Learn more about our Advertising Disclosure

Advertising Disclosure moveBuddha

($1,236) Movers From California to Knoxville, TN

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
Estimated cost & time: Moving 2,308 miles from California to Knoxville, TN typically costs from $1,391 to $7,348. The journey usually takes seven–18 days, with final pricing influenced by timing, how much you’re moving, and if you go DIY or professional.
Trusted by 400,000+ people who move every year
We review 3,500+ movers to help you choose with confidence
Get real-time pricing info and key industry insights

Best movers from California to Knoxville, TN

Best overall value
Safeway Moving Logo Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
4.9
  • checkmarkBest overall value
  • checkmarkVeteran owned
  • checkmarkPortion to charity
American Van Lines Logo American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
4.5
  • checkmarkCertified crews
  • checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
  • checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines Logo Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
4.8
  • checkmarkSpecialty packing services
  • checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
  • checkmark80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation Logo Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
4.9
  • checkmarkFamily owned
  • checkmarkEast coast focus
  • checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines Logo North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans
4.5
  • checkmark1,800 trucks
  • checkmarkStorage available
  • checkmarkCustomized moving plans

Best movers by type

Professional Icon
Professional
Container Icon
Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
Freight Icon
Labor Only
Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

Estimated cost to move from California to Knoxville, TN

These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,308-mile move from California to Knoxville, TN using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. We aggregate thousands of verified prices from movers across the U.S. and update them monthly to capture seasonal patterns and market movement. Your final bill can vary with shipment size, optional services, access/parking hurdles, fuel rates, and scheduling. For the clearest picture, compare quotes from multiple companies.
Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $2,392 – $5,252
  • Moving Container $1,729 – $3,145
  • Rental Truck $1,297 – $2,532
Two Three Bed Icon

2 – 3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $3,616 – $7,348
  • Moving Container $2,089 – $4,371
  • Rental Truck $1,391 – $2,811
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $6,792 – $11,475
  • Moving Container $3,048 – $5,926
  • Rental Truck $1,739 – $3,660
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
Mayzlin Relocation
Pleasant Hill, CA La Follette, TN
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
BLVD Moving
Camp Pendleton South, CA Luttrell, TN
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 21, 2025
1-800-Pack-Rat
Linda, CA Louisville, TN
3 Bedrooms
Nov 05, 2025
Colonial Van Lines
Paramount, CA Morristown, TN
Studio apartment
Nov 03, 2025
American Van Lines
Warm Springs, CA Knoxville, TN
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 01, 2025
Allied Van Lines
Pinole, CA Rockford, TN
4 Bedrooms
Oct 08, 2025
Mayflower Transit
Mountain House, CA Madisonville, TN
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 01, 2025
North American Van Lines
Butte Creek Canyon, CA Rutledge, TN
Studio apartment
Sep 25, 2025
Roadway Moving
Santa Maria, CA Baneberry, TN
3 Bedrooms
Sep 18, 2025
PODS
Colfax, CA Sweetwater, TN
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 05, 2025

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Knoxville, TN, to California guide .

Local moving companies in California

When you’re moving from California to Knoxville, TN, make your move easy with one of the best local movers who know the ins and outs of relocating from the Golden State to the vibrant Marble City.

Out of 317 California movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Knoxville, TN.

  1. Grace Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. All Star Movers & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
  3. Meathead Movers: 4.7 out of 5 stars
  4. Sterling Van Lines: 4.7 out of 5 stars
  5. Rigo’s Moving Company Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
91.6% of all reviews were positive
7.3% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Grace Moving Company stands out for its fast, friendly, and highly professional crews, making challenging moves less stressful for hundreds of customers. Among 467 reviews, 91.6% praised the team’s efficiency, careful handling, and clear communication. Movers consistently arrive on time, protect customer belongings, and deliver quick service without hidden fees, with many feedback reports highlighting friendly, polite, and respectful staff. Customers often find costs fair or lower than expected, which is uncommon in this industry. Negative input, representing only 7% of reviews, typically notes property damage, missing items, or final costs above estimates. Some reported unresponsiveness during claims or concerns about lost belongings. Neutral feedback usually involves minor quirks like inconsistency among moving team members or delays in follow-up but still describes a generally satisfactory experience. Compared to typical movers, Grace Moving receives a higher rate of glowing endorsements and personal recommendations, solidifying its reputation for reliability and care. Most customers would choose them again.
Get a Quote (209) 821-1520

Company Info

State license #: 0189642

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 2806730

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
95.7% of all reviews were positive
3.8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Raving customers set All Star Movers & Storage apart from the crowd. Out of 421 reviews, 95.7% praised the company for efficiency, careful handling, professionalism, rapid moves, and strong communication. Customers consistently mention that crews show up on time, finish faster than expected, and handle belongings with care. Staff are courteous, responsive, and easy to work with. A small portion (3.8%) of feedback points to disappointment with estimate accuracy, damage to items, or surprise extra charges. Few reviewers noted moving costs exceeded quotes or felt work was rushed, sometimes resulting in minor damage. Only two customers (0.5%) shared neutral experiences, often related to pricing clarity. Compared to many movers in the region, All Star stands out for hassle-free service, transparent rates, and reliable teams. While a handful of customers experienced issues, the vast majority were relieved by stress-free moves and recommend this company as a top choice.
Get a Quote (925) 905-9889

