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Top local movers for Indianapolis to Milwaukee moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Indianapolis that also provides long-distance services to Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee.
- 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 Milwaukee?
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 | $842 – $2,944 | $575 – $1,456 | $303 – $569 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,546 – $4,198 | $1,107 – $2,018 | $316 – $654 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,074 – $5,730 | $1,461 – $2,709 | $398 – $765 |
Cost to hire movers from Indianapolis to Milwaukee
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Indianapolis to Milwaukee typically costs between $842 and $2,944. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,546 and $4,198 when moving from Indianapolis to Milwaukee. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Indianapolis to Milwaukee, you’re looking at costs ranging from $2,074 up to $5,730.
Cost of moving containers from Indianapolis to Milwaukee
If you’re relocating from Indianapolis to Milwaukee, you’ll typically spend between $575 and $1,456 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,107 up to $2,018. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,461 and $2,709. 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 Milwaukee
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Indianapolis to Milwaukee 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 $303 and $569. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $316 to $654. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $398 and $765.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Indianapolis to Milwaukee
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 Milwaukee might be as low as $1,107, while a four-bedroom could reach $4,936.
- 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 $303 to $727 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Indianapolis to Milwaukee
Many movers find Milwaukee easier on the wallet than Indianapolis – roughly 28% less for singles and 26% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,022 for one person in Milwaukee versus $2,804 in Indianapolis. For a family of four, it’s $4,963 compared with $6,667.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Indianapolis | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,688 | $1,612 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,708 | $2,880 |
| Average home value | $220,467 | $200,685 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,110 | $49,733 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,804 | $2,022 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,667 | $4,963 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 7.4% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 4.9% |
| State income tax | 3.15% | 7.65% |
- Good news! When moving to Milwaukee from Indianapolis, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 11% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 9% cheaper in Milwaukee, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 16% lower in Milwaukee than in Indianapolis.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Milwaukee. The cost of living for a single person is 28% less compared to Indianapolis.
- Relocating to Milwaukee could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 26% lower than in Indianapolis.
- The unemployment rate in Milwaukee exceeds that of Indianapolis by about 32%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes are 30% lower in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Indianapolis | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $231.67 | $167.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.58 | $43.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.33 | $4.23 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.00 | $3.40 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $35.50 | $53.38 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Indianapolis than in Milwaukee.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Indianapolis than in Milwaukee.
- Eggs are less expensive in Indianapolis than in Milwaukee.
- Bread costs less in Indianapolis than in Milwaukee.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Indianapolis than in Milwaukee.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Indianapolis than in Milwaukee.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Indianapolis than in Milwaukee.
How life is different in Indianapolis vs. Milwaukee
| Indianapolis | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 887,642 | 577,222 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 58 |
| Crime index | 60.71 | 66.76 |
| Safety index | 39.29 | 33.24 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Milwaukee’s population is about 35% less than Indianapolis.
- Milwaukee’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Indianapolis’s score of 5.
- Milwaukee is more walkable than Indianapolis with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Indianapolis’s 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 58 out of 100, Milwaukee 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.
- Milwaukee’s crime rate is higher than Indianapolis with a score of 66.76 compared to Indianapolis’s 60.71. This means that Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71%.
- Milwaukee is considered to be less safe than Indianapolis with a score of 33.24 vs Indianapolis’s 39.29.
- Air quality in Milwaukee is Good, and in Indianapolis it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Indianapolis to Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee
Ready to relocate to Cream City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Milwaukee.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Bay View
- Brewer’s Hill
- Historic Third Ward
- Lower East Side
- Riverwest
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bay View
- Historic Third Ward
- Juneau Town
- Lower East Side
- Northpoint
Things to do in Milwaukee
Now that you’ve made the move to Wisconsin, it’s the perfect time to explore Milwaukee. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Milwaukee include museums and art centers like the Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum, and Discovery World.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Henry Maier Festival Park, Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (The Domes), Veteran’s Park, and Lake Park, 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 Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)Milwaukee Brewers (MLB)Marquette Golden Eagles (NCAA)Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Indianapolis to Milwaukee?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Indianapolis to Milwaukee. 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 Milwaukee?
With many people choosing to move from Indianapolis to Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee take?
Covering 279 miles, the move from Indianapolis, IN to Milwaukee, typically takes one to four days. Some Indianapolis movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee?
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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