The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Knoxville, TN

Quick answer: After comparing prices, services, quality ratings, and customer satisfaction, we recommend Safeway Moving as the top long-distance moving company in Knoxville, TN. Safeway Moving provides the best overall value, thanks to its balance of stellar service and reasonable rates.

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Recommended by Time Magazine
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Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best long-distance movers in Knoxville for those moving out of state

If you’re moving out of Tennessee, here are our top picks for best interstate moving companies in Knoxville:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 825-0554
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 825-0554
Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
(866) 935-3437
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

Best long-distance movers in Knoxville for those staying in state

Even if you’re just relocating from Knoxville to another Tennessee city, your move could still be a couple hundred miles or more. In that case, you’ll want to hire one of the top long-distance movers.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies that are located within Knoxville:

  1. Bellhop Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. Gouffon Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  3. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  4. Carey Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  5. Fox Moving and Storage: 4.28 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/Bellhop-Moving-111043493616818/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (41%)
  • Efficient service (38%)
  • Good communication (34%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
  • Lack of communication (16%)
Review Analysis
Moving days made easy—Bellhop Moving stands out with 32 customer feedback submissions, where 78% praised their experiences. Repeated mentions include professional crews, careful handling, efficient progress, rapid service, and clear communication. Customers consistently note Bellhop’s friendly and polite teams who take extra precautions with belongings and keep clients informed throughout the process. In contrast, about 22% reported issues such as damaged items, a lack of communication, or being surprised by extra charges. Most frustrations highlighted poor complaint handling and insufficient support when problems arose, with a few cases involving property damage. Bellhop’s positive scores reflect a stronger reliability and focus on customer service than typically found among moving companies, but a small fraction of customers report serious shortcomings regarding protection of items and responsiveness.
Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2878240


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (45%)
  • Professional and polite staff (42%)
  • Careful handling (39%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (30%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (27%)
  • Lack of communication (22%)
Review Analysis
Feedback for Gouffon Moving & Storage delivers a clear picture: 243 reviews analyzed, with an impressive 91.8% being positive. Customers frequently describe crews as professional, courteous, efficient, and careful with possessions. Many mention clear communication and stress-free experiences, while timely arrivals and fair pricing set Gouffon apart from typical movers. Negative feedback concerns damage to items, claims of unprofessional behavior, and difficulties getting complaints resolved—issues that are rare but stand out in comparison to other highly rated companies. With overwhelmingly positive input, Gouffon stands out as one of the most respected moving companies in its region, though a handful of customers caution to watch for mishandled items and follow-up on post-move problems.
Get a Quote (865) 584-8545

Company Info

Years in Business: 137

DOT #: 553340


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/TMTKnoxville/, https://twitter.com/knoxvilletmt
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (25%)
  • Efficient service (23%)
  • Careful handling (21%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (22%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
  • Lack of communication (18%)
Review Analysis
Moving can be a headache, but most feedback on TWO MEN AND A TRUCK describes reliable, polite, and energetic teams that take the stress out of relocation. Out of 238 customer submissions, 82% praised efficient service, respectful and professional movers, careful treatment of belongings, and clear communication. Customers valued fast moves and recommended the company to friends and family, often comparing them favorably to local competitors for speed and courtesy. Over 16% of input, though, cited trouble with damaged items, surprisingly high bills, and slow or absent response on claims or complaints. Several reported that final costs far exceeded initial quotes or that the company fell short in resolving issues. Four reviewers felt experiences were mixed, mainly due to organization or communication glitches. For prompt, careful moves with attentive staff, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK stands out, but confirming details on pricing, insurance, and claims remains important—especially compared to other movers with more consistent complaint resolution.
Get a Quote (865) 225-6350

Company Info

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 2527384


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/CareyMovingKnoxville/, https://twitter.com/CareyMoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (31%)
  • Professional and polite staff (28%)
  • Careful handling (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (30%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (27%)
  • Lack of communication (23%)
Review Analysis
Carey Moving & Storage delivers standout moving experiences, with more than 80% of input showing satisfied customers. Feedback highlights professional, courteous staff, careful handling of belongings, efficient and helpful moving crews, and prompt communication. Customers consistently cite team members’ politeness, attention to detail, and speedy service as reasons they recommend the company. On the other hand, some people report significant concerns—chiefly damage to possessions, missing items, and episodes of unprofessional conduct. A handful of users faced lost or broken valuables without complete compensation, and some noted chaotic service or lack of follow-up on claims. Compared to other movers, Carey receives higher-than-average praise for staff professionalism and helpfulness, but negative experiences with property care and claims handling set them back for a small segment of users. Out of 115 reviews analyzed, these pros and cons clearly establish where Carey excels and where improvements are most needed.
Get a Quote (865) 329-6025

