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Best Moving Companies in Wisconsin (2024)

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Written by Stephanie Koncewicz Updated 10/29/2024

If you’re planning to relocate soon and looking for a moving company to help with the unpleasant parts of moving, or if you need storage solutions for your strict timeline, hiring a professional moving company in Wisconsin can provide peace of mind and protect your items.

Whether you’re moving to Green Bay from Kenosha or looking for long-distance movers to help you relocate out of state, we are here to help. International Van Lines (IVL) is our top choice due to their competitive rates and variety of services.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the top moving providers in Wisconsin and help you find a company that’s right for you.


7 Top Moving Companies in Wisconsin

Through in-depth research, we determined that the best moving companies in Wisconsin are:

Our Pick
International Van Lines
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American Van Lines
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JK Moving Services
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Allied Van Lines
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North American Van Lines
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U-Pack
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1-800-PACK-RAT
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Overall Rating

4.5 / 5 4.3 / 5 4.7 / 5 5 / 5 4.8 / 5 3.7 / 5 4.3 / 5

BBB Rating

A+ A+ A+ A+ A+ A+ A+

FMCSA Licensing

Carrier/Broker Carrier Carrier Carrier Carrier/Broker Carrier Carrier/Broker

Average Price*

$5,250 $5,625 $7,171 $5,370 $5,969 $3,705 $2,547

Deposit Required

Up to 25% Up to 50% $250 None None None Varies

Pros

  • Flexible insurance plans
  • Free month of storage
  • Upfront pricing
  • Hires movers who average 10 years of experience
  • Provides fixed-rate quotes
  • Trains its employees regularly to efficiently handle special packing and crating
  • Background-checked movers
  • Financing available
  • Intuitive AI-assisted online quote tool
  • Climate-controlled storage facilities
  • Expedited relocation services
  • In-house vehicle shipping
  • Budget-planning service
  • No deposit
  • Only provides binding estimates
  • GPS tracking is available
  • Fast delivery times
  • Less expensive pricing than full-service movers
  • Customized rental periods are available
  • Offers price-matching for comparable services from competitors, such as PODS
  • Containers are made entirely of steel to better protect belongings from weather damage

Cons

  • Below-average customer reviews
  • Outsources some moves
  • Requires up to a 25% deposit
  • Charges higher average prices
  • Has limited customer service on weekends
  • Requires a deposit of up to 50% of the total cost
  • Higher-than-average pricing
  • Long quote process
  • No refund on your deposit
  • Misleading quote tool
  • No weekend support
  • Slow claims process
  • Items may take 10–14 days to arrive
  • Limited storage services according to zip code
  • Three-day requirement for cancellations
  • Cancelation fee charged if within a week of your service date
  • Moves must exceed 150 miles
  • Storage only available at a company facility
  • Can only do long-distance moves with an 8-foot container
  • Requires a deposit for long-distance moves
  • Services aren't available in all states

Summary

We recommend International Van Lines (IVL) if you want the most moving service options possible. The company boasts one of the most extensive moving service catalogs at highly competitive rates.

We recommend American Van Lines if you’re moving high-end items or antiques because it focuses on training its staff to move difficult and valuable items.

We recommend JK Moving Services for its ability to offer financing options through its partnership with Enhancify and its high-end, white-glove packing services.

We recommend Allied if you want to ship a vehicle due to the company’s in-house vehicle relocation services.

We recommend North American Van Lines (NAVL) as the best long-distance mover overall because of its customizable insurance packages, highly rated customer service, and extensive service options.

We recommend U-Pack if you’re moving on a tight budget. You can save big if you’re willing to handle most of the labor yourself, but the company also offers third-party assistance. You can expect packing, loading services and more when moving with U-Pack.

We recommend 1-800-PACK-RAT for partial-service moves because of its simple and affordable storage and transportation solutions.

Rating Categories

International Van Lines American Van Lines JK Moving Services Allied Van Lines North American Van Lines U-Pack 1-800-PACK-RAT

Customer Service

5 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.3 / 5
3.6 / 5

Reputation

4.3 / 5
3.9 / 5
5 / 5
3.9 / 5
3.6 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.7 / 5

Value

2.8 / 5
3.3 / 5
3.1 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.4 / 5
5 / 5

Service Offerings

4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
3.4 / 5
5 / 5

Item Protection

5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
2.8 / 5
2 / 5

Scheduling

4.1 / 5
2.3 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
2.3 / 5
4.1 / 5

Our Top Picks For Moving Companies In Wisconsin

International Van Lines

Best Service Offerings
4.5

International Van Lines (IVL) is our top choice for a full-service mover. Moves are considered local moves if they are within the same state, and IVL covers both local and long-distance moves, handling every step in the moving process, including professional packing and unpacking services.

International Van Lines requires a two-bedroom minimum move for local moves, so if you have a studio apartment, we recommend hiring a different company.

Pros and Cons

Pros Full-service moving from start to finish Serves the entire United States and more than 180 countries Auto transport available Cons Will not move a one-bedroom apartment locally Does not provide sample pricing on its website

Services

International Van Lines offers full-service moving, which means it will handle every step of your moving process—this is the most hands-off way to move. While you will pay more than if you moved yourself, International Van Lines employees will protect your belongings and save you countless hours. Learn more about IVL services.

