Best movers in Madison, Wis.

Known for its lively culture, beautiful lakes and Dane County Farmers' Market, Madison, Wis. is home to many moving companies too. And choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you, the Yahoo Local team used its proprietary system to objectively evaluate and rank the best movers in the area. Our system considers everything from customer reviews and ratings to Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation and proper licensing. We also spoke to our top picks to ensure we're giving you the most up-to-date information on pricing, hourly minimums, background checks and more.

Top Madisonmovers

The best moving company in Madisonfor YOU

Moving is often a daunting, stressful event, but finding the right moving company can make all the difference. To help simplify your search, the Yahoo Local team has vetted and ranked the top movers in Madison, considering important factors like cost, availability and services offered. We did the heavy lifting of research so you can focus on the other logistics of your move.

When choosing a company, think about your specific needs. Do you need a full-service company with packing and unpacking, or just a few extra hands to load and unload your truck? Are you moving locally or long-distance? Our top-rated company, Above Average Moving, LLC, charges $160 per hour and conducts background checks on all employees, ensuring your belongings are in good hands. For a top alternative, consider Badger Brothers Moving . Both offer a range of services to fit your moving needs.

Table of contents

• Best overall mover in Madison

• Top alternative Madison moving company

• Best national moving company

• More best Madison movers

• Why you can trust Yahoo Local moving advice

• Wisconsin moving FAQs

• Methodology

Best moving companies in Madison, Wis.

Above Average Moving is the best overall Madison moving company

Open for a decade, Above Average Moving is our top pick among movers in Madison. If you're planning your move, its helpful, up-to-date blog offers a lot of tips and suggestions for a smooth move. The company also delivers packing material free with a minimum order.

Above Average Moving charges $160 per hour, with a 1-hour minimum for two crew members and a truck, and an extra $75 per additional crew member. Sunday rates increase to $225 per hour. A quick move (or labor-only services) could cost as little as $160 if you have very little to move. The company also offers long-distance moving, which incurs an additional fuel charge of $0.75 to $1.00 per mile for moves over 100 miles.

The representative we spoke to said that while Above Average Moving offers in-person estimates, if your schedule is tight, you can also request an online estimate. As long as you provide a detailed list of your items, the estimate should be close to your final cost. The company typically books moves about a month out. If you have a short-notice, emergency or next-day moving need, call to inquire about availability.

Services offered

• Residential moves

• Furniture and appliance delivery

• In-home furniture and appliance moving

• Packing and unpacking

• Labor only

• Office and commercial moves

• Office furniture and equipment moving

Above Average Moving doesn't require a deposit to hold your move date. The company accepts credit cards (3% transaction fee applies) and cash. Cash payments get a 5% discount.

The company does not subcontract out moves, and it conducts background checks on all employees. For interstate moves, the same crew stays with your truck and belongings for the entire move, and you can expect delivery of your possessions within 24 to 48 hours of loading, depending on the distance you're moving.

Above Average Moving is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating and zero complaints. It has a 4.8-star Google rating (207 reviews), 4.3-star Yelp rating (40 reviews) and five-star Angi rating (10 reviews).

The company is located at 1416 Parkside Dr., Madison, Wis., 53704. Request a free estimate by calling 608-556-7980 or visiting its website . Its hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. It is closed on Sundays.

Customer testimonial

First time using Above Average Movers, and I couldn't be more impressed. Our team of two arrived promptly, were super friendly and courteous, and then did a very professional and super efficient job. To top it off, the cost was reasonable. Definitely will call them for our future moves. - William C., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Badger Brothers Moving is our top alternative Madison mover

Badger Brothers Moving has been in business for over 15 years and has conducted more than 40,000 successful moves. In addition to offering a proprietary training program for employees, the company has a price match guarantee. If you find a lower price, Badger Brothers Moving will match it.

Badger Brothers Moving has a variable schedule for calculating prices. If you move during non-peak times — Sunday through Wednesday and all but the first and last three days of each month — two movers and a truck cost $189 per hour with a one-hour minimum. Moves on Thursday through Saturday or at the end or beginning of the month cost $199 per hour. Rates are all-inclusive, with no extra charges for the truck, fuel, excess weight or excess stairs.

