($347+) Columbus, GA to Knoxville, TN Movers
Moving from Columbus, GA, to Knoxville, TN, runs anywhere from $317 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,333 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 316 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,055, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,333 or more.
- Moving containers run $931 - $2,923, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $317 - $875.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, GA, to Knoxville, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,726 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Columbus, GA to Knoxville, TN
Moving options from Columbus to Knoxville fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,726 - $5,157 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 316 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 4 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 316-mile route from Columbus to Knoxville, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,055 - $3,745 | $931 - $1,517 | $317 - $576 | $853 - $1,479 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,726 - $5,157 | $1,188 - $2,217 | $373 - $697 | $942 - $1,685 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,660 - $6,333 | $1,479 - $2,923 | $457 - $875 | $1,220 - $2,115 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbus, GA to Knoxville, TN
Hiring full-service movers from Columbus, Georgia, to Knoxville, Tennessee, costs between $1,055 and $6,333. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 316-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $251 - $1,672, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Columbus and Knoxville. For a rough baseline, movers based in Columbus tend to start around $315 plus $140/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,055 - $3,745
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,726 - $5,157
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,660 - $6,333
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Columbus to Knoxville.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Georgia to Tennessee. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Columbus, GA to Knoxville, TN
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Columbus movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Knoxville, 67% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $418 - $4,180 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $167 - $1,003/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $251 - $2,006 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage22% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $836 - $2,508 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,090 - $8,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $626 - $1,190 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items33% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: American International Movers Inc. | $836 - $2,090 |
| Piano | Any piano type56% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $669 - $2,926 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling56% of local movers | $251 - $1,254 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $543 - $1,672 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $251 - $12,540+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $251 - $2,926+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbus to Knoxville?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Columbus, GA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Columbus to Knoxville with a local mover averages $1,692 - $5,054. A local mover in Columbus, GA is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.48/5 stars) is a local mover in Columbus, based on our analysis of feedback from 178 customers, 79.2% of which is positive.
Address: 325 Lee Road 672, Auburn, AL, 36832 | Founded: 2026
Moving container costs from Columbus, GA to Knoxville, TN
Moving containers from Columbus, Georgia, to Knoxville, Tennessee, cost between $931 and $2,923. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Columbus runs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $931 - $1,517
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,188 - $2,217
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,479 - $2,923
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $63 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $125 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $585 in Columbus, GA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Knoxville, TN, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Georgia to Tennessee move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $931. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,188 - $2,217, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Columbus to Knoxville?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Columbus to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Columbus:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.1/5), 19 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- JIT Movers Inc. (4.1/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, GA to Knoxville, TN
Renting a moving truck for the 316-mile move from Columbus, Georgia, to Knoxville, Tennessee, costs between $317 and $875, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $84 - $96
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Columbus daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Columbus to Knoxville based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $317 - $576
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $373 - $697
- 4+ bedrooms: $457 - $875
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $317 - $875 does not include fuel ($84 - $96) , lodging ($125/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Columbus to Knoxville typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $84 - $96 for the 316-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Columbus, Georgia, for about 5 hours typically costs around $585.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 316-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $125 per night, adding $251 - $376 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $42 and $251.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus to Knoxville?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Columbus, GA to Knoxville, TN
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Columbus, Georgia, to Knoxville, Tennessee. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $942 and $1,685.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $853 - $1,479
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $942 - $1,685
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,220 - $2,115
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Columbus, Georgia, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $585.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $63 - $125 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus to Knoxville?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Collins Trucking Co (4.3/5 stars): Collins Trucking Co is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Knoxville fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Columbus, GA vs Knoxville, TN
Good news for your budget: Knoxville isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Columbus. Cost of living index runs 92 there against 78 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 25/100 and 27.82/100 here versus 31/100 and 57.46/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Knoxville, TN to Columbus, GA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Georgia to Tennessee over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 89 movers in our Georgia network to compare for this 316-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Columbus, GA, to Knoxville, TN, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,055 for a studio to $6,333 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 316-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $931 - $2,923. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $317 - $875, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,726 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Regal Cinemas Corp and Regal.
FAQs: Moving from Columbus, GA, to Knoxville, TN
Is Knoxville a safe place to live?
Knoxville has a safety index of 57.46 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.54, compared to 27.82 and 72.18 in Columbus. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Columbus, GA to Knoxville, TN?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Tennessee?
Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($84 - $96), daily insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $125/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 56% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 33% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
