Best overall value
Local moving companies in Madison
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Straightline Moving, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Dreiske Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.42 out of 5 stars
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
rating
4.62 / 5
DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 31
3817 Kipp Street, Madison, WI 53718 USSmooth moves and professional crews are frequent themes found in the 286 feedback entries for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. Nearly 80% of input praises their efficient service, skilled and polite movers, careful handling of belongings, responsive communication, and fast-moving teams. Many note seamless scheduling, prompt arrivals, and property treated with respect. While most find the staff courteous and the process smooth, over one-fifth raise concerns, especially about damage to items, inaccurate estimates, and unexpected charges. Some reported broken furniture, billing surprises, or unresolved claims, with a few experiencing high costs or responses slower than agreed. Compared to many moving companies, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK receives above-average marks for professionalism and care, but feedback underscores the importance of vigilant inventory tracking and clear, accurate quoting before booking.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
Alternative Business Names
- Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Straightline Moving, Inc.
rating
4.58 / 5
DOT #: 3047914
Years in Business: 9
5365 Edith Ln, Roscoe, IL 61073 USCustomers repeatedly highlight Straightline Moving, Inc. for their professional staff, careful handling, and fast, efficient moves. Nearly 88% of 230 customer feedback entries are positive. People appreciate transparent pricing and prompt, organized service. Many mention that crews handle possessions with care and communicate well throughout the process, providing peace of mind even with heavy or challenging items. Negative feedback centers on damaged goods, missing items, and delivery delays, with some reporting frustration resolving claims. These issues stand out but are mentioned far less frequently. Compared to other companies, Straightlineโs strength is consistently courteous, skilled movers. Most clients report stress-free experiences and recommend the company for both local and long-distance moves. Straightline Moving excels at the core expectations of a moving company, but improvements could be made in claims response and inventory tracking to achieve a higher satisfaction rate.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3047914
- State license #: 217042
Dreiske Moving & Storage
rating
4.52 / 5
DOT #: 822740
Moving day peace of mind stands out in customer input for Dreiske Moving & Storage. After reviewing 263 responses, 84% reported positive experiences. Dreiske's team gets frequent praise for professionalism, careful handling of belongings, efficiency, and friendly, helpful staffโqualities few competitors match as consistently. Customers found their moves smooth and felt their valuables were treated with respect and caution. Some felt pricing was fair and the process clear, adding to their confidence. While many moves went off without a hitch, negative feedback focused on damaged items, communication breakdowns during claims, and charges higher than expected. In a few cases, customers described unresolved damage or confusion over final costs. Most customers felt their team was capable and courteous, but sustained negative reports indicate Dreiske can improve transparency and claims support. For reliability and a professional, considerate staff, Dreiske receives high marks but should address damage control and billing communication more thoroughly to surpass industry standards.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 822740
- State license #: 69338
Top Notch Moving and Storage
rating
4.42 / 5
DOT #: 3322160
Years in Business: 5
905 Dempsey Rd, Madison, WI 53716 USTop Notch Moving and Storage earns its name with the overwhelming majority of customer feedback citing efficient service, professional and polite staff, and careful handling. Nearly 95% of 234 total reviews express strong satisfaction, highlighting friendly movers and consistent communication. Customers regularly note prompt arrivals, care for personal belongings, and an easy, stress-free process. Several customers mention moving delicate items and heavy furniture with no damage, even in challenging conditions. Friendly and approachable staff and good communication further set this company apart from competitors. A very small percentage of reviews report upset over property damage, higher-than-expected charges, or unprofessional interactions, especially during complex moves. Some customers experienced additional fees not clearly outlined or insufficient handling of claims when things went wrong. Only one neutral review described mixed staff performance during illness. Compared to typical moving companies, Top Notch stands out for service consistency and upbeat, helpful crews. Most clients enthusiastically recommend the company, with return customers making up a notable portion of input. The strong focus on efficiency, careful handling, and people skills makes Top Notch Moving and Storage a reliable choice for local and long-distance moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3322160
Alternative Business Names
- TopNotchMovers LLC
The Armstrong Company
rating
4.42 / 5
DOT #: 1170867
Years in Business: 39
4505 Helgesen Dr, Madison, WI 53718 USArmstrong Relocation stands out for its responsive, professional, and courteous staff. Customers frequently praise their careful handling of belongings, clear communication, and efficient moving process. Many mention friendly movers who are eager to help, making the experience less stressful than other moving services. Feedback often notes accurate estimates and competitive pricing, outshining many industry competitors. Negative feedback focuses on item damage during moves, dissatisfaction with claims resolutions, and occasional unprofessional interactions or lowballed estimates. Among 57 reviews analyzed, 77% are positive, with most input stressing reliability and care, while negative experiences center around damage and communication. Compared to other movers, Armstrong earns strong marks for customer service and careful handling, but could improve on damage prevention and clarity in estimates.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1170867
Alternative Business Names
- Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc.
- Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services
- The Armstrong Company
Factors that influence moving costs from Madison to Lancaster
What to know before moving from Madison to Lancaster
Moving from Madison to Lancaster comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Lancaster is generally more expensive than Madison, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Madison | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,600 | $2,600 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $473,053 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $74,723 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,292 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,457 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 15.6% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Lancaster are 63% higher than in Madison, which means you'll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Madison.
Home prices in Lancaster are 28.6% higher than in Madison. - Income in Lancaster is 18.8% higher than in Madison, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Lancaster include Antelope Valley Hospital, Antelope Valley Union High School District, and Lancaster School District.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Lancaster, since the cost of living for a single person in Lancaster is 10.8% higher than in Madison. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Lancaster, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Lancaster is 1.9% higher than in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 372.73% higher than in Madison.
- You'll spend more on retail and restaurants in Lancaster, since the city's sales taxes in Lancaster are 86.36% higher than in Madison.
- State income taxes in Lancaster are 73.86% higher than in Madison.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,324.61 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Madison.
How life is different in Madison vs. Lancaster
| Lancaster | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 173,516 | 269,840 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 29 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 40 | 66 |
| Crime Index | 45.5 | 34.57 |
| Safety Index | 54.5 | 65.43 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Lancaster's population is about 36% less than Madison.
- Lancaster's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Madison's higher score of 6.
- Lancaster is less walkable than Madison with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 out of 100.
- Lancaster has a bike-friendliness score 40 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66 out of 100.
- Lancaster's crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 45.5 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Lancaster is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 54.5 vs Madison's 65.43.
- Air quality in Lancaster is good, and in Madison it's good.
Other things to consider for your Madison vs. Lancaster move
- Weather: If you're looking to move to Lancaster, consider doing this on the months of May, October and April. Summers are hot and nearly rainless while winter could be mildly cold.
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT Numberโ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- 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 Lancaster without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection โ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Lancaster
With your sights set on "", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Lancaster.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Lancaster
- Central Lancaster
- East Lancaster
- College Terrace
- Skytower Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Quartz Hill
- West Lancaster
- Rancho Vista
- Brentwood
- El Dorado
Things to do in Lancaster
Once you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what Lancaster has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Lancaster features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Lancaster Museum of Art & History, Western Hotel Museum, and Boyle Heights History Studios & Tours.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Apollo Community Regional Park, Saddleback Butte State Park, and Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Lancaster?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Madison to Lancaster. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Lancaster?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Madison to Lancaster, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Madison to Lancaster take?
The 1,953-mile journey from Madison, WI to Lancaster, CA typically takes five to 16 days. Some movers in Madison offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Lancaster.
