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Best Moving Companies in Wisconsin 2024

We compared 26 companies and chose the top movers

    • United Regions Van Lines
      4.2(694)
    • PODS
      4.5(3,713)

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      Best Moving Companies in Wisconsin 2024

      If you live in Wisconsin and are planning to move, you might be considering hiring movers. To help, we’ve chosen our top picks for Wisconsin by comparing some of the top movers on ratings and reviews, price, discounts, availability, additional services and other factors.

      Read our full methodology below for all the details. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear.

      Our editor’s top picks

      1. Affordable moves: United Regions Van Lines
      2. Moving containers: PODS
      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,536,144 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      Compare moving companies in Wisconsin

      Quick and easy. Get matched with a Moving partner.

      Our top 2 picks for moving companies in Wisconsin

      To help find the best options for you, our research team started by comparing 80 moving companies. We analyzed ratings and reviews from customers in Wisconsin as well as other factors, like packing services, storage options and price, and we ultimately chose two companies as our top picks in Wisconsin.

      United Regions Van Lines

      4.2
      694 reviews
      Highlight
      Military and senior moving packages
      Types of moves
      Commercial, residential, military, senior
      Discounts available
      Seasonal

      United Regions Van Lines is a carrier that provides moves to and from Wisconsin. It offers binding quotes, so your price is locked in as long as your initial inventory is accurate.

      Highlights

      • Broker vs. carrier: Carrier
      • Packing services: Large items, furniture, fragile items; DIY packing boxes
      • Storage options: Climate-controlled; secured with cameras/guards 24/7

      Though Hagure of New Richmond was wary of service providers, they said United Regions Van Lines proved them wrong with its “symphony of service”: “United Regions Van Lines made what could have been a disastrous cross-country move a smooth sail — or should I say, a smooth drive? ... I'm an artist, so each piece of my art is like an extension of my soul. I was anxious about entrusting my life's work to strangers, but the team at URVL sensed my concerns and assured me of the safest handling possible.”

      Hagure went on: “But what touched me the most was the human element they brought to the job. They took the time to learn the names of each of my sculptures, treating them like esteemed guests rather than cargo. Each member of the team seemed to appreciate not just the physical labor of their work, but the emotional weight it carried for their clients. ... They didn't just move my art; they moved my spirits. I can't recommend them highly enough. They don't just understand logistics; they understand humanity. And that, my friends, is irreplaceable.”

      Some reviewers on our site mention that while they were initially impressed by the company, the experience ultimately fell short in communication and service.

      PODS

      4.5
      3,713 reviews
      Highlight
      Flexible timelines
      Types of moves
      Local, long-distance, international
      Discounts available
      Military

      PODS is a carrier and broker with a focus on portable storage containers. It offers local, long-distance and international moves to and from Wisconsin and professional third-party packing services.

      Highlights

      • Broker vs. carrier: Carrier and broker
      • Type(s) of quotes: Phone
      • Storage options: Various container sizes for short- or long-term storage

      Many reviewers on our site mention positive experiences with PODS, praising the prompt and professional delivery and helpful customer service.

      Michael from Madison said about his experience: “Wife & I had to coordinate a move & didn't know the duration. Rates were reasonable - Service was great with clear communication - Everything arrived in the stored condition. We were pleased with our service so much that we recommended to parents for their upcoming move & they have been pleased so far as well.”

      Mindy from Appleton opted for PODS for two cross-country moves. “It's less expensive than hiring a moving company,” she said.

      A few reviewers mention issues with delivery and communication, resulting in delays and confusion regarding the location of their portable containers.

