($1,115+) Olympia, WA to Madison, WI Movers
Moving from Olympia, WA, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $1,115 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,369 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,943 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,930, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,369 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,620 - $5,741, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,115 - $3,460.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Olympia, WA, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,780 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Olympia, WA to Madison, WI
Moving options from Olympia to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,780 - $8,614 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,943 miles, this route usually takes 5 to 16 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,943-mile route from Olympia to Madison, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,930 - $6,231 | $1,620 - $3,073 | $1,115 - $2,375 | $1,532 - $2,738 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,780 - $8,614 | $2,117 - $4,565 | $1,244 - $2,557 | $1,626 - $3,375 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,545 - $12,369 | $2,899 - $5,741 | $1,602 - $3,460 | $2,225 - $4,546 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Olympia, WA to Madison, WI
For the 1,943-mile move from Olympia, Washington, to Madison, Wisconsin, full-service movers cost between $2,930 and $12,369. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $325 - $2,168 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Olympia generally start around $296 plus $133 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Olympia to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,930 - $6,231
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,780 - $8,614
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,545 - $12,369
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 Olympia to Madison.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Washington to Wisconsin. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Olympia, WA to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market — 97% of Olympia 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 packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $542 - $5,420 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready97% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $217 - $1,301/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $325 - $2,602 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage27% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs30% of local movers | $1,084 - $3,252 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,710 - $10,840 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $812 - $1,543 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items58% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $1,084 - $2,710 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $867 - $3,794 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling45% of local movers | $325 - $1,626 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect33% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $705 - $2,168 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $325 - $16,260+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $325 - $3,794+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Olympia to Madison?
Wisconsin Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Wisconsin, on top of the picks below.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Olympia, WA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Olympia, WA to Madison, WI
Moving containers from Olympia, Washington, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,620 and $5,741. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Madison. If you go over that window, storage in Olympia adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Olympia to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,620 - $3,073
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,117 - $4,565
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,899 - $5,741
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Olympia, WA and Madison, WI. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $759 in Olympia, WA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $81 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $163 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Washington 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 $1,620. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,117 - $4,565, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Olympia to Madison?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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 Olympia 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 Olympia:
- All Ready Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 22 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Mountain Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 63 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Olympia, WA to Madison, WI
A rental truck for this 1,943-mile move from Olympia, Washington, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $1,115 and $3,460. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $670 - $766
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Olympia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.59
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Olympia to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,115 - $2,375
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,244 - $2,557
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,602 - $3,460
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,115 - $3,460 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Olympia to Madison. Fuel ($670 - $766) , lodging at around $163/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 $670 - $766 for the 1,943-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 Olympia, Washington, for about 5 hours typically costs around $759.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,943-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $163 per night, adding $325 - $488 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $54 and $325.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Olympia to Madison?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Olympia, WA to Madison, WI
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Olympia, Washington, to Madison, Wisconsin. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $976 and $3,375.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Olympia to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,532 - $2,738
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,626 - $3,375
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,225 - $4,546
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $81 and $163.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Olympia, Washington, for roughly five hours typically average $759.
What are the best freight companies from Olympia to Madison?
- 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.
- 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.
- Allstate Transport (4.76/5 stars): Allstate Transport 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: If speed matters on your move from Olympia to Madison, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Olympia, WA vs Madison, WI
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Olympia and Madison to plan around. Cost of living index: 112 vs. 103. Average rent: $1,895/mo vs. $1,600/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 39 vs. 50. Safety index: 62.25 vs. 65.43.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Madison, WI to Olympia, WA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Washington to Wisconsin in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 95 movers based in Washington, handy for sizing up options on this 1,943-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,943-mile route from Olympia, WA, to Madison, WI, run $2,930 - $12,369 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,620 - $5,741, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,115 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,780, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.
FAQs: Moving from Olympia, WA, to Madison, WI
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Olympia, WA 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.
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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($670 - $766), daily insurance ($33/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $163/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Madison?
Madison has a walkability score of 50 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 66, compared to 39 and 59 in Olympia. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Olympia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in Olympia handle piano moves, and 58% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.