($661+) Garland, TX to Madison, WI Movers
Moving from Garland, TX, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $661 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,604 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 981 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 $1,999, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,604 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,151 - $3,792, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $661 - $1,760.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Garland, TX, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,445 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Garland, TX to Madison, WI
Moving options from Garland to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,445 - $6,125 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 40% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 71% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 981-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 981-mile route from Garland to Madison, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,999 - $4,689 | $1,151 - $2,075 | $661 - $1,205 | $1,056 - $1,868 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,445 - $6,125 | $1,467 - $2,768 | $701 - $1,505 | $1,149 - $2,261 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,862 - $7,604 | $2,016 - $3,792 | $896 - $1,760 | $1,644 - $2,910 |
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 Garland, TX to Madison, WI
Hiring full-service movers from Garland, Texas, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $1,999 and $7,604. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 981-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $304 - $2,024, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Garland and Madison. For a rough baseline, movers based in Garland tend to start around $181 plus $92/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Garland to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,999 - $4,689
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,445 - $6,125
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,862 - $7,604
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 Garland to Madison.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Garland, TX to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of Garland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Madison, 52% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $506 - $5,060 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $202 - $1,214/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $304 - $2,429 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $1,012 - $3,036 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,530 - $10,120 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $758 - $1,440 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: AM Moving Company LLC | $1,012 - $2,530 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Fantastic Moves | $810 - $3,542 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $304 - $1,518 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: InNout Movers (TX) | $658 - $2,024 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $304 - $15,180+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $304 - $3,542+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Garland to Madison?
Movers licensed to operate in Wisconsin are typically members of the Wisconsin Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Garland, TX. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Garland, TX to Madison, WI
Moving containers from Garland, Texas, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,151 and $3,792. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Garland costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Garland to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,151 - $2,075
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,467 - $2,768
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,016 - $3,792
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 Garland, TX, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $708, 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 $76 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $152 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Garland, TX, and Madison, WI, 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 Texas to Wisconsin 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 $1,151. 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 $1,467 - $2,768.
What are the best moving containers Garland to Madison?
- 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 Garland 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 Garland:
- Fantastic Moves (4.6/5), 31 years in business
- AB Moving (4.5/5), 26 years in business
- Evolution Moving Company (4.9/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Garland, TX to Madison, WI
Renting a moving truck for the 981-mile move from Garland, Texas, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $661 and $1,760, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $316 - $361
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Garland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Garland to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $661 - $1,205
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $701 - $1,505
- 4+ bedrooms: $896 - $1,760
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $661 - $1,760 when pricing out a rental truck from Garland to Madison. Fuel alone runs $316 - $361, and overnight lodging ($152/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $316 - $361 for the 981-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Garland, Texas, for about 5 hours typically costs around $708.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 981-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $152 per night, adding $304 - $455 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $304.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Garland to Madison?
- 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 Garland, TX to Madison, WI
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Garland, Texas, to Madison, Wisconsin. 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 $911 and $2,261.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Garland to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,056 - $1,868
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,149 - $2,261
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,644 - $2,910
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $76 - $152 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Garland, Texas, typically costs $708.
What are the best freight companies from Garland to Madison?
- 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Garland, TX vs Madison, WI
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Garland and Madison to plan around. Cost of living index: 100 vs. 103. Average rent: $1,624/mo vs. $1,600/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 40 vs. 50. Safety index: 62.87 vs. 65.43.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Madison, WI to Garland, TX guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Texas to Wisconsin over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 843 movers in our Texas network to compare for this 981-mile move.
Our take
A move from Garland, TX, to Madison, WI, 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 $1,999 - $7,604 on the 981-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,151 - $3,792, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $661 - $1,760. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,445 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 Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.
FAQs: Moving from Garland, TX, to Madison, WI
How do I know a mover is licensed in Wisconsin?
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.
What do local movers charge in Garland?
Local movers based in Garland typically start around $181 as a base rate, plus $92/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 Madison run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.
How much does it cost to move from Garland, TX to Madison, WI?
Costs on this route range from around $661 to $7,604, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,999 and $7,604, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Garland, TX to Madison, WI?
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 $701 - $1,505. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Garland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Garland handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.