($504+) Memphis, TN to Durham, NC Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to Durham, NC, runs anywhere from $504 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,443 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $1,579, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,443 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,033 - $3,349, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $504 - $1,348.
- 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 $2,323 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 Memphis, TN to Durham, NC
There are 3 main ways to move from Memphis to Durham: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,323 - $5,613. Moving containers run about 45% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 77% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 738-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
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:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,579 - $4,172 | $1,033 - $1,783 | $504 - $957 | $911 - $1,638 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,323 - $5,613 | $1,273 - $2,653 | $533 - $1,205 | $1,114 - $2,185 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,095 - $8,443 | $1,830 - $3,349 | $729 - $1,348 | $1,393 - $2,707 |
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 Memphis, TN to Durham, NC
Full-service movers for the 738-mile relocation from Memphis, Tennessee, to Durham, North Carolina, cost between $1,579 and $8,443. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $274 - $1,824, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Memphis typically charge a base rate around $334 plus $125 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Memphis to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,579 - $4,172
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,323 - $5,613
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,095 - $8,443
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.
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 Memphis, TN to Durham, NC
Specialty needs vary by market: 41% of Memphis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Durham, 59% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $456 - $4,560 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready41% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $182 - $1,094/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $274 - $2,189 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage19% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $912 - $2,736 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,280 - $9,120 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $683 - $1,298 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Cord Moving and Storage | $912 - $2,280 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $730 - $3,192 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $274 - $1,368 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect15% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company | $593 - $1,824 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $274 - $13,680+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $274 - $3,192+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Memphis to Durham?
Movers licensed to operate in North Carolina are typically members of the North Carolina Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Memphis, TN. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Durham, NC
Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Durham, North Carolina, cost between $1,033 and $3,349. 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 Memphis typically costs about $45/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,033 - $1,783
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,273 - $2,653
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,830 - $3,349
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $68 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $137 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 $638 in Memphis, 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 Durham, NC, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,033. 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 $1,273 - $2,653.
What are the best moving containers Memphis to Durham?
- 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 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
- Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company, 18 years in business
- Country Club Moving & Packing Inc, 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to Durham, NC
A rental truck for this 738-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Durham, North Carolina, costs between $504 and $1,348. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- 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 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 Memphis to Durham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $504 - $957
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $533 - $1,205
- 4+ bedrooms: $729 - $1,348
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $504 - $1,348 when pricing out a rental truck from Memphis to Durham. Fuel alone runs $214 - $245, and overnight lodging ($137/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 $214 - $245 for the 738-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 Memphis, Tennessee, for about 5 hours typically costs around $638.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 738-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $137 per night, adding $274 - $410 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $46 and $274.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Memphis to Durham?
- 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 Memphis, TN to Durham, NC
For larger DIY moves from Memphis, Tennessee, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Durham, North Carolina.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,114 and $2,185.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $911 - $1,638
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,114 - $2,185
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,393 - $2,707
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $68 - $137 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for about five hours typically runs $638.
What are the best freight companies from Memphis to Durham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Memphis to Durham. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Memphis, TN vs Durham, NC
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Memphis and Durham to plan around. Cost of living index: 86 vs. 99. Average rent: $1,299/mo vs. $1,699/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 35 vs. 30. Safety index: 22.51 vs. 45.28.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham, NC to Memphis, TN guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to North Carolina 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 738-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Memphis, TN, to Durham, NC, 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 $1,579 - $8,443 on the 738-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,033 - $3,349 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $504 - $1,348 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,323 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live 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 is the cheapest way to move from Memphis, TN to Durham, NC?
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 $533 - $1,205. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 long does a move from Memphis, TN to Durham, NC take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 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 do local movers charge in Memphis?
Local movers based in Memphis typically start around $334 as a base rate, plus $125/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Durham run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 percentage of Memphis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.