How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Madison
Consider each company's licensing, services, customer reviews, and cost before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for local movers in Madison is $76. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,231 in total. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, your home size, the season, and move distance.
Consider obtaining quotes from a minimum of three moving companies in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should have a breakdown of the total cost, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate readily available until the move is done to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are indispensable when looking for a mover. Read customer reviews on platforms such as Google Reviews, social media, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp to identify moving companies with excellent customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Madison must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a short-haul move that's purely within Wisconsin, your mover needs a certificate from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. This certificate will have the letters "LC" and the mover's authority number.
The requirements are different if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can find a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether the mover provides the specific services you need when requesting quotes. Prepare for the quote process by taking a thorough inventory of your belongings and writing down any services you may need. Additionally, inform your moving company representative about any particular requirements or unique circumstances you may have to evaluate the company's capacity to offer adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers provide the following standard services as a part of their base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When requesting a quote from your moving company, disclose any special services you require. Services that can lead to higher pricing include:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Madison, WI
Here are some extra tips to consider when moving in Madison.
Schedule an Early Move
Madison sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic can lead to delays and impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. Try to schedule your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season peaks between May and September. In Madison, this time corresponds to hot summer weather, which can delay or worsen your move. You should be able to secure your preferred moving company by contacting companies at least eight weeks before your move. However, remember that the heat may impact your movers.
Pack in Advance
We recommend you start packing around six weeks before your move to avoid rushing to pack when moving day comes. Spending time packing a couple boxes each day can get the task done without overwhelming you. Most moving companies won't move items that aren't packed when your move starts.
How Much do Movers Cost in Madison, WI
Movers in Madison cost $2,637 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,157 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.
| Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 250 miles | $2,637 | $3,098 | $7,157 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,250 | $3,722 | $10,632 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,288 | $4,273 | $10,994 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,202 | $5,339 | $13,133 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Madison
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