($346+) Columbus, OH to Knoxville, TN Movers
Moving from Columbus, OH, to Knoxville, TN, runs anywhere from $346 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,036 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 357 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,034, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,036 or more.
- Moving containers run $873 - $2,578, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $346 - $906.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, OH, to Knoxville, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,819 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 Columbus, OH to Knoxville, TN
Moving options from Columbus to Knoxville fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,819 - $5,093 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 37% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 79% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 357 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 357-mile route from Columbus to Knoxville, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,034 - $3,754, container $873 - $1,580, rental truck $346 - $626, freight trailer $786 - $1,380.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,819 - $5,093, container $1,140 - $2,132, rental truck $376 - $729, freight trailer $866 - $1,791.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $2,663 - $7,036, container $1,493 - $2,578, rental truck $457 - $906, freight trailer $1,170 - $2,171.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbus, OH to Knoxville, TN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 357-mile move from Columbus, Ohio, to Knoxville, Tennessee, with costs ranging from $1,034 - $7,036. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $274 - $1,828. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Columbus and Knoxville. Local movers in Columbus typically start around $325 as a base rate plus $145/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,034 - $3,754
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,819 - $5,093
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,663 - $7,036
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 Columbus to Knoxville.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Columbus, OH to Knoxville, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 65% of Columbus movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Knoxville, 76% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $457 - $4,570 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready65% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and Storage | $183 - $1,097/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $274 - $2,194 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $914 - $2,742 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,285 - $9,140 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $685 - $1,301 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items11% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: E.E. Ward Moving & Storage | $914 - $2,285 |
| Piano | Any piano type46% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: MVM Moving & Storage | $731 - $3,199 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $274 - $1,371 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Integrity Moving & Storage | $594 - $1,828 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $274 - $13,710+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $274 - $3,199+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbus to Knoxville?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Columbus, OH?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Columbus to Knoxville with a local mover averages $1,783 - $4,992. Working with a local mover based in Columbus, OH often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
MVM Moving & Storage (4.8/5 stars) is a local mover in Columbus, based on our analysis of feedback from 989 customers, 95.4% of which is positive.
Address: 3979 Parkway Lane, Hilliard, OH, 43026 | Founded: 2005
Moving container costs from Columbus, OH to Knoxville, TN
Moving containers from Columbus, Ohio, to Knoxville, Tennessee, cost between $873 and $2,578. 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 Columbus typically runs around $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $873 - $1,580
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,140 - $2,132
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,493 - $2,578
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 $640 in Columbus, OH. 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 $69 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $137 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 Ohio 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 $873. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,140 - $2,132.
What are the best moving containers Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus:
- MVM Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 21 years in business
- All American Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 23 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, OH to Knoxville, TN
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 357 miles from Columbus, Ohio, to Knoxville, Tennessee, running $346 - $906. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $104 - $119
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Columbus daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Columbus to Knoxville based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $346 - $626
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $376 - $729
- 4+ bedrooms: $457 - $906
Pro tip: A rental truck from Columbus to Knoxville looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $346 - $906. But once you factor in fuel ($104 - $119), overnight lodging ($137/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to 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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $137 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $59 and $297 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $104 - $119 in fuel for the 357-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $640 in Columbus, Ohio, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus 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 Columbus, OH 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 Columbus, Ohio, 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. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $866 and $1,791.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $786 - $1,380
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $866 - $1,791
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,170 - $2,171
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
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 $69 - $137 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 Columbus, Ohio, typically costs $640.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus to Knoxville?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Knoxville fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Columbus, OH vs Knoxville, TN
Day-to-day costs in Knoxville are close to what you're used to in Columbus: cost of living index of 92 versus 91, with average rent of $1,795/mo compared to $1,441/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 41/100 and 50.35/100 in Columbus versus 31/100 and 57.46/100 in Knoxville.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Knoxville, TN to Columbus, OH guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to Tennessee in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 282 movers based in Ohio, handy for sizing up options on this 357-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 357-mile route from Columbus, OH, to Knoxville, TN, run $1,034 - $7,036 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $873 - $2,578, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $346 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,819, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Regal Cinemas Corp and Regal.
FAQs: Moving from Columbus, OH, to Knoxville, TN
Is Knoxville a safe place to live?
Knoxville has a safety index of 57.46 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.54, compared to 50.35 and 49.65 in Columbus. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Columbus, OH 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 $376 - $729. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Knoxville?
For families, Farragut, Oak Ridge, and Maryville are worth a look in Knoxville. If you're moving solo or without kids, Farragut, Oak Ridge, and Alcoa tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Columbus, OH to Knoxville, TN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 do local movers charge in Columbus?
Local movers based in Columbus typically start around $325 as a base rate, plus $145/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Knoxville run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 46% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 11% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.