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($1,043) Movers From Illinois to Knoxville, TN

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Estimated cost & time: If you’re moving from Illinois to Knoxville, TN, expect prices ranging from $445 to $4,987. The trip covers about 556 miles and usually lasts one–six days. Your actual spend will vary based on factors like timing, volume, and services.
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Best movers from Illinois 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 Illinois to Knoxville, TN

These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 556-mile move from Illinois to Knoxville, TN using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha maintains a database of thousands of verified prices from moving companies across the country, refreshed every month to reflect seasonal and market changes. Final costs can vary due to shipment size, additional services, parking or access constraints, fuel rates, and booking date. To price things correctly, review quotes from more than one mover.
Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $1,237 – $3,786
  • Moving Container $987 – $1,672
  • Rental Truck $430 – $823
Two Three Bed Icon

2 – 3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $1,968 – $4,987
  • Moving Container $1,253 – $2,263
  • Rental Truck $445 – $967
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $3,573 – $7,264
  • Moving Container $1,703 – $3,194
  • Rental Truck $583 – $1,202
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.
1-800-Pack-Rat
North Chicago, IL Powell, TN
4 Bedrooms
Oct 27, 2025
American Van Lines
Zion, IL New Tazewell, TN
2 Bedrooms
Oct 24, 2025
Mayzlin Relocation
Godfrey, IL White Pine, TN
4 Bedrooms
Oct 12, 2025
North American Van Lines
Mulberry Grove, IL Sweetwater, TN
3 Bedrooms
Sep 21, 2025
Mayflower Transit
Shipman, IL Vonore, TN
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 17, 2025
PODS
Pecatonica, IL New Market, TN
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 10, 2025
Allied Van Lines
Fults, IL Townsend, TN
4 Bedrooms
Sep 06, 2025
Colonial Van Lines
Carbondale, IL Tellico Village, TN
3 Bedrooms
Aug 24, 2025
United Van Lines
Momence, IL La Follette, TN
2 Bedrooms
Aug 23, 2025
Budget Truck Rental
Carlyle, IL Baneberry, TN
3 Bedrooms
Aug 10, 2025

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

Local moving companies in Illinois

Moving from Illinois to Knoxville, TN calls for the support of experienced and reliable movers who can handle relocations with ease.

Out of 78 Illinois movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Knoxville, TN.

  1. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
  2. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  3. New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  4. Mighty Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  5. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
68.4% of all reviews were positive
28.8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
High marks for speed, professionalism, and careful handling set STI Moving & Storage apart from most competitors. In an analysis of 538 reviews, 68% reflect satisfied customers who consistently praise the efficient crews, friendly staff, and reliable communication. Many detail moves finished faster than expected, with careful packing and respect for belongings. Negative feedback (29%) focuses on damage to items, delays in delivery—especially for long-distance moves—and surprise or higher-than-expected charges. Customers also note issues with complex claims for damage resolution. Neutral feedback highlights occasional late arrivals and some pricing misalignments, but still mentions professionalism from staff. Compared to industry standards, STI earns stronger praise for crew attitude and efficiency but faces similar criticism to peers regarding damage claims and delivery timelines. Most customers find their moves easier and less stressful thanks to STI’s organized and diligent teams, though potential clients should review policies closely for long-distance or specialty needs.
Get a Quote (847) 675-1223

Company Info

State license #: 139020

Pricing: $150/hr

Years in Business: 20

DOT #: 1308599

Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.

STI Moving & Storage Inc., serving Skokie, IL since 2004, has established itself as a reputable choice for local residential moving. Standing out from competitors, STI boasts an impressive Google rating of 4.7 from over 1000 reviews and holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized handling for fragile items and antiques. With a competitive rate of $150 per hour and options for full valuation insurance coverage, they cater to a variety of moving needs, ensuring peace of mind for their clients.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
95.5% of all reviews were positive
4.5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving with Alliance Moving & Storage feels like a breath of fresh air: 247 customer feedback entries were analyzed, with a remarkable 95.5% being positive. Most people describe the company as efficient, careful with belongings, highly professional, and quick. Customers consistently mention respectful staff and clear, reliable communication throughout the process. Affordable, transparent pricing and rapid scheduling compared favorably versus rival companies. On the downside, a minority report unexpected charges, occasional damage to items, or trouble reaching someone after problems arose. Issues like last-minute price increases or lack of follow-up were sometimes cited by dissatisfied customers. Negative experiences remain much less common than positive ones. Compared with typical moving companies, Alliance stands out for speed, professionalism, and care, though some customers recommend confirming all charges up front to prevent misunderstandings.
Get a Quote (847) 378-4949

