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.
- Grace Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Sterling Van Lines: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Rigo’s Moving Company Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
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
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
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
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
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% |
Knoxville sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- 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 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- 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
California moving services
Popular California routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!