Best Moving Companies in Madison, WI
If you're moving from Madison to Colorado, you've got solid options locally. I've reviewed five movers that handle state-to-state relocations, and here's what stands out.
- Above Average Moving LLC — 4.56 / 5
- The Armstrong Company — 4.44 / 5
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.44 / 5
- Top Notch Moving and Storage — 4.28 / 5
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.26 / 5
Above Average Moving LLC
1416 Parkside Drive, Madison, WI 53704
92% positive | 40 Yelp reviews | 165 Google reviews
Above Average delivers what the name promises. Out of 226 reviews analyzed, 92% praised their work—fast crews, careful handling, and pricing that undercuts competitors. Customers rave about attention to detail and moves finishing ahead of schedule. Pianos, fragile items, furniture—they handle it all safely.
The downside: a small portion report damage, inaccurate estimates, or slow follow-up communication. Improving estimate precision would strengthen their standing, but the overall track record here is reliable and cost-conscious.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, crating, storage
License #: 26753 | DOT #: 2595339
Call: (608) 556-7980
The Armstrong Company
4505 Helgesen Dr, Madison, WI 53718
77% positive | 2 Yelp reviews | 45 Google reviews
Armstrong's been in business 39 years, and it shows. They're responsive, professional, and genuinely careful with your stuff. Customers highlight accurate estimates, competitive pricing, and staff who actually seem to care. Many moves go smoothly; communication is clear.
Negative feedback centers on occasional item damage and how claims get resolved. They offer a fuller range—interstate, international moves—which matters if your timeline shifts or your destination changes.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing, unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, storage
DOT #: 1170867 | Years in business: 39
Call: (608) 838-5940
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
3817 Kipp Street, Madison, WI 53718
78% positive | 68 Yelp reviews | 553 Google reviews
Nearly 80% of 286 reviews praise efficient, professional crews who show up on time and handle belongings respectfully. Customers note smooth scheduling, quick turnarounds, and courteous staff.
About 21% raise real concerns: damage, inaccurate estimates, unexpected charges. Some report broken furniture or billing surprises. The takeaway—they perform well on average, but inventory tracking and quote accuracy matter. Do a thorough walkthrough before signing.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage
DOT #: 2527384 | Years in business: 31
Call: (608) 340-1557
Top Notch Moving and Storage
905 Dempsey Rd, Madison, WI 53716
95% positive | 17 Yelp reviews | 385 Google reviews
This is the standout for sheer satisfaction: 95% of 234 reviews are glowing. Customers mention efficient work, friendly movers, and careful handling of delicate items and heavy furniture with zero damage. Communication is upfront; staff is approachable.
The 5% of negative feedback reports property damage and claims issues, plus a few unexpected fees. For most clients, though, the experience is stress-free and reliable. They've built a strong local reputation in just 5 years.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, crating, storage
DOT #: 3322160 | Years in business: 5
Call: (608) 590-3710
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
1412 Parkside Drive, Suite 1226, Madison, WI 53714
89% positive | 35 Yelp reviews | 493 Google reviews
Out of 248 reviews, 89% highlight fast service, smooth execution, and professional crews who communicate and handle items with care. The experience is stress-free; many customers praise their attention to overlooked details.
The 11% of complaints focus on damage, late arrivals, and unexpected charges. They're solid on execution but should tighten consistency on care and billing accuracy to match the top tier.
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, storage
DOT #: 2378173
Call: (336) 810-1801
Specialty Services Available in Madison
A quick look at what Madison movers offer for specialized work:
- Interstate moves: 60%
- Pianos: 60%
- Antiques & art: 20%
- Fragile-only packing: 20%
Cost to Move from Madison, WI to Colorado
Here's what you'll pay based on home size and service type. These are ballpark figures for a 1,018-mile move from Madison to Colorado.
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,213 – $4,799 | $771 – $1,938 | $649 – $1,209 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,475 – $5,823 | $1,412 – $2,924 | $701 – $1,365 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,096 – $8,015 | $1,962 – $3,772 | $821 – $1,730 |
Get an exact estimate tailored to your move size and service choice.
Full-Service Moving Companies
For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,213 to $4,799. Two to three bedrooms typically run $2,475 to $5,823. A large home (4+ bedrooms) will land you around $4,096 to $8,015. Pricing swings based on labor intensity, distance, and time of year.
Moving Containers
Moving containers are a middle ground—you pack at your own pace, and they handle transport. Studio moves run $771 to $1,938; two to three bedrooms cost $1,412 to $2,924; four or more bedrooms, $1,962 to $3,772.