Company Info

State license #: 0191302

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2971368

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
85.0% of all reviews were positive
12.4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving made easy—fast, careful, and professional. Across 534 customer accounts, 85% were satisfied with Meathead Movers, who consistently impress with prompt, efficient service, courteous staff, careful attention to belongings, and effective communication. Many point to their speed, skill, and ability to reduce moving stress as unmatched compared to other movers. Staff go out of their way to ensure everything is handled safely and customers feel supported throughout. Most praise the company’s organization and transparency, with workers often finishing ahead of schedule and providing clear updates. While Meathead stands out for reliability, a number of customers highlighted problems including damage to items, higher-than-expected costs than initial estimates, and issues with packing quality—especially when using packing services. Some experienced final bills much greater than the quotes they received, contributing to frustration. A few customers also reported items arriving broken or poor claim handling after reporting damage. Compared to other moving firms, feedback shows Meathead’s team typically provides a smoother, faster, and friendlier move—but attention to better estimate accuracy and meticulous packing would boost trust even further.
Get a Quote (805) 544-6328

Company Info

State license #: 189849

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 921143

Alternate Names: Meathead Packers

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
84.5% of all reviews were positive
13.5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Sterling Van Lines earns consistent praise for professionalism, careful handling, strong communication, efficient service, and competitive rates. Most feedback highlights that movers are polite, possessions arrive safely, and jobs are finished promptly. On the other hand, the company receives criticism for missed delivery estimates, delayed arrivals, and occasional lost or missing items. A few customers report lack of communication or difficulty getting updates. Compared to competitors, Sterling stands out for specializing in small moves, responsive support, and reliable pricing, but may miss the mark on punctuality and resolving claims promptly. Out of 362 reviews analyzed, 84.5% were positive, showing Sterling Van Lines is trusted by most clients for careful moves at a fair price, though some experience logistical hiccups or delays.
Get a Quote (866) 266-8751

Company Info

State license #: 0189566

Years in Business: 33

DOT #: 568254

Alternate Names: Sterling Van Lines, Inc.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
79.7% of all reviews were positive
19.5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Move without the headache—most feedback for Rigo’s Moving Company highlights fast, polite service, and movers who treat customers’ belongings with respect. Out of 522 reviews, almost 80% of clients offered positive input, more than is typical for moving companies. People value how efficiently teams load and unload, the professionalism of movers, and their careful approach to furniture and fragile items. Staff routinely communicate well and work quickly to reduce stress during the move. Yet, some customers call out issues, especially regarding damages to furniture or property, unexpected fees, and crews arriving late. A few also mention being charged for unworked hours. Compared to other movers, Rigo’s stands out for its reliability and strong work ethic, but should improve on punctuality and handling claims to give customers peace of mind. Most who used Rigo’s would recommend the service and use it again, but caution others to clarify policies and extra charges before hiring.
Get a Quote (323) 519-2845

Company Info

State license #: 0191663

Years in Business: 11

DOT #: 3075110

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

Cost to move from California to Knoxville, TN

This table details typical cost ranges to move from California to Knoxville, TN, depending on your home size and the moving service selected.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental
truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,236 – $4,970 $1,175 – $2,947 $1,272 – $2,386
2-3 bedrooms $3,616 – $7,348 $2,089 – $4,371 $1,391 – $2,811
4+ bedrooms $6,792 – $11,475 $3,048 – $5,926 $1,739 – $3,660

These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,308-mile move from California to Knoxville, TN using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes the data each month to capture seasonal shifts and market changes. Your actual cost can differ based on shipment size, extra services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers to gauge a fair price.

Cost to hire professional movers from California to Knoxville, TN

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Knoxville, TN, typically costs between $1,236 and $4,970. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,616 and $7,348. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from California to Knoxville, TN, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,792 up to $11,475.

Cost of moving containers from California to Knoxville, TN

When relocating from California to Knoxville, TN, you’ll typically spend between $1,175 and $2,947 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,089 up to $4,371. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,048 and $5,926. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Knoxville, TN

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck from California to Knoxville, TN, expect to pay between $1,272 and $2,386. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,391 to $2,811. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,739 and $3,660.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

Compare local moving companies from California to Knoxville, TN

Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:

Company Full Service Antiques Military Discount Senior Discount
Grace Moving Company × ×
All Star Movers & Storage × × ×
Meathead Movers × × ×
Sterling Van Lines
Rigo’s Moving Company Inc × ×

After evaluating 3,180 movers, here’s how California movers measure up to the countrywide competition in terms of offered services and discounts:

California Nationwide
Full Service 98% 96%
Antiques 61% 46%
Military Discount 1% 4%
Senior Discount 1% 4%

Things to know before moving from California to Knoxville, TN

Before packing your bags, it’s important to understand how life in Knoxville, TN differs from what you’re used to in California. From the cost of living and cultural vibe to everyday experiences. We’ll walk you through key lifestyle differences and the top local attractions you can explore in your new hometown.