You can request a free estimate online or over the phone from any of the company's four locations: Madison, Waukesha, Glendale or Milwaukee South. The online request form asks for very detailed information, including items weighing over 250 lbs., items requiring special care, the estimated number of boxes to move, and whether you'll do all the packing (or would like help from Badger Brothers).

Services offered

• House and apartment

• Last-minute and after-hours moves

• Loading and unloading PODS and trucks

• Overnight storage

• Local and intrastate moving

• Piano moving (via the company's exclusive partner)

Badger Brothers Moving doesn't require a deposit or contract, and there are no cancellation fees. It does offer an optional $99 damage protection plan, which is due before your move. The estimator assigned to you can provide more details about this plan. The company accepts credit and debit cards and checks, with a transaction fee for credit card payments.

The company does not hire subcontractors, and all its employees undergo background checks. It is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating and zero complaints. It boasts a five-star Google rating (1,222 reviews), 4.6-star Yelp rating (34 reviews) and 4.8-star Angi rating (11 reviews).

Badger Brothers Moving is located at 313 W. Beltline Hwy., Madison, Wis., 53713. Request a free estimate by calling 60-720-1025 or visiting its website . Its hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. The company does schedule moves on Sundays, but the office is closed.

Customer testimonial

Badger Brothers Moving exceeded our expectations. The 3-man crew was hard-working, engaging, and accommodating. Gideon, the crew lead, kept us updated with the progress and hiccups that were encountered. Movers were well organized in loading the truck, which led to virtually no damage to our property. Very efficient group!! Came in well under the time estimated, saving us money! JOB WELL DONE!! - Rick L., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

BLVD Moving is the best national moving company

At Yahoo Local, we're focused on helping people make smart choices. We enjoy highlighting local businesses, but sometimes a national mover is the better option; it really depends on what your move looks like. If you're trying to decide between the two, our guide on local vs. national movers can help. If you go with a national provider, BLVD Moving is our top recommendation .

BLVD Moving is led by a team with decades of experience in the industry. It runs out of four locations in California but offers both local and long-distance services across the U.S. It's a family-owned and independent company with its own fleet of trucks and moving staff. According to its terms , it may also use subcontractors or outside agents, which is a common move-industry practice during peak periods.

We contacted BLVD Moving for a quote on a 500-mile move involving about 1,340 cubic feet of household goods, which is close to what you'd expect for a three-bedroom home without large appliances. The quote came in around $6,700, which matches typical pricing from other long-distance movers. It asks for a 33% deposit to reserve the move, with 50% of the remaining balance due at pickup. The rest is paid upon delivery.

Services offered

• Local and long-distance moves

• Residential, commercial, and office relocations

• Professional packing

• Short- and long-term storage

• Financing options for eligible customers

If your plans change, BLVD Moving will refund your deposit as long as you cancel at least two full business days before the scheduled pickup date. Its delivery timeline ranges from two to 21 business days, depending on the distance. That window starts from the preferred delivery date you select, so once you're ready for your belongings, you may wait just over a month.

BLVD recommends booking your move about a month in advance, or even earlier if you're relocating during busy times like summer or the start or end of a month. (For more details, check out our full guide on the best and worst times to move .) The quote process is straightforward, and you can schedule a virtual walkthrough or fill out an online inventory form. BLVD also offers financing with interest rates starting at 0% for qualified customers.

BLVD Moving is accredited by the BBB and holds a B+ rating. It has 88 complaints on file, which is a number that might seem high, but it's typical for companies with nationwide operations. The company has a 4.3-star average on Google (1,207 reviews) and a 2.3-star rating on Yelp (372 reviews). All of its movers are full employees who pass background checks.

The company's headquarters is located at 21622 Plummer St., Chatsworth, Calif., 91311. It's open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time. You can reach BLVD Moving at 844-274-0500 or visit its website to request a quote.

