Top-rated movers to make your Des Moines to Knoxville move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Des Moines that offers long-distance services to Knoxville can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 13 top local movers in Des Moines who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Des Moines to Knoxville.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $130/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2468266
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $100/hr
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1471037
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Knoxville?
In Iowa, moving services typically cost around $128 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,175 – $4,458 | $799 – $1,885 | $591 – $1,019 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,233 – $5,484 | $1,368 – $2,672 | $608 – $1,223 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,902 – $8,136 | $1,894 – $3,634 | $753 – $1,577 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Knoxville
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Knoxville from Des Moines, you can expect prices to land between $1,175 and $4,458. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,233 to $5,484 for the trip from Des Moines to Knoxville. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,902 and $8,136.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Knoxville
Moving containers from Des Moines to Knoxville will cost you $799 to $1,885 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,368 to $2,672. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,894 to $3,634. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Knoxville
Renting a moving truck from Des Moines to Knoxville typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $591 and $1,019 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $608 to $1,223. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $753 to $1,577.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Knoxville move
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,157 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,784 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Des Moines.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $591 to $1,417, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Knoxville
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Knoxville runs about 15% higher for singles and 19% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,184 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,200 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,667 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,210 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $350,035 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $61,050 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
- Planning a move to Knoxville? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 56% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Knoxville are about 82% higher than those in Des Moines.
- In terms of average income, Knoxville and Des Moines are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Knoxville, as living costs for a single person are 15% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Knoxville, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Knoxville is 19% higher than in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Knoxville is about 20% lower than in Des Moines. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Knoxville are 32% more than in Des Moines, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Knoxville:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $215.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $54.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.06 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.64 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $34.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Knoxville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Knoxville.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Knoxville.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Knoxville.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Knoxville.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Knoxville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Knoxville.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Knoxville
| Des Moines | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 190,740 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 30 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 42.54 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 57.46 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Knoxville’s population is about 73% less than Des Moines.
- Knoxville’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- Knoxville is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- Knoxville has a bike-friendliness score of 30 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Des Moines, which has a score of 39.
- Knoxville’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 42.54 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Knoxville and Des Moines have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.46 and 57.8.
- Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Knoxville move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Tennessee’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Knoxville. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Knoxville
Planning your move to Marble City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Knoxville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Farragut
- Oak Ridge
- Alcoa
- Maryville
- Seymour
- Lenoir City
- Louisville
- Eagleton Village
- Loudon
Best neighborhoods for families
- Farragut
- Oak Ridge
- Maryville
- Alcoa
- Louisville
- Loudon
- Clinton
Things to do in Knoxville
After settling into your new Tennessee home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Knoxville has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Knoxville features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Knoxville Museum of Art, East Tennesse Historical Society, Muse Knoxville, and Old Smoky Railway Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Lakeshore Park, World’s Fair Park, Krutch Park, and Fort Dickerson Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Tennessee Volunteers (SEC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Knoxville?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Knoxville? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Knoxville?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Knoxville in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Knoxville take?
The 830-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Knoxville, , typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Knoxville.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Des Moines?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Des Moines, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Iowa has 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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