($540+) Memphis, TN to Durham, NC Movers

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
Background image of a moving truck moving from Memphis, TN to Durham, NC

Moving from Memphis, TN, to Durham, NC, runs anywhere from $567 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,526 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 738 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 $1,761, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,526 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,095 - $3,551, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $567 - $1,549.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Memphis, TN, to Durham, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,560 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Memphis, TN to Durham, NC

Moving options from Memphis to Durham fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,560 - $5,951 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 738 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 738-mile route from Memphis to Durham, broken down by home size:

  • Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,761 - $4,654, container $1,095 - $1,950, rental truck $567 - $1,066, freight trailer $936 - $1,827.
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,560 - $5,951, container $1,434 - $2,648, rental truck $625 - $1,204, freight trailer $1,125 - $2,316.
  • 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,342 - $8,526, container $1,922 - $3,551, rental truck $781 - $1,549, freight trailer $1,507 - $2,927.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Memphis, TN to Durham, NC

Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 738-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Durham, North Carolina, with costs ranging from $1,761 - $8,526. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $274 - $1,824. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Memphis and Durham. Local movers in Memphis typically start around $334 as a base rate plus $125/hour per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Memphis to Durham:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,761 - $4,654
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,560 - $5,951
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,342 - $8,526

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 Durham.

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: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.

Don't see your company listed?

Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.

Get Started

Specialty moving services from Memphis, TN to Durham, NC

Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Memphis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Durham, 86% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$456 - $4,560
Storage in transitNew place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company$182 - $1,094/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$274 - $2,189
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers$912 - $2,736
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,280 - $9,120
Car shippingSecond vehicle$683 - $1,298
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items71% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company$912 - $2,280
PianoAny piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company$730 - $3,192
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers$274 - $1,368
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Spyder Moving and Storage$593 - $1,824
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$274 - $13,680+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$274 - $3,192+

What are the best full-service movers from Memphis to Durham?

Look for North Carolina Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in North Carolina beyond this list.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Memphis, TN. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.

Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Durham, NC

Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Durham, North Carolina, cost between $1,095 and $3,551. 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 Durham:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,095 - $1,950
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,434 - $2,648
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,922 - $3,551

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both Memphis, TN and Durham, NC. 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 $638 in Memphis, TN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $68 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $137 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 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 $1,095. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,434 - $2,648, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Memphis to Durham?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Durham, NC

Truck rentals from Memphis, Tennessee, to Durham, North Carolina, range from $567 - $1,549 for the 738-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $214 - $245
  • Daily insurance: $27/day
  • Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
  • Memphis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Memphis to Durham based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $567 - $1,066
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $625 - $1,204
  • 4+ bedrooms: $781 - $1,549

Pro tip: A rental truck from Memphis to Durham looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $567 - $1,549. But once you factor in fuel ($214 - $245) , overnight lodging ($137/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $68 and $319.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $137.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $214 and $245 for the 738-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $638 for 2 movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Memphis to Durham?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Durham, NC

If you're moving a larger household from Memphis, 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 Durham, North Carolina.

Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,125 and $2,316.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Durham:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $936 - $1,827
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,125 - $2,316
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,507 - $2,927

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?

  • 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 $68 and $137.
  • 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 $638.

What are the best freight companies from Memphis to Durham?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
  3. Empire Express, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Empire Express, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Durham fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.

Cost of living: Memphis, TN vs Durham, NC

Memphis and Durham land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 86 in Memphis and 99 in Durham, and rent tracks closely too ($1,299/mo vs. $1,699/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (35 vs 30) and safety scores (22.51 vs 45.28) come out about the same too.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham, NC to Memphis, TN guide.

Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:

In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Tennessee to North Carolina, 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 70 movers in Tennessee, so you have real options to compare for this 738-mile move.

30%+
Save 30%+
Comparing movers helps moveBuddha users save more than 30% on average compared to booking blind.
$1K
$1,000 in coverage
Booking a moveBuddha Certified mover unlocks dedicated support throughout your move.
Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong, we help resolve it with Certified movers.

Our take

The 738-mile move from Memphis, TN, to Durham, NC, costs between $1,761 and $8,526 with full-service movers, $1,095 - $3,551 with a moving container, and $567 - $1,549 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,560 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Durham tend to point to low cost of living and quality education, though terrible traffic and high crime rate come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Duke University & Duke Univ. Health System and IBM.

FAQs: Moving from Memphis, TN, to Durham, NC

What are the best neighborhoods in Durham?

For families, Treyburn, American Village/Arrowhead, and Willowhaven are worth a look in Durham. If you're moving solo or without kids, Golden Belt, Warehouse District, and City Center tend to be popular picks instead.

How walkable is Durham?

Durham has a walkability score of 30 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 38, compared to 35 and 41 in Memphis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

Is Durham a safe place to live?

Durham has a safety index of 45.28 out of 100 and a crime index of 54.72, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Memphis, TN to Durham, NC?

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 Memphis, TN to Durham, 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.

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.