Top-rated movers to make your Detroit to Knoxville move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Detroit that offers long-distance services to Knoxville can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 36 top local movers in Detroit 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 Detroit to Knoxville.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- O’Sullivan Moving & Storage CO.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: JCAL Holdings, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 114
DOT #: 511993
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 624288
Alternate Names: Whitestar Movers, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1673815
Alternate Names: Royal Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 20587
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 1660642
Alternate Names: O’Sullivan Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Knoxville?
In Michigan, moving services typically cost around 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 | $1,196 – $3,275 | $651 – $1,599 | $426 – $752 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,207 – $5,370 | $1,213 – $2,343 | $423 – $928 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,938 – $8,336 | $1,598 – $2,833 | $522 – $1,128 |
Cost to hire movers from Detroit to Knoxville
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Knoxville from Detroit, you can expect prices to land between $1,196 and $3,275. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,207 to $5,370 for the trip from Detroit to Knoxville. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,938 and $8,336.
Cost of moving containers from Detroit to Knoxville
Moving containers from Detroit to Knoxville will cost you $651 to $1,599 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,213 to $2,343. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,598 to $2,833. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to Knoxville
Renting a moving truck from Detroit to Knoxville typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $426 and $752 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $423 to $928. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $522 to $1,128.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Detroit to Knoxville move
The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,677 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,572 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Detroit.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $426 to $938, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Detroit to Knoxville
Many movers find Knoxville easier on the wallet than Detroit – roughly 13% less for singles and 22% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,184 for one person in Knoxville versus $2,500 in Detroit. For a family of four, it’s $5,200 compared with $6,687.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Detroit | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,325 | $1,667 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,542 | $3,210 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $350,035 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $61,050 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,500 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,687 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 0.0% |
- Planning a move to Knoxville? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 44% higher than in Detroit, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Knoxville are about 378% higher than those in Detroit.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 62% higher in Knoxville compared to Detroit, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Knoxville, as the cost of living for a single person is 13% lower compared to Detroit.
- A move to Knoxville can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 22% less than what it costs in Detroit.
- The unemployment rate in Knoxville is about 48% lower than in Detroit. 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 54% more than in Detroit, 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 Detroit and Knoxville:
| Living Expense | Detroit | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.12 | $215.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $55.77 | $54.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $4.06 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $3.64 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.00 | $34.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Detroit than in Knoxville.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Detroit than in Knoxville.
- Eggs are less expensive in Detroit than in Knoxville.
- Bread costs less in Detroit than in Knoxville.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Detroit than in Knoxville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Detroit than in Knoxville.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Knoxville
| Detroit | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 639,111 | 190,740 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 30 |
| Crime index | 72.92 | 42.54 |
| Safety index | 27.08 | 57.46 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Knoxville’s population is about 70% less than Detroit.
- Knoxville’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Detroit’s score of 7.
- Knoxville is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Detroit’s 51 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 Detroit, which has a score of 52.
- Knoxville’s crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 42.54 compared to Detroit’s 72.92. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Knoxville is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 57.46 vs Detroit’s 27.08.
- Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in Detroit it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit 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 Detroit to Knoxville?
Planning your move from Detroit to Knoxville? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Detroit.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Knoxville?
Because most people are moving from Detroit 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 Detroit to Knoxville take?
The 512-mile journey from Detroit, MI to Knoxville, , typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Detroit 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 there special savings available from movers in Detroit?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 2 have discounts for military personnel. 2 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Detroit?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Detroit, 22 movers can manage piano relocations. 8 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Michigan has 51 piano movers and 19 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.
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