Top-rated local movers that handle Irvine to Knoxville moves
When planning a move from Irvine to Knoxville, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 86 local movers in Irvine who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Irvine to Knoxville.
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Best California Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc , College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County , Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc , Richards Moving Company , Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage , An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Irvine to Knoxville?
Movers in California charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,326 – $4,781 | $1,141 – $2,859 | $1,254 – $2,375 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,521 – $7,608 | $2,072 – $4,635 | $1,398 – $2,798 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,802 – $10,961 | $2,786 – $5,793 | $1,680 – $3,428 |
Cost to hire movers from Irvine to Knoxville
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Irvine to Knoxville, you can expect to spend between $1,326 and $4,781. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,521 to $7,608 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Irvine to Knoxville typically runs between $6,802 and $10,961.
Cost of moving containers from Irvine to Knoxville
When moving from Irvine to Knoxville, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,141 and $2,859. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,072 to $4,635. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,786 up to $5,793. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Irvine to Knoxville
Renting a moving truck in Irvine is usually your cheapest option to get to Knoxville. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,254 and $2,375. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,398 and $2,798. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,680 and $3,428.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Irvine to Knoxville
The cost of Irvine movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,553, but larger homes can run up to $11,023.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Irvine.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,254–$3,223) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Irvine to Knoxville
Many movers find Knoxville easier on the wallet than Irvine – roughly 76% less for singles and 71% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,184 for one person in Knoxville versus $9,167 in Irvine. For a family of four, it’s $5,200 compared with $18,000.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Irvine | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,719 | $1,667 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,575 | $3,210 |
| Average home value | $1,561,760 | $350,035 |
| Average income (per capita) | $114,027 | $61,050 |
| Cost of living (single) | $9,167 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $18,000 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 55% lower in Knoxville than in Irvine, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 78% lower in Knoxville than in Irvine.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 46% less in Knoxville than in Irvine.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Knoxville, where the cost of living for a single person is 76% less than in Irvine.
- Moving to Knoxville could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 71% less than in Irvine.
- Knoxville experiences an unemployment rate that is about 13% lower than that of Irvine. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 19% higher in Knoxville than in Irvine. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- 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.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Irvine with Knoxville:
| Living Expense | Irvine | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $215.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $54.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.50 | $4.06 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $3.64 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $54.17 | $34.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Irvine than in Knoxville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Irvine than in Knoxville.
- Eggs cost more in Irvine than in Knoxville.
- Bread is more expensive in Irvine than in Knoxville.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Irvine than in Knoxville.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Irvine than in Knoxville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Irvine than in Knoxville.
How life is different in Irvine vs. Knoxville
| Irvine | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,670 | 190,740 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 30 |
| Crime index | 31.01 | 42.54 |
| Safety index | 68.99 | 57.46 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Knoxville’s population is about 38% less than Irvine.
- Knoxville’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Irvine, making them very similar.
- Knoxville is less walkable than Irvine with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Irvine’s 43 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 Irvine, which has a score of 69.
- Knoxville’s crime rate is higher than Irvine with a score of 42.54 compared to Irvine’s 31.01. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01%.
- Knoxville is considered to be less safe than Irvine with a score of 57.46 vs Irvine’s 68.99.
- Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in Irvine it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Irvine to Knoxville move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Tennessee doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Knoxville smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Knoxville
Now that you’ve chosen Marble City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Knoxville to check out.
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 getting comfortable in your new Tennessee home, it’s time to see what Knoxville is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Knoxville offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Tennessee Volunteers (SEC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Irvine to Knoxville?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Irvine to Knoxville are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Irvine are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Irvine to Knoxville?
Because spring and fall moves from Irvine to Knoxville are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Irvine to Knoxville take?
A move of 2,179 miles from Irvine, CA to Knoxville, generally takes six to 17 days. Movers in Irvine sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Knoxville is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Irvine?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Irvine offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 66 movers in Irvine have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 55 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
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