Knoxville to Memphis Movers & Costs (2026)
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Moving from Knoxville to Memphis, TN (~390 miles) costs between $444 and $8,647, depending on home size and move type.
Local movers such as College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 270 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $113/hr per mover, with a typical 2–3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
July availability is going fast in Knoxville
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20–30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Knoxville to Memphis?
At 390 miles, this is a local move, billed hourly by most Tennessee companies. You don't need a national carrier to handle it, though they're an option for larger homes or complex logistics. A local or regional mover working this corridor will typically give you faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive hourly pricing.
For full-service moves, we recommend College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.64/5) as the top local pick, followed by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.52/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 390-mile move:
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $2,278–$6,060 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,502–$2,791 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $492–$910 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $113/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 70+ Tennessee movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Knoxville to Memphis?
Movers typically charge between $444 and $8,647 for a Knoxville to Memphis move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price on this 390-mile route depends on the service type and home size, broken down below:
- Full-service movers: $1,439–$8,647
- Moving containers: $1,141–$3,595
- Rental trucks: $444–$1,205
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers reduce costs by leaving the loading and unloading on your plate while handling the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but the tradeoff is driving 390 miles yourself and lining up your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers shave 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,439–$4,630 | $1,141–$1,987 | $444–$848 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,278–$6,060 | $1,502–$2,791 | $492–$910 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,798–$8,647 | $1,971–$3,595 | $595–$1,205 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 70+ Tennessee moving companies, and are updated as of Jul 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Knoxville, TN movers.
What extra fees should you expect on a Knoxville to Memphis move?
Expect a handful of extra fees on a Knoxville to Memphis move, including professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These don't show up on most initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $113/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Knoxville to Memphis
At 390 miles, this route is well within the range of local and regional Tennessee movers. For most home sizes, a local mover bills hourly and can deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead of a national carrier. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 270 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers for this route
Local movers operating within Tennessee specialize in intrastate logistics, Tennessee regulations, and same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. At 390 miles, they are often priced the same as or cheaper than national operators, and scheduling flexibility is significantly better.
moveBuddha scored 9 Knoxville movers drawing on 1,574 verified customer reviews. Rankings factor in BBB rating, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
rating
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 270 verified reviews. 83.7% of customers rate them positively.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK at 4.52 out of 5 stars across 238 verified reviews. 81.9% of customers rate them positively.
- Gouffon Moving & Storage at 4.48 out of 5 stars across 243 verified reviews. 91.8% of customers rate them positively.
- Fox Moving and Storage at 4.42 out of 5 stars across 272 verified reviews. 67.3% of customers rate them positively.
- Bellhop Moving at 4.36 out of 5 stars across 32 verified reviews. 78.1% of customers rate them positively.
National carriers also available for this route
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is moveBuddha's best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
moveBuddha's top national full-service movers:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More popular routes from Knoxville, TN
Knoxville residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Tennessee moving resources
What to know about moving from Knoxville to Memphis
Intrastate move: what that means for you
Because Knoxville and Memphis are both in Tennessee, this is an intrastate move, regulated by Tennessee law, not federal DOT rules that govern interstate (state-to-state) moves. Tennessee movers handling intrastate jobs must hold a valid Tennessee intrastate operating authority in addition to any USDOT number. When comparing quotes, confirm each mover is licensed for intrastate work in Tennessee, not just for crossing state lines. A carrier with a USDOT number but no Tennessee intrastate authority cannot legally haul your belongings on this route.
Delivery timing on this route
At 390 miles, most Knoxville-to-Memphis moves complete in 1–4 days from pickup to drop-off. Full-service movers working this corridor frequently offer same-day delivery for smaller homes, and next-day delivery is standard for most 2–3 bedroom jobs. If you need a guaranteed delivery date, get it in writing before signing. Intrastate movers can commit to tighter windows than long-haul interstate carriers who work on spread delivery dates. Packing a 2–3 bedroom home takes 4–8 hours on top of transit time, so factor that into your move-day schedule.
Building and access requirements
High-rise apartments and managed communities in Knoxville and Memphis commonly require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your moving company before granting elevator or loading dock access. Request the COI from your mover at least 1 week before moving day and forward it to your building manager. Confirm elevator reservation windows, parking permits for moving trucks, and any building-specific moving hours at both the origin and destination. Showing up without a COI or outside the permitted window can result in same-day delay fees of $150–$400 or rescheduling.
Tennessee summer heat and fragile items
Summer moves in Tennessee expose belongings to temperatures that can exceed 120°F inside a closed truck. Electronics, candles, vinyl records, wine, wood furniture, and musical instruments are all vulnerable. If your move falls between June and August, discuss heat-sensitive items with your mover before loading day. Request an early-morning start. Trucks loaded by 8 a.m. avoid peak afternoon heat during transit. Climate-controlled storage at the destination is worth the added cost for items that can't tolerate extreme heat during an overnight hold.
Pre-move checklist for a Knoxville to Memphis move:
- Verify your mover holds Tennessee intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number).
- Request a COI from your mover at least 7 days before moving day for both buildings.
- Confirm elevator and loading dock reservations at origin and destination.
- Ask for a guaranteed delivery date in writing. Intrastate carriers can commit to same or next day.
- For summer moves, schedule an early-morning start and flag heat-sensitive items in advance.
- Compare at least 3 quotes using moveBuddha's cost calculator. Movers who use it save an average of 30% versus their first quote.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Memphis to Knoxville guide.
How does Memphis compare to Knoxville?
Cost of living: Knoxville vs. Memphis
Cost-of-living factors in Knoxville vs. Memphis go beyond rent prices. Housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends all play a role. The data below shows how living in Memphis stacks up against Knoxville.