Company Info

State license #: 214845

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 2882675

Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC

Alliance Moving & Storage has been providing dependable local residential moving services in and around Rolling Meadows, IL, since 2016. With an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 3.8 on Google, they have earned a solid reputation bolstered by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many nearby competitors, Alliance Moving & Storage stands out with their comprehensive offerings, including packing and unpacking services, as well as specialized capabilities to move pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. They accept both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, making them a convenient and flexible choice for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
92.4% of all reviews were positive
5.9% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving magic happens when speed meets service—New City Moving delivers exactly that, according to 1,451 pieces of customer feedback analyzed. With 92.4% positive reviews, most customers rave about the company’s efficient service, professional and polite staff, careful handling, and quick turnaround—which set them apart from many competitors. A high number praised clear communication throughout the move. While affordability and responsiveness also stood out, some reported problems. About 6% said their main issue was damage to their belongings, unexpected charges, or struggles resolving complaints when things went wrong. Only 1.8% of feedback landed in the neutral zone, typically due to minor organizational or packing concerns rather than major failures. New City Moving earns above-average praise for efficiency and professionalism compared to other moving services, but a handful of customers cite billing, compensation, or damage disputes where they wanted swifter or better follow-up. For most, the company’s efforts made moving faster, simpler, and safer.
Get a Quote (773) 489-0600

Company Info

State license #: 158051

Years in Business: 16

DOT #: 3078026

Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.

New City Moving, a reputable moving company based in Chicago, IL, has been providing local residential moving services since 2010. With an impressive 4.7 average rating from 1,096 Yelp reviews and a 4.8 average rating from 2,393 Google reviews, they stand out among nearby movers. They also boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction. Beyond local moves, New City Moving offers office moving, packing, and unpacking services, along with full valuation insurance coverage. They accept both cash and credit cards, ensuring a flexible payment process.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
92.9% of all reviews were positive
7.1% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about Mighty Moving & Storage for their professional, efficient, and friendly crews. Out of 70 reviews, 93% are positive, with many highlighting careful handling, quick moves, and affordable rates. Movers consistently receive praise for their politeness and attention to detail, making stressful moves easier. Some feedback points to issues with damaged or lost items and unexpected charges, but these are rare compared to the volume of positive input. Compared to other moving companies, Mighty Moving & Storage stands out for reliability and customer satisfaction, though a few customers experienced problems with item care and billing transparency.
Get a Quote (855) 699-8999

Company Info

Years in Business: 3

DOT #: 3788656

Alternate Names: Heroic Moving & Storage Experts

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
92.5% of all reviews were positive
5.6% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Word travels fast when a moving company makes relocations easier than expected. After analyzing 1,349 reviews, 92.5% of feedback for The Professionals Moving Specialists is positive. Customers routinely highlight efficient service, careful handling of belongings, moving crews that work quickly, a professional attitude, and clear communication. People appreciate arriving on time, speedy completion, and the rare occurrence of damage compared to other movers. The overwhelming majority find the booking process straightforward, pricing fair, and the teams respectful of property and special requests. Some input does point to a few drawbacks: complaints about items being scratched or dented, final charges being higher than expected due to extra materials or time, and unexpected add-ons. These issues are reported far less often than praise for skilled, polite, and diligent crews. Compared to most moving companies, The Professionals stand out with stronger reliability and care for customer property. If dependability, efficiency, and peace of mind are top priorities, this company outperforms many local competitors.
Get a Quote (888) 225-7351

Company Info

State license #: 136144

Years in Business: 20

DOT #: 3383907

The Professionals Moving Specialists, serving Chicago, IL, since 2005, are a highly reputable local moving company specializing in residential relocations. With an impressive 4.6 average rating from 1013 Yelp reviews and a perfect 5.0 from 3993 Google My Business reviews, they stand out as a top choice compared to other area movers. They also boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company offers a variety of services, including packing, unpacking, and fragile-only packing, as well as the ability to move specialized items such as pianos, pool tables, and antiques. Known for their customer satisfaction and comprehensive services, The Professionals Moving Specialists are well-equipped to handle all local moving needs.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • 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

Cost to move from Illinois to Knoxville, TN

Check out the table below for average cost ranges to move from Illinois to Knoxville, TN, across different service types and home sizes.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental
truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,043 – $3,000 $653 – $1,574 $425 – $766
2-3 bedrooms $1,968 – $4,987 $1,253 – $2,263 $445 – $967
4+ bedrooms $3,573 – $7,264 $1,703 – $3,194 $583 – $1,202

These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 556-mile move from Illinois to Knoxville, TN using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha compiles thousands of confirmed prices from movers nationwide and updates them monthly to account for seasonal patterns and market movement. Actual charges can change depending on load size, optional services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and your dates. Always compare several quotes to get a realistic price range.

