($693+) Milwaukee, WI to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from Milwaukee, WI, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $673 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,732 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,014 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,253, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,732 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,182 - $4,108, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $673 - $1,922.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Milwaukee, WI, to New Orleans, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,668 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Milwaukee, WI to New Orleans, LA
There are 3 main ways to move from Milwaukee to New Orleans: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,668 - $6,793. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,014-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,014-mile route from Milwaukee to New Orleans, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,253 - $5,072 with full-service movers, $1,182 - $2,313 with a container, $673 - $1,316 with a rental truck, or $1,086 - $2,041 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,668 - $6,793 full-service, $1,538 - $3,247 by container, $779 - $1,501 by rental truck, or $1,242 - $2,447 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,284 - $8,732 full-service, $2,053 - $4,108 by container, $894 - $1,922 by rental truck, or $1,625 - $3,450 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Milwaukee, WI to New Orleans, LA
Full-service movers for the 1,014-mile relocation from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $2,253 and $8,732. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $281 - $1,872, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Milwaukee typically charge a base rate around $349 plus $105 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Milwaukee to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,253 - $5,072
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,668 - $6,793
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,284 - $8,732
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 Milwaukee to New Orleans.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Wisconsin to Louisiana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Milwaukee, WI to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Milwaukee movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In New Orleans, 75% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $468 - $4,680 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $187 - $1,123/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $281 - $2,246 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $936 - $2,808 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,340 - $9,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $701 - $1,332 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items17% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc. | $936 - $2,340 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage Co | $749 - $3,276 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $281 - $1,404 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc. | $608 - $1,872 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $281 - $14,040+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $281 - $3,276+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Milwaukee to New Orleans?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Louisiana Motor Transport Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Milwaukee, WI. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Milwaukee, WI to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,182 and $4,108. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to New Orleans. If you go over that window, storage in Milwaukee adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Milwaukee to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,182 - $2,313
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,538 - $3,247
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,053 - $4,108
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $70 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $140 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in New Orleans, LA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $655 in Milwaukee, WI. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,182. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,538 - $3,247, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Milwaukee to New Orleans?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 10 years in business
- Eagle Moving & Storage Co (4.1/5), 96 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 33 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Milwaukee, WI to New Orleans, LA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,014 miles from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to New Orleans, Louisiana, running $673 - $1,922. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $302 - $345
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Milwaukee daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.69
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Milwaukee to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $673 - $1,316
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $779 - $1,501
- 4+ bedrooms: $894 - $1,922
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Milwaukee to New Orleans starts at $673 - $1,922, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($302 - $345) , overnight lodging ($140/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $655.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $302 - $345 for the 1,014-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 $56 and $304, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $140 per night for hotel stops on the 1,014-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $281 - $421.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Milwaukee to New Orleans?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Milwaukee, WI to New Orleans, LA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to New Orleans, Louisiana. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $842 and $2,447.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Milwaukee to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,086 - $2,041
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,242 - $2,447
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,625 - $3,450
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
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 $70 and $140.
- 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 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for roughly five hours typically average $655.
What are the best freight companies from Milwaukee to New Orleans?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Star Line Trucking Or Star Line (4.46/5 stars): Star Line Trucking Or Star Line is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Milwaukee to New Orleans. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Milwaukee, WI vs New Orleans, LA
Milwaukee and New Orleans land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 88 in Milwaukee and 102 in New Orleans, and rent tracks closely too ($1,250/mo vs. $1,755/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (62 vs 58) and safety scores (33.24 vs 32.69) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Orleans, LA to Milwaukee, WI guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Louisiana 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 1,014-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Milwaukee, WI, to New Orleans, LA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,253 for a studio to $8,732 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,014-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,182 - $4,108. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $673 - $1,922, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,668 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Entergy and Ochsner Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Milwaukee, WI, to New Orleans, LA
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 Milwaukee, WI to New Orleans, LA?
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. Louisiana also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Louisiana?
If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($302 - $345), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $140/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is New Orleans?
New Orleans has a walkability score of 58 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 66, compared to 62 and 58 in Milwaukee. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Milwaukee movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Milwaukee handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