Check out how the 2 cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Knoxville | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,795 | $1,299 |
| Average home cost | $213,473 | $154,209 |
| Average income (per capita) | $50,994 | $51,211 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,184 | $1,842 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,200 | $4,402 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 8.0% |
| Average sales tax | 9.25% | 9.75% |
Cost-of-living data for Knoxville and Memphis comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated July 2026 across 70+ Tennessee cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent in Memphis is 28% lower than Knoxville. The savings are meaningful enough to alter housing tradeoffs you previously accepted.
- Home prices in Memphis are 28% lower than Knoxville. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income is similar in Knoxville and Memphis. Plan financial decisions on the same income baseline as before the move.
- Living expenses for one person in Memphis are 16% lower than Knoxville. The gap usually shows up most on rent and groceries.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Memphis is 15% lower than Knoxville. Apply the savings strategically: housing, education, or accelerated debt paydown all become more achievable.
- Unemployment in Memphis is 70% higher than Knoxville. A longer job search cycle is likely; build a 3-to-6 month financial buffer.
- Sales taxes match in Memphis and Knoxville. The move is tax-neutral for retail purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Knoxville, expect to budget around $2,520 to maintain the same lifestyle in Memphis.
How life is different in Knoxville vs. Memphis
A side-by-side comparison of life in Knoxville vs. Memphis helps you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle, values, and needs. Population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety all shape your experience in a new place. The breakdown below covers the key differences between Knoxville and Memphis so you can evaluate which city is a better fit.
| Knoxville | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,740 | 633,104 |
| Political leaning | Republican 64-34 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 30ºF |
| Annual rain | 50" | 54" |
| Annual snow | 6" | 3" |
| Crime index | 42.54 | 77.49 |
- Memphis is 232% larger in size than Knoxville. The size difference typically shows up most in housing prices, traffic, and access to specialized services.
- In the last presidential election, Memphis voted Democratic and Knoxville voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Memphis (91°F) and Knoxville (88°F) are nearly identical. Cooling bills and outdoor habits carry over.
- Winter lows in Knoxville (28°F) match Memphis (30°F). Budget heating costs at the same level.
- Annual rainfall in Knoxville and Memphis is nearly identical, at 50 inches and 54 inches. Plan for similar weather patterns.
- Annual snowfall in Knoxville (6 inches) and Memphis (3 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
- Crime index in Memphis (77.49) runs higher than Knoxville (42.54). Check property crime rates and insurance quotes for specific addresses before committing.
Things to do in Memphis
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in Memphis. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
Museums in Memphis
- Graceland
- National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music
- Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
- Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum
Parks in Memphis
- Shelby Farms Park
- Mud Island River Park
- Tom Lee Park
- Levitt Shell
- Overton Park
Sports teams in Memphis
- Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)
- Memphis Hustle (NBA G League)
Universities in Memphis
- University of Memphis
- Rhodes College
- Christian Brothers University
- LeMoyne-Owen College
Final verdict: best movers from Knoxville to Memphis
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Knoxville to Memphis, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Tennessee service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service. For smaller homes and apartment moves, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.64 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 83.7% positive reviews across 270 verified customer reviews.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $444–$8,647 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 70+ Tennessee movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Knoxville to Memphis
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Knoxville to Memphis?
A full-service move from Knoxville to Memphis ranges from $1,321 to $3,819 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices typically land at $2,278–$6,060. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $3,798–$8,647 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Knoxville to Memphis?
Moving containers from Knoxville to Memphis range from $822 to $1,931 for a studio or 1-bedroom. For 2–3 bedroom homes, costs fall between $1,502 and $2,791. For a 4–5 bedroom home, expect $1,971–$3,595.
How much is a moving truck from Knoxville to Memphis?
A rental moving truck from Knoxville to Memphis costs $418–$767 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $492–$910, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $595 and $1,205.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option for movers willing to do the driving and heavy lifting. Average fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Knoxville-to-Memphis movers?
Ideally, book your move from Knoxville to Memphis at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, book at least 3 months ahead, since that's the busiest season. The sooner you reserve your Knoxville-to-Memphis movers, the better the chance of affordable rates and your preferred moving date. Some movers offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations. Because this is an intrastate move within Tennessee, same-day or next-day delivery is often possible once your mover has a confirmed booking slot.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Memphis?
For the cheapest move to Memphis, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May through September), when most people relocate and prices climb. Avoiding the busy summer months puts you on the better side of lower demand and lower rates.
Is moving from Knoxville to Memphis considered a long-distance move?
A move from Knoxville to Memphis is classified as an intrastate move. Both cities are in Tennessee, so Tennessee law governs the job rather than federal DOT rules that apply to interstate (state-to-state) moves. Whether a mover labels it "long-distance" depends on their internal pricing structure. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles based on weight and mileage rather than hourly rates, similar to how interstate pricing works. At 390 miles, expect distance-based pricing from most full-service movers on this route. Confirm your mover holds a valid Tennessee intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number) before signing a contract.
How long does a move from Knoxville to Memphis take?
Most moves from Knoxville to Memphis take 1–4 days from pickup to delivery, based on moveBuddha's route data. The driving distance is 390 miles. For intrastate moves at this distance, same-day or next-day delivery is common when the mover has confirmed availability. Add 4–8 hours for professional packing of a 2–3 bedroom home before the truck departs, and factor in any elevator reservation windows or building access restrictions at the destination. Getting your delivery date in writing before signing gives you a binding commitment. Intrastate movers can offer tighter guarantees than long-haul interstate carriers.
