($1,098+) Madison, WI to Olympia, WA Movers
Moving from Madison, WI, to Olympia, WA, runs anywhere from $1,098 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,643 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,965 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,393, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,643 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,573 - $5,638, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,098 - $3,309.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Olympia, WA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,389 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 Olympia, WA
Moving options from Madison to Olympia fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,389 - $7,769 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 43% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 63% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,965 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,965-mile route from Madison to Olympia, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,393 - $5,445 | $1,573 - $3,074 | $1,098 - $2,205 | $1,473 - $2,579 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,389 - $7,769 | $1,934 - $4,224 | $1,251 - $2,728 | $1,563 - $3,212 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,508 - $10,643 | $2,814 - $5,638 | $1,469 - $3,309 | $2,207 - $4,465 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Madison, WI to Olympia, WA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,965-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Olympia, Washington, with costs ranging from $2,393 - $10,643. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $320 - $2,132. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Madison and Olympia. 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 Olympia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,393 - $5,445
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,389 - $7,769
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,508 - $10,643
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 Olympia.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Madison, WI to Olympia, WA
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Olympia, 65% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $533 - $5,330 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $213 - $1,279/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $320 - $2,558 |
| 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 | $1,066 - $3,198 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,665 - $10,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $798 - $1,517 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. | $1,066 - $2,665 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $853 - $3,731 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $320 - $1,599 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $693 - $2,132 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $320 - $15,990+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $320 - $3,731+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Madison to Olympia?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Washington Movers Conference 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Madison, WI. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Madison, WI to Olympia, WA
Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Olympia, Washington, cost between $1,573 and $5,638. 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 Olympia. If you go over that window, storage in Madison adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Madison to Olympia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,573 - $3,074
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,934 - $4,224
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,814 - $5,638
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $80 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $160 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Olympia, WA, 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 $746 in Madison, 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.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Washington 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 $1,573. 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 $1,934 - $4,224.
What are the best moving containers Madison to Olympia?
- 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 Olympia, WA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,965 miles from Madison, Wisconsin, to Olympia, Washington, running $1,098 - $3,309. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $666 - $762
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 Olympia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,098 - $2,205
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,251 - $2,728
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,469 - $3,309
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,098 - $3,309 when pricing out a rental truck from Madison to Olympia. Fuel alone runs $666 - $762, and overnight lodging ($160/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $80 and $373.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $160.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $666 and $762 for the 1,965-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $746 for 2 movers in Madison, Wisconsin, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Madison to Olympia?
- 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 Olympia, WA
For larger DIY moves from Madison, Wisconsin, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Olympia, Washington.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,563 and $3,212.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Olympia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,473 - $2,579
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,563 - $3,212
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,207 - $4,465
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $80 - $160 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Madison, Wisconsin, for about five hours typically runs $746.
What are the best freight companies from Madison to Olympia?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
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 Olympia, WA
Good news for your budget: Olympia isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Madison. Cost of living index runs 112 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 39/100 and 62.25/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Olympia, WA to Madison, WI guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Wisconsin to Washington, 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 107 movers in Wisconsin, so you have real options to compare for this 1,965-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Madison, WI, to Olympia, WA, 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 $2,393 - $10,643 on the 1,965-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,573 - $5,638 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,098 - $3,309 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,389 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Washington State ESD and The Evergreen State College.
FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Olympia, WA
How long does a move from Madison, WI to Olympia, WA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Madison?
Local movers based in Madison typically start around $371 as a base rate, plus $85/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Olympia run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Madison, WI to Olympia, WA?
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 Olympia, WA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,098 to $10,643, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,393 and $10,643, 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 Olympia?
Olympia has a walkability score of 39 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 59, 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 percentage of Madison movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Madison handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.