The Best Long-Distance Movers in Madison, WI
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The best long-distance mover in Madison is Above Average Moving LLC (4.52/5) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for moves out of Wisconsin, per moveBuddha's analysis of 39 Wisconsin movers.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Madison?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for Madison residents moving out of Wisconsin are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), Mayzlin Relocation (4.8/5), and North American Van Lines (4.8/5). National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry interstate FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Madison for in-state moves?
Above Average Moving LLC (4.52/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Madison-based mover for long-distance moves within Wisconsin, followed by The Armstrong Company (4.48/5) and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.36/5). Of the 5 intrastate-capable movers serving Madison, 5 offer full packing services, which can meaningfully reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move. Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Madison are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Madison but stay within Wisconsin:
- Above Average Moving LLC: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Above Average Moving LLC has been in business for 10 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Above Average Moving LLC has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 226 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Above Average Moving LLC.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Above Average Moving LLC emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Above Average Moving is an excellent moving company and provides top-notch service. The prices are affordable and much better than competitors, and the movers (Terry and Torri for us) are hard working, kind, efficient, and enjoyable. Highly recommend!"
"Terry and his staff were very professional and easy to work with. The move went really smooth and quick. They were careful with every box and piece of furniture... Very reasonable with cost as well."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Good communication
Efficient service
Helpful movers
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. The Armstrong Company has been in business for 40 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. The Armstrong Company has about 77% positive reviews across roughly 57 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.0.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from The Armstrong Company.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. The Armstrong Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
I’ve used Armstrong several times to move and store my son’s belongings. They are always responsive, professional, on time, and have courteous employees. Prices are much more reasonable. Highly recommend them!
Armstrong Relocation Company was great. They quoted the move in a timely manner and their estimate was accurate. The guys were super friendly, polite, efficient, and careful with our belongings.
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Good communication
Quick moving process
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for 32 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 78% positive reviews across roughly 286 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.5.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"My furniture was moved efficiently and with lots of care. Would highly recommend!"
"Mike and his crew did an awesome job for our local move...Moving is never fun. But we got it done on time and on budget with this crew."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Friendly and approachable staff
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Top Notch Moving and Storage has been in business for 7 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Top Notch Moving and Storage has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 234 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.3.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Top Notch Moving and Storage.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Top Notch Moving and Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Fabulous experience with these movers. Cost was far less than other companies. Great communication, on-time arrival, totally professional. Not one item broken or damaged. The three employees I dealt with were so friendly and positive."
"Xavier and John did an excellent job of moving my stuff. They were quick and efficient; they handled all my stuff with care; and they made the process of moving as painless as possible!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Careful handling
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.4
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and estate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has about 89% positive reviews across roughly 248 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.1.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"I had junk, they were there in 15 min and moved it no problem. I have used them before and will again. They get the job done quickly, like same day Sunday quickly."
"Very polite and friendly gentlemen. Willing to help in numerous ways, loaded the garbage, moved a treadmill, took old mattresses, etc. They worked hard to prioritize items for removal and make the best use of available space in the truck. FAST!"
What add-on services do Madison movers offer?
Not every mover in Madison offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 5 Madison movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 20.0% of Madison movers, compared to 33.33% statewide and 45.83% nationally.
- Junk removal: offered by 80.0% of Madison movers, compared to 56.41% statewide and 36.39% nationally.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 20.0% of Madison movers, compared to 23.08% statewide and 23.87% nationally.
- Storage: offered by 100.0% of Madison movers, compared to 71.79% statewide and 84.85% nationally.
- Piano moving: offered by 60.0% of Madison movers, compared to 64.1% statewide and 72.52% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for Madison's cost of living.
Does Madison have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 1 of 5 Madison movers (20.0%), compared to 33.33% statewide and 45.83% nationally. The Armstrong Company (4.48/5) and Straightline Moving, Inc. (4.48/5) rate highest for art handling in Madison. Per-piece handling runs $52 to $515, with custom crates adding $155 to $206 per item.
| Art handling in Madison | Details |
|---|---|
| Madison movers offering this | 1 of 5 (20.0%) |
| Wisconsin statewide | 13 of 39 (33.33%) |
| National average | 45.83% |
| Top-rated Madison art movers | The Armstrong Company, Straightline Moving, Inc. |
| Per-piece handling fee | $52 to $515 |
| Custom crating per item | $155 to $206 |
Framed artwork and sculpture face 3 distinct risks in transit: UV exposure, humidity fluctuation, and impact fractures. Standard moving blankets mitigate only the third and only partially. Art movers use archival materials and custom crates sized to each piece to address all 3. Direct experience with the specific media, whether oil on canvas, bronze, or photography, matters more than general fine art credentials.
Does Madison have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 4 of 5 Madison movers (80.0%), compared to 56.41% statewide and 36.39% nationally. Above Average Moving LLC (4.52/5) and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.36/5) rate highest for junk removal in Madison. Standalone junk removal typically runs $155 to $515 per load.
| Junk removal in Madison | Details |
|---|---|
| Madison movers offering this | 4 of 5 (80.0%) |
| Wisconsin statewide | 22 of 39 (56.41%) |
| National average | 36.39% |
| Top-rated Madison junk removal movers | Above Average Moving LLC, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK |
| Typical cost per load | $155 to $515 |
| Single large item | $77 to $155 |
Junk removal is most cost-effective when bundled with a move, since the crew is already on-site and items removed from the shipment lower the final billable weight. For electronics and appliances, confirm the mover follows local disposal regulations before booking, since fines for improper disposal can exceed the cost of the service itself.
