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Top local movers for Cleveland to Milwaukee moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Cleveland that also provides long-distance services to Milwaukee can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 28 local movers in Cleveland who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Cleveland to Milwaukee.
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Bright Eyed Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Weleski Transfer of Cleveland, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Berger Allied Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: Leaders Moving And Storage Company , L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 653905
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 157491
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 1657726
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00136482
Years in Business: 116
DOT #: 2508132
Alternate Names: Weleski – Fridrich Moving & Storage Cleveland Ohio , Weleski Transfer of Cleveland, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 144651-HG
Years in Business: 115
DOT #: 125665
Alternate Names: Berger Transfer & Storage International, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Cleveland to Milwaukee?
Movers in Ohio generally charge an average of $153 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 | $1,068 – $3,184 | $641 – $1,615 | $361 – $673 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,904 – $5,266 | $1,147 – $2,115 | $422 – $814 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,412 – $7,466 | $1,492 – $2,819 | $510 – $930 |
Cost to hire movers from Cleveland to Milwaukee
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Cleveland to Milwaukee typically costs between $1,068 and $3,184. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,904 and $5,266 when moving from Cleveland to Milwaukee. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Cleveland to Milwaukee, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,412 up to $7,466.
Cost of moving containers from Cleveland to Milwaukee
If you’re relocating from Cleveland to Milwaukee, you’ll typically spend between $641 and $1,615 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,147 up to $2,115. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,492 and $2,819. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Cleveland to Milwaukee
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Cleveland 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 $361 and $673. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $422 to $814. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $510 and $930.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Cleveland to Milwaukee
The cost of Cleveland movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Cleveland to Milwaukee might be as low as $1,525, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,266.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Cleveland.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $361 to $899 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Cleveland to Milwaukee
Many movers find Milwaukee easier on the wallet than Cleveland – roughly 19% less for singles and 26% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,022 for one person in Milwaukee versus $2,490 in Cleveland. For a family of four, it’s $4,963 compared with $6,729.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Cleveland | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,338 | $1,612 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,733 | $2,880 |
| Average home value | $108,509 | $200,685 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,965 | $49,733 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,490 | $2,022 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,729 | $4,963 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 7.4% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 4.9% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 7.65% |
- Switching from Cleveland to Milwaukee won’t strain your budget, as rent prices are nearly identical.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 85% higher in Milwaukee than in Cleveland.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 23% lower in Milwaukee than in Cleveland.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Milwaukee. The cost of living for a single person is 19% less compared to Cleveland.
- 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 Cleveland.
- The unemployment rate in Milwaukee exceeds that of Cleveland by about 9%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes are 39% lower in Milwaukee than Cleveland, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 119% higher in Wisconsin than in Ohio. 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 Cleveland and Milwaukee, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Cleveland | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $310.82 | $167.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.93 | $43.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $4.23 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.06 | $3.40 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $55.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $35.00 | $53.38 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Cleveland than in Milwaukee.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Cleveland than in Milwaukee.
- Eggs are less expensive in Cleveland than in Milwaukee.
- Bread costs less in Cleveland than in Milwaukee.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Cleveland than in Milwaukee.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Cleveland than in Milwaukee.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Cleveland than in Milwaukee.
How life is different in Cleveland vs. Milwaukee
| Cleveland | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 372,624 | 577,222 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 57 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 58 |
| Crime index | 63.41 | 66.76 |
| Safety index | 36.59 | 33.24 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Milwaukee’s population is about 55% greater than Cleveland.
- Milwaukee’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Cleveland, making them very similar.
- Milwaukee is more walkable than Cleveland with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Cleveland’s 57 out of 100.
- With a score of 58 out of 100, Milwaukee is more bike-friendly than Cleveland, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Milwaukee and Cleveland have a similar crime rate with scores of 66.76 and 63.41, respectively.
- Milwaukee is considered to be less safe than Cleveland with a score of 33.24 vs Cleveland’s 36.59.
- Air quality in Milwaukee is Good, and in Cleveland it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Cleveland 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 Cleveland to Milwaukee?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Cleveland to Milwaukee. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Cleveland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Cleveland to Milwaukee?
With many people choosing to move from Cleveland 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 Cleveland to Milwaukee take?
Covering 444 miles, the move from Cleveland, OH to Milwaukee, typically takes one to four days. Some Cleveland movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Milwaukee can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Cleveland offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers in Cleveland offer AAA member savings. 1 movers provide military discounts. 1 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 Cleveland can handle specialty items for my move to Milwaukee?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Cleveland, 17 movers can handle pianos. 11 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of OH, there are 59 piano movers and 37 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
Cleveland moving services
Popular Ohio routes
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