Company Info

State license #: 076235

Years in Business: 117

DOT #: 076235


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/FoxMovingStorageOfKnoxville/, https://twitter.com/foxmovingeasttn?lang=en
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (27%)
  • Efficient service (24%)
  • Careful handling (21%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (28%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (25%)
  • Unexpected charges (23%)
Review Analysis
Moving made easy – that’s what most customers say about Fox Moving and Storage. Analyzing 272 pieces of customer feedback, 67% described their experience as positive. Clients highlight swift, friendly service, careful handling, professional staff, and clear communication. Movers often show up on time and work with speed and efficiency—traits not always found in similar companies. Many reviewers appreciate employees’ politeness and the extra effort to protect furniture and property. Yet, about a third of customers experienced dissatisfaction. Damage to items or property ranks as the main issue, followed by unexpected costs and sporadic communication problems. Some mention inaccurate estimates or feel misled by the final bill. These issues surface more frequently here than with other trusted competitors in the industry. While most moves go smoothly, prospective clients should clarify all costs and policies ahead of time and discuss handling instructions to avoid surprises. Fox Moving and Storage earns top marks for speed and professionalism but needs to address item care and billing transparency to meet the highest standards.
Get a Quote (865) 437-5555

Company Info

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 3246955


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card

Best long-distance movers in Knoxville for small moves

Many full-service moving companies have a 3,000-pound minimum requirement and may not be able to help you if you are moving a college dorm or studio apartment — or have decided to just take a few items with you.

In that case, you might be better off going with a long-distance company in Knoxville that specializes in small moves.

Here are our top suggestions:

Best for Small Moves
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • No minimum size
  • Top-quality materials
  • Full-service packing
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
best for small moves
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Check prices 800-626-1257
At A Glance
  • Specializes in small moves
  • Guaranteed delivery date
  • Online chatbot and resources for a seamless move
  • Car shipping services
  • Gives back with charitable donations
read our full review
Check prices 800-626-1257

Moving containers for long-distance moves in Knoxville

A moving container can be a great solution if you want to save a little money on your move from Knoxville to another Tennessee city or out of state. While you will have to handle the heavy lifting, you can load and unload containers at your preferred pace over several days or more. And the container company will still handle the driving for you.

Container costs vary depending on the distance of your move and the size and number of your containers, so it’s good to get multiple moving quotes to compare pricing for your specific relocation.

You can start with these two companies:

Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Best value container
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
Check prices Check prices

Labor-only moving companies in Knoxville

If you don’t mind driving from Knoxville but want some helping hands in terms of loading and unloading, look into labor-only moving companies.

Here’s who we suggest:

Best Labor Only
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best customer experience
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

Rental trucks in Knoxville for a total DIY long-distance move

While you’ll save some money with the two alternatives above, the cheapest way to move out of state is by handling all aspects — the heavy lifting and the driving — yourself. On average, a full DIY move from Knoxville costs $19–$39 a day for a truck rental, plus a per-mile fee of $0.69–$0.79.

Using moving rental trucks definitely requires the most work, but if budget is your biggest concern, check out these options:

Best Availability
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285
Most Reliable
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Check prices (844) 847-9517
At A Glance
  • Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
  • Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
  • Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
read our full review
Check prices (844) 847-9517

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Knoxville, TNtoggle

Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best moving companies.

We look at:

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
  • Industry reputation (15%): The company is well regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
  • Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
  • Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, expedited delivery, and more.

Read more about our moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of long-distance movers in Knoxville

The average cost for professional movers in Knoxville is $113 per hour, but even the best interstate moving companies need more information about the distance and size of your move to give you a moving quote.

Factors that affect the cost of moving from Knoxville

  1. How far you’re moving: Distance is the most impactful cost factor. Naturally, the farther you are moving, the more it will cost. Relocating a couple hundred miles from Knoxville to another Tennessee city will not be as expensive as a cross-country move.
  2. The moving option you choose: Your costs will vary significantly depending on whether you choose a full-service mover, a moving container, or a rental truck. Every move is different, so balance your needs and your budget when deciding on the best relocation method.
  3. The amount of belongings you have: Movers determine cost by the total estimated weight of your household items and furnishings, so be sure to itemize your belongings to get the most accurate quote. You may also want to consider downsizing before moving out of Knoxville to reduce your moving expenses.
  4. Any add-on services you choose: Additional services like third-party labor assistance or packing and unpacking help are convenient, but they will also contribute to your total moving costs.
  5. When you move: The time of the year, month, and even week can all affect what you pay. Summer moves are typically more expensive because they are the busiest season for movers. Moving between October and April can be more cost-effective. Mid-month and mid-week moves are also cheaper, since most people tend to move on the weekends around the start or end of the month.

To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve created a moving cost calculator to help you get a good idea of your long-distance move cost. Plus, we’ve put together a detailed post all about moving costs in Knoxville.

FAQs

What else should I know about moving out of Tennessee?toggle

A moving company helping you move out of Tennessee must be properly licensed and have a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Of course, all of the Knoxville movers we’ve included on this list have everything in order but you can check for yourself on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you’re moving from one state to another, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document from the FMCSA.

Should I use a local company or a national company when moving out of Knoxville?toggle

If you’re moving across town, a local moving company in Knoxville is going to be the most cost-effective approach. If you’re moving out of Tennessee, using a national moving company comes with more experience, which may cost a bit more.

When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Knoxville?toggle

Moving companies in Knoxville are usually slower in November and December due to the average winter low of 28°F, the holidays and kids being in school, so you can negotiate with a mover more during those months and save some money.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of Knoxville?toggle

DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of Knoxville. The cheapest options for moving out of the Marble City are usually renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. We’ve also got a helpful guide if you’re looking for the cheapest ways to move out of state.

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