9 Best Wisconsin Moving Companies 2022

1. Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
2. Best for Extended Storage: Allied Van Lines
3. Best Customer Service: North American Van Lines
4. Best Add-On Services: American Van Lines
5. Best for Military Moves: Safeway Moving Systems
6. Best Insurance Options: JK Moving Services
7. Most Competitive Pricing: U-Pack
8. Best for Self-Service: PODS
9. Best Long-Distance Moving Container: 1-800-PACK-RAT

To help you make a quick decision, here’s a fast summary of our recommended movers in Wisconsin. We’ve assessed each company’s reputation, cost, service options, and more to bring you the best of the best. Before you decide to book with a mover, be sure to request free estimates from a few different companies. That will allow you to get a good rate.

Wisconsin Full-Service Movers

Wisconsin Self-Service Movers

* Long-distance average cost is based on aggregate data from customer reviews for a two-bedroom home, moving 250 miles. Cost can vary significantly based on move weight and distance. Be sure to request a free quote to get an accurate estimate for your move.

Where Are You Moving?

Not every moving company can handle a cross-country relocation. Likewise, there are many companies that don’t handle short-distance moves. We’ve broken our reviews up by distance to make it easier to find a reliable provider. No matter where your change of scenery takes you, we’ve got you covered.

Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Wisconsin

Even small moves can be challenging. Moving long-distance, however, is even more stressful. But it doesn’t have to be. The movers we’ve listed below offer a wide range of add-on services and come highly recommended. You can rest assured that your move will be in good hands when you work with any of the best Wisconsin long-distance movers listed here:

1. International Van Lines

International Van Lines is one of the most widely recognized and well-regarded moving companies in the industry today. They operate primarily as a broker in the US and carry out more than 10,000 relocations of all sizes each year. Despite that, they maintain an excellent reputation for customer service and satisfaction. Here’s everything you need to know about this exceptional mover:

IVL Services

International Van Lines is a full-service company that can take care of nearly any possible moving project. No matter how big or small your job, their flexible service model allows you to get exactly what you need:

• Local, long-distance, and international moving
• Packing and unpacking
• Storage (short-term and long-term)
• Custom crating
• Debris removal
• Auto transport
• Piano moving
• Air and ocean freight
• And more

IVL Cost

For local moves, International Van Lines can be pricier than most. But they are one of the most affordable ways to move out of state or cross-country. If you compare their pricing in the table below to the other companies featured here, you can see that they are one of the cheapest options—even with their award-winning customer service.

• Request an estimate to get a more accurate quote for your move with IVL.
• Read our International Van Lines review for a more in-depth look at the company.

2. Allied Van Lines

Over the past 15 years, AVL has served nearly 1 million moves—though their company history extends all the way back to 1933. Offering local, long-distance, and international moving services, they are fully equipped to help you with everything you might need. Their extensive add-on service options include everything from packing and crating services to storage, auto shipping, and more. Plus, 24/7 customer service is available to help ensure your move goes smoothly and answer any questions you may have.

Allied Services

Customize your move with a wide variety of add-on services, including:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing (full-service or partial)
• Unpacking
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Auto shipping
• Storage
• Debris removal
• GPS shipment tracking
• And more

Allied Cost

Local moves with Allied are billed by the hour, which varies by location. Long-distance moves are billed at a flat rate based on how far and how much you’re moving. Here is some sample pricing from the company:

• Request an estimate to get a more accurate quote for your move with Allied.
• Read our Allied Van Lines review for a more in-depth look at the company.

3. North American Van Lines

With operations dating all the way back to the 1930’s, North American Van Lines has one of the strongest reputations in the moving industry. With one of the biggest fleets in the nation and highly trained moving crews, NAVL serves moves of all sizes anywhere in the U.S. When you move with North American Van Lines, you will have a dedicated moving coordinator who will help to ensure your move is as easy as possible.

