Compare the best moving companies in Madison for your move to Illinois. See real costs, reviews, and what to expect before you go.
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If you're moving from Madison to Illinois, you're probably weighing your options on which mover to trust and what this relocation will actually cost. I've reviewed hundreds of moving companies over the years, and I've pulled together the data on the ones that handle Madison-to-Illinois moves. Let's cut through the noise.
Out of the movers actively serving the Madison area for out-of-state relocations, here are the five that show up most consistently in customer feedback:
1416 Parkside Drive, Madison, WI 53704
Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile
Review breakdown: 92% positive, 7% negative out of 226 reviews
Above Average lives up to its name. Customers consistently praise fast, efficient moves with careful handling and lower prices than competitors. What stands out is that jobs often finish ahead of schedule, and the team handles everything from furniture to pianos to fragile items without incident. The crew is known for being attentive and courteous.
The downside: a small slice of feedback mentions item damage, inaccurate estimates, and spotty communication when delays happen. But the majority experience is reliable and cost-effective.
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, crating, storage
Contact: (608) 556-7980
License #: 26753 | DOT #: 2595339 | Years in business: 9
4505 Helgesen Dr, Madison, WI 53718
Rating: 4.4 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile
Review breakdown: 77% positive, 23% negative out of 57 reviews
Armstrong has been in business since 1985, and it shows. Customers praise responsive, professional staff who handle belongings carefully and communicate clearly. Many note friendly movers who make the experience less stressful than typical services, with accurate estimates and competitive rates.
Negative feedback centers on item damage during moves, slow claims resolution, and occasional lowballed estimates that don't hold up. The company could strengthen claims handling and estimate accuracy.
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, storage, fragile-only packing
Contact: (608) 838-5940
DOT #: 1170867 | Years in business: 39
3817 Kipp Street, Madison, WI 53718
Rating: 4.4 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile
Review breakdown: 78% positive, 21% negative out of 286 reviews
Nearly 80% of feedback highlights smooth moves, professional crews, and careful handling. Customers mention seamless scheduling, prompt arrivals, and respectful treatment of property. Communication is responsive, and the teams move fast.
Over one-fifth raise red flags: damage to items, inaccurate estimates, and unexpected charges. Some report broken furniture or billing surprises, with a few experiencing higher-than-expected costs or slower responses. The takeaway: watch your inventory closely and confirm pricing details before booking.
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes
Contact: (608) 340-1557
DOT #: 2527384 | Years in business: 31
905 Dempsey Rd, Madison, WI 53716
Rating: 4.2 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile
Review breakdown: 95% positive, 5% negative out of 234 reviews
This one earns its name. Nearly 95% of reviews praise efficient service, professional staff, and careful handling. Customers highlight friendly movers, consistent communication, prompt arrivals, and safe delivery even of delicate items and heavy furniture. The crew is approachable and good at what they do—return customers make up a notable portion of feedback.
A very small percentage report property damage, higher-than-expected charges, or unprofessional interactions. Some mention additional fees not clearly outlined upfront. But the company's consistency and customer focus make it a reliable choice for local and interstate moves.
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, packing, unpacking, crating, storage
Contact: (608) 590-3710
DOT #: 3322160 | Years in business: 5
1412 Parkside Drive, Suite 1226, Madison, WI 53714
Rating: 4.2 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews
Review breakdown: 89% positive, 11% negative out of 248 reviews
89% of customers praise efficient work, quick process, and professional, polite crews. Many highlight the stress-free, friendly experience and note promptness. Attention to detail is strong.
Around 11% report damage to belongings, late or missing arrivals, and unexpected charges. The company executes well and delivers good customer experience, but consistency on careful handling and accurate billing would help it match top performers.
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, storage
Contact: (336) 810-1801
DOT #: 2378173
At a glance, here's what specialty services are available among Madison moving companies:
The table below shows average cost ranges for a 204-mile move from Madison to Illinois, depending on home size and service type.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $717–$2,591 | $504–$1,293 | $209–$395 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,364–$3,972 | $936–$1,838 | $224–$462 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,908–$5,260 | $1,252–$2,163 | $286–$549 |
*Note: These are approximate estimates based on current market data. Your actual cost will vary based on load size, extra services, access challenges, fuel prices, and your move date. Compare quotes from multiple movers to validate pricing for your specific move.
For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $717 to $2,591. A two- or three-bedroom typically runs $1,364 to $3,972. For larger homes (four bedrooms or more), budget $1,908 to $5,260. Prices reflect professional packing, loading, transport, and unloading.
Moving containers offer flexibility—you pack at your own pace, and they transport your belongings. For a small move, expect $504 to $1,293. Two to three bedrooms run $936 to $1,838. Four or more bedrooms: $1,252 to $2,163. Containers sit at your place until you're ready, then get picked up and delivered.
Truck rentals are the budget option, but you handle all packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself. Studio or one-bedroom: $209 to $395. Two to three bedrooms: $224 to $462. Four or more: $286 to $549. Fuel is already factored into these estimates.
Several factors swing the price up or down:
Relocating from Madison to Illinois could mean a lifestyle shift—and potentially savings. Madison's cost of living is generally higher, so a move might open up your budget. But it's not just about money; Illinois has different weather, community feel, and job market dynamics.
| Metric | Madison, WI | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,600 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $367,934 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 103 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 4.95% |
The numbers:
| Factor | Madison, WI | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 12,549,689 |
| Political lean | Democratic (76–23) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Summer high | 82°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 10°F | 17°F |
| Annual rainfall | 36" | 40" |
| Annual snowfall | 42" | 22" |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 19.7 |
What to expect:
Moving isn't just about hiring movers. There are regulations, permits, and practical details that affect your move:
Whether you're into museums, parks, sports, or college culture, Illinois has plenty to explore.
The timeline depends on your moving method. On average, expect one to two days for the actual move and delivery. Summer months tend to be slower due to higher volume. Ask your mover for an estimated delivery window before booking.
Yes—two movers in our top five list custom crating, which is useful for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Ask about crate specifications and whether they can customize builds to your needs.
If you need to move a vehicle, work with a car shipping company that emphasizes professionalism and has a track record of careful handling. Get quotes from multiple providers.
People often relocate for Chicago's job market and cultural draw, plus the lower cost of living across the state.
Start by comparing quotes from the top five movers listed above. Use our moving cost calculator to get estimates tailored to your move size and date.
Most Madison movers don't accept cash—the industry prefers payment methods that create a clear record, like credit cards or ACH transfers. You'll typically pay a deposit to confirm your booking, then settle the balance at pickup or after delivery. Confirm payment options with your chosen mover.
Check out these other resources to help with your move:
