Top local movers for Modesto to Knoxville moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Modesto that also provides long-distance services to Knoxville can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 14 local movers in Modesto who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Modesto to Knoxville.
- Grace Moving Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Casey Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Pete’s Moving Services: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Big Island Movers: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Brewer Moving LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0115405
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 153088
Alternate Names: Casey Records Management , Dawson Van & Storage , United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191440
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 3314910
Alternate Names: Petes Moving Services LLC , Pete’s Moving Services LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190630
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 3278221
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0192036
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 3329727
Alternate Names: Brewer Moving, LLC , J B Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Modesto to Knoxville?
Movers in California generally charge an average of $128 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,322 – $5,421 | $1,299 – $3,005 | $1,273 – $2,462 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,746 – $7,746 | $2,308 – $4,695 | $1,421 – $3,054 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,769 – $11,518 | $3,112 – $6,437 | $1,850 – $3,707 |
Cost to hire movers from Modesto to Knoxville
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Modesto to Knoxville typically costs between $1,322 and $5,421. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,746 and $7,746 when moving from Modesto to Knoxville. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Modesto to Knoxville, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,769 up to $11,518.
Cost of moving containers from Modesto to Knoxville
If you’re relocating from Modesto to Knoxville, you’ll typically spend between $1,299 and $3,005 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,308 up to $4,695. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,112 and $6,437. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Modesto to Knoxville
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Modesto to Knoxville move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,273 and $2,462. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,421 to $3,054. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,850 and $3,707.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Modesto to Knoxville
The cost of Modesto movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Modesto to Knoxville might be as low as $2,532, while a four-bedroom could reach $10,835.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Modesto.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,273 to $3,451 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Modesto to Knoxville
Many movers find Knoxville easier on the wallet than Modesto – roughly 6% less for singles and 13% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,184 for one person in Knoxville versus $2,312 in Modesto. For a family of four, it’s $5,200 compared with $5,946.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Modesto | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,667 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $3,210 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $350,035 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $61,050 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Switching from Modesto to Knoxville won’t strain your budget, as rent prices are nearly identical.
- With home prices being nearly 21% cheaper in Knoxville, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 9% lower in Knoxville than in Modesto.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Knoxville. The cost of living for a single person is 6% less compared to Modesto.
- Relocating to Knoxville could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 13% lower than in Modesto.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 41% lower than Modesto, Knoxville boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are effectively the same in Knoxville and Modesto (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
- 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.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Modesto and Knoxville, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $215.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $54.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $4.06 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $3.64 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $34.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Modesto than in Knoxville.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Modesto than in Knoxville.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Knoxville.
- Bread costs less in Modesto than in Knoxville.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Modesto than in Knoxville.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Modesto than in Knoxville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Modesto than in Knoxville.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Knoxville
| Modesto | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 190,740 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 30 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 42.54 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 57.46 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Knoxville’s population is about 13% less than Modesto.
- Knoxville’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Modesto’s score of 5.
- Knoxville is less walkable than Modesto with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Modesto’s 48 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 Modesto, which has a score of 48.
- Knoxville’s crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 42.54 compared to Modesto’s 65.76. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Knoxville is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 57.46 vs Modesto’s 34.24.
- Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in Modesto it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Knoxville move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Tennessee moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Tennessee, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Knoxville without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Knoxville
Ready to relocate to Marble City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you’ve made the move to Tennessee, it’s the perfect time to explore Knoxville. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Knoxville include museums and art centers like the Knoxville Museum of Art, East Tennesse Historical Society, Muse Knoxville, and Old Smoky Railway Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Lakeshore Park, World’s Fair Park, Krutch Park, and Fort Dickerson Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Tennessee Volunteers (SEC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Knoxville?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Modesto to Knoxville. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Knoxville?
With many people choosing to move from Modesto to Knoxville in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Modesto to Knoxville take?
Covering 2,400 miles, the move from Modesto, CA to Knoxville, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some Modesto movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Knoxville can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Modesto can handle specialty items for my move to Knoxville?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Modesto, 10 movers can handle pianos. 5 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Modesto moving services
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