Top local movers for Madison to Seattle moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Madison that also provides long-distance services to Seattle can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed five local movers in Madison who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Madison to Seattle.
- Above Average Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 26753
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2595339
Alternate Names: Above Average Moving LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc. , Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services , The Armstrong Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3322160
Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Seattle?
Movers in Wisconsin generally charge an average of per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,266 – $4,843 | $1,058 – $2,862 | $1,150 – $2,004 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,371 – $7,168 | $2,062 – $4,192 | $1,149 – $2,509 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,945 – $11,014 | $2,768 – $5,317 | $1,495 – $3,196 |
Cost to hire movers from Madison to Seattle
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Madison to Seattle typically costs between $1,266 and $4,843. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,371 and $7,168 when moving from Madison to Seattle. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Madison to Seattle, you’re looking at costs ranging from $5,945 up to $11,014.
Cost of moving containers from Madison to Seattle
If you’re relocating from Madison to Seattle, you’ll typically spend between $1,058 and $2,862 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,062 up to $4,192. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,768 and $5,317. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Wisconsin.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to Seattle
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Madison to Seattle move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,150 and $2,004. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,149 to $2,509. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,495 and $3,196.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Madison to Seattle
The cost of Madison movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Madison to Seattle might be as low as $2,467, while a four-bedroom could reach $10,150.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Madison.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,150 to $2,860 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Madison to Seattle
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Seattle runs about 63% higher for singles and 80% higher for families than Madison.
Singles spend around $3,740 in Madison versus $2,292 in Madison; families pay $9,801 compared with $5,457.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Madison | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $2,306 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $4,655 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $842,068 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $77,845 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $3,740 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $9,801 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 4.8% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 10.35% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 0.0% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 23% higher in Seattle than in Madison, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 129% higher in Seattle than in Madison.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 24% higher in Seattle than in Madison, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Seattle, as the cost of living for a single person in Seattle is 63% greater than in Madison. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Seattle, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 80% more than it is in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in Seattle exceeds that of Madison by about 45%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Seattle exceed those in Madison by 88%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Washington has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Madison and Seattle, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Madison | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $250.22 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $60.15 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $6.07 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $4.84 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $78.35 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Madison than in Seattle, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Madison than in Seattle.
- Eggs are less expensive in Madison than in Seattle.
- Bread costs less in Madison than in Seattle.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Seattle.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Madison than in Seattle.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Madison than in Seattle.
How life is different in Madison vs. Seattle
| Madison | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 737,015 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 71 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 58.88 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 49.23 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Seattle’s population is about 173% greater than Madison.
- Seattle’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Madison’s score of 6.
- Seattle is more walkable than Madison with a score of 74 out of 100 vs Madison’s 50 out of 100.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Seattle is more bike-friendly than Madison, which has a score of 66 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Seattle’s crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 58.88 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Seattle is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 49.23 vs Madison’s 65.43.
- Air quality in Seattle is Good, and in Madison it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Seattle move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Washington moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Washington, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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 Seattle without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers’ insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Seattle
Ready to relocate to Emerald City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Seattle.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Ballard
- Capitol Hill
- Fremont
- Lower Queen Anne
- South Lake Union
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenwood
- Laurelhurst
- Magnolia
- Upper Queen Anne
- West Seattle
Things to do in Seattle
Now that you’ve made the move to Washington, it’s the perfect time to explore Seattle. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Seattle include museums and art centers like the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Olympic Sculpture Park, National Nordic Museum, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Discovery Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, Green Lake Park, and Carkeek Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Seattle Seahawks (NFL)Seattle Mariners (MLB)Seattle Kraken (NHL)Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)Seattle Seawolves (MLR)Seattle Dragons (XFL)Seattle Storm (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Seattle?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Madison to Seattle. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Seattle?
With many people choosing to move from Madison to Seattle in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Madison to Seattle take?
Covering 1,924 miles, the move from Madison, WI to Seattle, typically takes five to 16 days. Some Madison movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Seattle can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Madison can handle specialty items for my move to Seattle?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Madison, 3 movers can handle pianos. 1 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of WI, there are 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Madison moving services
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