($376+) Memphis, TN to Lexington, KY Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to Lexington, KY, runs anywhere from $376 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,906 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 422 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 $1,177, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,906 or more.
- Moving containers run $950 - $2,893, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $376 - $1,002.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Memphis, TN, to Lexington, KY. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,818 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 Memphis, TN to Lexington, KY
Moving options from Memphis to Lexington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,818 - $4,933 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 33% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 79% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 422-mile route typically takes 1 to 4 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 422-mile route from Memphis to Lexington, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,177 - $3,914, container $950 - $1,644, rental truck $376 - $678, freight trailer $782 - $1,465.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,818 - $4,933, container $1,217 - $2,177, rental truck $381 - $795, freight trailer $974 - $1,760.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,054 - $6,906, container $1,460 - $2,893, rental truck $493 - $1,002, freight trailer $1,229 - $2,247.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Memphis, TN to Lexington, KY
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 422-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Lexington, Kentucky, with prices running from $1,177 - $6,906. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $264 - $1,760 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Memphis and Lexington are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Memphis movers tend to run around $334 as a base rate plus $125/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Memphis to Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,177 - $3,914
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,818 - $4,933
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,054 - $6,906
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 Memphis to Lexington.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Memphis, TN to Lexington, KY
Specialty needs vary by market: 41% of Memphis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Lexington, 64% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $440 - $4,400 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready41% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Guardian Moving Systems | $176 - $1,056/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $264 - $2,112 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage19% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $880 - $2,640 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,200 - $8,800 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $659 - $1,252 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Cord Moving and Storage | $880 - $2,200 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $704 - $3,080 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $264 - $1,320 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect15% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company | $572 - $1,760 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $264 - $13,200+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $264 - $3,080+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Memphis to Lexington?
- 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 Memphis, TN?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Memphis to Lexington with a local mover averages $1,728 - $4,687. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Memphis, TN can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
Guardian Moving Systems (4.52/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Memphis, ranked #12 in Tennessee, based on our analysis of feedback from 217 customers, 88.9% of which is positive.
Address: 4226 Clarke Road, Memphis, TN, 38141 | Founded: 1985
Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Lexington, KY
Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Lexington, Kentucky, cost between $950 and $2,893. 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 Memphis runs about $45/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $950 - $1,644
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,217 - $2,177
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,460 - $2,893
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Memphis, TN, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $616, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $66 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $132 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Memphis, TN, and Lexington, KY, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee to Kentucky 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 $950. 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 $1,217 - $2,177.
What are the best moving containers Memphis to Lexington?
- 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 Memphis 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 Memphis:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 36 years in business
- Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company, 18 years in business
- Country Club Moving & Packing Inc, 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to Lexington, KY
Truck rentals from Memphis, Tennessee, to Lexington, Kentucky, range from $376 - $1,002 for the 422-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $118 - $135
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Memphis 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 Memphis to Lexington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $376 - $678
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $381 - $795
- 4+ bedrooms: $493 - $1,002
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $376 - $1,002 when pricing out a rental truck from Memphis to Lexington. Fuel alone runs $118 - $135, and overnight lodging ($132/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $132 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $57 and $286 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $118 - $135 in fuel for the 422-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $616 in Memphis, Tennessee, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Memphis to Lexington?
- 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 Memphis, TN to Lexington, KY
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Memphis, Tennessee, to Lexington, Kentucky, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $974 and $1,760.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $782 - $1,465
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $974 - $1,760
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,229 - $2,247
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $66 - $132 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for about five hours typically runs $616.
What are the best freight companies from Memphis to Lexington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Lexington quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Memphis, TN vs Lexington, KY
Good news for your budget: Lexington isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Memphis. Cost of living index runs 91 there against 86 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 35/100 and 22.51/100 here versus 90/100 and 49.12/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lexington, KY to Memphis, TN guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Tennessee to Kentucky, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 181 movers in Tennessee, so you have real options to compare for this 422-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Memphis, TN, to Lexington, KY, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,177 for a studio to $6,906 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 422-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $950 - $2,893. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $376 - $1,002, 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 $1,818 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 A&W Restaurants and University of Kentucky.
FAQs: Moving from Memphis, TN, to Lexington, KY
How much does it cost to move from Memphis, TN to Lexington, KY?
Costs on this route range from around $376 to $6,906, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,177 and $6,906, 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 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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Memphis?
Local movers based in Memphis typically start around $334 as a base rate, plus $125/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 Lexington run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Kentucky?
Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) – Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint.
What are the best neighborhoods in Lexington?
For families, Chevy Chase-Ashland Park, Fairway-Liberty Heights, and Georgetown are worth a look in Lexington. If you're moving solo or without kids, Chevy Chase-Ashland Park, Downtown Lexington, and Fairway-Liberty Heights tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Memphis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.