($693+) Hartford, CT to Madison, WI Movers

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Moving from Hartford, CT, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $693 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,506 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,045 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,002, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,506 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,193 - $4,031, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $693 - $1,960.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Hartford, CT, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,433 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Hartford, CT to Madison, WI

Moving options from Hartford to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,433 - $5,823 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,045-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,045-mile route from Hartford to Madison, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,002 - $4,502 $1,193 - $2,223 $693 - $1,395 $1,097 - $1,960
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,433 - $5,823 $1,584 - $3,061 $802 - $1,611 $1,229 - $2,600
4+ bedrooms $4,008 - $7,506 $2,244 - $4,031 $968 - $1,960 $1,778 - $3,291

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Hartford, CT to Madison, WI

Hiring full-service movers from Hartford, Connecticut, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $2,002 and $7,506. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,045-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $313 - $2,084, 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 Hartford and Madison. For a rough baseline, movers based in Hartford tend to start around $300 plus $180/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 Hartford to Madison:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,002 - $4,502
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,433 - $5,823
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,008 - $7,506

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 Hartford to Madison.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Connecticut to Wisconsin. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.

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Specialty moving services from Hartford, CT to Madison, WI

Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Hartford movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Madison, 100% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$521 - $5,210
Storage in transitNew place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$208 - $1,250/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$313 - $2,501
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage26% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers$1,042 - $3,126
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,605 - $10,420
Car shippingSecond vehicle$780 - $1,483
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items47% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$1,042 - $2,605
PianoAny piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$834 - $3,647
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling15% of local movers$313 - $1,563
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Fallon Moving & Storage$677 - $2,084
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$313 - $15,630+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$313 - $3,647+

What are the best full-service movers from Hartford to Madison?

Wisconsin Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Wisconsin, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with 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 Hartford, CT. 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 Hartford, CT to Madison, WI

Moving containers from Hartford, Connecticut, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,193 and $4,031. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Hartford runs about $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Hartford to Madison:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,193 - $2,223
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,584 - $3,061
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,244 - $4,031

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $78 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $156 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
  • Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $729 in Hartford, CT, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
  • Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Madison, WI, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Connecticut 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 $1,193. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,584 - $3,061, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Hartford to Madison?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Hartford 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 Hartford:

  • College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 0 years in business
  • RT Relocation (4.8/5), 15 years in business
  • Fallon Moving & Storage (4.1/5), 33 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Hartford, CT to Madison, WI

Renting a moving truck for the 1,045-mile move from Hartford, Connecticut, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $693 and $1,960, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $346 - $396
  • Daily insurance: $31/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
  • Hartford daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.89
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Hartford to Madison based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $693 - $1,395
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $802 - $1,611
  • 4+ bedrooms: $968 - $1,960

Pro tip: The base rate of $693 - $1,960 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Hartford to Madison. Fuel ($346 - $396) , lodging at around $156/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $346 - $396 for the 1,045-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 Hartford, Connecticut, for about 5 hours typically costs around $729.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 1,045-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $156 per night, adding $313 - $469 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $52 and $313.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Hartford to Madison?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Hartford, CT to Madison, WI

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Hartford, Connecticut, to Madison, Wisconsin, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,229 and $2,600.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Hartford to Madison:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,097 - $1,960
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,229 - $2,600
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,778 - $3,291

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?

  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Hartford, Connecticut, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $729.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $78 - $156 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 Hartford to Madison?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
  3. North Atlantic Trucking, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): North Atlantic Trucking, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Hartford to Madison. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.

Cost of living: Hartford, CT vs Madison, WI

Good news for your budget: Madison isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Hartford. Cost of living index runs 103 there against 105 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 67/100 and 36.25/100 here versus 50/100 and 65.43/100 there.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Madison, WI to Hartford, CT guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Connecticut to Wisconsin, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 55 movers licensed in Connecticut, useful context for sizing up this 1,045-mile move.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Hartford, CT, to Madison, WI, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,002 - $7,506 on the 1,045-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,193 - $4,031 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $693 - $1,960 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,433 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.

FAQs: Moving from Hartford, CT, to Madison, WI

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($346 - $396), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $156/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

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 is the best time of year to move from Hartford, CT to Madison, WI?

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 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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

Is Madison a safe place to live?

Madison has a safety index of 65.43 out of 100 and a crime index of 34.57, compared to 36.25 and 63.75 in Hartford. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What percentage of Hartford movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 71% of movers in Hartford handle piano moves, and 47% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.