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Average cost of local movers in Madison, WI

Hiring a full-service Madison mover is definitely the most convenient option, but that convenience comes at a cost — professional movers tend to be more expensive than other moving options. If you want movers to do all the heavy lifting for you and you can afford it, hire a full-service moving company for your Madison move.

Here's how much professional movers cost in Madison based on your move size:

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $501 $119 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $620 $119 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedroom $883 $167 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedroom $1,780 $233 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedroom $2,013 $233 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedroom $2,998 $327 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost details

  • Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Madison to move a studio apartment is $119 per hour for three hours using a two-person moving crew.
  • One bedroom: Moving a one-bedroom Madison apartment or home will typically take four hours, at an hourly rate of $119, and require two movers.
  • Two bedrooms: It will cost $167 an hour, on average, to hire a three-person crew in Madison to move a two-bedroom home. Two-bedroom moves usually take about five hours.
  • Three bedrooms: Local Madison movers charge an average hourly rate of $233 for a three-bedroom home. A move of this size will usually take eight hours to complete using four movers.
  • Four bedrooms: For a four-bedroom house in Madison, you can expect to pay $233 per hour for nine hours. You'll likely need a four-person moving crew.
  • Five or more bedrooms: If your Madison home is a five-bedroom or larger, you will pay $327 an hour, on average, for five movers. Moves this size usually take about ten hours to complete.

It's worth noting that the cost per hour for Madison movers remains the same for all home sizes, ranging from $119 per hour for two movers to $327 per hour for five movers. As the size of your home increases, the number of movers and hours required for the move also increases, resulting in a higher total cost.

Overall, hiring local Madison movers is a convenient and stress-free way to move within the city. By knowing the approximate cost for your home size, you can budget accordingly and make informed decisions for your upcoming move.

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Madison move using our free and instant moving cost calculator.

Best local moving companies in Madison, WI

Our expert team has thoroughly analyzed licensing, insurance options, online reviews, and hundreds of other data points to identify the top local moving companies in Madison.

  1. Above Average Moving LLC: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  2. Armstrong relocation: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  3. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  4. Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
  5. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.34 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/aboveaveragemoving, https://x.com/aa_moving?lang=en
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (38%)
  • Professional and polite staff (35%)
  • Good communication (32%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (29%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (25%)
  • Lack of communication (22%)
Review Analysis
Above Average Moving LLC lives up to its name by consistently delivering efficient and professional moving experiences. Out of 226 customer reviews, an impressive 92% praised the company, citing hardworking, careful staff, smooth and fast service, and lower pricing compared to other movers. Customers repeatedly mention the team's attention to detail and courteous attitudes. Moves frequently finish ahead of schedule, and all types of belongings—furniture, pianos, fragile items—arrive safely. On the less favorable side, a small portion of feedback noted incidents of item damage, inaccurate estimates, and slow or absent communication, especially with follow-up or during delays. Compared to typical moving companies, Above Average stands out for its friendly service and cost-effectiveness, though improving estimate accuracy and communication could strengthen their reputation further. The majority of feedback confirms a reliable, customer-focused approach that makes moving easier and less stressful for most clients.
Get a Quote (608) 556-7980

Company Info

State license #: 26753

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 2595339

Alternate Names: Above Average Moving LLC


Above Average Moving LLC, a reputable local moving company based in Madison, WI, has been providing top-notch residential moving services since 2017. With high average ratings on Yelp (4.4) and Google My Business (4.8), alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, clients consistently praise their reliability and professionalism. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and office moving, and they stand out by not requiring a deposit and accepting credit cards. If you're looking for a trusted and efficient mover in Madison, Above Average Moving LLC is a dependable choice.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/GoArmstrongMadison/,
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (32%)
  • Careful handling (30%)
  • Good communication (30%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (32%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (30%)
  • Lack of communication (30%)
Review Analysis
Armstrong Relocation stands out for its responsive, professional, and courteous staff. Customers frequently praise their careful handling of belongings, clear communication, and efficient moving process. Many mention friendly movers who are eager to help, making the experience less stressful than other moving services. Feedback often notes accurate estimates and competitive pricing, outshining many industry competitors. Negative feedback focuses on item damage during moves, dissatisfaction with claims resolutions, and occasional unprofessional interactions or lowballed estimates. Among 57 reviews analyzed, 77% are positive, with most input stressing reliability and care, while negative experiences center around damage and communication. Compared to other movers, Armstrong earns strong marks for customer service and careful handling, but could improve on damage prevention and clarity in estimates.
Get a Quote (608) 838-5940

