Wisconsin is home to some of the most passionate sports fanatics in the country — you’ll be able to recognize their signature cheese hats from a mile away at a Packer’s game. When you become a resident of Wisconsin, you’ll enjoy low taxes, friendly neighbors, and exceptionally affordable real estate. You’ll also have dozens of opportunities to dine on everything from local barbeque to fine, upscale Italian dining when you settle down in Madison. However, Wisconsin’s charm extends far beyond its capital city — smaller cities like Milwaukee and Eau Claire also offer their own brand of Midwest nice.
If you’re thinking about making a move to the Badger State, you might already be researching Wisconsin moving companies. But with so many local movers offering service, how can you know the best moving company to trust with your home? Today’s Homeowner understands that no one wants to dive into the moving process alone — which is why we’ve created a complete guide to some of the best professional movers that provide service to Wisconsin. Read on to learn everything you need to know about your upcoming move.
The 7 Best Moving Companies in Wisconsin
Our top recommended moving companies in Wisconsin for 2023:
- Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
- Most Transparent Pricing: American Van Lines
- Most Moving Partners: Moving APT
- Most Vehicle Shipping Options: Allied Van Lines
- Most Customizable Moving Experience: JK Moving Services
- Best Overall Container Service: U-Pack
- Best Pricing Options: North American Van Lines
Compare The Best Moving Companies in Wisconsin
| Company | Website | Our Take | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Local Cost |
| International Van Lines | Site | Best Full-Service Mover | 9.8 | B | $600 – $1,200 |
| American Van Lines | Site | Most Transparent Pricing | 9.7 | N/A | $500 – $1,000 |
| Moving APT | Site | Most Moving Partners | 9.6 | B | |
| JK Moving Services | Site | Most Customizable Moving Experience | 9.5 | A+ | Call for a quote |
| Allied Van Lines | Site | Most Vehicle Shipping Options | 9.4 | A+ | $750 – $1,350 |
| U-Pack | Site | Most Widely-Available Container Service | 9.3 | A+ | N/A |
| North American Van Lines | Site | Best Pricing Options | 9.2 | A+ | $750 – $1,350 |
International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Movers
Why We Recommend International Van Lines
International Van Lines (IVL) at the top of multiple lists of the best full-service moving companies. They have won Forbes’ Best National Moving Company designation several years in a row thanks to its comprehensive list of services as well as their confident customer service representatives. Newsweek has also recognized IVL’s customer service team for their diligence and friendliness.
International Van Lines is exactly what it sounds like — a moving company that can take you practically anywhere. Not only do they facilitate moves in all 50 states, but they also offer moving services to over 150 countries. You can set up a moving plan that fits your needs, no matter if you’d like to pack everything yourself or you’d prefer that IVL movers handle every step from start to finish.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Short-term storage unit available upon arrival (and may be included in some moves)
- Helpful and clear chart of extra fees available on website
- Over twenty years of experience
- MoveOne in-house software allows you to get a quote with just a virtual walkthrough of your home
Cons
- Contracts with third-party movers in some locations, so service quality may vary
- 25% deposit required up front
Services Offered
When you book your move with a full-service moving company, you can take advantage of a wider range of services to make your overall move easier. IVL currently offers the following optional services:
- Professional packing and unpacking services
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Crating
- Specialized packing services for fragile items
- Short-term and long-term storage services
- Delivery of moving supplies
- Loading and unloading
- Auto transportation services
- Military moving services
- Corporate relocation services
In addition to residential moving processes, IVL also offers military and corporate relocations.
How Much Does International Van Lines Cost?
In order to estimate your moving costs, we collected pricing data from past IVL customers. Use the table below to get an idea of what you might pay for your moving services based on your home size and distance.
| <250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
| Two-bedroom home | $1,400 to $4,400 | $1,900 to $4,900 | $2,100 to $5,100 | $2,400 to $5,400 |
| Four-bedroom home | $3,200 to $6,200 | $5,100 to $8,100 | $5,700 to $8,700 | $6,200 to $9,200 |
Get a quote from IVL here.
