Top-rated local movers that handle Lexington to Knoxville moves
When planning a move from Lexington to Knoxville, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing eight local movers in Lexington who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Lexington to Knoxville.
- Wildcat Moving LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Vincent Fister Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Saunier Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 3952
Pricing: $140/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2207083
Alternate Names: Wildcat Furniture Repair , Wildcat Pressure Washing , The Wildcat Group
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3885
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Beautiful World, LLC. , Two Men And A Truck – Lexington
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0065
Years in Business: 71
Alternate Names: Fister, Inc. , Vincent Fister Company, Inc. , United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1280
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 070851
Alternate Names: Saunier North American , Saunier Moving & Storage, Inc., A North American Van Lines Agent
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 4393
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: College Hunks Moving , MJ, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Lexington to Knoxville?
Movers in Kentucky charge $105 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $664 – $2,649 | $515 – $1,241 | $182 – $335 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,268 – $3,862 | $978 – $1,827 | $213 – $399 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,821 – $4,820 | $1,214 – $2,092 | $256 – $441 |
Cost to hire movers from Lexington to Knoxville
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Lexington to Knoxville, you can expect to spend between $664 and $2,649. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,268 to $3,862 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Lexington to Knoxville typically runs between $1,821 and $4,820.
Cost of moving containers from Lexington to Knoxville
When moving from Lexington to Knoxville, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $515 and $1,241. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $978 to $1,827. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,214 up to $2,092. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Kentucky.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Lexington to Knoxville
Renting a moving truck in Lexington is usually your cheapest option to get to Knoxville. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $182 and $335. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $213 and $399. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $256 and $441.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Lexington to Knoxville
The cost of Lexington movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,010, but larger homes can run up to $4,092.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Lexington.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($182–$420) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Lexington to Knoxville
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Knoxville runs about -30% higher for singles and 25% higher for families than Lexington.
Singles spend around $2,184 in Lexington versus $3,100 in Lexington; families pay $5,200 compared with $4,170.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Lexington | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,175 | $1,667 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,110 | $3,210 |
| Average home value | $309,021 | $350,035 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,526 | $61,050 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,100 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,170 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 4.0% | 0.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Knoxville, note that rent can be roughly 33% more expensive than it is in Lexington; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 13% higher in Knoxville than in Lexington.
- The average income in Knoxville and Lexington is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Knoxville, where the cost of living for a single person is 30% less than in Lexington.
- If your journey leads to Knoxville, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Knoxville is 25% more than it is in Lexington.
- The unemployment rate in Knoxville is 9% higher compared to Lexington, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 54% higher in Knoxville than in Lexington. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- 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.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Lexington with Knoxville:
| Living Expense | Lexington | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $206.92 | $215.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $71.33 | $54.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.98 | $4.06 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.90 | $3.64 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $14.25 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.50 | $34.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Lexington than in Knoxville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Lexington than in Knoxville.
- Eggs are less expensive in Lexington than in Knoxville.
- Bread costs less in Lexington than in Knoxville.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Lexington than in Knoxville.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Lexington than in Knoxville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Lexington than in Knoxville.
How life is different in Lexington vs. Knoxville
| Lexington | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 320,347 | 190,740 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 90 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 85 | 30 |
| Crime index | 50.88 | 42.54 |
| Safety index | 49.12 | 57.46 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Knoxville’s population is about 40% less than Lexington.
- Knoxville’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Lexington, making them very similar.
- Knoxville is less walkable than Lexington with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Lexington’s 90 out of 100.
- Knoxville has a bike-friendliness score of 30 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Lexington, which has a score of 85.
- Knoxville’s crime rate is lower than Lexington with a score of 42.54 compared to Lexington’s 50.88. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lexington neighborhoods are safer than 50.88%.
- Knoxville is considered to be safer than Lexington with a safety index of 57.46 vs Lexington’s 49.12.
- Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in Lexington it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Lexington to Knoxville move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Tennessee doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Knoxville smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Knoxville
Now that you’ve chosen Marble City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Knoxville to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new Tennessee home, it’s time to see what Knoxville is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Knoxville offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Tennessee Volunteers (SEC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Lexington to Knoxville?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Lexington to Knoxville are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Lexington are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lexington to Knoxville?
Because spring and fall moves from Lexington to Knoxville are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Lexington to Knoxville take?
A move of 173 miles from Lexington, KY to Knoxville, generally takes one to two days. Movers in Lexington sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Knoxville is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Lexington offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 6 movers in Lexington have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 4 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across KY, there are 21 piano movers and 14 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Lexington moving services
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