Top-rated movers to make your Madison to Columbus move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Madison that offers long-distance services to Columbus can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed five top local movers in Madison who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Madison to Columbus.
- 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
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Columbus?
In Wisconsin, moving services typically cost around per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,207 – $4,617 | $834 – $1,891 | $655 – $1,169 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,569 – $6,325 | $1,452 – $2,998 | $687 – $1,474 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,289 – $8,390 | $1,937 – $3,748 | $887 – $1,672 |
Cost to hire movers from Madison to Columbus
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Columbus from Madison, you can expect prices to land between $1,207 and $4,617. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,569 to $6,325 for the trip from Madison to Columbus. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,289 and $8,390.
Cost of moving containers from Madison to Columbus
Moving containers from Madison to Columbus will cost you $834 to $1,891 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,452 to $2,998. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,937 to $3,748. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Wisconsin.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to Columbus
Renting a moving truck from Madison to Columbus typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $655 and $1,169 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $687 to $1,474. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $887 to $1,672.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Madison to Columbus move
The cost of Madison movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,151 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,875 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Madison.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $655 to $1,579, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Madison to Columbus
Many movers find Columbus easier on the wallet than Madison – roughly 11% less for singles and 30% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,041 for one person in Columbus versus $2,292 in Madison. For a family of four, it’s $3,834 compared with $5,457.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Madison | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $1,250 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $1,400 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $157,861 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $50,542 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $2,041 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $3,834 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.3% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 5.49% |
- When relocating from Madison to Columbus, expect to find rent about 31% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 57% more affordable in Columbus compared to Madison.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 20% lower in Columbus compared to Madison.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Columbus, as the cost of living for a single person is 11% lower compared to Madison.
- A move to Columbus can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 30% less than what it costs in Madison.
- Columbus shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Madison by around 61%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Columbus are 64% more than in Madison, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Georgia are 28% below those in Wisconsin. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Madison and Columbus:
| Living Expense | Madison | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $211.40 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $40.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $2.24 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $3.52 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $10.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Madison than in Columbus.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Madison than in Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Madison than in Columbus.
- Bread is more expensive in Madison than in Columbus.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Columbus.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Madison than in Columbus.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Columbus.
How life is different in Madison vs. Columbus
| Madison | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 206,922 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 25 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 31 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 72.18 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 27.82 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus’s population is about 23% less than Madison.
- Columbus’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Madison’s score of 6.
- Columbus is less walkable than Madison with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Madison’s 50 out of 100.
- Columbus has a bike-friendliness score of 31 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66.
- Columbus’s crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 72.18 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 27.82 vs Madison’s 65.43.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Madison it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Columbus 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 to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Georgia’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Georgia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Columbus. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover’s responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Columbus
Planning your move to The Lowell of the South[? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Columbus.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- MidTown
- Uptown
- Downtown Columbus
- Overlook
- Lakebottom
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Columbus
- Brookstone
- Green Island Hills
- MidTown
- Ivy Park
Things to do in Columbus
After settling into your new Georgia home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbus has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Columbus features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, National Civil War Naval Museum, Columbus Museum, and Coca-Cola Space Science Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Flat Rock Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Columbus Lions (NAL)Columbus River Dragons (FPHL)Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots (SBL)Columbus Rapids (NISL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Columbus?
Planning your move from Madison to Columbus? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Columbus?
Because most people are moving from Madison to Columbus in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Madison to Columbus take?
The 968-mile journey from Madison, WI to Columbus, , typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Madison offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Columbus.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Madison?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Madison, 3 movers can manage piano relocations. 1 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Wisconsin has 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
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