Customer testimonial

Armando's crew was excellent; they moved fast and took care of my stuff, with the best attitude and professionalism. If you need your stuff packed and moved, this is the company for you. Their impeccable and clean work hums you so much - Monica A., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

More best Madison movers

You can count on Yahoo Local moving advice, and this is why

For decades, we've been dedicated to giving our readers accurate information about local businesses. Our Yahoo Local guides continue that commitment, helping you to find the best local businesses for your needs. We want to earn your trust, so we're completely open about our methodology and what we use to make our choices. Our team built a unique ranking system to objectively identify the top local companies. Plus, we never accept payment or sponsorships for our lists, so you can be confident that our picks are independent. Want to learn more? Check out our full methodology page .

Here's the list of criteria and sources we consulted to create the rankings for our list of the best moving companies in Madison:

• 29 movers evaluated

• 7,678 customer reviews and ratings from five sources

• 14 ranking criteria incorporated

• Interviewed or connected with all three featured movers

• Independent price quotes sourced from all three featured moving companies

• Independently researched and fact-checked by Yahoo

• Recommendations are maintained and updated regularly

Wisconsin moving FAQs

What info should you have when requesting an estimate?

When you're ready to get a moving estimate, having some key information on hand will make the process much smoother. All moving companies tend to ask for the same details to accurately gauge the size of your move. Make sure you have the:

• Current and new addresses

• Size of your home (number of bedrooms, square footage)

• Type of residence you're moving from (house, apartment, condo)

You should also mention any oversized or fragile items that need special handling, like a piano, pool table or antiques. Having this information handy helps each company calculate the crew and truck size you'll need to get you the most accurate quote.

What should you know about packing and storage in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin's cold winters can damage incorrectly stored belongings. For sensitive or valuable items like electronics, furniture, musical instruments and important documents, climate-controlled units offer the best protection against extreme weather changes and humidity. These units maintain a year-round temperature between 55°F and 80°F.

Whether you pack your belongings or hire someone to do it , choose sturdy, weather-resistant storage containers to protect your stuff. Plastic containers with sealed lids are a good choice for blocking moisture and pests. Because moisture can be a big problem, especially in winter, consider putting moisture-absorbing items like desiccant packets or silica gel inside containers. Avoid setting boxes directly on concrete floors; instead, use wood pallets or shelves to create an air gap that helps with air circulation.

What's different about condo and apartment moving in Wisconsin?

If you're relocating out of or into a condo or apartment in Wisconsin, contact your old (and new) building manager or landlord in advance, as the building may have specific requirements for moving days. Confirm whether there are time limitations on when you can move and whether you'll need to reserve an elevator.

You should also ask if the building requires a certificate of insurance (COI) from your movers. The COI serves as proof that the moving company has sufficient insurance to cover any damages they might inadvertently cause during your move. Be aware that some moving companies may have a fee for providing a COI; confirm that detail early in your planning so you can budget accordingly.

Do you need moving permits or licenses to move in Wisconsin?

Some cities may require you to get a moving or parking permit, especially if the moving truck will occupy a public space. It's a good question to ask your moving company, as they will know. Madison, for example, does require you to get a Street Occupancy Permit if you're using a moving and storage container that can't be placed off-street in a driveway.

All Wisconsin moving companies must register with the state's Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and have the required liability and cargo insurance. The companies must also file their rates publicly. For interstate relocations, moving companies need a USDOT number and operating authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) . These regulations serve as a safety net to legally protect their customers. 

You can learn more by reading our guide to Wisconsin moving company licensing and regulations .

How much should you tip movers in Wisconsin?

While tipping your movers in Wisconsin isn't required, it's a concrete (and much appreciated) way to show your gratitude for excellent service. A common practice is tipping 10% to 20% of the total cost of your move. You can give the tip directly to your crew in cash to split among them. Some moving companies allow you to add a tip to your final payment. Other options to tip your movers may include Zelle, Venmo, PayPal or other digital apps. Learn more in our article about how much to tip movers . 

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