($598+) Madison, WI to Richmond, VA Movers
Moving from Madison, WI, to Richmond, VA, runs anywhere from $598 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,911 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 957 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,954, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,911 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,140 - $3,596, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $598 - $1,724.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Richmond, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,394 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 Richmond, VA
There are 3 main ways to move from Madison to Richmond: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,394 - $6,264. Moving containers run about 41% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 73% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 957-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 957-mile route from Madison to Richmond, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,954 - $4,729 | $1,140 - $2,074 | $598 - $1,157 | $1,026 - $1,884 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,394 - $6,264 | $1,423 - $2,969 | $647 - $1,389 | $1,138 - $2,329 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,124 - $7,911 | $1,858 - $3,596 | $836 - $1,724 | $1,550 - $3,149 |
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 Richmond, VA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 957-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Richmond, Virginia, with prices running from $1,954 - $7,911. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $299 - $1,996 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Madison and Richmond are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Madison movers tend to run around $371 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Madison to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,954 - $4,729
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,394 - $6,264
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,124 - $7,911
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 Richmond.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Madison, WI to Richmond, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 52% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Richmond, 65% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $499 - $4,990 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready52% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $200 - $1,198/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $299 - $2,395 |
| 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 | $998 - $2,994 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,495 - $9,980 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $748 - $1,420 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $998 - $2,495 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $798 - $3,493 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $299 - $1,497 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $649 - $1,996 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $299 - $14,970+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $299 - $3,493+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Madison to Richmond?
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 Richmond, VA
Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Richmond, Virginia, cost between $1,140 and $3,596. 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 Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,140 - $2,074
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,423 - $2,969
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,858 - $3,596
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Madison, WI, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $699, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $75 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $150 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Madison, WI, and Richmond, VA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,140. 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 $1,423 - $2,969.
What are the best moving containers Madison to Richmond?
- 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 Richmond, VA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 957 miles from Madison, Wisconsin, to Richmond, Virginia, running $598 - $1,724. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $304 - $347
- Daily insurance: $30/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 Richmond based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $598 - $1,157
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $647 - $1,389
- 4+ bedrooms: $836 - $1,724
Pro tip: A rental truck from Madison to Richmond looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $598 - $1,724. But once you factor in fuel ($304 - $347), overnight lodging ($150/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $150 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $65 and $324 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $304 - $347 in fuel for the 957-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $699 in Madison, Wisconsin, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Madison to Richmond?
- 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 Richmond, VA
For larger DIY moves from Madison, Wisconsin, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Richmond, Virginia.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,138 and $2,329.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,026 - $1,884
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,138 - $2,329
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,550 - $3,149
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 $699.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $75 and $150 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Madison to Richmond?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Richmond quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Madison, WI vs Richmond, VA
Madison and Richmond land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 103 in Madison and 95 in Richmond, and average rent is $1,600/mo vs. $1,595/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 50 vs 51 and safety scores are 65.43 vs 51.55.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Richmond, 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 957-mile route.
Our take
A move from Madison, WI, to Richmond, VA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,954 - $7,911 on the 957-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,140 - $3,596, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $598 - $1,724. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,394 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Brink's and CarMax.
FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Richmond, VA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Madison, WI to Richmond, VA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is Richmond a safe place to live?
Richmond has a safety index of 51.55 out of 100 and a crime index of 48.45, compared to 65.43 and 34.57 in Madison. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Richmond?
Richmond has a walkability score of 51 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 51, compared to 50 and 66 in Madison. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Richmond?
For families, Bellevue, Byrd Park, and Museum District are worth a look in Richmond. If you're moving solo or without kids, Monroe Ward, The Fan District, and The Museum District tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Virginia?
In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV).
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.