Company Info

Years in Business: 39

DOT #: 1170867

Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc., Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services, The Armstrong Company


Armstrong Relocation, serving Madison, WI, has been a trusted local residential moving company since 1987. While other nearby movers may also offer long-distance and office moving services, Armstrong distinguishes itself with specialized services like packing, unpacking, and handling fragile items such as pianos, art, and antiques. Renowned for their reliability, they boast a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and strong consumer reviews, with a 4.2 average rating on Google. Although their Yelp reviews are more mixed, Armstrong remains a solid choice for those seeking expert local moving services with the added convenience of no required deposit and credit card acceptance.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/TMJTMadison, https://x.com/2menandatruckwi?lang=en
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (32%)
  • Efficient service (29%)
  • Careful handling (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (28%)
  • Unexpected charges (25%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
Review Analysis
Smooth moves and professional crews are frequent themes found in the 286 feedback entries for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. Nearly 80% of input praises their efficient service, skilled and polite movers, careful handling of belongings, responsive communication, and fast-moving teams. Many note seamless scheduling, prompt arrivals, and property treated with respect. While most find the staff courteous and the process smooth, over one-fifth raise concerns, especially about damage to items, inaccurate estimates, and unexpected charges. Some reported broken furniture, billing surprises, or unresolved claims, with a few experiencing high costs or responses slower than agreed. Compared to many moving companies, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK receives above-average marks for professionalism and care, but feedback underscores the importance of vigilant inventory tracking and clear, accurate quoting before booking.
Get a Quote (608) 340-1557

Company Info

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 2527384

Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.


Two Men and a Truck has been providing local residential moving services in and around Madison, WI since 1994, establishing a solid reputation for reliability. Unlike some nearby competitors, they offer a comprehensive suite of services including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, catering to diverse moving needs. They accept credit cards and require no deposit, ensuring a hassle-free payment experience. Consumer reviews vary, with an impressive 4.6 average rating on Google My Business from 553 reviews and a stellar A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, although Yelp reviews are more mixed.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/TopNotchMovers/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (36%)
  • Professional and polite staff (32%)
  • Good communication (29%)
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges (27%)
  • Damage to items (24%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (21%)
Review Analysis
Top Notch Moving and Storage earns its name with the overwhelming majority of customer feedback citing efficient service, professional and polite staff, and careful handling. Nearly 95% of 234 total reviews express strong satisfaction, highlighting friendly movers and consistent communication. Customers regularly note prompt arrivals, care for personal belongings, and an easy, stress-free process. Several customers mention moving delicate items and heavy furniture with no damage, even in challenging conditions. Friendly and approachable staff and good communication further set this company apart from competitors. A very small percentage of reviews report upset over property damage, higher-than-expected charges, or unprofessional interactions, especially during complex moves. Some customers experienced additional fees not clearly outlined or insufficient handling of claims when things went wrong. Only one neutral review described mixed staff performance during illness. Compared to typical moving companies, Top Notch stands out for service consistency and upbeat, helpful crews. Most clients enthusiastically recommend the company, with return customers making up a notable portion of input. The strong focus on efficiency, careful handling, and people skills makes Top Notch Moving and Storage a reliable choice for local and long-distance moves.
Get a Quote (608) 590-3710