NAVL Services

A range of add-on services can be included with your relocation, allowing you to tailor your move to meet your exact needs:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing and unpacking (full-service or partial)
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Debris removal
• 24/7 shipment tracking
• Appliance installation
• Storage
• Excellent insurance options
• And more

NAVL Cost

As shown in our data set below, the greater the distance and weight of your move, the more you should budget. NAVL has competitive pricing in the industry, with an average two-bedroom 250 mile move costing from $1,800 to $4,500. Here are some cost estimates we were able to get by pulling data from previous client reviews:

• Request an estimate to get a more accurate quote for your move with North American Van Lines.
• Read our North American Van Lines review for a more in-depth look at the company.

4. American Van Lines

American Van Lines is a carrier with numerous locations across the U.S. They service moves of all sizes across the country and have some of the most experienced moving crews available. Their workforce averages a decade on the job, which strengthens their service offerings. Along with that, they offer all moving services with transparent flat-rate pricing.

AVL Services

American Van Lines allows you to customize your move, so you can balance your budget with your needs. They can do everything for you, or you can just hire them to take care of the most basic moving tasks. The choice is up to you. Here’s what they offer:

• Local, long-distance, and international moving
• Residential and commercial moving
• Full-service or partial packing
• Car shipping
• Storage
• Antique moving
• And more

AVL Cost

Moving with American Van Lines can cost anywhere from $1,700 to $13,800. Of course, that’s a wide range. As you can see below, the biggest factors that will affect your cost are how big your home is and how far you’ll be moving away. Compared to others on this list, AVL’s pricing is considered fair to average.

• Request an estimate to get a more accurate quote for your move with American Van Lines.
• Read our American Van Lines review for a more in-depth look at the company.

5. Safeway Moving Systems

Safeway Moving Systems is one of the largest moving brokers in the US. Working with their vetted partner network, they contract out a variety of moving services to all points in the US. Safeway’s partner companies all have excellent track records and are insured above industry standards. This helps to ensure a hassle-free and safe move while allowing you to save money.

Safeway Services

Safeway specializes in long-distance moving services only. They do not serve moves under 40 miles in Wisconsin, but they are great for longer relocations. Here are just a few options available when you work with them:

• Long-distance moves only
• Commercial and residential moves
• Military moving
• Storage (Up to 30 days free)
• Packing (free)
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• And more

Safeway Cost

Safeway has deals in place with its partner companies and can often pass those savings on to you. Prices start at around $1,900, which includes full packing services and up to one full month of storage.

• Request an estimate to get a more accurate quote for your move with Safeway Moving Systems.
• Read our Safeway Moving Systems review for a more in-depth look at the company.

6. JK Moving Services

JK Moving Services is one of the best moving companies in Wisconsin today. They’ve been moving clients for over 40 years, offering an impressive variety of services. Operating primarily as a broker, they’re able to assist with long-distance and interstate moves to all points in the US. Unique offerings like their mobile app help to make the moving process easier and more personalized than ever.

JK Services

JK assigns a dedicated account coordinator to every job. Your rep will walk you through your options and help you to create your ideal moving plan. You can select services a la carte, so you only pay for what you need. Here’s what’s available:

• Long-distance and international moving
• Residential and commercial services
• Packing (full-service or fragile-only)
• Climate-controlled storage
• Furniture wrapping
• GPS shipment tracking
• Financing assistance
• And more

JK Cost

Unlike many of the other companies on our list, JK does not provide instant quotes. This is done to protect the consumer—as a quick estimate might not account for all charges, and you may be surprised on moving day with hidden fees. Instead of getting an instant online estimate, you will need to complete a home survey. Luckily, this can be done through their mobile app remotely. In terms of cost, you can expect to pay between $2,300 and $5,500 for a two-bedroom house moving around 300 miles.

• Request an estimate to get a more accurate quote for your move with JK Moving Services.
• Read our JK Moving Services review for a more in-depth look at the company.