American Van Lines: Most Transparent Pricing
Why We Recommend American Van Lines
Though American Van Lines (AVL) is another full-service moving company, there are a few things that set it apart from the others. First of all and perhaps most importantly, American Van Lines offers binding estimates and flat-rate pricing. These pricing policies ensure you know exactly what you’re going to be paying once the quoting process has been completed and you’ve signed the contract. They won’t add fees later — what you see is what you will pay.
Although you must get a quote through an in-person walkthrough, you can estimate what you will pay before you contact a customer service rep because there are helpful cost estimates for city-to-city moves across the U.S. Although American Van Lines does not provide services to and from Alaska and Hawaii, they do offer moves throughout the continental United States.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional customer service
- Antique and piano moving available
- Committed to protecting the environment by using greener vehicles and facilities
- Climate-controlled storage available if needed
Cons
- No online quotes
- Deposit required in order to confirm your move date
Services Offered
Another full-service moving company, AVL offers its own unique list of add-on services to make your moving experience less stressful. You can currently book the following services alongside your loading, unloading, and transportation.
- Packing and unpacking services
- Storage unit arrangement
- Specialty packing services for items like pianos and antiques
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Crating for large items (like pianos)
- Delivery of moving supplies
In addition to residential moving services, AVL also offers commercial and military moving processes.
How Much Does American Van Lines Cost?
View pricing from previous American Van Lines customers to estimate what you might pay with this mover.
| <250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
| Two-bedroom home | $1,700 to $4,700 | $2,300 to $5,300 | $2,600 to $5,600 | $4,200 to $7,200 |
| Four-bedroom home | $4,800 to $7,800 | $5,600 to $8,600 | $7,400 to $10,400 | $10,800 to $13,800 |
Get a quote from American Van Lines here.
Moving APT: Most Moving Partners
Why We Recommend Moving APT
Moving APT is our recommendation if you choose to work with a moving broker. Moving APT isn’t a moving company itself; it’s a broker that works to find the best movers for your specific needs and budget. Although they don’t physically move your items themselves, they partner with over 2,500 local moving companies across the U.S. to help you get the best deal.
Partner providers offer moving services including but not limited to commercial moving, local and long-distance moving, storage services, and auto transport. You can easily get started with a free quote online, and then you can go from there. Moving APT provides up front pricing so you know what you’re expected to pay. They also offer a price matching policy that ensures you’re getting the lowest possible rate.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price matching
- All employees have passed background checks
- Binding estimates
- Hot tub and piano moving services available
Cons
- Service availability may vary depending on the local team you’re partnered with
Services Offered
The services available to you when you move through Moving APT may vary depending on the local team you’re matched with. Some of the most popular services booked through Moving APT include the following:
- Piano moving
- Car and truck shipping
- Packing services
- Packing supplies
- Appliance connection services
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
In addition to residential moving services, Moving APT can also help you book corporate and commercial moves.
How Much Does Moving APT Cost?
Moving APT uses a highly personalized process when providing a moving quote to each of its customers. A recent four-bedroom, 1,000-mile move with Moving APT was quoted at $7,800, which means that the company is about in line with competitors in Wisconsin. Thankfully, getting a quote with Moving APT is simple — click here to get started.
JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Moving Experience
Why We Recommend JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services provides moves to all 50 states as well as plenty of international locations. They have a reputation for being reliable and community oriented. JK Moving Services also has the most customizable moving plans out there, so that you can set up a plan with your assigned personal moving coordinator that matches your every need. No matter if you need simple transportation, vehicle shipping, fragile-only packing, or a full-service plan, JK’s team of professionals is standing by to help you customize your own moving package.
