($556+) Memphis, TN to Chapel Hill, NC Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to Chapel Hill, NC, runs anywhere from $562 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,952 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 734 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 $1,778, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,952 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,040 - $3,694, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $562 - $1,474.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Memphis, TN, to Chapel Hill, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,438 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 Chapel Hill, NC
Moving options from Memphis to Chapel Hill fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,438 - $6,315 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 734-mile route typically takes 1 to 6 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 734-mile route from Memphis to Chapel Hill, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,778 for a studio up to $8,952 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,040 - $3,694 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $562 - $1,474, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $936 - $2,956, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Memphis, TN to Chapel Hill, NC
For the 734-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, full-service movers cost between $1,778 and $8,952. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $284 - $1,896 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Memphis generally start around $334 plus $125 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Memphis to Chapel Hill:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,778 - $4,470
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,438 - $6,315
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,426 - $8,952
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 Chapel Hill.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee to North Carolina. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Memphis, TN to Chapel Hill, NC
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Memphis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chapel Hill, 86% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $474 - $4,740 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $190 - $1,138/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $284 - $2,275 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $948 - $2,844 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,370 - $9,480 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $710 - $1,349 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items71% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $948 - $2,370 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $758 - $3,318 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $284 - $1,422 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Spyder Moving and Storage | $616 - $1,896 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $284 - $14,220+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $284 - $3,318+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Memphis to Chapel Hill?
North Carolina Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in North Carolina, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Memphis, TN. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Chapel Hill, NC
Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, cost between $1,040 and $3,694. 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 Chapel Hill:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,040 - $1,890
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,462 - $2,730
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,922 - $3,694
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $664 in Memphis, TN. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $71 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $142 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Chapel Hill, NC, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee to North Carolina 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 $1,040. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,462 - $2,730, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Memphis to Chapel Hill?
- 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
- Cord Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 106 years in business
- Spyder Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to Chapel Hill, NC
A rental truck for this 734-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, costs between $562 and $1,474. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $221 - $253
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- 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 Chapel Hill based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $562 - $1,076
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $619 - $1,228
- 4+ bedrooms: $781 - $1,474
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $562 - $1,474 when pricing out a rental truck from Memphis to Chapel Hill. Fuel alone runs ($221 - $253) , and overnight lodging ($142/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $142 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 $62 and $308 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $221 - $253 in fuel for the 734-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $664 in Memphis, Tennessee, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Memphis to Chapel Hill?
- 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 Chapel Hill, NC
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Memphis, Tennessee, to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,091 and $2,184.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Chapel Hill:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $936 - $1,845
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,091 - $2,184
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,507 - $2,956
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?
- 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 $71 and $142.
- 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 Memphis, Tennessee, for roughly five hours typically average $664.
What are the best freight companies from Memphis to Chapel Hill?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Empire Express, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Empire Express, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
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 Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill, NC
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chapel Hill, side by side with Memphis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Memphis, TN | Chapel Hill, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 86 | 108 |
| Average rent | $1,299/mo | $1,950/mo |
| Median home value | $154,209 | $566,857 |
| Average income | $51,211/yr | $85,825/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 3.2% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.5% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 34/100 |
| Safety index | 22.51/100 | 73.58/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Chapel Hill, NC to Memphis, TN guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to North Carolina 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 70 movers based in Tennessee, handy for sizing up options on this 734-mile route.
Our take
A move from Memphis, TN, to Chapel Hill, NC, 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 $1,778 - $8,952 on the 734-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,040 - $3,694, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $562 - $1,474. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,438 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 University of North Carolina and Performance Bicycle.
FAQs: Moving from Memphis, TN, to Chapel Hill, NC
Is Chapel Hill a safe place to live?
Chapel Hill has a safety index of 73.58 out of 100 and a crime index of 26.42, compared to 22.51 and 77.49 in Memphis. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Memphis, TN to Chapel Hill, NC?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. North Carolina also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in North Carolina?
For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT).
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($221 - $253), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $142/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Memphis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 71% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
