($686+) Madison, WI to Norfolk, VA Movers
Moving from Madison, WI, to Norfolk, VA, runs anywhere from $686 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,235 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,049 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,067, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,235 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,184 - $3,880, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $686 - $1,848.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Norfolk, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,692 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Madison, WI to Norfolk, VA
There are 3 main ways to move from Madison to Norfolk: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,692 - $6,442. Containers cost roughly 43% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 74% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,049 miles, expect 2 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,049-mile route from Madison to Norfolk, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,067 - $4,747 | $1,184 - $2,140 | $686 - $1,316 | $1,055 - $2,003 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,692 - $6,442 | $1,524 - $2,857 | $706 - $1,565 | $1,243 - $2,499 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,181 - $8,235 | $2,117 - $3,880 | $859 - $1,848 | $1,580 - $3,010 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Madison, WI to Norfolk, VA
Full-service movers for the 1,049-mile relocation from Madison, Wisconsin, to Norfolk, Virginia, cost between $2,067 and $8,235. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $295 - $1,964, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Madison typically charge a base rate around $371 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Madison to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,067 - $4,747
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,692 - $6,442
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,181 - $8,235
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Madison to Norfolk.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Wisconsin to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Madison, WI to Norfolk, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 52% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Norfolk, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $491 - $4,910 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready52% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $196 - $1,178/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $295 - $2,357 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage5% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $982 - $2,946 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,455 - $9,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $736 - $1,397 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $982 - $2,455 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $786 - $3,437 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $295 - $1,473 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $638 - $1,964 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $295 - $14,730+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $295 - $3,437+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Madison to Norfolk?
All three below meet the standards set by the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Virginia movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Madison, WI. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Madison, WI to Norfolk, VA
Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Norfolk, Virginia, cost between $1,184 and $3,880. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Madison typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Madison to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,184 - $2,140
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,524 - $2,857
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,117 - $3,880
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $74 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $147 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $687 in Madison, WI, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Norfolk, VA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Virginia move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,184. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,524 - $2,857.
What are the best moving containers Madison to Norfolk?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Madison to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Madison:
- Above Average Moving LLC (4.8/5), 10 years in business
- Top Notch Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 7 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Madison, WI to Norfolk, VA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,049 miles from Madison, Wisconsin, to Norfolk, Virginia, running $686 - $1,848. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $328 - $375
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Madison daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Madison to Norfolk based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $686 - $1,316
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $706 - $1,565
- 4+ bedrooms: $859 - $1,848
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $686 - $1,848 does not include fuel ($328 - $375), lodging ($147/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Madison to Norfolk typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Madison, Wisconsin, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $687.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $328 - $375 for the 1,049-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $59 and $319, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $147 per night for hotel stops on the 1,049-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $295 - $442.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Madison to Norfolk?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Madison, WI to Norfolk, VA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Madison, Wisconsin, to Norfolk, Virginia. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $884 and $2,499.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,055 - $2,003
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,243 - $2,499
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,580 - $3,010
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Madison, Wisconsin, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $687.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $74 and $147 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Madison to Norfolk?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Madison to Norfolk, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Madison, WI vs Norfolk, VA
Good news for your budget: Norfolk isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Madison. Cost of living index runs 91 there against 103 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 50/100 and 65.43/100 here versus 46/100 and 41.9/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Norfolk, VA to Madison, WI guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Virginia in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 145 movers based in Wisconsin, handy for sizing up options on this 1,049-mile route.
Our take
The 1,049-mile move from Madison, WI, to Norfolk, VA, costs between $2,067 and $8,235 with full-service movers, $1,184 - $3,880 with a moving container, and $686 - $1,848 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,692 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include CMA CGM and Norfolk Southern Railway.
FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Norfolk, VA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($328 - $375), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $147/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Madison, WI to Norfolk, VA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $706 - $1,565. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Madison, WI to Norfolk, VA?
Costs on this route range from around $686 to $8,235, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,067 and $8,235, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Madison?
Local movers based in Madison typically start around $371 as a base rate, plus $85/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Norfolk run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Madison movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in Madison handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.