($635+) Minneapolis, MN to Knoxville, TN Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Knoxville, TN, runs anywhere from $675 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,376 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 951 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,178, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,376 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,137 - $4,134, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $675 - $1,773.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Knoxville, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,749 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Minneapolis, MN to Knoxville, TN
Moving options from Minneapolis to Knoxville fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,749 - $6,509 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 951 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 951-mile route from Minneapolis to Knoxville, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,178 - $5,007 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,137 - $2,265), rental truck ($675 - $1,252), or freight trailer ($1,131 - $1,919). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,749 - $6,509 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,376.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Minneapolis, MN to Knoxville, TN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 951-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Knoxville, Tennessee, with costs ranging from $2,178 - $8,376. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $303 - $2,020. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Minneapolis and Knoxville. Local movers in Minneapolis typically start around $240 as a base rate plus $109/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,178 - $5,007
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,749 - $6,509
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,680 - $8,376
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Minneapolis to Knoxville.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Minnesota to Tennessee. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Minneapolis, MN to Knoxville, TN
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Minneapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Knoxville, 67% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $505 - $5,050 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $202 - $1,212/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $303 - $2,424 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage29% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,010 - $3,030 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,525 - $10,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $756 - $1,437 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items41% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $1,010 - $2,525 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $808 - $3,535 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $303 - $1,515 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $657 - $2,020 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $303 - $15,150+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $303 - $3,535+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis to Knoxville?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Minneapolis, MN. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Minneapolis, MN to Knoxville, TN
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Knoxville, Tennessee, cost between $1,137 and $4,134. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Minneapolis typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Minneapolis to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,137 - $2,265
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,478 - $3,117
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,136 - $4,134
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $707 in Minneapolis, MN. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $76 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $152 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Knoxville, TN, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Minnesota to Tennessee move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,137. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,478 - $3,117, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis to Knoxville?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Minneapolis to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Minneapolis:
- AAA Movers (4.4/5), 38 years in business
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Daymakers Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis, MN to Knoxville, TN
Renting a moving truck for the 951-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Knoxville, Tennessee, costs between $675 and $1,773, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $306 - $349
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Minneapolis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis to Knoxville based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $675 - $1,252
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $693 - $1,488
- 4+ bedrooms: $950 - $1,773
Pro tip: A rental truck from Minneapolis to Knoxville looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $675 - $1,773. But once you factor in fuel ($306 - $349) , overnight lodging ($152/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $707.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $306 - $349 for the 951-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $61 and $328, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $152 per night for hotel stops on the 951-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $303 - $455.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to Knoxville?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Minneapolis, MN to Knoxville, TN
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Knoxville, Tennessee. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,268 and $2,371.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,131 - $1,919
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,268 - $2,371
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,743 - $3,274
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $76 - $152 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, typically costs $707.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to Knoxville?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- T.A. Dedicated, Inc. (4.8/5 stars): T.A. Dedicated, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Knoxville quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN vs Knoxville, TN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Knoxville, side by side with Minneapolis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Minneapolis, MN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 107 | 92 |
| Average rent | $1,484/mo | $1,795/mo |
| Median home value | $345,294 | $213,473 |
| Average income | $80,269/yr | $50,994/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 4.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 9.85% | None |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 31/100 |
| Safety index | 43.94/100 | 57.46/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Knoxville, TN to Minneapolis, MN guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota to Tennessee, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Minnesota alone has 49 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 951-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Knoxville, TN, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,178 for a studio to $8,376 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 951-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,137 - $4,134. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $675 - $1,773, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,749 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Regal Cinemas Corp and Regal.
FAQs: Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Knoxville, TN
What is the best time of year to move from Minneapolis, MN to Knoxville, TN?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Minneapolis, MN to Knoxville, TN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($306 - $349), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $152/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Minneapolis, MN to Knoxville, TN?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $693 - $1,488. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Minneapolis, MN to Knoxville, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $2,178 to $8,376, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,178 and $8,376, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of Minneapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in Minneapolis handle piano moves, and 41% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