Company Info

Years in Business: 5

DOT #: 3322160

Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC


Top Notch Moving and Storage, established in 2020, specializes in local residential moving services in and around Madison, WI. With excellent customer feedback on Google My Business and a high BBB rating, they stand out among the competition for their reliable and professional service. The company also offers packing, unpacking, and crating services, making it a one-stop solution for all moving needs. While their Yelp reviews are mixed, the overwhelmingly positive Google reviews suggest a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/CollegeHunksMcFarland/, https://twitter.com/CollegeHunks
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Efficient service (28%)
  • Good communication (24%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (40%)
  • Lack of communication (29%)
  • Unexpected charges (25%)
Review Analysis
Smooth moves and fast service set College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving apart from most competitors in the industry. Out of 248 feedback submissions, 89% praised efficient work, quick process, and professional, polite crews who communicate clearly and handle belongings with care. Customers frequently mention the stress-free, friendly experience, and many highlight the company’s promptness and attention to details others sometimes overlook. On the other hand, negative feedback makes up around 11% of input. The main complaints concern damage to belongings, late or missing arrival, and unexpected charges—especially for those comparing pricing or needing timely, careful moves. College Hunks earns high marks for execution and customer experience but should improve consistency on careful handling and accurate billing to match the leading industry performers.
Get a Quote (336) 810-1801

Company Info

DOT #: 2378173


College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving stands out as a reputable local moving company in and around Madison, WI, offering a range of services from residential moves to office relocations, packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. Unlike some nearby competitors, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making the process more convenient for their customers. With an impressive average rating of 4.9 from 493 Google reviews and 4.6 from 13 Yelp reviews, they clearly have a strong track record of customer satisfaction. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving is a reliable choice for anyone in need of local moving services.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

Visit our best movers in Madison page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews. And if you're moving outside of Madison, consider one of Madison's top long-distance movers.

Moving costs in other nearby Wisconsin cities

Average cost to hire interstate movers in Madison, WI

Since the cost of moving out of Madison depends so much on where you're moving, we've included some example costs below to give you a better idea of pricing. For more detailed guides on your specific destination, find your moving route to Madison or use our moving cost calculator to get quotes from the top interstate movers.

Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Madison

The cost to move a studio apartment or one-bedroom home out of state from Madison depends on the moving method you choose, how much stuff you have, and how far you're moving.

Take a look at some example costs to move a one-bedroom cross-country:

Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of state from Madison

As with any move, the cost to relocate a two- or three-bedroom from Madison can vary widely based on move size, distance, and time of year.

Here is a look at some two- and three-bedroom move costs out of Madison:

Cost to move a four-bedroom (or larger) home out of state from Madison

The cost to move a four-bedroom or larger home out of Wisconsin will be significantly higher than for one- or two-bedroom houses, since a bigger house typically means more items. Movers calculate long-distance moves, in part, based on the total estimated volume and weight of your household belongings.

While moving costs can vary, take a look at these cost ranges for moving four or more bedrooms out of Madison:

Best interstate moving companies in Madison, WI

Now that you have an idea of what your move from Madison should cost, it's time to start looking at the best interstate moving companies. We vetted each one, examining their pricing, services, and our own real-life customer reviews to pick the best options for you.

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 825-0554
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 825-0554
Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
(866) 935-3437
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

Average cost of moving containers in Madison, WI

The cost of moving containers, such as PODS, will cost $220–$7,448, on average, in Madison. The exact PODS cost you'll pay will depend on whether you use an eight-, 12-, or 16-foot container (note: 12-foot containers are only available for local moves). The distance of your move will also greatly impact cost.

A local Madison move within 50 miles of your home will run between $220 and $813, while long-distance moves (100-250 miles) will typically cost $250–$2,107. Container pricing on cross-country moves from Madison can cost an average range of $2,068–$7,448.

Here's a breakdown of related PODS costs:

  • Storage fee: $149–$359 (first 30 days is free)
  • Damage coverage: 10–$439.95 per month, depending on the protection plan. Coverage ranges from container-only (no contents protection) to $300,000. All plans have a deductible of $100.
  • Door lock (if necessary): $25 (if purchased through PODS; you can also purchase from home improvement stores or online retailers)

If you're looking for the cost-savings of a DIY move and the convenience of full-service movers, moving containers like PODS are a great option. You'll handle loading and unloading, but they will drop off your empty container at your current home, pick it up once it's loaded, and deliver it to your new location. This means you won't have to worry about driving.

PODS is our overall top pick for moving containers in Madison based on their stellar reputation, nationwide availability, and multiple container sizes and insurance plans. But you should take a look at least two other highly rated moving container companies on our list to see which one offers the right combination of services and pricing for your move.

