($654+) Madison, WI to Garland, TX Movers
Moving from Madison, WI, to Garland, TX, runs anywhere from $654 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,833 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 980 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 $2,163, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,833 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,117 - $3,830, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $654 - $1,760.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Garland, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,543 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 Madison, WI to Garland, TX
Moving options from Madison to Garland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,543 - $6,306 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 44% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 71% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 980-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 980-mile route from Madison to Garland, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,163 for a studio up to $7,833 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,117 - $3,830 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $654 - $1,760, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,035 - $3,125, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Madison, WI to Garland, TX
Hiring full-service movers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Garland, Texas, costs between $2,163 and $7,833. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 980-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $305 - $2,036, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Madison and Garland. For a rough baseline, movers based in Madison tend to start around $371 plus $85/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Madison to Garland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,163 - $4,781
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,543 - $6,306
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,104 - $7,833
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 Garland.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Madison, WI to Garland, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 52% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Garland, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $509 - $5,090 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready52% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $204 - $1,222/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $305 - $2,443 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage5% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $1,018 - $3,054 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,545 - $10,180 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $762 - $1,449 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $1,018 - $2,545 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $814 - $3,563 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $305 - $1,527 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $662 - $2,036 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $305 - $15,270+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $305 - $3,563+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Madison to Garland?
All three below meet the standards set by the Southwest Movers Association, the group most Texas movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Madison, WI, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Madison, WI to Garland, TX
Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Garland, Texas, cost between $1,117 and $3,830. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Madison typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Madison to Garland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,117 - $2,096
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,423 - $3,059
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,956 - $3,830
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $76 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $153 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $713 in Madison, WI, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Garland, TX, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Texas 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 $1,117. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,423 - $3,059.
What are the best moving containers Madison to Garland?
- 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 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:
- Above Average Moving LLC (4.8/5), 10 years in business
- Top Notch Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 7 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Madison, WI to Garland, TX
A rental truck for this 980-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Garland, Texas, costs between $654 and $1,760. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $317 - $363
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Madison daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
| 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 Madison to Garland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $654 - $1,229
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $729 - $1,490
- 4+ bedrooms: $844 - $1,760
Pro tip: The base rate of $654 - $1,760 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Madison to Garland. Fuel ($317 - $363), lodging at around $153/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $153 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $66 and $331 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $317 - $363 in fuel for the 980-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $713 in Madison, Wisconsin, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Madison to Garland?
- 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 Madison, WI to Garland, TX
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Madison, Wisconsin, to Garland, Texas, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,126 and $2,307.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Garland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,035 - $1,943
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,126 - $2,307
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,502 - $3,125
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $76 - $153 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Madison, Wisconsin, typically costs $713.
What are the best freight companies from Madison to Garland?
- 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.
- 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.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Madison, WI vs Garland, TX
Good news for your budget: Garland isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Madison. Cost of living index runs 100 there against 103 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 50/100 and 65.43/100 here versus 40/100 and 62.87/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Garland, TX to Madison, WI guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Wisconsin to Texas, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 145 movers in Wisconsin, so you have real options to compare for this 980-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Madison, WI, to Garland, TX, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,163 - $7,833 on the 980-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,117 - $3,830 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $654 - $1,760 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,543 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Garland tend to point to quality education and diversity, though severe storms and extreme heat come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Garland Independent School District and City of Garland.
FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Garland, TX
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Madison, WI to Garland, TX?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Madison, WI to Garland, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $654 to $7,833, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,163 and $7,833, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Garland?
Garland has a walkability score of 40 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 41, compared to 50 and 66 in Madison. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($317 - $363), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $153/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?
In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers.
What percentage of Madison movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in Madison handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.