Worried about the price that you’ll pay for these personalized services? JK Moving Services is one of the only moving companies we’ve seen to offer financing options for movers. You may be able to access interest rates as low as 0% APR if you are approved for financing, which helps you break down a larger moving bill into more manageable monthly payments.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fleet of trucks is environmentally friendly
- Financing options so you can make your move a simple monthly payment
- Have its own mobile app so you can always stay connected to your move and customer service
- GPS tracking included in all moving services
Cons
- No online quotes; you must have an in-person walkthrough
- Pricier than competitors, which is perhaps why they offer financing
Services Offered
One of the many factors that set JK Moving Services apart from its competition is its customizable moving packages. When you connect with your personal moving coordinator, they’ll help you select services that can complement your moving needs and ensure that your household items arrive when it’s most convenient for you. You can currently book the following services through JK Moving Services:
- Packing and unpacking services
- Loading and unloading services
- Long-term and short-term storage unit arrangement
- Transportation and delivery
- Freighting
- Crating
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly services
- Specialty services for items like antiques and pianos
- Specialized moving services for law firms, hospitals, and other specialized workplaces
- Archive services
- Auto relocation services
In addition to residential moving services, JK Moving can also handle government and corporate relocations.
How Much Does JK Moving Services Cost?
The hard working team members at JK Moving Services prefer to provide quotes in-person or online after representatives have had a chance to take a look at your shipment. Though this process takes a bit more time than getting an instant quote, the estimate that you receive will be much more accurate. As a general pricing example, you can expect to pay $2,500 to $5,500 for a two-bedroom, 500-mile move with JK Moving Services. Be sure to get your free quote here so you can be sure of your pricing.
Get a quote from JK Moving Services here.
Allied Van Lines: Most Vehicle Shipping Options
Why We Recommend Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines is another excellent and well-rated full-service moving company. They can help make your moving process as stress-free as possible with their long list of available services. GPS tracking is installed in each moving truck, so you can always know where your shipment is. Worried about the location of your vehicle? If your car or truck arrives late, Allied Van Lines will cover the cost of a rental car.
You are in good hands when you move with Allied Van Lines. Allied has 88 years of experience in the moving industry and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Not only is Allied Van Lines a full-service moving company — they have also recently added a packing container service for which loading and unloading are included. You can also opt for fragile-only packing plans as well as DIY packing, and for these options, Allied will simply load, transport, and unload your items.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Provided 750,000 moves in the past 15 years
- 24/7 customer service
- Provides appliance disconnection and reinstallation
- Loading and unloading included in the price of all moving plans
Cons
- Better for long-distance moving—short distance moves are pricier than competitors
Services Offered
Like International Van Lines, Allied Van Lines offers its own set of unique services. You can currently book any of the following services through Allied.
- Packing services
- Unpacking services
- Fragile-only packing
- Long-term storage
- Short-term storage
- Shipment tracking
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Vehicle and boat transport
- Basic liability coverage
- Full-value coverage
All pricing from Allied Van Lines includes loading, unloading, and transportation services.
How Much Does Allied Van Lines Cost?
View pricing from previous Allied Van Lines customers to estimate what you might pay with this mover.
| <250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
| Two-bedroom home | $1,800 to $4,500 | $2,400 to $5,400 | $2,700 to $5,700 | $4,400 to $7,400 |
| Four-bedroom home | $3,300 to $6,000 | $5,700 to $8,700 | $7,500 to $10,500 | $10,900 to $13,000 |
Get a quote from Allied Van Lines here.
U-Pack: Best Overall Container Service
Why We Recommend U-Pack
This is the most affordable option on our list because U-Pack operates as a self-service moving container company. Their website is clear and user-friendly; all you need to do is figure out an approximation of how much square footage your household goods occult before booking. You can then go onto the U-Pack website to determine how many of their patented ReloCubes you need. These are packing containers that are made to withstand the elements and they each fit into a small parking space. You can also choose an entire moving trailer, but you’ll only be charged for the linear feet your items use.
After you’ve determined which container you need (and the amount if you need more than one), you can order the containers online. On the scheduled date, the U-Pack driver will drop the container off at your house. You then have three days to pack and load the container and the U-Pack driver will then return and whisk your belongings off to their destination. This system provides you with more time to handle your loading at your leisure while also helping you save money on labor expenses.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cheaper than full-service movers
- Convenient if you cannot or would rather not drive a cumbersome moving vehicle
- Overall positive reviews online
- Transparent pricing and no hidden fees
Cons
- Only offers three days to pack and unpack
- No local moving services offered—only for long-distance moves
Services Offered
U-Pack is a moving container company offering limited services. You can currently book the following services through U-Pack:
- Long-distance moving
- Storage services
Keep in mind that U-Pack only offers service on moves of 150 miles or more. If you’re moving locally, you may want to check out a competing moving container service like PODS.