Cost to hire professional movers from Illinois to Knoxville, TN

When moving a studio or one-bedroom from Illinois to Knoxville, TN, you’ll likely pay between $1,043 and $3,000. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,968 and $4,987 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,573 to $7,264.

Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Knoxville, TN

When you’re heading from Illinois to Knoxville, TN, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $653 and $1,574. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,253 and $2,263. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,703 to $3,194. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Illinois easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Knoxville, TN

A moving rental truck 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 from Illinois to Knoxville, TN will cost around $425 to $766. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $445 to $967, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms costs around $583 to $1,202.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

Compare local moving companies from Illinois 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
STI Moving & Storage Inc. × ×
Alliance Moving & Storage × ×
New City Moving × × ×
Mighty Moving & Storage × ×
The Professionals Moving Specialists × ×

Among the 3,175 movers we’ve evaluated, here’s where Illinois movers stand in terms of national service and discount offerings:

Illinois Nationwide
Full Service 97% 96%
Antiques 48% 46%
Military Discount 1% 3%
Senior Discount 2% 4%

Things to know before moving from Illinois to Knoxville, TN

Before you start packing, let’s explore what life in Knoxville, TN has in store compared to Illinois. We’ll break down everything from the cost of living and local culture to spots you don’t want to miss.

Cost of living: Illinois vs. Knoxville, TN

Illinois Knoxville
Average rent cost $1,179 $1,795
Average home cost $249,224 $350,035
Average income (per capita) $78,433 $61,050
Cost of Living Index 90 92
Unemployment rate 5.3% 4.7%
State Income Tax 4.95% 0.0%
  • Rent in Knoxville is about 52% higher than in Illinois. Be sure to factor this into your budget.
  • Expect home prices in Knoxville to be about 40% higher than in Illinois. Plan ahead for a bigger down payment, higher property taxes, and increased overall costs of owning a home.
  • On average, incomes in Knoxville are about 22% lower than in Illinois. Make sure to review your finances and adjust your budget before you move.
  • With unemployment 11% lower in Knoxville than Illinois, you may find opportunities easier to come by.
  • 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.

How life is different in Knoxville from Illinois

Knoxville Illinois
Population 190,740 12,549,689
Political leaning Republican 64-34 Democratic 55-45
Summer high 88ºF 86ºF
Winter low 28ºF 17ºF
Annual rain 50″ 40″
Annual snow 6″ 22″
Crime index 42.54 19.7
  • In the last presidential election, Knoxville voted Republican, while Illinois leaned Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Knoxville is 88ºF and in Illinois, it’s 86ºF. With summer temperatures being similar, you’ll likely enjoy an easy transition, but don’t forget to factor in humidity, local weather trends, and energy costs to truly understand what summer will be like in your new state.
  • In the coldest months, Knoxville typically dips to 28ºF, while Illinois can reach lows of 17ºF. By moving to Knoxville, you’ll experience milder winters, making everyday life simpler, less expensive, and perfect for enjoying more time outdoors.
  • You can expect about 50 inches of rain each year in Knoxville, significantly more than the 40 inches you’re used to in Illinois. That extra rain comes with lusher landscapes and wetter days, so it’s a good idea to grab some quality waterproof gear and embrace the new climate.
  • In Knoxville, it only snows about 6 inches annually while Illinois gets 22 inches. Moving to Knoxville, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
  • Knoxville has a higher crime rate than Illinois, with a crime index of 42.54 compared to 19.7. While this doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, it’s a good reminder to look into local safety precautions and consider how it could impact your daily routine.

Things to do in Knoxville

From beautiful parks and fascinating museums to exciting sports and stellar universities, Knoxville really has something for everyone.

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 moving day, check your neighborhood or community rules so you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
  • Elevator reservation: Be sure to reserve your building’s elevator in advance and double-check any moving policies they have.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
  • 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. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they’re properly licensed.
  • State regulator: You can verify your Tennessee moving license status right on the state regulator’s official website, here.
  • Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to Tennessee, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules before moving day.
  • Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. This way, you can select your moving date and ensure your mail is forwarded to Tennessee right 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from Illinois to Knoxville take?

How long it takes to move from Illinois to Knoxville, TN depends on your starting point and the type of move you choose. No matter the method, loading your belongings usually takes a day or less, even if you’re doing it yourself.

If you’re starting from northern Illinois, it’ll take longer to get to Knoxville. When renting a truck, plan for a one- to two-day drive, depending on your route and how often you stop.

Getting your stuff from Illinois to Knoxville can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you choose movers or a moving container. Be sure to request a delivery estimate before you book.

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

Planning a 556-mile move from Illinois to Knoxville? Once you know your moving date, book your movers right away. Reserving two to three months ahead means better prices and a better shot at your preferred date.

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

With the summer highs of 88°F and the winter lows of 28°F, most people move to Knoxville from Illinois during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Knoxville during summer or winter.

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