($406+) Arlington, VA to Knoxville, TN Movers
Moving from Arlington, VA, to Knoxville, TN, runs anywhere from $406 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,997 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 483 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 $1,049, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,997 or more.
- Moving containers run $963 - $3,025, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $406 - $1,008.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to Knoxville, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,892 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 Arlington, VA to Knoxville, TN
There are 3 main ways to move from Arlington to Knoxville: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,892 - $4,978. Containers cost roughly 40% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 77% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 483 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 483-mile route from Arlington to Knoxville, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,049 - $3,451 | $963 - $1,642 | $406 - $749 | $800 - $1,433 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,892 - $4,978 | $1,127 - $2,380 | $428 - $872 | $902 - $1,830 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,308 - $6,997 | $1,578 - $3,025 | $528 - $1,008 | $1,237 - $2,444 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Arlington, VA to Knoxville, TN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 483-mile move from Arlington, Virginia, to Knoxville, Tennessee, with costs ranging from $1,049 - $6,997. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $406 - $2,704. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Arlington and Knoxville. Local movers in Arlington typically start around $200 as a base rate plus $110/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,049 - $3,451
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,892 - $4,978
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,308 - $6,997
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 Arlington to Knoxville.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Arlington, VA to Knoxville, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Arlington movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Knoxville, 76% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $676 - $6,760 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $270 - $1,622/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $406 - $3,245 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,352 - $4,056 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,380 - $13,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,013 - $1,924 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items34% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,352 - $3,380 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,082 - $4,732 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $406 - $2,028 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Olympia Moving & Storage | $879 - $2,704 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $406 - $20,280+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $406 - $4,732+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Arlington to Knoxville?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Arlington, VA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Arlington to Knoxville with a local mover averages $1,910 - $5,027. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Arlington, VA can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
495 Movers, Inc (4.84/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Arlington, ranked # in Virginia, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,128 customers, 89.5% of which is positive.
Address: 640 Lofstrand Ln, Rockville, MD, 20850 | Founded: 2009
Moving container costs from Arlington, VA to Knoxville, TN
Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to Knoxville, Tennessee, cost between $963 and $3,025. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Arlington typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $963 - $1,642
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,127 - $2,380
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,578 - $3,025
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $101 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $203 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 $946 in Arlington, VA, 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 Virginia 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 $963. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,127 - $2,380.
What are the best moving containers Arlington 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 Arlington 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 Arlington:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Arlington, VA to Knoxville, TN
Truck rentals from Arlington, Virginia, to Knoxville, Tennessee, range from $406 - $1,008 for the 483-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $208 - $237
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Arlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 Arlington to Knoxville based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $406 - $749
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $428 - $872
- 4+ bedrooms: $528 - $1,008
Pro tip: A rental truck from Arlington to Knoxville looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $406 - $1,008. But once you factor in fuel ($208 - $237), overnight lodging ($203/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $101 and $473.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $203.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $208 and $237 for the 483-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $946 for 2 movers in Arlington, Virginia, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington 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 Arlington, VA to Knoxville, TN
If you're moving a larger household from Arlington, Virginia, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Knoxville, Tennessee.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $902 and $1,830.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $800 - $1,433
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $902 - $1,830
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,237 - $2,444
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Arlington, Virginia, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $946.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $101 - $203 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 Arlington to Knoxville?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Arlington to Knoxville. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Arlington, VA vs Knoxville, TN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Knoxville, side by side with Arlington on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Arlington, VA | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 164 | 92 |
| Average rent | $2,718/mo | $1,795/mo |
| Median home value | $866,334 | $213,473 |
| Average income | $140,160/yr | $50,994/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 4.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | None |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 31/100 |
| Safety index | 79.15/100 | 57.46/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Knoxville, TN to Arlington, VA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Tennessee in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 304 movers based in Virginia, handy for sizing up options on this 483-mile route.
Our take
A move from Arlington, VA, to Knoxville, TN, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,049 - $6,997 on the 483-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $963 - $3,025, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $406 - $1,008. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,892 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Regal Cinemas Corp and Regal.
FAQs: Moving from Arlington, VA, to Knoxville, TN
How walkable is Knoxville?
Knoxville has a walkability score of 31 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 30, compared to 71 and 72 in Arlington. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Arlington, VA to Knoxville, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $406 to $6,997, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,049 and $6,997, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Arlington, VA to Knoxville, TN?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Arlington?
Local movers based in Arlington typically start around $200 as a base rate, plus $110/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Knoxville run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Arlington, VA to Knoxville, TN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Arlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 34% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.