How Much Does U-Pack Cost?
View pricing from previous U-Pack customers to learn more about what you might expect to pay for moving container services when you head to Wisconsin.
| <250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
| Two-bedroom home | $600 to $1,600 | $1,200 to $2,200 | $1,600 to $2,600 | $2,100 to $3,100 |
| Four-bedroom home | $800 to $1,800 | $1,800 to $2,800 | $2,800 to $3,800 | $4,100 – $5,100 |
Get a quote from U-Pack here.
North American Van Lines: Best Pricing Options
Why We Recommend North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines has been in operation since the 1960s, and they are a company of firsts. For example, they are the first company in the moving industry to develop their own satellite GPS tracking system for their fleet of vehicles, WorldTrac. They are also the first professional moving company to traverse the Alaska Highway. They’re also one of the first moving companies that we’ve seen offering flexible pricing and estimate options. For example, when you book through North American Van Lines, you can select “not to exceed” pricing that puts a cap on your total moving costs. This unique structure helps you save money and budget better for your move.
North American offers moves all across the country and whatever your moving needs, they can help you reach your new home without hassle. They offer furniture disassembly and reassembly as well as appliance disconnection and reinstallation on top of the typical full-service options.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Created their own simulator for moving truck drivers to aid in safety training
- Special packages and discounts for commercial relocations
- Works with the organizations Habitat ReStore Donation Program and Move for Hunger
- International moves available to 175 countries
Cons
- No affordable short distance move options
Services Offered
North American Van Lines is our last recommendation for a full-service moving company. You can currently book the following services alongside your move when you book with North American Van Lines:
- Full-service packing
- Fragile-only packing
- Boxes and moving supplies
- Appliance disconnection and reconnection
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Custom crates
- Loading and unloading
- Crane vans for large items
- Storage services (short-term and long-term)
- Satellite tracking
- Auto transport
- Full-valuation coverage
In addition to residential moving services, North American Van Lines also provides corporate moving processes.
How Much Does North American Van Lines Cost?
View pricing from previous North American Van Lines customers to learn more about what you might expect to pay for your moving package through this professional moving company.
| <250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
| Two-bedroom home | $1,800 to $4,500 | $2,400 to $5,400 | $2,700 to $5,700 | $4,400 to $7,400 |
| Four-bedroom home | $3,300 to $6,000 | $5,700 to $8,700 | $7,500 to $10,500 | $10,900 to $13,000 |
Get a quote from North American Van Lines here.
How to Choose a Moving Company
How can you know which moving company is the right one for you? There are several factors to consider when hiring a full-service moving company, whether you’re headed to Milwaukee, Green Bay, or anywhere in or out of America’s Dairyland. Read on to learn more about narrowing down your search.
Full-Service Moving
Full-service moving is a great option if you’re a busy person and you don’t have the time or energy to plan and organize a move yourself. If you sign up for a full-service move, the only time you have to lift a finger is to sign the moving contract. This is also a great option for people who have young children or elderly family members to take care of. The amount of relief hiring a professional moving company can provide can often be worth the extra cost.
In order to make the right choice for you when hiring a moving company, the first thing you should determine is your move date and your specific moving needs. For example, if you need certified antique movers, you’ve got to find a company that offers that. Once you’ve figured out which movers have the services you need, then you can do a price comparison. Some companies have price matching policies in place, so if you like a particular company better than the other but that company is more expensive, see if they have price matching.
You should also make sure that there are no hidden fees when setting up your move. Make sure you get an itemized invoice that you can sign before you pay for anything so that you don’t have any surprises. Reputable companies like International Van Lines and North American Van Lines are transparent about their prices and what may add extra fees, like flights of stairs or bulky items.
