($587+) Madison, WI to Fort Collins, CO Movers
Moving from Madison, WI, to Fort Collins, CO, runs anywhere from $587 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,067 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 933 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 $2,010, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,067 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,163 - $3,703, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $587 - $1,688.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Fort Collins, CO. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,569 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 Fort Collins, CO
Moving options from Madison to Fort Collins fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,569 - $6,164 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 73% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 933-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 933-mile route from Madison to Fort Collins, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,010 - $4,488 | $1,163 - $2,073 | $587 - $1,145 | $956 - $1,810 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,569 - $6,164 | $1,482 - $2,994 | $700 - $1,320 | $1,139 - $2,304 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,940 - $8,067 | $1,975 - $3,703 | $795 - $1,688 | $1,487 - $2,933 |
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 Fort Collins, CO
Full-service movers for the 933-mile relocation from Madison, Wisconsin, to Fort Collins, Colorado, cost between $2,010 and $8,067. 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 $325 - $2,164, 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 Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,010 - $4,488
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,569 - $6,164
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,940 - $8,067
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 Fort Collins.
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 Fort Collins, CO
Specialty needs vary by market: 52% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Fort Collins, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $541 - $5,410 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready52% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $216 - $1,298/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $325 - $2,597 |
| 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 | $1,082 - $3,246 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,705 - $10,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $810 - $1,540 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $1,082 - $2,705 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $866 - $3,787 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $325 - $1,623 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $703 - $2,164 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $325 - $16,230+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $325 - $3,787+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Madison to Fort Collins?
- 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Madison, WI. 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 Madison, WI to Fort Collins, CO
Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Fort Collins, Colorado, cost between $1,163 and $3,703. 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 Madison costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Madison to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,163 - $2,073
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,482 - $2,994
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,975 - $3,703
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $81 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $162 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Fort Collins, CO, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $757 in Madison, WI. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Colorado 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 $1,163. 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 $1,482 - $2,994.
What are the best moving containers Madison to Fort Collins?
- 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 Fort Collins, CO
Renting a moving truck for the 933-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Fort Collins, Colorado, costs between $587 and $1,688, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $321 - $367
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- 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 Fort Collins based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $587 - $1,145
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $700 - $1,320
- 4+ bedrooms: $795 - $1,688
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Madison to Fort Collins starts at $587 - $1,688, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($321 - $367), overnight lodging ($162/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
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 $757.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $321 - $367 for the 933-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 $65 and $352, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $162 per night for hotel stops on the 933-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $325 - $487.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Madison to Fort Collins?
- 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 Fort Collins, CO
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Madison, Wisconsin, to Fort Collins, Colorado, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,139 and $2,304.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $956 - $1,810
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,139 - $2,304
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,487 - $2,933
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Madison, Wisconsin, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $757.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $81 - $162 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Madison to Fort Collins?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
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 Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins, CO
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Madison and Fort Collins to plan around. Cost of living index: 103 vs. 116. Average rent: $1,600/mo vs. $1,750/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 50 vs. 37. Safety index: 65.43 vs. 72.86.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fort Collins, CO to Madison, WI guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Colorado 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 933-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 933-mile route from Madison, WI, to Fort Collins, CO, run $2,010 - $8,067 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,163 - $3,703, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $587 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,569, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Advanced Energy Industries and RIMROCK.
FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Fort Collins, CO
What is the best time of year to move from Madison, WI to Fort Collins, CO?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Madison, WI to Fort Collins, CO?
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 Fort Collins a safe place to live?
Fort Collins has a safety index of 72.86 out of 100 and a crime index of 17.0, 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 Fort Collins?
Fort Collins has a walkability score of 37 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 78, 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 Fort Collins?
For families, Old Town, City Park, and Huntington Hills are worth a look in Fort Collins. If you're moving solo or without kids, Old Town, City Park, and Ram's Village tend to be popular picks instead.
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.