Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
Local moving companies in Michigan
Moving from Michigan to Madison, WI calls for the support of experienced and reliable movers who can handle relocations with ease.
Out of 57 Michigan movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Madison, WI.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Powell Relocation Group: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Handle With Care Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: JCAL Holdings, LLC
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Madison Heights, MI. Known for their excellent customer service, they boast an impressive average rating of 4.3 on Yelp from 74 reviews and an even higher 4.9 average rating on Google from 866 reviews, making them one of the top-rated moving companies in the area. Unlike some competitors, they also provide office moving, packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, all without requiring a deposit. For those prioritizing convenience and reliability, this company stands out in the local market.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 29737
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: KoHo, LLC
Two Men and a Truck has been a staple in the Kalamazoo, MI local moving scene since 2003, offering reliable residential moving services. Unlike some nearby companies, they boast an impressive portfolio with 621 reviews on Google averaging a stellar 4.9, demonstrating high customer satisfaction. Their comprehensive services include packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, and they don’t require a deposit, making the process hassle-free. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and generally favorable consumer reviews, Two Men and a Truck stand out as a reputable choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 261884
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 261884
Alternate Names: Powell Moving & Storage, Inc.
Powell Relocation Group, serving the Grand Rapids, MI area since 1963, stands out as a reputable local moving company. With an impressive array of services, including packing, crating, and moving valuable items like pianos and antiques, they cater to diverse moving needs. Customers consistently praise Powell Relocation Group, as evidenced by their 5.0 average rating on Yelp and a strong 4.7 on Google, coupled with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Unlike many competitors, they also offer full valuation insurance coverage and accept credit cards, making them a reliable and customer-focused choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 624288
Alternate Names: Whitestar Movers, Inc.
White Star Movers, Inc., a trusted name in Sterling Heights, MI since 1987, excels in local residential moving services. They stand out with an impressive Google rating of 4.5 from 343 reviews and hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their strong reputation. Unlike many competitors, White Star Movers also offers specialized services such as fragile-only packing and senior moving, ensuring a tailored experience. Notably, they provide full valuation insurance coverage and require no deposit, making them a reliable and cost-effective choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 359936
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 808976
Handle With Care Moving has been a trusted name in Ann Arbor, MI, since 1994, specializing in local residential moving services. With stellar consumer feedback, boasting a 4.8 average rating from 271 Google reviews and a 4.0 average from 26 Yelp reviews, along with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, clients consistently praise their reliability and professionalism. Unlike many nearby companies, they offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and even fragile-only packing, ensuring all moving needs are met with utmost care. With the added convenience of accepting credit cards and requiring no upfront deposit, Handle With Care Moving stands out as a dependable choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Michigan to Madison, WI
Check out the table below for average cost ranges to move from Michigan to Madison, WI, across different service types and home sizes.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,155 – $3,119 | $641 – $1,584 | $361 – $666 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,039 – $5,213 | $1,112 – $2,337 | $418 – $822 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,245 – $7,761 | $1,553 – $2,734 | $510 – $959 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 434-mile move from Michigan to Madison, WI using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha compiles thousands of confirmed prices from movers nationwide and updates them monthly to account for seasonal patterns and market movement. Actual charges can change depending on load size, optional services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and your dates. Always compare several quotes to get a realistic price range.
Cost to hire professional movers from Michigan to Madison, WI
When moving a studio or one-bedroom from Michigan to Madison, WI, you’ll likely pay between $1,155 and $3,119. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,039 and $5,213 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,245 to $7,761.
Cost of moving containers from Michigan to Madison, WI
When you’re heading from Michigan to Madison, WI, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $641 and $1,584. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,112 and $2,337. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,553 to $2,734. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Michigan easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Michigan to Madison, WI
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck from Michigan to Madison, WI will cost around $361 to $666. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $418 to $822, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms costs around $510 to $959.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Compare local moving companies from Michigan to Madison, WI
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Powell Relocation Group | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| White Star Movers, Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Handle With Care Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
Among the 3,175 movers we’ve evaluated, here’s where Michigan movers stand in terms of national service and discount offerings:
| Michigan | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 98% | 96% |
| Antiques | 22% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 6% | 3% |
| Senior Discount | 7% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Michigan to Madison, WI
Before you start packing, let’s explore what life in Madison, WI has in store compared to Michigan. We’ll break down everything from the cost of living and local culture to spots you don’t want to miss.