Self-Service
The best way to save money during your move is to perform a DIY move. If you don’t mind planning each step and doing the heavy lifting yourself, this is the choice for you, especially considering price. This is also an excellent option if you prefer to be in control of packing your items and transporting them, and if you don’t have any unwieldy items like a hot tub or a pool table. You can even find packing supplies for free if you know where to look, such as an office supply store or even a supermarket. You can find packing tape at any dollar store, along with any other supplies you cannot find for free.
If you have a large enough vehicle to load all your belongings into, or if you can accomplish it by enlisting your family and friends and their vehicles, then you only have to pay for the fuel to get you to your destination. However, if you require more space, you can simply rent a moving trailer and tow it behind your vehicle. If you don’t have a trailer hitch or you’re looking for even more space, you can rent a moving truck. The daily rates for either are budget-friendly and definitely cheaper than hiring a moving company.
If you don’t feel comfortable towing a trailer or driving a large truck, then there’s always the moving container route. You can use a company like U-Pack because you’re still in charge of packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking—you just leave the driving to the trained professionals. This can be a convenient option for anyone who does not have a driver’s license or who doesn’t have the option of renting and driving a truck.
Moving To Wisconsin
Moving to Wisconsin (or any other long-distance move) is a big deal. Learning as much as you can about the new area you’ll be settling down in can ease any lingering anxiety that you might have about hitting the road. Read on to learn a little more about what you can expect to pay for your move to Wisconsin as well as some extra info that will help you fully enjoy your time in the Badger State.
Wisconsin Moving Costs
When movers price potential future moves, they take two primary factors into account: the distance you’re traveling and the size of your home. Moving a longer distance increases the cost of your move. If you own a larger property, you’ll also pay more for your moving services. Let’s take a look at just how much the distance you’re traveling will affect your moving costs.
| Distance | Home Size | Average Cost |
| 100 miles | 3-4 bedroom home | $2,921 to $3,819 |
| 250 miles | 3-4 bedroom home | $3,462 to $4,553 |
| 500 miles | 3-4 bedroom home | $4,184 to $5,534 |
| 750 | 3-4 bedroom home | $4,820 to $6,400 |
| 1000 | 3-4 bedroom home | $5,610 to $7,473 |
| 1500 | 3-4 bedroom home | $6,645 to $8,884 |
| 2000 | 3-4 bedroom home | $8,864 to $12,973 |
Best Cities in Wisconsin
Still deciding where you might settle down in the Badger State? Consider a few of our favorite Wisconsin cities below.
Appleton: Appleton is located in eastern Wisconsin along the Fox River with a few additional cities known collectively as the “Fox Cities.” Its population is around 76,000 residents, and Appleton’s cost of living is 16% below the national average. This attracts young professionals and families alike looking to invest in property. The main industries in Appleton are healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing. Appleton’s crime rate is low and its college graduation rate is high. It’s home to Lawrence University and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. You can visit the former residence of Harry Houdini and even a museum showcasing the city’s paper industry.
Milwaukee: Milwaukee has the distinction of being one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the country. It has a population of 577,000 residents, so it’s a far cry from the small town of Appleton mentioned above. Milwaukee still has a charming small-town feel even if its population is large and it’s an urban center. If you’re looking for a job in healthcare or service, Milwaukee has ample opportunities available. It’s also home to five Fortune 500 companies and many top-rated universities. You can check out any number of art and science museums in Milwaukee, and you can even walk from one museum to the next. Overall, Milwaukee is a very walkable city with plenty of food and culture options from all over the world.
Eau Claire: Eau Claire’s population is smaller than Appleton’s, sitting at about 69,000 residents. This lovely town is in western Wisconsin, and it’s full of forested areas to explore. It’s perfect for nature lovers, as you can visit Beaver Creek Reserve and access Wisconsin’s northern wilderness known locally as “up north.” Eau Claire is home to the hospital ranked fourth in the state, Mayo Clinic Eau Claire. The crime rate in this area is also extremely low. Agriculture and healthcare are Eau Claire’s two largest industries.
Living in Wisconsin
As you prepare for your move, you should also consider life after you settle into your new home. Use the following tips to make the most of your time in Wisconsin.