Cost of living: California vs. Knoxville, TN

California Knoxville
Average rent cost $1,856 $1,795
Average home cost $771,057 $350,035
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $61,050
Cost of Living Index 134 92
Unemployment rate 5.4% 4.7%
State Income Tax 13.3% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Knoxville and California are pretty similar, so you probably won’t have to tweak your budget much.
  • Buying a home in Knoxville could be more affordable, with prices averaging 55% less than in California.
  • Expect salaries in Knoxville to be approximately 34% lower than in California. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making your move.
  • Moving to Knoxville means unemployment is roughly 13% lower than in California, giving you stronger job prospects.
  • Since Tennessee doesn’t have an income tax, you’ll enjoy larger take-home pay, giving you more room in your budget.

How life is different in Knoxville from California

Knoxville California
Population 190,740 39,029,342
Political leaning Republican 64-34 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 88ºF 87ºF
Winter low 28ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 50″ 22″
Annual snow 6″ 7″
Crime index 42.54 28.43
  • In the last presidential election, Knoxville leaned Republican, while California went Democratic.
  • Summer temperatures in Knoxville typically reach 88ºF, which is about the same as the average 87ºF you’re used to in California. That means you won’t have to worry about a major heat increase. However, be sure to consider local humidity, weather patterns, and possible shifts in energy costs for a complete picture of what summer living will be like in your new home.
  • Winter in Knoxville brings colder temperatures, often dropping to 28ºF. That’s noticeably chillier than the 59ºF winters back in California. Get ready for higher heating bills and a few adjustments to your routine. The upside? Knoxville treats you to fresh air, beautiful winter landscapes, and loads of seasonal activities.
  • You can expect about 50 inches of annual rainfall in Knoxville vs only 22 inches in California. More rainfall equates to lusher landscapes and rainier days, so you’ll want to make a few tweaks to your routine. Grab some waterproof gear before you move.
  • In Knoxville, you can expect about 6 inches of snow each year, while California sees around 7 inches annually. Since snowfall is pretty comparable in both places, your winter should feel pretty similar.
  • Crime rates in Knoxville are higher than in California, with a crime index of 42.54 versus 28.43. This doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, but it’s smart to research local safety insights and think about how it might affect your daily life.

Things to do in Knoxville

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Knoxville.

Museums in Knoxville

  • Knoxville Museum of Art
  • East Tennesse Historical Society
  • Muse Knoxville
  • Old Smoky Railway Museum
  • Art Market Gallery

Parks in Knoxville

  • Lakeshore Park
  • World’s Fair Park
  • Krutch Park
  • Fort Dickerson Park
  • Volunteer Landing Park

Sports teams in Knoxville

  • Tennessee Volunteers (SEC)

Universities in Knoxville

  • South College
  • The University of Tennessee
  • Fountainhead College of Technology
  • Johnson University
  • University of Phoenix Knoxville

Other considerations when moving to Knoxville, TN

  • HOA rules: Before your move, double-check any neighborhood or community guidelines to help everything go smoothly.
  • Elevator reservation: One thing you’ll want to take care of early is reserving your building’s elevator and finding out any moving policies they have.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for your moving truck, so check your new neighborhood’s regulations before moving day.
  • 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. Double-check that your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
  • Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to settle in Tennessee, but it’s a smart idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
  • Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You’ll be able to select your move date so your mail gets forwarded to Tennessee on time. Get started here.
  • Mover’s insurance: 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: Staying organized is key to a stress-free move. Our moving checklist helps you stay on track, so you don’t miss a single detail.

FAQ

How long does a move from California to Knoxville take?

The time it takes to move from California to Knoxville, TN depends on where you’re starting and the kind of moving option you choose. No matter which route you go, packing and loading your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it all on your own.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in California, the longer the drive time to Knoxville will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

Depending on the company’s schedule and shipping logistics, delivery from California to Knoxville can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re using professional movers or a moving container. Be sure to ask for an estimated timeline before you book.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Knoxville?

If you’re planning a 2,308-mile move from California to Knoxville, it’s a good idea to schedule your moving date as soon as your plans are confirmed. To get the best rates and secure your preferred date, aim to book your movers two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Knoxville, TN?

Summer temperatures in Knoxville can soar to 88°F, while winters can get as chilly as 28°F. That’s why most people making the move from California to Knoxville prefer the milder weather of spring or fall. But if you’re hoping to dodge the crowds and maybe snag a better deal, consider moving during summer or winter. Sure, you’ll have to handle a bit more heat or cold, but it could be worth it. Want more advice? Check out our tips on peak moving season.

Helpful moving resources

Not what you were looking for?

Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!

See All
Hide All
triangle triangle