($405+) Knoxville, TN to Chesapeake, VA Movers
Moving from Knoxville, TN, to Chesapeake, VA, runs anywhere from $405 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,100 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 538 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 $1,306, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,100 or more.
- Moving containers run $900 - $2,876, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $405 - $1,164.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Knoxville, TN, to Chesapeake, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,106 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 Knoxville, TN to Chesapeake, VA
Moving options from Knoxville to Chesapeake fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,106 - $5,466 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 41% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 78% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 538 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 538-mile route from Knoxville to Chesapeake, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,306 - $3,767, container $900 - $1,719, rental truck $405 - $807, freight trailer $896 - $1,456.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,106 - $5,466, container $1,251 - $2,304, rental truck $473 - $910, freight trailer $1,021 - $1,843.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,808 - $8,100, container $1,634 - $2,876, rental truck $578 - $1,164, freight trailer $1,242 - $2,421.
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 Knoxville, TN to Chesapeake, VA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 538-mile move from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Chesapeake, Virginia, with costs ranging from $1,306 - $8,100. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $290 - $1,936. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Knoxville and Chesapeake. Local movers in Knoxville typically start around $170 as a base rate plus $113/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Knoxville to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,306 - $3,767
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,106 - $5,466
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,808 - $8,100
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 Knoxville to Chesapeake.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Knoxville, TN to Chesapeake, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 76% of Knoxville movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chesapeake, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $484 - $4,840 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready76% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Gouffon Moving & Storage | $194 - $1,162/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $290 - $2,323 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs71% of local movers | $968 - $2,904 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,420 - $9,680 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $725 - $1,377 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Carey Moving & Storage | $968 - $2,420 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Gouffon Moving & Storage | $774 - $3,388 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $290 - $1,452 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $629 - $1,936 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $290 - $14,520+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $290 - $3,388+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Knoxville to Chesapeake?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- 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 almost always better priced than local movers in Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, TN to Chesapeake, VA
Moving containers from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Chesapeake, Virginia, cost between $900 and $2,876. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Knoxville typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Knoxville to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $900 - $1,719
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,251 - $2,304
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,634 - $2,876
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Knoxville, TN and Chesapeake, VA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $678 in Knoxville, TN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $73 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $145 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee to Virginia 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 $900. 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 $1,251 - $2,304.
What are the best moving containers Knoxville to Chesapeake?
- 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville:
- Gouffon Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 139 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.7/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.8/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Knoxville, TN to Chesapeake, VA
A rental truck for this 538-mile move from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Chesapeake, Virginia, costs between $405 and $1,164. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $166 - $189
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Knoxville 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 Knoxville to Chesapeake based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $405 - $807
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $473 - $910
- 4+ bedrooms: $578 - $1,164
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $405 - $1,164 when pricing out a rental truck from Knoxville to Chesapeake. Fuel alone runs $166 - $189, and overnight lodging ($145/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $166 - $189 for the 538-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Knoxville, Tennessee, for about 5 hours typically costs around $678.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 538-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $145 per night, adding $290 - $436 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $48 and $290.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Knoxville to Chesapeake?
- 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 Knoxville, TN to Chesapeake, VA
If you're moving a larger household from Knoxville, Tennessee, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Chesapeake, Virginia.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,021 and $1,843.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Knoxville to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $896 - $1,456
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,021 - $1,843
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,242 - $2,421
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $73 - $145 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Knoxville, Tennessee, typically costs $678.
What are the best freight companies from Knoxville to Chesapeake?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
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 Chesapeake 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: Knoxville, TN vs Chesapeake, VA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Knoxville and Chesapeake to plan around. Cost of living index: 92 vs. 104. Average rent: $1,795/mo vs. $1,800/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 31 vs. 21. Safety index: 57.46 vs. 70.88.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chesapeake, VA to Knoxville, TN guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Tennessee to Virginia, 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 213 movers in Tennessee, so you have real options to compare for this 538-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 538-mile route from Knoxville, TN, to Chesapeake, VA, run $1,306 - $8,100 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $900 - $2,876, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $405 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,106, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Dollar Tree and Chesapeake City Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Knoxville, TN, to Chesapeake, VA
What are the best neighborhoods in Chesapeake?
For families, Greenbrier, Great Bridge, and Hickory are worth a look in Chesapeake. If you're moving solo or without kids, Capital District, Central Office, and East Ghent tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Knoxville, TN to Chesapeake, VA?
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 $473 - $910. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Chesapeake a safe place to live?
Chesapeake has a safety index of 70.88 out of 100 and a crime index of 25.0, compared to 57.46 and 42.54 in Knoxville. 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 4 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 Knoxville, TN to Chesapeake, VA?
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. Virginia 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.
What percentage of Knoxville movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in Knoxville handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.