Cost

For a move from Madison to Milwaukee, International Van Lines gave us a quote range of $4,200–$6,150 for a full-service move. This is a wide price range, and this rate is merely an estimate.

Get a Quote: Get Your Personalized International Van Lines Quote

American Van Lines

Best Overall Moving Labor
4.3

American Van Lines (AVL) is another popular full-service moving company that excels at moving difficult items, such as pianos, antiques, and other fragile possessions. This is due to its team of experienced moving labors, who are all professionally trained.

American Van Lines can make deliveries seven days a week and can handle last-minute moves at no additional cost. Unlike some other full-service movers, AVL will perform local moves of any size.

Pros and Cons

Pros Will individually wrap each item Movers have an average of 10 years experience Weekly shuttles that go to most major U.S. cities Cons Requires an up-front payment Sample price information is difficult to obtain

Services

American Van Lines’ full-service moving options includes:

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Corporate relocation services
  • Military moving
  • International moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Antique and piano moving
  • Storage solutions

Cost

American Van Lines does not provide instant cost information online. However, there are some sample prices that can help you get a better idea of what a full-service move from AVL might cost. For example, a move from Houston to Chicago is estimated at $3,429.

Your price will depend on the distance of your move, the weight of your belongings, and how many additional services you request.

Get a Quote: Get Your Personalized American Van Lines Quote

JK Moving Services

Best Specialized Packing
4.7

JK Moving is a full-service mover that can cover every step of the moving process. It works with its customers to create a moving plan specifically tailored to its customers’ needs. It only handles long-distance moves in Wisconsin, but if you’re moving to or from the state, JK Moving can create a worry-free moving experience.

Every long-distance move with JK Moving features GPS tracking on the moving trucks. JK Moving will also provide a detailed list of your possessions, ensuring that nothing is left behind.

Pros and Cons

Pros Customized plans Itemized list of belongings GPS tracking on all shipments Cons Local moves not available in WI Price information is not available online

Services

JK Moving services includes:

  • Packing and unpacking
  • Loading and unloading
  • Long-distance moves
  • International moves
  • Corporate relocation services
  • Commercial and office moves
  • Government moves
  • Storage

Cost

JK Moving does not offer instant quote information. To receive an accurate quote from JK Moving, we recommend filling out the form on its website and calling a sales representative. Be prepared with an inventory list of your items that need to be moved, because this will affect your rate.

Allied Van Lines

Best for Vehicle Relocation
5

Allied Van Lines is the oldest moving company in the U.S., with more than 90 years of experience in the industry. Allied offers a range of moving options, from DIY support to full-service packages, and it also provides storage, moving kits, and helpful online resources.

Allied can ship most types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, boats, and snowmobiles. The company uses two transport methods for vehicle shipping: open car carrier and enclosed car carrier. Open car carriers are essentially like the trucks you’ve seen on the highway carrying stacks of new cars from auto manufacturers to dealerships, while enclosed carriers protect vehicles completely from exposure to outdoor elements or roadway hazards. The enclosed carrier method is a smart option if you want to move a high-value vehicle, such as a classic car.

Pros and Cons

Pros Optional services include disconnection and reconnection of major appliances Provides vehicle coverage of up to $100,000 with no deductible Short- and long-term storage options are available Cons Instant online quotes are only available for state-to-state moves Depending on the add-ons you choose, the moving cost may be higher than competitors

Services

Allied’s list of services includes:

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • International moving
  • Packing and unpacking
  • Loading and unloading
  • Vehicle relocation with guaranteed delivery date
  • Fragile-only packing
  • 90 days of storage for household items in transit

Cost

Like most full-service moving companies, Allied’s cost depends on a number of factors, including how far you’re moving, when your move is scheduled, and the amount and weight of items being moved. For example, moving the contents of a two-bedroom home from Madison, Wisconsin, to San Francisco, California, in early spring would likely cost between $7,820 and $8,700.

Allied Van Lines offers free basic liability insurance, but supplemental insurance and add-on services, such as crating or vehicle relocation, come with an additional cost.

Get a Quote: Get Your Personalized Allied Van Lines Quote

North American Van Lines

Best for Claims
4.8

North American Van Lines is a full-service moving company that can accommodate moves of all sizes locally, long distance, and internationally. The company partners with a network of more than 500 local moving agents nationwide to provide services in all 50 states.

North American’s claims process is streamlined and simplified with easy access to online claims forms from its homepage. The company also has separate sections on its landing page for international and domestic claims. Customers can file their domestic and international claims by phone through dedicated claims support lines in addition to separate customer support lines.

