Top-rated local movers that handle Madison to Lancaster moves
When planning a move from Madison to Lancaster, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing five local movers in Madison who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Madison to Lancaster.
- Above Average Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 26753
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2595339
Alternate Names: Above Average Moving LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc. , Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services , The Armstrong Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3322160
Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Lancaster?
Movers in Wisconsin charge per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,242 – $5,191 | $1,165 – $2,689 | $1,118 – $2,240 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,258 – $7,715 | $1,957 – $4,142 | $1,222 – $2,488 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,935 – $11,311 | $2,789 – $5,415 | $1,572 – $3,015 |
Cost to hire movers from Madison to Lancaster
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Madison to Lancaster, you can expect to spend between $1,242 and $5,191. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,258 to $7,715 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Madison to Lancaster typically runs between $5,935 and $11,311.
Cost of moving containers from Madison to Lancaster
When moving from Madison to Lancaster, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,165 and $2,689. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,957 to $4,142. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,789 up to $5,415. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Wisconsin.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to Lancaster
Renting a moving truck in Madison is usually your cheapest option to get to Lancaster. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,118 and $2,240. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,222 and $2,488. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,572 and $3,015.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Madison to Lancaster
The cost of Madison movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,519, but larger homes can run up to $10,755.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Madison.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,118–$2,950) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Madison to Lancaster
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Lancaster runs about 11% higher for singles and 2% higher for families than Madison.
Singles spend around $2,540 in Madison versus $2,292 in Madison; families pay $5,562 compared with $5,457.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Madison | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $2,305 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $2,500 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $473,053 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $74,723 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 15.6% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to Lancaster, note that rent can be roughly 63% more expensive than it is in Madison; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 29% higher in Lancaster than in Madison.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 19% higher in Lancaster compared to Madison, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Lancaster, since the cost of living for a single person is 11% more than in Madison. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Lancaster and Madison, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you’ll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 373% higher compared to Madison, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 86% higher in Lancaster than in Madison. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 74% higher in California compared to Wisconsin. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Madison with Lancaster:
| Living Expense | Madison | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $225.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $43.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $2.67 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $5.51 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Madison than in Lancaster, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Madison than in Lancaster.
- Eggs cost more in Madison than in Lancaster.
- Bread costs less in Madison than in Lancaster.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Lancaster.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Madison than in Lancaster.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Lancaster.
How life is different in Madison vs. Lancaster
| Madison | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 173,516 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 0 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 40 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 45.5 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 54.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Lancaster’s population is about 36% less than Madison.
- Lancaster has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while Madison scores 6 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for Madison.
- 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 of 40 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66.
- 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 to Lancaster move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting 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: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Lancaster smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Lancaster
Now that you’ve chosen as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Lancaster to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what Lancaster is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Lancaster offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- 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?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Madison to Lancaster are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Madison are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Lancaster?
Because spring and fall moves from Madison to Lancaster are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Madison to Lancaster take?
A move of 1,949 miles from Madison, WI to Lancaster, generally takes five to 16 days. Movers in Madison sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Lancaster is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Madison offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 3 movers in Madison have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 1 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across WI, there are 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
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