Local moving companies in Madison
- Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Dreiske Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Armstrong relocation: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Straightline Moving, Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.

DOT #: 514341
Years in Business: 78
15700 W Lincoln, New Berlin, WI 53151 USMoving with Schroeder Moving Systems Inc. means reliable service and a professional team. Analyzing 92 pieces of feedback, about 75% rated their move positively. Customers mention the moversโ polite approach, careful treatment of belongings, and smooth, consistent communication. Many praised efficient handling and said they would highly recommend Schroeder to friends and family. Some noted fast, stress-free service and clear organization throughout the process. On the other hand, negative input points to issues such as items damaged during moves, sudden extra charges, and rare cases of misplaced property. Delayed or mishandled claims and confusing reimbursement for damage reported by a few set Schroeder apart from the top tier of national movers. Still, their strong rate of satisfied customers stands out compared to many moving companies.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 514341
Alternative Business Names
- Schroeder Moving Systems of Milwaukee
Dreiske Moving & Storage

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
Armstrong relocation

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
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

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.

DOT #: 3047914
Years in Business: 7
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
Factors influencing moving costs from Madison to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Madison to Des Moines
Moving from Madison to Des Moines means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Madison than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Madison compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Madison | Des Moines | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,600 | $1,150 |
Average home value | $367,934 | $192,347 |
Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $58,492 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,292 | $1,891 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,457 | $4,380 |
Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.9% |
Sales tax | 5.5% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 7.65% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 28% lower than in Madison, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
Home prices in Des Moines are 47.7% lower than in Madison. - Income in Des Moines is 7.0% lower than in Madison, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines include MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings.
- The cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 17.5% lower than in Madison. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 19.7% lower than in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 78.79% higher than in Madison.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโs sales taxes in Des Moines are 27.27% higher than in Madison.
- One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 42.48% lower than in Madison.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,475.13 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Madison.
How life is different in Madison vs. Des Moines
Des Moines | Madison | |
---|---|---|
Population | 699,292 | 269,840 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 6 |
Walkability score | 45 | 50 |
Bike friendliness score | 39 | 66 |
Crime Index | 5.0 | 34.57 |
Safety Index | 57.8 | 65.43 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 159% greater than Madison.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Madison's higher score of 6.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Madison with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score 39 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.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Madison with a score of 5.0 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Des Moines is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 57.8 vs Madison's 65.43.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Madison it's good.
Other things to consider for your Madison vs. Des Moines move
- Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs 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 moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means theyโve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Iowa, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Iowa doesnโt 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 Des Moines 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. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Des Moines
With your sights set on "Hartford of the West", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Sherman Hill
- Downtown
- East Village
- North of Grand
- Woodland Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Waterbury
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
Once youโre settled into your new home in Iowa, itโs time to get out and discover what Des Moines has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Des Moines features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens 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 Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Madison to Des Moines is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Madison to Des Moines in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Madison to Des Moines take?
The 288-mile move from Madison, WI, to Des Moines, IA, takes one to four days. Some Madison movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.