Rental Trucks
Truck rentals are the cheapest option—$649 to $1,209 for a studio, $701 to $1,365 for 2–3 bedrooms, $821 to $1,730 for 4+ bedrooms—but you're doing the driving and heavy lifting. These figures include estimated fuel.
What Drives Moving Costs
- Move size: A studio costs far less than moving a large household.
- Seasonal demand: Summer rates spike; off-season (fall/winter) is cheaper.
- DIY vs. professional: Renting a truck saves money but demands your time and effort. Hiring movers costs more but handles the labor.
Cost of Living: Madison vs. Colorado
Before you lock in a mover, consider the bigger financial picture. Moving to Colorado might ease some expenses—or add others.
| Factor | Madison, WI | Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,600 | $1,594 |
| Average home price | $367,934 | $541,072 |
| Per capita income | $62,919 | $87,598 |
| Cost of living index | 103 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 5.49% |
What this means for your wallet:
- Rent is nearly identical, so housing costs won't spike if you're renting.
- Home prices run 47% higher in Colorado. Buying requires deeper pockets.
- Salaries in Colorado average 39% higher, easing the load on many households.
- Cost of living is 12% cheaper in Colorado overall—groceries, utilities, general expenses.
- Income taxes are 28% lower in Colorado, putting more money in your pocket each month.
- Job market is tighter; Colorado's unemployment sits about 24% higher than Madison's.
How Life Differs: Madison vs. Colorado
Not just financial—the day-to-day experience shifts. Here's how the two compare:
| Aspect | Madison, WI | Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 5,877,610 |
| Political lean | Democratic (76-23) | Lean Democratic (54-46) |
| Summer high | 82°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 10°F | 13°F |
| Annual rainfall | 36" | 16" |
| Annual snowfall | 42" | 63" |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 36.4 |
Climate: Summers are nearly identical—both hover in the low-to-mid 80s. Winters are comparable too (10°F vs. 13°F), so your heating costs won't shift dramatically. The big difference: Colorado gets half the rain (16" vs. 36") but nearly 50% more snow (63" vs. 42"). Expect a drier, sunnier climate with more winter precipitation—great for skiing, but pack extra cold-weather gear.
Politics: Madison leans more Democratic than Colorado overall, though both favor Democratic candidates.
Safety: Crime rates are nearly identical. No significant difference in safety.
Scale: Colorado's significantly larger (5.9M people vs. 270K). You'll trade Madison's tight-knit feel for more urban sprawl and diversity.
Before You Move: Logistics & Regulations
Colorado-Specific Requirements
- Mover licensing: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates intrastate moving companies. Verify your mover's license before booking.
- No moving permit required in Colorado itself, but check local parking rules where you're landing.
- HOA rules: Some neighborhoods restrict move-in days. Confirm with your HOA upfront.
- Elevator reservations: Many buildings require advance booking. Reserve early.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities demand permits for oversized vehicles. Check local codes.
Mail & Insurance
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before moving. Set your official move date so mail forwards smoothly.
- Moving insurance: Colorado doesn't mandate special coverage, but understand your options. Released Value Protection is free but limits payouts to 60 cents per pound per item—inadequate for most valuables. For full-value coverage, discuss third-party insurance with your mover or explore standalone providers.
Before Moving Day
Use our moving checklist to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. It covers address changes, utility setup, pet registrations, and more.
What to Do in Colorado
Museums & Gardens
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Rosemount Museum
Outdoor Spaces
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
Sports & Recreation
- Denver Broncos (NFL)
- Denver Nuggets (NBA)
- Colorado Rockies (MLB)
- Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
Education
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Colorado State University
- United States Air Force Academy
Common Questions
How long does a Madison-to-Colorado move take?
Typically two to eight days, depending on whether you hire movers or do it yourself. Summer moves often take longer due to demand. Ask your mover for a specific timeframe before booking.
Can Madison movers build custom crates?
Yes—two local movers offer custom crating for artwork, antiques, and fragile pieces. Request specifics on padding and lead times when you quote.
How do I ship a car from Madison to Colorado?
Hire an auto-transport specialist. Check our car shipping guide for top options and what to expect.
Why move to Colorado?
People relocate for job growth, outdoor recreation (skiing, hiking), lower taxes, and Colorado's booming tech sector. The lower cost of living also draws families seeking financial relief.
What's the best long-distance mover from Madison?
Start by comparing quotes from multiple movers. Top performers vary by route and season. Get at least three estimates to see true pricing and service levels.
Can I pay with cash?
No reputable Madison mover accepts cash. The industry uses credit cards, ACH transfers, or cashier's checks for traceable records. You'll typically pay a deposit to secure your date and the balance at pickup or after delivery.
More Wisconsin Moving Resources
Popular routes from Wisconsin:
Related guides:
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