Top local movers for Seattle to Madison moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Seattle that also provides long-distance services to Madison can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 63 local movers in Seattle who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Seattle to Madison.
- Eco Movers Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- On The Go Moving and Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Seattle Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Hansen Bros Moving and Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 3227005
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3227005
Alternate Names: GS Moving Services LLC , Eco-Movers , The Big Guys , The Big Guys Home Delivery , Eco Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: HG064180
Pricing: $180/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2120054
Alternate Names: On The Go Moving and Storage , On The Go Moving & Storage Bellevue , On The Go Moving & Storage Redmond , On The Go Moving & Storage Seattle
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Offices
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 19251
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: CHHJ Seattle, LLC. , College Hunks Hauling Junk Seattle
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: HG063388
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1731101
Alternate Names: Express Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 1782
Years in Business: 134
DOT #: 8257
Alternate Names: Peasley Transfer & Storage , Hansen Bros Moving and Storage , Peasley Transfer and Storage , Hansen Bros Transfer and Storage Co , PortaBox Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
How much does it cost to move from Seattle to Madison?
Movers in Washington generally charge an average of $143 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 | $1,399 – $5,301 | $1,114 – $2,725 | $1,128 – $2,172 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,875 – $7,926 | $2,003 – $3,948 | $1,125 – $2,384 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,505 – $12,537 | $2,795 – $5,646 | $1,435 – $3,226 |
Cost to hire movers from Seattle to Madison
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Seattle to Madison typically costs between $1,399 and $5,301. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,875 and $7,926 when moving from Seattle to Madison. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Seattle to Madison, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,505 up to $12,537.
Cost of moving containers from Seattle to Madison
If you’re relocating from Seattle to Madison, you’ll typically spend between $1,114 and $2,725 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,003 up to $3,948. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,795 and $5,646. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Washington.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Seattle to Madison
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Seattle to Madison 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 $1,128 and $2,172. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,125 to $2,384. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,435 and $3,226.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Seattle to Madison
The cost of Seattle movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Seattle to Madison might be as low as $2,953, while a four-bedroom could reach $11,561.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Seattle.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,128 to $2,722 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Seattle to Madison
Many movers find Madison easier on the wallet than Seattle – roughly 39% less for singles and 44% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,292 for one person in Madison versus $3,740 in Seattle. For a family of four, it’s $5,457 compared with $9,801.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Seattle | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,306 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,655 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $842,068 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,845 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,740 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,801 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 10.35% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.65% |
- Good news! When moving to Madison from Seattle, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 19% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 56% cheaper in Madison, 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 19% lower in Madison than in Seattle.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Madison. The cost of living for a single person is 39% less compared to Seattle.
- Relocating to Madison could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 44% lower than in Seattle.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 31% lower than Seattle, Madison boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 47% lower in Madison than Seattle, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Wisconsin has a state income tax, while Washington does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Seattle and Madison, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Seattle | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $250.22 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.15 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.07 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.84 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $78.35 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Seattle than in Madison.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Seattle than in Madison.
- Eggs cost more in Seattle than in Madison.
- Bread is more expensive in Seattle than in Madison.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Seattle than in Madison.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Seattle than in Madison.
- Gym memberships cost more in Seattle than in Madison.
How life is different in Seattle vs. Madison
| Seattle | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 74 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 71 | 66 |
| Crime index | 58.88 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 49.23 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Madison’s population is about 63% less than Seattle.
- Madison’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Seattle’s score of 8.
- Madison is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Seattle’s 74 out of 100.
- Madison has a bike-friendliness score of 66 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Seattle, which has a score of 71.
- Madison’s crime rate is lower than Seattle with a score of 34.57 compared to Seattle’s 58.88. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Seattle with a safety index of 65.43 vs Seattle’s 49.23.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Seattle it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Seattle to Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison
Ready to relocate to Mad City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Madison.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Madison
- Shorewood Hills
- Middleton
- Fitchburg
- Maple Bluff
- Monona
- Columbus
- Sun Prairie
- Lake Mills
- Verona
Best neighborhoods for families
- Dudgeon-Monroe
- Hill Farms-University
- Maple-Prairie
- Westmorland
- Wexford
Things to do in Madison
Now that you’ve made the move to Wisconsin, it’s the perfect time to explore Madison. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Madison include museums and art centers like the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children’s Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and Wisconsin Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens, 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 Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)Madison Mallards (Baseball)Madison Radicals (AUDL)Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League)Forward Madison (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Seattle to Madison?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Seattle to Madison. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Seattle.
When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to Madison?
With many people choosing to move from Seattle to Madison 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 Seattle to Madison take?
Covering 1,902 miles, the move from Seattle, WA to Madison, typically takes five to 16 days. Some Seattle movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Madison can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Seattle offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 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 Seattle can handle specialty items for my move to Madison?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Seattle, 48 movers can handle pianos. 36 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of WA, there are 73 piano movers and 46 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
Seattle moving services
Popular Washington routes
- Washington to Wisconsin car shippers
- Washington to California movers
- Washington to Florida movers
- Washington to Georgia movers
- Washington to Illinois movers
- Washington to Michigan movers
- Washington to New York movers
- Washington to North Carolina movers
- Washington to Ohio movers
- Washington to Pennsylvania movers
- Washington to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!