Best moving containers in Madison, WI

The best Madison moving container companies provide multiple container sizes, pricing transparency and deals, and secure, state-of-the-art facilities for longer-term storage needs. They should also have a solid reputation for quality customer service and efficient drop-off and pickup of containers.

Check out these highly rated moving containers:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

Average cost to rent a moving truck in Madison, WI

You'll definitely have to break a sweat, but moving truck rentals in Madison will be much easier on your wallet than full-service movers. The average cost to rent a moving truck in Madison ranges from $19-$39 per day.

While cheaper than full-service moving companies, you'll have to do all the heavy lifting yourself — from boxing up your belongings to loading them on the truck, hauling them to your new spot, and unloading everything there.

Here are the typical costs of Madison rental trucks:

  • Base cost: $19–$39 per day
  • Mileage fee: $0.89–$0.99 per mile
  • Fuel cost: Depends on driving distance
  • Truck coverage: $20–$55 based on coverage level
  • Equipment costs (optional): Dolly, straps, blankets

The total cost to rent a truck from companies like Budget or U-Haul will depend on:

  • How far you drive the truck
  • How long you have the truck rental
  • Additional insurance
  • Parking
  • Toll fees
  • Fuel
  • Accommodations and dining
  • Moving equipment rentals

Best moving truck rentals in Madison, WI

The best moving truck rentals in Madison provide affordable rates with no hidden fees, a variety of truck sizes, and plenty of physical locations across the U.S. for convenient rental returns.

These top moving truck rentals certainly fit the bill:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Madison, WI

The average cost of labor-only moving companies in Madison is an hourly rate of $43 for each crew member. Most moves — even small one-bedroom apartments — require a crew of two movers, so plan on about $85.0 per hour to hire labor assistance in Madison.

Best labor-only moving companies in Madison

The best Madison labor-only movers have a reputation for professional and efficient service, but also provide reasonable hourly rates and a variety of optional services like packing that you can pick and choose from to create a customized plan suited to your specific needs.

We like these top-notch labor-only movers:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

Factors that affect the cost of movers in Madison, WI

The biggest factor that affects the cost of movers in Madison, WI, is distance, but there are several other price considerations to keep in mind, including:

  • The size of your move: The more belongings you have, the more your move will cost. Moving a four-bedroom home will typically be more expensive than moving a studio apartment.
  • When you move: You'll usually pay more to move during peak season (May–September) because demand is higher. Similarly, the time of month and day of the week you book your move will impact cost. Demand will be higher the first and last of each month, when leases change over, and on Fridays and Saturdays, the most popular moving days. To save money on your move, consider booking during the week and in the middle of one of the off-season months, if possible.
  • The type of move: Professional movers are the most convenient option, but they will cost you more than going with a DIY option like moving container companies or moving truck rentals.
  • Any add-on services you select: Even if you go with a DIY move, you may want to hire third-party movers to assist you with loading and unloading. And professional movers offer a variety of optional services like packing and unpacking to help customize and streamline your relocation. But these additional services will come at an extra cost.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Have important documentation. Places like high rises and managed apartments will often require a copy of your mover's insurance and elevator reservation on moving day.
  • Get approval. Check ahead with any neighborhood, community, or HOA rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Secure a parking permit (if needed). The Residential Parking Permit allows residents to park in excess of the posted one- or two-hour time limits on designated streets in their area between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, or in locations designated for resident parking only between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. This provides residents the opportunity for the limited storing of vehicles on public streets to the partial exclusion of commuter vehicles. A Residential Parking Permit does not guarantee a parking place. It allows the right to park if space is available. It is recommended to apply online.
  • Check state licensing laws. 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.
  • Invest in moving 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.

Work with your movers to ensure all these items are taken care of before moving day.

What is the cheapest way to move to Madison?

If you want to save money, you can hire a container company, where you do the packing and loading, and they transport your belongings in Madison for you, or you can rent a moving truck and handle it all on your own.

Here are the average moving costs from Madison to another state with different types of movers:

Destination Professional Movers Containers Rental Trucks
Indianapolis $2,086 - $5,743 $1,356 - $2,454 $436 - $808
Louisville $2,226 - $6,223 $1,339 - $2,628 $464 - $981
Jackson $2,773 - $6,739 $1,614 - $3,318 $747 - $1,566

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