Highly rated local moving companies for Raleigh to Knoxville moves
Organizing a move from Raleigh to Knoxville can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 28 local movers in Raleigh known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Raleigh to Knoxville.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Athens Moving Experts: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Excel Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Next Stop Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2548
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 1931566
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2657
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3205320
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2311
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 076235
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1267633
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3619230
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Raleigh to Knoxville?
On average, moving companies in North Carolina charge about $145 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $881 – $2,912 | $598 – $1,519 | $343 – $596 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,614 – $4,258 | $1,117 – $2,090 | $355 – $751 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,612 – $5,938 | $1,404 – $2,714 | $457 – $880 |
Cost to hire movers from Raleigh to Knoxville
When planning a move to Knoxville from Raleigh, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $881 and $2,912. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,614 and $4,258 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,612 to $5,938.
Cost of moving containers from Raleigh to Knoxville
When you’re heading from Raleigh to Knoxville, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $598 and $1,519. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,117 and $2,090. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,404 to $2,714. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from North Carolina easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Raleigh to Knoxville
A moving rental truck from Raleigh to Knoxville is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $343 to $596. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $355 to $751, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Raleigh to Knoxville costs around $457 to $880.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Raleigh to Knoxville
The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Raleigh to Knoxville may only cost $1,210, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $5,258.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Raleigh.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($343–$835), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Raleigh to Knoxville
Many movers find Knoxville easier on the wallet than Raleigh – roughly 64% less for singles and 14% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,184 for one person in Knoxville versus $6,077 in Raleigh. For a family of four, it’s $5,200 compared with $6,077.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Raleigh | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,820 | $1,667 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $3,210 |
| Average home value | $431,795 | $350,035 |
| Average income (per capita) | $2,572 | $61,050 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,077 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,077 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 7.25% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 7% more expensive in Knoxville than in Raleigh. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 19% cheaper in Knoxville than in Raleigh.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 2274% greater in Knoxville than in Raleigh, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Knoxville. The cost of living for a single person there is 64% below that of Raleigh.
- A move to Knoxville can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 14% lower compared to Raleigh.
- Knoxville has a higher unemployment rate than Raleigh by about 9%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Knoxville surpass those in Raleigh by 28%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- 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.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Raleigh versus Knoxville:
| Living Expense | Raleigh | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $190.88 | $215.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $64.40 | $54.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $4.06 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.12 | $3.64 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.50 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.18 | $34.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Raleigh than in Knoxville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Raleigh than in Knoxville.
- Eggs cost more in Raleigh than in Knoxville.
- Bread is more expensive in Raleigh than in Knoxville.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Raleigh than in Knoxville.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Raleigh than in Knoxville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Raleigh than in Knoxville.
How life is different in Raleigh vs. Knoxville
| Raleigh | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 467,665 | 190,740 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 30 |
| Crime index | 38.87 | 42.54 |
| Safety index | 60.13 | 57.46 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Knoxville’s population is about 59% less than Raleigh.
- Knoxville’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Raleigh, making them very similar.
- Knoxville and Raleigh are similarly walkable.
- Knoxville has a bike-friendliness score of 30 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Raleigh, which has a score of 39.
- Knoxville’s crime rate is higher than Raleigh with a score of 42.54 compared to Raleigh’s 38.87. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
- Knoxville and Raleigh have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.46 and 60.13.
- Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in Raleigh it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Raleigh to Knoxville move
- HOA rules: Costs across Raleigh and Knoxville are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Tennessee, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Tennessee, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Knoxville. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Knoxville
With your sights set on Marble City, these are some of the most popular 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
With your move to Tennessee complete, you can dive right into experiencing Knoxville. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Knoxville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Tennessee Volunteers (SEC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Knoxville?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Raleigh to Knoxville. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Raleigh.
When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to Knoxville?
Want to save on your move from Raleigh to Knoxville? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Raleigh to Knoxville take?
The 370-mile move from Raleigh, NC, to Knoxville, , takes one to four days. Some Raleigh movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Knoxville.
What kinds of discounts do Raleigh movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Raleigh?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 20 movers in Raleigh provide piano moving services. 8 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Raleigh moving services
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