($299+) Birmingham, AL to Knoxville, TN Movers
Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Knoxville, TN, runs anywhere from $299 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,689 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 256 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,020, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,689 or more.
- Moving containers run $847 - $2,561, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $299 - $708.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Birmingham, AL, to Knoxville, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,507 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 Birmingham, AL to Knoxville, TN
Moving options from Birmingham to Knoxville fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,507 - $4,592 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 29% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 79% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 256 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 4 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 256-mile route from Birmingham to Knoxville, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,020 for a studio up to $5,689 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $847 - $2,561 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $299 - $708, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $733 - $2,049, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Birmingham, AL to Knoxville, TN
For the 256-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Knoxville, Tennessee, full-service movers cost between $1,020 and $5,689. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $267 - $1,780 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Birmingham generally start around $310 plus $175 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Birmingham to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,020 - $3,784
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,507 - $4,592
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,076 - $5,689
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 Birmingham to Knoxville.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama to Tennessee. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Birmingham, AL to Knoxville, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Birmingham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Knoxville, 76% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $445 - $4,450 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $178 - $1,068/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $267 - $2,136 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $890 - $2,670 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,225 - $8,900 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $667 - $1,266 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $890 - $2,225 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $712 - $3,115 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $267 - $1,335 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Secure Moving, Inc | $579 - $1,780 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $267 - $13,350+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $267 - $3,115+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Birmingham to Knoxville?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Birmingham, AL?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Birmingham to Knoxville with a local mover averages $1,447 - $4,409. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Birmingham, AL can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
New Latitude Movers (4.48/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Birmingham, ranked #3 in Alabama, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,247 customers, 98.6% of which is positive.
Address: 130 Industrial Dr, Birmingham, AL, 35211 | Founded: 1997
Moving container costs from Birmingham, AL to Knoxville, TN
Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to Knoxville, Tennessee, cost between $847 and $2,561. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Birmingham typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Birmingham to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $847 - $1,505
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,071 - $2,107
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,399 - $2,561
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Birmingham, AL, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $623, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $67 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $134 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Birmingham, AL, and Knoxville, TN, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to Tennessee 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 $847. 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 $1,071 - $2,107.
What are the best moving containers Birmingham to Knoxville?
- 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham:
- New Latitude Movers (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 27 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.5/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Birmingham, AL to Knoxville, TN
Renting a moving truck for the 256-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Knoxville, Tennessee, costs between $299 and $708, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $72 - $83
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Knoxville based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $299 - $539
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $317 - $613
- 4+ bedrooms: $396 - $708
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $299 - $708 does not include fuel ($72 - $83), lodging ($134/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Birmingham to Knoxville typically runs more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $134 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Birmingham, Alabama, usually costs about $623 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 256-mile drive falls between $72 and $83, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $45 and $267 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Birmingham to Knoxville?
- 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 Birmingham, AL to Knoxville, TN
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Birmingham, Alabama, to Knoxville, Tennessee. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $801 and $1,589.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Birmingham to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $733 - $1,367
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $875 - $1,589
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,085 - $2,049
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $67 and $134.
- 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 Birmingham, Alabama, for roughly five hours typically average $623.
What are the best freight companies from Birmingham to Knoxville?
- 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.
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Knoxville quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Birmingham, AL vs Knoxville, TN
Good news for your budget: Knoxville isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Birmingham. Cost of living index runs 92 there against 87 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 33/100 and 38.36/100 here versus 31/100 and 57.46/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Knoxville, TN to Birmingham, AL guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Tennessee, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Alabama alone has 142 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 256-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 256-mile route from Birmingham, AL, to Knoxville, TN, run $1,020 - $5,689 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $847 - $2,561, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $299 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,507, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Regal Cinemas Corp and Regal.
FAQs: Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Knoxville, TN
How much does it cost to move from Birmingham, AL to Knoxville, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $299 to $5,689, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,020 and $5,689, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Birmingham, AL to Knoxville, TN?
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 do local movers charge in Birmingham?
Local movers based in Birmingham typically start around $310 as a base rate, plus $175/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 Knoxville run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Birmingham, AL to Knoxville, TN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 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 are the best neighborhoods in Knoxville?
For families, Farragut, Oak Ridge, and Maryville are worth a look in Knoxville. If you're moving solo or without kids, Farragut, Oak Ridge, and Alcoa tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Birmingham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Birmingham handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.