($642+) Madison, WI to Wilmington, DE Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Madison, WI to Wilmington, DE

Moving from Madison, WI, to Wilmington, DE, runs anywhere from $622 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,127 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 906 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,959, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,127 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,116 - $3,762, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $622 - $1,822.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Wilmington, DE. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,463 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Madison, WI to Wilmington, DE

Moving options from Madison to Wilmington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,463 - $6,556 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 906 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 906-mile route from Madison to Wilmington, broken down by home size:

Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,959 - $4,904 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,116 - $2,174), rental truck ($622 - $1,250), or freight trailer ($1,025 - $1,860). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,463 - $6,556 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,127.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Madison, WI to Wilmington, DE

Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 906-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Wilmington, Delaware, with costs ranging from $1,959 - $8,127. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $310 - $2,068. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Madison and Wilmington. Local movers in Madison typically start around $371 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Madison to Wilmington:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,959 - $4,904
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,463 - $6,556
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,502 - $8,127

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 Madison to Wilmington.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Wisconsin to Delaware. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.

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Specialty moving services from Madison, WI to Wilmington, DE

Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Wilmington, 89% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$517 - $5,170
Storage in transitNew place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC$207 - $1,241/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$310 - $2,482
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs20% of local movers$1,034 - $3,102
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,585 - $10,340
Car shippingSecond vehicle$774 - $1,471
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company$1,034 - $2,585
PianoAny piano type60% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC$827 - $3,619
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling$310 - $1,551
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.$672 - $2,068
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$310 - $15,510+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$310 - $3,619+

What are the best full-service movers from Madison to Wilmington?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 almost always better priced than local movers in Madison, WI. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.

Moving container costs from Madison, WI to Wilmington, DE

Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Wilmington, Delaware, cost between $1,116 and $3,762. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Madison runs about $90/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Madison to Wilmington:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,116 - $2,174
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,540 - $2,930
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,032 - $3,762

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Madison, WI, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $724, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $78 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $155 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Madison, WI, and Wilmington, DE, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Delaware 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 $1,116. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,540 - $2,930, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Madison to Wilmington?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Madison 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 Madison:

  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 32 years in business
  • College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5)
  • Du Frane Moving and Storage (4.8/5), 95 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Madison, WI to Wilmington, DE

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 906 miles from Madison, Wisconsin, to Wilmington, Delaware, running $622 - $1,822. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $298 - $341
  • Daily insurance: $31/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
  • Madison daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Madison to Wilmington based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $622 - $1,250
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $721 - $1,486
  • 4+ bedrooms: $878 - $1,822

Pro tip: The base rate of $622 - $1,822 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Madison to Wilmington. Fuel ($298 - $341) , lodging at around $155/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?

  • Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Madison, Wisconsin, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $724.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $298 - $341 for the 906-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $62 and $336, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $155 per night for hotel stops on the 906-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $310 - $465.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Madison to Wilmington?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Madison, WI to Wilmington, DE

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Madison, Wisconsin, to Wilmington, Delaware, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.

What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,208 and $2,464.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Wilmington:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,025 - $1,860
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,208 - $2,464
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,594 - $3,292

Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.

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 $78 and $155.
  • 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 Madison, Wisconsin, for roughly five hours typically average $724.

What are the best freight companies from Madison to Wilmington?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Larson Transportation, LLC (4.3/5 stars): Larson Transportation, LLC 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: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Wilmington quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.

Cost of living: Madison, WI vs Wilmington, DE

Madison and Wilmington land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 103 in Madison and 104 in Wilmington, and rent tracks closely too ($1,600/mo vs. $1,812/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (50 vs 74) and safety scores (65.43 vs 32.68) come out about the same too.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Wilmington, DE to Madison, WI guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Delaware over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 40 movers in our Wisconsin network to compare for this 906-mile move.

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Our take

The 906-mile move from Madison, WI, to Wilmington, DE, costs between $1,959 and $8,127 with full-service movers, $1,116 - $3,762 with a moving container, and $622 - $1,822 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,463 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Nestle and DuPont.

FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Wilmington, DE

What are the best neighborhoods in Wilmington?

For families, Forty Acres, Happy Valley, and Trolley Square are worth a look in Wilmington. If you're moving solo or without kids, Trolley Square, Happy Valley, and Midtown Brandywine tend to be popular picks instead.

What is the cheapest way to move from Madison, WI to Wilmington, DE?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $721 - $1,486. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

Is Wilmington a safe place to live?

Wilmington has a safety index of 32.68 out of 100 and a crime index of 67.32, compared to 65.43 and 34.57 in Madison. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

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 Madison, WI to Wilmington, DE?

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.

What percentage of Madison movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 60% of movers in Madison handle piano moves, and 20% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.