You might need to update your wardrobe: If you’re moving to Wisconsin from a desert state like Nevada or New Mexico or a subtropical state like Florida or Georgia, you definitely need to keep in mind that Wisconsin has brutal winters. The average annual snowfall is almost four feet. Summers are hot and humid because of the proximity to the Great Lakes.
Road work can seem never-ending: The harsh winter weather damages the roads and when they can, construction crews are perennially repairing the damage. Plan to spend more time in traffic during your commute if it recently snowed.
Water activities are a must: Wisconsin has access to countless rivers and lakes, and boating, fishing, kayaking, and ice fishing are beloved pastimes. Enjoy a sport or hobby that you’ve never tested before to really experience like in Wisconsin!
Final Thoughts
If you receive a moving quote that’s significantly more expensive than you thought it would be, don’t panic. There are plenty of steps that you can take to lower the price you’ll pay for your moving services. Be sure to get multiple moving quotes from as many competing service providers as possible before you set your moving date. Exploring all of your options helps you find the lowest rate–which you can then use to negotiate services with a company that offers price matching.
FAQs about Moving Companies in WIsconsin
How much do movers cost in Wisconsin?
Long-distance movers in the state of Wisconsin can cost anywhere between $1,200 to $3,300, and sometimes more if you require specialized services or if your move is cross-country. Get a quote from multiple moving companies so you can be sure you’re working with the most affordable option for you.
What are the extra or hidden costs when moving?
Hidden fees when setting up a move can surprise you. Hidden costs can include the price of movers going up or down flights of stairs, rescheduling fees, fuel costs for the moving vehicles, or expensive private insurance or full valuation coverage. Request an itemized invoice when you pay your movers so you know which fees have been applied to your bill.
What happens if my stuff gets damaged?
The best thing you should do to be prepared in case any of your belongings are damaged or lost is to take photos before they are packed up. That way, if they get damaged, you can take photos of the damage as proof that the items were not damaged already. Then, reach out to your moving company’s claims department so you can get reimbursed for the items.
How far out in advance should I book a moving company?
Two months is plenty of time to book a moving company before your move. One month is also usually okay, but two months gives the company plenty of time to plan the route and see which drivers and movers are available.
What is considered a long-distance move?
A long-distance move is any move over 400 miles. If the move is less than that, it’s considered local most of the time. Some moving companies define a long-distance move as any move that crosses state lines, regardless of mileage.
Today's Homeowner Rating Methodology
At Today's Homeowner, our primary goals are to be a reliable source of information and to be totally transparent to our readers. With that in mind, we’ve developed the following formula to render objective ratings – on a scale of 10 points – for the moving companies we review.
- Transparency (3.0): Communication and being fully straightforward regarding company policies and licensing are incredibly important. A given mover’s willingness to display these, to supply quick quotes, and to provide clearly-worded moving contracts all factor into the three points within this single rating criteria.
- Cost (2.5): A mover’s cost relative to industry averages, as well as accessibility to cost data play a role in the customer experience as much as anything else. We know that being sure of what you’re paying – and being confident that you’re not overpaying – will ultimately make for a positive move. We’ve weighted cost factors accordingly in our ratings.
- Customer Service (2.0): Establishing an easy line of contact with your movers during the booking process or during the move itself is a huge asset for any moving client. The stress of moving, in general, can be greatly eased by knowing you can talk to a licensed professional whenever you need to, which is why we’ve listed this as a key rating category. This is where customer reviews come into play; since the majority of complaints stem from poor customer service, feedback from BBB, Yelp, Google, and other review platforms factor into this criteria.
- Services Offered (1.5): This rates lower on our priority list than many would think, simply due to the fact that many movers provide a similar line of services. However, breadth of service offerings does still vary to a degree.
- Customization Options (1.0): Having the autonomy to fully customize your move should rate highly on any moving checklist. Here, we’ve taken moving package customization ability, as well as pricing for more involved add-ons. Steep pricing for such services can provide something of a soft barrier for clients looking to add to their move, and we’ve taken this into consideration.
