Find the Best Moving Companies in Madison, WI

Madison moving company costs

Most local moves in Madison cost between $400 and $2,000. Local movers charge between $50 and $100 per hour for two movers and a truck, but moving companies sometimes require a minimum number of hours. The cost to move a three-bedroom home in Madison is around $1,800. A one-bedroom apartment runs about $480. Premium services, like packing and furniture assembly, cost extra.

If you live in an area where movers may have difficulty parking nearby your home or have to use stairs instead of an elevator, your moving quote will be higher. This is sometimes the case for older homes and apartment buildings on the isthmus or on crowded streets near UW-Madison, for example.

Estimated moving costs to and from Madison are as follows:

• One-bedroom apartment, local move: $480
• Three-bedroom home, local move: $1,800
• One-bedroom apartment, 500-mile move: $1,500
• Three-bedroom home, 500-mile move: $5,000
• One-bedroom apartment, cross-country: $3,000
• Three-bedroom home, cross-country: $5,500

In Madison, interstate moves of less than 500 miles usually cost between $1,300 and $5,400. For reference, Madison is about 500 miles away from Lincoln, Nebraska. For moves a few states away, or more than 1,000 miles (approximately the distance from Madison to Denver), the price range increases to between $2,100 and $5,800.

Cross-country moves for a one-bedroom apartment cost about $2,800, and $6,500 for a three-bedroom home. Packing services, higher moving insurance coverage and moving specialty items like pianos and artwork increase the price of a move. For an accurate cost of your move, request an estimate from a moving company in Madison.

Madison moving laws and regulations

Moving companies in Madison that operate between states must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. You can verify a Madison moving company’s registration on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website by putting in its name or USDOT number.

For tips on interstate moving, read the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection interstate moving fact sheet. The Wisconsin Movers Association website also has several consumer moving guides and information on regulations.

Avoid companies with extremely low or high pricing estimates and those that ask for significant down payment. Interstate movers are required to provide you with a pamphlet titled “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,” and all movers should provide you with an estimate, order for service, bill of lading and an inventory list.

Madison moving FAQ

Where can I get boxes for packing in Madison?

The moving companies on this guide all sell moving boxes. You can also buy boxes and moving supplies from retailers including Home Depot, Walmart and the The UPS Store.

How much do you tip movers for a local move in Madison?

You should tip your movers between 5% to 10% for a local move in Madison. If your movers go up and down multiple flights of stairs, move belongings from a larger home or carry a lot of heavy furniture or a specialty item like a piano, consider tipping between 10% and 20%.

How much does it cost to move a studio apartment in Madison?

Moving a studio apartment locally usually costs $400 to $500. If movers have to go up stairs or you have an unusual volume of belongings, the quote may be higher.

How much does a full-service move cost in Madison?

Expect to pay an additional $400 to $1,000 for a full-service move in Madison, which includes packing supplies, furniture disassembly, packing, loading, unloading, unpacking and furniture assembly. A full-service move for a three-bedroom home is roughly $2,500 or more. Moving a one-bedroom apartment is $1,200 or more.

What types of moving services are available in Madison?

A wide variety of moving services are available in Madison, from local and long-distance moves to commercial and military moves. Most companies offer full-service packing and overnight storage options as well as furniture assembly and large-item transport.