Does Madison have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 1 of 5 Madison movers (20.0%), compared to 23.08% statewide and 23.87% nationally. The Armstrong Company (4.48/5) and O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. (4.38/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in Madison. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.
| Fragile-only packing in Madison | Details |
|---|---|
| Madison movers offering this | 1 of 5 (20.0%) |
| Wisconsin statewide | 9 of 39 (23.08%) |
| National average | 23.87% |
| Top-rated Madison providers | The Armstrong Company, O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps are the items most frequently damaged in transit and the ones that benefit most from professional packing materials and technique. Fragile-only packing covers those categories specifically, without the cost of a full-service contract. Before booking, confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items, since some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack.
Does Madison have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 5 of 5 Madison movers (100.0%), compared to 71.79% statewide and 84.85% nationally. Above Average Moving LLC (4.52/5) and The Armstrong Company (4.48/5) rate highest for storage in Madison. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $265/month.
| Storage in Madison | Details |
|---|---|
| Madison movers offering this | 5 of 5 (100.0%) |
| Wisconsin statewide | 28 of 39 (71.79%) |
| National average | 84.85% |
| Top-rated Madison storage movers | Above Average Moving LLC, The Armstrong Company |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $265 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $515 |
Storage-in-transit is billed at roughly $0.50 per cubic foot per month. A 1-bedroom load at approximately 514 cubic feet runs about $265 per month. Confirm whether the mover bills from delivery to their warehouse or from the original pickup date, since the two methods produce different totals for the same storage window.
Does Madison have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
No Madison movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer hot tub relocation. Statewide, 6 of 39 Wisconsin movers offer this service (15.38%), compared to 21.93% nationally. EC Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.52/5) is the top-rated Wisconsin mover for hot tub relocation in moveBuddha's dataset and is an option for Madison residents needing this service. Hot tub moves typically run $155 to $412 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in Madison | Details |
|---|---|
| Madison movers offering this | 0 of 5 — no Madison providers currently listed |
| Wisconsin statewide | 6 of 39 (15.38%) |
| National average | 21.93% |
| Top-rated Wisconsin statewide provider | EC Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.52/5) |
| Bundled with full-service move | $155 to $412 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $309 to $824 |
A standard hot tub weighs 500 to 1,000 lbs when empty and must be fully drained before pickup. Moving one requires a flatbed or specialized dolly, a crew of at least 3, and often a crane or lift gate if the unit is in a backyard with no direct truck access. Bundling hot tub service into a full-service move costs less than a standalone specialty carrier in most cases.
Does Madison have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 3 of 5 Madison movers (60.0%), compared to 64.1% statewide and 72.52% nationally. Above Average Moving LLC (4.52/5) and The Armstrong Company (4.48/5) rate highest for piano moving in Madison. A standalone piano move typically costs $824 to $3,605, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Madison | Details |
|---|---|
| Madison movers offering this | 3 of 5 (60.0%) |
| Wisconsin statewide | 25 of 39 (64.1%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated Madison piano movers | Above Average Moving LLC, The Armstrong Company |
| Upright piano | $824 to $1,545 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,236 to $2,575 |
| Grand piano | $1,854 to $3,605 |
Piano moving is a distinct skill set. Uprights run 400 to 800 lbs and grands exceed 1,200 lbs, and both require piano boards, straps, and padded blankets that standard crews do not carry. Structural damage to a soundboard or cabinet is not covered under released-value protection at $0.60 per pound, making full valuation coverage worth requesting specifically for the instrument. Bundling piano moving into a full-service household move is typically the most cost-effective approach.
Who are the best movers in Madison for small long-distance moves?
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving leads Madison's small-move providers with a 4.16/5 moveBuddha score. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Madison?
Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), U-Pack (5.0/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Madison. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Madison residents who can handle their own loading and unloading. Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What are the best labor-only movers in Madison?
2 of 5 Madison movers (40.0%) offer labor-only services, compared to 48.72% statewide and 54.55% nationally. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.36/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Madison, followed by College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.16/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Madison residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Madison moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Madison. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Madison?
Moving costs across Wisconsin range from $620 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $170/hour) to $4,180 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Wisconsin mover quotes. The table below shows Wisconsin statewide averages by home size. Your actual cost in Madison will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move. For a full cost breakdown specific to Madison, see our guide on moving costs in Madison.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from Wisconsin* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $620 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $790 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,164 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,448 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,781 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $4,180 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Wisconsin. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Wisconsin statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Madison?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Madison move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Madison, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
FAQs about the best long-distance movers in Madison
What should I know about mover licensing before leaving Madison?
Interstate movers in Madison are required to hold a USDOT number and maintain active FMCSA registration before hauling goods across state lines. Of the 5 movers moveBuddha tracks in Madison, 3 carry that federal authorization. All companies recommended on this page are fully licensed. Verify any mover's credentials in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database before signing a contract.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move outlines the consumer protections and mover obligations that govern every interstate shipment.
Should I use a local company or a national company when moving out of Madison?
For moves within Wisconsin, a local moving company in Madison is the more budget-friendly option. moveBuddha has reviewed 5 movers in Madison, with 3 licensed for interstate routes. The standout options are highlighted on this page.
If the destination is outside Wisconsin, national movers cost more but bring proven cross-state logistics, an advantage that matters most when route complexity and distance are both high.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Madison?
Late fall and early winter are the lowest-demand months for movers in Madison. With average winter lows around 10°F, fewer residents choose to move, mover capacity is higher, and quote flexibility increases. That is the best window to negotiate your rate. Booking in November or December typically means shorter lead times and more pricing flexibility than peak-season summer moves.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Madison?
For most people leaving the Mad City, a DIY approach is the most cost-effective option, particularly for moves within 50 miles. moveBuddha's data shows that rental trucks and moving containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service movers on comparable routes. The go-to choices are a rental truck like U-Haul or a moving container such as PODS. See our full breakdown in the guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.
