois, you’ll typically spend between $555 and $1,329 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $981 up to $1,869. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,325 and $2,290. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Madison.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to Illinois
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck from Madison to Illinois, expect to pay between $221 and $378. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $242 to $493. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $305 and $553.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from Madison to IL
The cost of a move in Madison can change based on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have, as well as your home size and layout, will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Peak summer months in Madison often come with higher moving rates.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Handling the move yourself lowers costs but adds stress; pros cost more but save time and effort.
What you should know before moving from Madison to IL
Relocating from Madison to Illinois could mean a change in lifestyle and might also help you save some money. The cost of living in Madison is generally higher, so moving could provide a chance for more budget-friendly living.
Explore the detailed cost of living analysis below to see how Madison fares against Illinois, so you’re well-prepared for what’s next.
Compare cost of living: Madison vs. Illinois
| Madison, WI | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,600 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $367,934 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 103 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 4.95% |
Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 26% lower in Illinois than in Madison, giving you extra breathing room in your budget.
- In Illinois, home prices are about 32% lower than in Madison, easing your mortgage burden.
- Exciting news: the average income is about 25% higher in Illinois than in Madison, so you’ll likely have more room to save or invest.
- The cost of living is around 13% lower in Illinois than in Madison, freeing up money for savings or lifestyle upgrades.
- In Illinois, the unemployment rate is about 61% higher than in Madison, which could make the job market more competitive for newcomers.
- Illinois’s income tax rates are about 35% lower than Wisconsin’s, so you’ll keep more of what you earn.
How life is different in Madison, WI from Illinois
When planning a move from Madison to Illinois, you’ll be in for some changes, including new weather, a different community feel, and a unique political scene. Here’s what awaits when you leave the Madison behind for life in Illinois.
| Madison, WI | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 76-23 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 10ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 36″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 42″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 19.7 |
Illinois Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both Madison and Illinois voted Democratic.
- Summer highs typically reach about 86ºF in Illinois and 82ºF in Madison. With similar temperatures, you shouldn’t have much trouble adjusting to the climate. Remember to also consider humidity, general weather patterns, and energy expenses to really understand what summer will feel like in your new home.
- Winter temperatures in Illinois average 17ºF, warmer than Madison, where lows dip to 10ºF. Expect simpler winters, lighter routines, and less time spent battling the cold.
- In Illinois, expect around 40 inches of rainfall yearly, much like the 36 inches you’ve seen in Madison. Your overall experience shouldn’t change much, though the seasonal rhythm of rain may differ.
- In Illinois, it only snows about 22 inches annually while Madison gets 42 inches. Moving to Illinois, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
- Illinois has a lower crime index of 19.7 versus Madison at 34.57, suggesting safer neighborhoods and fewer safety concerns overall.
Other considerations when moving to Illinois
If you’re relocating from Madison to Illinois, there’s more involved than simply packing up and hiring movers. Don’t forget to look into local regulations, permits, and any other logistics that could impact your move.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure you find out how to reserve it for your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for moving trucks or oversized vehicles, so be sure to find out ahead of time if you’ll need one for your move.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Double-check that your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can easily verify a Illinois moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory site.
- Moving permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can select your official move date to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Illinois without a hitch. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance rules aren’t the same everywhere. They change depending on the state. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Move with confidence using our moving checklist. It keeps you organized and covers all the details, letting you stress less and focus on settling into your new place.
Things to do in Illinois
Whether you love parks, museums, sports, or college-town energy, Illinois has plenty for you to discover and enjoy.
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee river State Park
Sports teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from Madison to Illinois take?
The time it takes to move from Madison, WI, to Illinois ultimately depends on the moving method you choose. But on average it will take one to two days. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.
For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.
Do movers in Madison offer custom-built crate services?
Two movers in Madison list custom crating, a useful option for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Before you book, ask a Madison mover about crate specs and whether they can tailor the build to your needs.
What is the best way to get a car from Madison to Illinois?
Need to ship your car from Madison to Illinois? Go with a team that takes professionalism and car care seriously, with proven experience to match. See our top choices for car shipping from Wisconsin to Illinois.
Why are people moving from Madison to Illinois?
Many people are moving to Illinois because of its home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Illinois.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Madison?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Madison.
Is cash an option to pay for a move from Madison, WI?
There aren’t any movers in Madison that currently accept cash. That’s because the industry generally favors payment types that create a clear record, like cards or ACH. For residential moves, you’ll usually pay a deposit to confirm your booking. The balance is then settled at pickup or after delivery—ask your mover which methods and timelines they support.
Helpful moving resources
Wisconsin moving services
Popular Wisconsin routes
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