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Top local movers for Indianapolis to Madison moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Indianapolis that also provides long-distance services to Madison can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 27 local movers in Indianapolis who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Indianapolis to Madison.
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Sherman Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Busy Bee Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Wheaton Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co. , Leaders Moving and Storage Company , Hilling Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 92
DOT #: 719392
Alternate Names: Ed Sherman Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 1458935
Alternate Names: Planes Companies , Planes Specialized Logistics , Planes Commercial Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 573343
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 64
DOT #: 70719
Alternate Names: Crown Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Indianapolis to Madison?
Movers in Indiana generally charge an average of $130 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $947 – $2,897 | $614 – $1,528 | $324 – $561 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,535 – $4,580 | $1,158 – $2,185 | $334 – $671 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,334 – $6,426 | $1,517 – $2,563 | $423 – $845 |
Cost to hire movers from Indianapolis to Madison
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Indianapolis to Madison typically costs between $947 and $2,897. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,535 and $4,580 when moving from Indianapolis to Madison. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Indianapolis to Madison, you’re looking at costs ranging from $2,334 up to $6,426.
Cost of moving containers from Indianapolis to Madison
If you’re relocating from Indianapolis to Madison, you’ll typically spend between $614 and $1,528 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,158 up to $2,185. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,517 and $2,563. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Indiana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Indianapolis to Madison
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Indianapolis to Madison move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $324 and $561. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $334 to $671. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $423 and $845.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Indianapolis to Madison
The cost of Indianapolis movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Indianapolis to Madison might be as low as $1,274, while a four-bedroom could reach $5,155.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Indianapolis.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $324 to $770 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Indianapolis to Madison
Many movers find Madison easier on the wallet than Indianapolis – roughly 18% less for singles and 18% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,292 for one person in Madison versus $2,804 in Indianapolis. For a family of four, it’s $5,457 compared with $6,667.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Indianapolis | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,688 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,708 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $220,467 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,110 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,804 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,667 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 3.15% | 7.65% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 14% higher in Madison than in Indianapolis, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 67% higher in Madison than in Indianapolis.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 6% higher in Madison than in Indianapolis, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Madison. The cost of living for a single person is 18% less compared to Indianapolis.
- Relocating to Madison could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 18% lower than in Indianapolis.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 41% lower than Indianapolis, Madison boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 21% lower in Madison than Indianapolis, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 143% higher in Wisconsin than in Indiana. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Indianapolis and Madison, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Indianapolis | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $231.67 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.58 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.33 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.00 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $35.50 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Indianapolis than in Madison.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Indianapolis than in Madison.
- Eggs are less expensive in Indianapolis than in Madison.
- Bread costs less in Indianapolis than in Madison.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Indianapolis than in Madison.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Indianapolis than in Madison.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Indianapolis than in Madison.
How life is different in Indianapolis vs. Madison
| Indianapolis | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 887,642 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 66 |
| Crime index | 60.71 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 39.29 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Madison’s population is about 70% less than Indianapolis.
- Madison’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Indianapolis’s score of 5.
- Madison is more walkable than Indianapolis with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Indianapolis’s 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Indianapolis, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Madison’s crime rate is lower than Indianapolis with a score of 34.57 compared to Indianapolis’s 60.71. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Indianapolis with a safety index of 65.43 vs Indianapolis’s 39.29.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Indianapolis it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Indianapolis to Madison move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Wisconsin moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Wisconsin, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Madison without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. For a secure move in Wisconsin, explore movers’ insurance options to safeguard your belongings. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection with discussions on Full Value Protection or explore customized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wisconsin state moving insurance. Ensure a smooth and protected relocation experience with the right insurance coverage.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Madison
Ready to relocate to Mad City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Madison.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Madison
- Shorewood Hills
- Middleton
- Fitchburg
- Maple Bluff
- Monona
- Columbus
- Sun Prairie
- Lake Mills
- Verona
Best neighborhoods for families
- Dudgeon-Monroe
- Hill Farms-University
- Maple-Prairie
- Westmorland
- Wexford
Things to do in Madison
Now that you’ve made the move to Wisconsin, it’s the perfect time to explore Madison. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Madison include museums and art centers like the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children’s Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and Wisconsin Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)Madison Mallards (Baseball)Madison Radicals (AUDL)Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League)Forward Madison (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Indianapolis to Madison?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Indianapolis to Madison. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Indianapolis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Indianapolis to Madison?
With many people choosing to move from Indianapolis to Madison in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Indianapolis to Madison take?
Covering 333 miles, the move from Indianapolis, IN to Madison, typically takes one to four days. Some Indianapolis movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Madison can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Indianapolis offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts. 3 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Indianapolis can handle specialty items for my move to Madison?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Indianapolis, 18 movers can handle pianos. 10 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of IN, there are 43 piano movers and 21 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
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