      What to consider when hiring a moving company in Wisconsin

      Choosing a reliable mover is crucial to a smooth and stress-free relocation. To ensure you select the right company, focus on these factors:

      • Reputation: Read customer reviews on third-party sites and ask about the company's experience and training. If reps come to your house for an in-person survey, see how professional they are.
      • Service area: Confirm the company can handle your move's distance (local, regional, cross-country, etc.).
      • Pricing, fees and policies: Seek clear, transparent pricing (ask if you’ll pay hourly or by a flat rate). Inquire about hidden fees, add-ons and policies for lost/damaged items and cancellations.
      • Additional services: Ask upfront about packing, unpacking, storage and moving of specialty items — these can affect cost.

      Cost to move in Wisconsin

      The cost of moving depends largely on distance and how many belongings you have. Local movers typically charge by the hour, averaging $80 to $100 per hour for two movers. Long-distance movers often charge a flat fee, averaging $5,000 to $10,000, for moves over 1,000 miles.

      Other products and services, like packing, storage and additional insurance, add to the cost. Factors like home size, location, extra stops, specialty items and time of year can also affect pricing. Tipping movers is customary (usually 10% to 20% of the total cost). To save money, consider decluttering, moving during an offseason and asking about discounts. You can also move yourself, but this may make an already stressful relocation more difficult.

      Estimates for moving services from Milwaukee (53202)

      The figures below are based on current (as of publishing) industry estimates for a three-bedroom home with no additional services.

      Tips for a successful move in Wisconsin

      There are ways to simplify the process and make a move less stressful — it just takes some planning.

      1. Think about how much time, energy and money the move will require

      Evaluate your time frame, how much you need moved and your moving budget. Set aside extra funds for unexpected costs if you can.

      2. Declutter

      To save on costs, try reducing the weight and volume of your belongings. Consider donating or selling items you no longer need — your city or town may have local or national charities that offer donation pickup.

      3. Get a head start on packing

      Start packing seasonal or less frequently used items first. As you get closer to your move-out date, aim to pack one room per day and label boxes clearly.

      » MORE: How to pack for a move

      4. Have essentials ready

      Pack a box or bag for each person in your household that has essentials for moving day and the day after. Include a change of clothes, toiletries and any necessary medications — you don’t want to be without these during the move, especially if you’re driving a long distance.

      5. Have a plan for contacting your mover

      Ensure you have a reliable contact for the moving company so you can communicate logistics, ask questions and track your move. Some companies offer tracking via an app; find out if yours has this ahead of time so you can download it and be ready for moving day. 

      » MORE DETAILS: Moving checklist

      FAQ

      How much does it cost to rent a moving truck?

      The cost of renting a moving truck varies widely, from under $100 to several thousand dollars, depending on the truck's size, the distance traveled and the rental duration. For local moves, expect to pay around $20 per day plus mileage fees.

      How much should I budget for moving boxes and other supplies?

      New moving boxes for a large home can be expensive. Consider reusing old boxes or getting them from friends, family or grocery/liquor stores to save money. Additional moving supplies, like packing paper and cushioning, can add up, so budget around $100 for these.

      How much does it cost to ship a car?

      Long-distance car shipping typically costs between $500 and $1,700. The exact price depends on factors like the distance traveled and the type of vehicle you need shipped.

      Does Wisconsin have a high cost of living?

      As of publishing, overall, Wisconsin’s cost of living is slightly higher than average.

      Methodology

      ConsumerAffairs carefully collects in-depth, verified reviews to tell each customer’s experience with a company. We believe customer experiences are a crucial indicator when evaluating companies, so these reviews are a significant factor when selecting our top picks.

      To choose the top moving companies in Wisconsin, we started with the 80 popular providers listed in our main moving guide. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in Wisconsin. We then weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      • Storage options: We looked at the availability of storage units and any free storage periods.
      • Packing services: We considered the types of packing services offered, including whether a company offers packing services and whether it offers both full and partial packing.
      • Deposit requirements: We prioritized companies that ask for 20% or less down versus those with higher deposit requirements.
      • Discounts: We outlined how many discounts each company offers and what types (e.g., senior, military, student).
      • App: We gave a company preference if it has an app with a useful service, like requesting a quote or tracking a move.

      Not sure how to choose?

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