Cost of living: Michigan vs. Madison, WI
| Michigan | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,037 | $1,600 |
| Average home cost | $245,716 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,505 | $62,919 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92 | 103 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 3.3% |
| State Income Tax | 4.25% | 7.65% |
Madison sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Madison is about 54% higher than in Michigan. Be sure to factor this into your budget.
- Expect home prices in Madison to be about 50% higher than in Michigan. Plan ahead for a bigger down payment, higher property taxes, and increased overall costs of owning a home.
- On average, incomes in Madison are about 8% lower than in Michigan. Make sure to review your finances and adjust your budget before you move.
- With unemployment 30% lower in Madison than Michigan, you may find opportunities easier to come by.
- With income tax rates 80% higher in Wisconsin than in Michigan, you may notice less flexibility in your monthly budget.
How life is different in Madison from Michigan
| Madison | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 10,037,261 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 76-23 | Republican 49.7-48.3 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 10ºF | 14ºF |
| Annual rain | 36″ | 34″ |
| Annual snow | 42″ | 64″ |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 19.98 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Madison voted Democratic, while Michigan leaned Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Madison is 82ºF and in Michigan, it’s 81ºF. With summer temperatures being similar, you’ll likely enjoy an easy transition, but don’t forget to factor in humidity, local weather trends, and energy costs to truly understand what summer will be like in your new state.
- In the coldest months, Madison drops to 10ºF, which is about the same as Michigan at 14ºF. When winter temps match up like this, your move should feel smoother, with stable costs and minimal changes to your daily routine.
- Expect about 36 inches of rain each year in Madison, which is pretty much on par with the 34 inches you’re used to in Michigan. While the total rainfall is similar, differences in timing and weather patterns could still affect your daily routine.
- In Madison, it only snows about 42 inches annually while Michigan gets 64 inches. Moving to Madison, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
- Madison has a higher crime rate than Michigan, with a crime index of 34.57 compared to 19.98. While this doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, it’s a good reminder to look into local safety precautions and consider how it could impact your daily routine.
Things to do in Madison
From beautiful parks and fascinating museums to exciting sports and stellar universities, Madison really has something for everyone.
Museums in Madison
- Chazen Museum of Art
- Madison Children’s Museum
- Wisconsin Veterans Museum
- Wisconsin Historical Museum
- University of Wisconsin Geology Museum
Parks in Madison
- Olbrich Botanical Gardens
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
- Lake Mendota
- Allen Centennial Gardens
- Tenney Park
Sports teams in Madison
- Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)
- Madison Mallards (Baseball)
- Madison Radicals (AUDL)
- Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League)
- Forward Madison (USL League One)
Universities in Madison
- Herzing University
- Madison Area Technical College
- Madison Media Institute
- University of Phoenix–Madison Campus
- University of Wisconsin–Madison
Other considerations when moving to Madison, WI
- HOA rules: Before moving day, check your neighborhood or community rules so you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Be sure to reserve your building’s elevator in advance and double-check any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
- 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. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they’re properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can verify your Wisconsin moving license status right on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to Wisconsin, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules before moving day.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. This way, you can select your moving date and ensure your mail is forwarded to Wisconsin right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
FAQ
How long does a move from Michigan to Madison take?
How long it takes to move from Michigan to Madison, WI depends on your starting point and the type of move you choose. No matter the method, loading your belongings usually takes a day or less, even if you’re doing it yourself.
If you’re starting from northern Michigan, it’ll take longer to get to Madison. When renting a truck, plan for a one- to two-day drive, depending on your route and how often you stop.
Getting your stuff from Michigan to Madison can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you choose movers or a moving container. Be sure to request a delivery estimate before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Michigan to Madison?
Planning a 434-mile move from Michigan to Madison? Once you know your moving date, book your movers right away. Reserving two to three months ahead means better prices and a better shot at your preferred date.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Madison, WI?
With the summer highs of 82°F and the winter lows of 10°F, most people move to Madison from Michigan during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Madison during summer or winter.
Helpful moving resources
Michigan moving services
Popular Michigan routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
