($378+) Knoxville, TN to Arlington, VA Movers
Moving from Knoxville, TN, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $378 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,731 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 482 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,208, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,731 or more.
- Moving containers run $963 - $3,084, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $378 - $1,071.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Knoxville, TN, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,988 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 Arlington, VA
There are 3 main ways to move from Knoxville to Arlington: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,988 - $5,550. Containers cost roughly 43% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 77% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 482 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 482-mile route from Knoxville to Arlington, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,208 - $3,890 with full-service movers, $963 - $1,642 with a container, $378 - $771 with a rental truck, or $808 - $1,462 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,988 - $5,550 full-service, $1,127 - $2,334 by container, $450 - $828 by rental truck, or $997 - $1,775 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,655 - $7,731 full-service, $1,594 - $3,084 by container, $554 - $1,071 by rental truck, or $1,225 - $2,467 by freight.
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 Arlington, VA
For the 482-mile move from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Arlington, Virginia, full-service movers cost between $1,208 and $7,731. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $362 - $2,416 (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 Knoxville generally start around $170 plus $113 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Knoxville to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,208 - $3,890
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,988 - $5,550
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,655 - $7,731
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 Arlington.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Knoxville, TN to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 76% of Knoxville movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Arlington, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $604 - $6,040 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready76% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Gouffon Moving & Storage | $242 - $1,450/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $362 - $2,899 |
| 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 | $1,208 - $3,624 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,020 - $12,080 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $905 - $1,719 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Carey Moving & Storage | $1,208 - $3,020 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Gouffon Moving & Storage | $966 - $4,228 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $362 - $1,812 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $785 - $2,416 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $362 - $18,120+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $362 - $4,228+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Knoxville to Arlington?
All three below meet the standards set by the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Virginia movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Knoxville, TN?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Knoxville to Arlington with a local mover averages $2,067 - $5,772. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Knoxville, TN often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Gouffon Moving & Storage (4.56/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Knoxville, ranked #3 in Tennessee, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,010 customers, 92.4% of which is positive.
Address: 1520 Amherst Road, Knoxville, TN, 37909 | Founded: 1887
Moving container costs from Knoxville, TN to Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $963 and $3,084. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Knoxville typically costs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Knoxville to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $963 - $1,642
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,127 - $2,334
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,594 - $3,084
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $91 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $181 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 $846 in Knoxville, TN, 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 Arlington, VA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $963. 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 $1,127 - $2,334.
What are the best moving containers Knoxville to Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
Renting a moving truck for the 482-mile move from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Arlington, Virginia, costs between $378 and $1,071, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $185 - $212
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- 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 Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $378 - $771
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $450 - $828
- 4+ bedrooms: $554 - $1,071
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Knoxville to Arlington starts at $378 - $1,071, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($185 - $212), overnight lodging ($181/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Knoxville, Tennessee, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $846.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $185 - $212 for the 482-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $72 and $393, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $181 per night for hotel stops on the 482-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $362 - $544.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Knoxville to Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Arlington, Virginia. 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 $1,087 and $1,775.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Knoxville to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $808 - $1,462
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $997 - $1,775
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,225 - $2,467
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Knoxville, Tennessee, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $846.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $91 - $181 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Knoxville to Arlington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Knoxville to Arlington, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Knoxville, TN vs Arlington, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with Knoxville on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Knoxville, TN | Arlington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 92 | 164 |
| Average rent | $1,795/mo | $2,718/mo |
| Median home value | $213,473 | $866,334 |
| Average income | $50,994/yr | $140,160/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 31/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 57.46/100 | 79.15/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Arlington, VA to Knoxville, TN guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to Virginia over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 213 movers in our Tennessee network to compare for this 482-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Knoxville, TN, to Arlington, VA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,208 - $7,731 on the 482-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $963 - $3,084 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $378 - $1,071 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,988 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Knoxville, TN, to Arlington, VA
Is Arlington a safe place to live?
Arlington has a safety index of 79.15 out of 100 and a crime index of 15.67, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Knoxville, TN to Arlington, VA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Knoxville, TN to Arlington, 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.
How long does a move from Knoxville, TN to Arlington, VA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 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 ($185 - $212), daily insurance ($36/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $181/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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.