Top-rated movers to make your Portland to Knoxville move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Portland that offers long-distance services to Knoxville can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed nine top local movers in Portland who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Portland to Knoxville.
- Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Bisson Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Allen & Coles Moving Systems: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Tiny Tim’s Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1846942
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TMT Portland, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Bisson Moving & Storage Company , Bisson I & R Commercial Services , Bisson I & R Document Security , Bisson Transportation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 38
DOT #: 070851
Alternate Names: Agent for North American Van Lines , Allen & Coles Moving System
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 626233
Alternate Names: Tiny Tims Moving & Trucking, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Portland to Knoxville?
In Maine, moving services typically cost around $225 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,352 – $5,398 | $858 – $2,051 | $628 – $1,180 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,755 – $7,017 | $1,465 – $3,063 | $685 – $1,431 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,699 – $8,665 | $1,956 – $3,836 | $852 – $1,867 |
Cost to hire movers from Portland to Knoxville
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Knoxville from Portland, you can expect prices to land between $1,352 and $5,398. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,755 to $7,017 for the trip from Portland to Knoxville. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,699 and $8,665.
Cost of moving containers from Portland to Knoxville
Moving containers from Portland to Knoxville will cost you $858 to $2,051 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,465 to $3,063. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,956 to $3,836. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Maine.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to Knoxville
Renting a moving truck from Portland to Knoxville typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $628 and $1,180 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $685 to $1,431. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $852 to $1,867.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Portland to Knoxville move
The cost of Portland movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,458 for a one-bedroom, or up to $7,237 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Portland.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $628 to $1,545, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Portland to Knoxville
Many movers find Knoxville easier on the wallet than Portland – roughly 12% less for singles and 14% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,184 for one person in Knoxville versus $2,491 in Portland. For a family of four, it’s $5,200 compared with $6,060.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Portland | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $1,667 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $3,210 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $350,035 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $61,050 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 0.0% |
- When relocating from Portland to Knoxville, expect to find rent about 10% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 35% more affordable in Knoxville compared to Portland.
- In terms of average income, Knoxville and Portland are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Knoxville, as the cost of living for a single person is 12% lower compared to Portland.
- A move to Knoxville can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 14% less than what it costs in Portland.
- The unemployment rate in Knoxville is about 10% lower than in Portland. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Knoxville are 68% more than in Portland, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- 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.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Portland and Knoxville:
| Living Expense | Portland | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $215.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $54.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $4.06 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $3.64 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $34.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Portland than in Knoxville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Knoxville.
- Eggs cost more in Portland than in Knoxville.
- Bread costs less in Portland than in Knoxville.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in Knoxville.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Knoxville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Portland than in Knoxville.
How life is different in Portland vs. Knoxville
| Portland | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 190,740 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 30 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 42.54 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 57.46 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Knoxville’s population is about 179% greater than Portland.
- Knoxville’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Portland’s score of 6.
- Knoxville is less walkable than Portland with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Portland’s 62 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 Portland, which has a score of 68.
- Knoxville’s crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 42.54 compared to Portland’s 32.16. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- Knoxville is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 57.46 vs Portland’s 67.84.
- Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in Portland it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Knoxville move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Tennessee’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Knoxville. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Knoxville
Planning your move to Marble City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new Tennessee home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Knoxville has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Knoxville features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Tennessee Volunteers (SEC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Knoxville?
Planning your move from Portland to Knoxville? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Knoxville?
Because most people are moving from Portland to Knoxville in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Portland to Knoxville take?
The 1,024-mile journey from Portland, ME to Knoxville, , typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Portland offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Knoxville.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Portland?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Portland, 9 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Maine has 13 piano movers and 7 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Portland moving services
Popular Maine routes
- Maine to Tennessee car shippers
- Maine to California movers
- Maine to Florida movers
- Maine to Georgia movers
- Maine to Illinois movers
- Maine to Michigan movers
- Maine to New York movers
- Maine to North Carolina movers
- Maine to Ohio movers
- Maine to Pennsylvania movers
- Maine to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!