($439+) Chicago, IL to Knoxville, TN Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Knoxville, TN, runs anywhere from $439 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,260 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 540 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,135, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,260 or more.
- Moving containers run $938 - $3,178, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $439 - $1,131.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Knoxville, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,887 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 Chicago, IL to Knoxville, TN
Moving options from Chicago to Knoxville fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,887 - $5,203 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 32% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 76% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 540 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 540-mile route from Chicago to Knoxville, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,135 - $3,845 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($938 - $1,770), rental truck ($439 - $752), or freight trailer ($811 - $1,609). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,887 - $5,203 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $7,260.
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 Chicago, IL to Knoxville, TN
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 540-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Knoxville, Tennessee, with prices running from $1,135 - $7,260. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $301 - $2,008 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Chicago and Knoxville are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Chicago movers tend to run around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,135 - $3,845
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,887 - $5,203
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,732 - $7,260
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 Chicago to Knoxville.
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 Chicago, IL to Knoxville, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago 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 packing78% of local movers | $502 - $5,020 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $201 - $1,205/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $301 - $2,410 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,004 - $3,012 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,510 - $10,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $752 - $1,429 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,004 - $2,510 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $803 - $3,514 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $301 - $1,506 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $653 - $2,008 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $301 - $15,060+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $301 - $3,514+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Chicago, IL, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Knoxville, TN
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Knoxville, Tennessee, cost between $938 and $3,178. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Knoxville. If you go over that window, storage in Chicago adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $938 - $1,770
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,275 - $2,257
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,537 - $3,178
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $75 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $151 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 $703 in Chicago, IL, 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 Illinois 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 $938. 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 $1,275 - $2,257.
What are the best moving containers Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Knoxville, TN
A rental truck for this 540-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Knoxville, Tennessee, costs between $439 and $1,131. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $173 - $197
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Chicago to Knoxville based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $439 - $752
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $459 - $892
- 4+ bedrooms: $595 - $1,131
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $439 - $1,131 does not include fuel ($173 - $197), lodging ($151/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Chicago to Knoxville typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
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 $75 and $351.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $151.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $173 and $197 for the 540-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 $703 for 2 movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago 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 Chicago, IL to Knoxville, TN
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Knoxville, Tennessee. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $904 and $1,956.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $811 - $1,609
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,021 - $1,956
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,359 - $2,324
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $75 and $151.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly five hours typically average $703.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago 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.
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 Knoxville 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: Chicago, IL vs Knoxville, TN
Good news for your budget: Knoxville isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Chicago. Cost of living index runs 92 there against 106 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 77/100 and 33.87/100 here versus 31/100 and 57.46/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Knoxville, TN to Chicago, IL guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois 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 314 movers based in Illinois, handy for sizing up options on this 540-mile route.
Our take
The 540-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Knoxville, TN, costs between $1,135 and $7,260 with full-service movers, $938 - $3,178 with a moving container, and $439 - $1,131 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,887 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Regal Cinemas Corp and Regal.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Knoxville, TN
How long does a move from Chicago, IL to Knoxville, TN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($173 - $197), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $151/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Knoxville, TN?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $459 - $892. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Knoxville, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $439 to $7,260, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,135 and $7,260, 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 percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.