7. U-Pack

If you’re someone who’d rather take care of your move by yourself, consider U-Pack. They are our top pick when it comes to self-service moving. With their service, you can rent a portable storage container, which will be shipped to your home. Once you’ve packed it, U-Pack will deliver it to your new home for you. Here’s what you need to know:

U-Pack Services

U-Pack has many service centers in Wisconsin. Even if they don’t have a service center near you, they can help you move anywhere in the country. Just keep in mind that they have a minimum mileage requirement of 150 miles.

• 8-27 ft size options
• Short-term and long-term storage
• Hourly moving assistance available for a fee

U-Pack Cost

One of the things we love about U-Pack is that you can get an instant quote and book completely online. When we requested an estimate for a two-bedroom move from Milwaukee, WI to Minneapolis, MN, we received a quote of $1,800. You can view more sample pricing below:

• Request an estimate to get a more accurate quote for your move with U-Pack.
• Read our U-Pack review for a more in-depth look at the company.

8. PODS

Their name says it all. PODS stands for “portable on-demand storage”. PODS portable storage containers are a cost-effective solution for local and long-distance moves as well as on-site storage. They’ll send you however many containers you need, give you as much time as you need to pack, then take it to your new destination for you. It’s that easy.

PODS Services

PODS has storage facilities in Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, and Oshkosh, but they can help you move anywhere in the state or across the U.S. You’re even free to store your containers at your own home if you’d like. Here’s what’s available:

• Local, long-distance, and interstate moving
• 7-16 ft containers
• Short-term and long-term storage
• Hire hourly assistance or do the packing yourself

PODS Cost

PODS is one of the most affordable moving methods in the state. We asked for a free quote for a two-bedroom move from Milwaukee, WI to Minneapolis, MN. That’s about 350 miles, for which we received an estimate of $1,900. You can view more pricing information in the table below:

• Request an estimate to get a more accurate quote for your move with PODS.
• Read our PODS review for a more in-depth look at the company.

9. 1-800-PACK-RAT

Pack Rat is a self-service company like PODS and U-Pack. While their service area is fairly limited in Wisconsin, they’re certainly worth consideration if they can reach you. Their containers are said to have the best construction in the industry, offering secure and weatherproof storage for your belongings.

Pack Rat Services

Pack Rat doesn’t have any service centers in Wisconsin, but their locations in Minneapolis, MN and Chicago, IL can serve up to a 100-mile radius. This includes the Eau Claire area in the western part of the state and the Milwaukee metropolitan area in the southern part of the state.

• Long-distance and interstate moves
• 8-16 ft containers
• Short-term and long-term storage
• Moving labor assistance available

Pack Rat Cost

We requested an estimate from Milwaukee to Chicago (92 miles) and received a quote of $1,000. Compare the pricing below with the other self-service options in our guide to decide which is best for you:

• Request an estimate to get a more accurate quote for your move with 1-800-PACK-RAT.
• Read our 1-800-PACK-RAT review for a more in-depth look at the company.

Best Local Moving Companies in Wisconsin

For the best local moving companies in Wisconsin, look no further. We’ve outlined all of the top movers by town for your convenience:

Moving to Wisconsin

To assist you during this transition, we’ve assembled some key information regarding Wisconsin state moving regulations. We’ve also listed some important tips about living in the state, which we hope will make your move easier.

Moving Regulations in Wisconsin

Did you know that there are both state and national laws that moving companies must follow? Here are some important guidelines to be aware of:

• State Licensing: Local movers based in Wisconsin must be licensed with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) to legally operate. Registered companies must carry an active local cartage (LC) number and display it on their vehicles.
• National Licensing: Interstate moving companies are regulated by the FMCSA. This governing body requires that all movers carry active USDOT and MC numbers. They can be used to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history through this link.
• Workers’ Compensation: All moving companies must carry this insurance policy. It protects you in the event of a work-related injury during your move. Without such coverage, you could be held liable for damages.
• Released Liability Coverage: This insurance policy provides for some reimbursement in case of loss or damage to your goods during a move. At $0.60 per pound, per item, this baseline coverage is included in your basic move cost. You may supplement this with valuation coverage from your mover if you have goods of extreme value.