Pros and Cons

Pros Discount programs are available to American Legion and union members and their families The valuation coverage of items is detailed and customized to fit the value of your specific household items Available in all 50 states and 130 countries Cons The wait time for in-home estimates may be longer than competitors Customer experience may vary depending on local agents

Services

North American’s list of services includes:

  • Packing and unpacking
  • Loading and unloading
  • Vehicle relocation
  • Long- and short-term storage
  • Discount programs
  • Disassembly and assembly of appliances
  • Debris removal

Cost

North American’s estimates are based on distance, the amount and weight of items you’ll be moving, and your moving date. The company also factors any special handling requests into a quote. While exact costs will vary, prices start at around $5,000 to move a three-bedroom home from Appleton, Wisconsin, to Palo Alto, California, in early April.

Get a Quote: Get Your Personalized North American Van Lines Quote

U-Pack

Most Affordable
3.7

U-Pack is a self-service mover that’s a more affordable option than many of its competitors. U-Pack offers ReloCubes, which are weather-resistant steel containers. U-Pack also offers moving trailers that customers can load and only pay for the space they use, which is rare in the moving industry. If you need extra hands, U-Pack can connect you with reputable professional movers in your area.

Pros and Cons

Pros Pay for only the space you use on U-Pack’s moving trailer Most affordable moving service Guaranteed 1–2 hour delivery window option Cons Only three days to load Only two options for containers Deliveries are not as precise as some competitors

Services

U-Pack will either drop off a portable moving container or a moving trailer. If you use the moving trailer, you only pay for the space you use, and U-Pack will put up a barrier between your items and other items that also get shipped. Learn more about U-Pack services.

Cost

For a move from Madison to Milwaukee, we received a quote for $1,580 from U-Pack for the rental and transport of two ReloCubes. For your personalized quote, fill out this online form from U-Pack’s website.

Get a Quote: Get Your Personalized U-Pack Quote

1-800-PACK-RAT

Best Self-Service Mover
4.3

1-800-PACK-RAT is our top choice for a self-service mover in Wisconsin. This company is a container delivery service that allows you to move at your own pace.

1-800-PACK-RAT will drop off a container at your home, pick it up when you’re ready, and transport it to your new location. If your move is broken up over several weeks or months, or if your new home isn’t immediately ready for move-in, 1-800-PACK-RAT has a nationwide network of storage facilities to help you store your items.

Pros and Cons

Pros Storage facilities nationwide Long-distance moves receive free contents protection Three container size options Cons Window for delivery can be unpredictable Does not offer full-service moving

Services

1-800-PACK-RAT’s in-house moving services are limited to container deliveries and storage solutions, but it also offers moving supplies and car shipping. If you need extra hands on the big moving day, 1-800-PACK-RAT can put you in touch with local moving labor through a partnership with HireAHelper. Learn more about 1-800-PACK-RAT services.

PACK-RAT also topped our list for the best moving container companies.

Cost

For a sample move across Milwaukee, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers a 12-foot container for $665.50 and a 16-foot container for $685.50. These prices cover the cost of delivery, transportation, and the final pick-up of your container.

If you need long-term storage solutions, the two containers are $387.50 and $407.50 per month, respectively.

Get a Quote: Get Your Personalized 1-800-PACK-RAT Quote


Compare the Services of the Best Moving Companies in Wisconsin

Whether you’re interested in Wisconsin’s cheese and beer or the beautiful outdoors and low cost of living, the state has a lot to offer. Hiring one of the top movers in Wisconsin can help make the transition smoother.

Easily see how these top Wisconsin moving companies stack up:

ProviderGet EstimateLocalLong-DistanceLabor Included
IVLGet Estimate
American Van LinesGet Estimate
AlliedGet Estimate
North AmericanGet Estimate
1-800-PACK-RATGet Estimate
JK MovingGet Estimate
U-PackGet Estimate

Our Conclusion

All the companies on our list are excellent options for movers in Wisconsin. Different homeowners will have different priorities and needs when moving. Our recommendation is that you determine your priorities and shop around to get the best rate.

An excellent way to narrow down your list of potential moving companies is to get more accurate quotes with a home inventory.

If you are moving from Wisconsin to a nearby state, check out our top moving company recommendations in Illinois, our top choices for movers in Michigan, the top movers in Iowa, and the best moving companies in Minnesota.


Moving Companies in Wisconsin FAQ

What affects my moving price in Wisconsin?

The most important factors that will affect your moving price are the weight of your possessions and the distance of your move. A longer move will require more gas and maintenance on the moving vehicles, and a heavier move will require more labor to pack and unpack your belongings.

You can save money on your move by packing and unpacking on your own, but this can be time-consuming and even dangerous, so many homeowners choose to hire full-service movers.

Do I need to purchase contents protection?

You’ll receive a legally required measure of contents protection by default from your moving company. However, many people choose to pay extra for additional protection, since home insurance will often not cover damage or theft to your possessions during a move.

What time of year is busiest for movers?

Generally, warmer months are busier, since the weather is nicer. Many families also choose to move during the summers so children don’t have to change schools in the middle of the year. Since summer is busier, it may be wise to reserve your moving service at least two months in advance if you’re planning on moving during the summer.


Our Rating Methodology

We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.

Why Trust Us? We conducted 4,800+ hours of research on moving companies and crafted a ranking system based on the following research
31
Companies Considered
1000
Homeowners Surveyed
21000
Reviews Analyzed
22
Providers Compared

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.