Helpful Moving Resources

We hope these resources will help to make your transition to your new home easy:

• Update Your Mailing Address: USPS Online Change of Address Form
• Update Your Drivers License: Wisconsin DoT Website
• Real Estate Trends: Wisconsin Housing Market Report
• State Government: State of Wisconsin
• Tourism Guide: Visit Wisconsin

Wisconsin Moving Costs

Having a general idea of what moving will cost in your state can help you decide if a quote you receive is fair or not. Here is a table with average Wisconsin moving costs by home size and distance:

Best Places to Live in Wisconsin

The following locales represent some of the best that Wisconsin has to offer. Each ranks highly on numerous criteria for livability and resident happiness.

• Whitefish Bay, WI: This Milwaukee suburb of just 14,000 enjoys an idyllic spot on Lake Michigan. Home prices are fairly high here, with a median value of $377,500. That said, many would gladly pay the premium price to live here, especially for those who are raising a family.
• Waunakee, WI: This town of 14,000 bills itself as “The Only Waunakee in the World.” With great schools and a quiet atmosphere, it feels similar to many other towns of its size in the state.
• Shorewood, WI: Another Milwaukee suburb, Shorewood offers lower median home costs than Whitefish Bay, with similarly regarded schools. Current residents love living here.
• Brookfield, WI: This larger town in the Milwaukee metro area is home to excellent schools as well as plenty of nightlife and cultural attractions. It truly does have everything to offer.

Top Reasons to Move to Wisconsin

If you aren’t sold on the idea of moving to this state, then this should help convince you. Low housing costs and plentiful attractions are a rare combination in any location. Here are just a few reasons to love Wisconsin:

• Low Housing Costs: Wisconsin’s overall cost of living is currently at 91% of the national average, which means your dollar will stretch further here. Included in that is a very low cost of housing. Median homeownership costs a total of just over $188,000, while rent is $867 per month.
• Plenty to Do: You’ll always be entertained when living in Wisconsin. Milwaukee is known for its festivals, while the state is home to 47 state parks, 13 state forests, and numerous other natural attractions.
• Not Just Beer, Brats, & Cheese: Beyond its world-famous cheeses, bratwurst, and numerous craft breweries, Wisconsin has plenty to offer in the way of food. Friday fish fries and burgers are among Wisconsin’s many celebrated offerings.
• Outdoor Attractions: Wisconsin offers virtually every possible option as far as outdoor recreation is concerned. Lake sports, hunting, fishing, hiking, and far more are accessible here.

Tips for Living in Wisconsin

Before you move here, you should be aware of a few things. From common pests to local quirks, we’ve listed some important facts of life here:

• Extreme Temperatures: Temperatures in January typically range from the single digits up to 20 degrees, while July temperatures reach into the high 80s and low 90s. You’ll need a wardrobe suited for all seasons here.
• Bug Spray: Beetles, mosquitoes, gnats, and more all come out in force in Wisconsin’s muggy summers. You’ll need repellent and appropriate attire if you plan on going hiking or spending any time outside.
• Cheeseheads: The Green Bay Packers are an institution here. You should know that your Sundays in the fall will likely be dominated by talk or viewing of their games
• Illinois Drivers: Much like “leafers” are loathed in New England, Wisconsinites are less than fond of Illinois drivers. Among local residents, this group has a poor reputation, due to their alleged poor driving en route to tourist destinations.

How to Choose the Best Moving Company

Prior to booking with any moving company, you should thoroughly evaluate just how well they fit your moving needs. Here are three key points which will help you determine that.

• Service Profile: When inventorying your home at the start of the moving process, you should make a list of all add-on services you could need. Packing, crating, car shipping, and similar services should all be discussed ahead of time, during any quotes you receive.
• Agreeable Pricing: Getting multiple quotes from different providers is the best possible way to establish your ideal price point, within your budget. Movers expect you to shop around, and estimates are always free.
• Well-Reviewed: Moving companies depend on positive customer feedback and use it as a marketing tool to land more clients. You should look up customer reviews from multiple sources prior to booking.