($1,098+) Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $1,109 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,226 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,808 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,519, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,226 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,644 - $5,679, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,109 - $3,263.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Memphis, TN, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,652 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 Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Memphis to Bakersfield: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,652 - $7,685. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,808 miles, expect 5 to 16 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,808-mile route from Memphis to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,519 - $5,515 | $1,644 - $2,928 | $1,109 - $2,027 | $1,380 - $2,662 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,652 - $7,685 | $2,042 - $4,224 | $1,211 - $2,640 | $1,585 - $3,213 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,196 - $11,226 | $2,708 - $5,679 | $1,513 - $3,263 | $2,234 - $4,543 |
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 Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,808-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Bakersfield, California, with costs ranging from $2,519 - $11,226. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $275 - $1,832. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Memphis and Bakersfield. Local movers in Memphis typically start around $334 as a base rate plus $125/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Memphis to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,519 - $5,515
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,652 - $7,685
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,196 - $11,226
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 Memphis to Bakersfield.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee to California. 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 Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Memphis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Bakersfield, 80% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $458 - $4,580 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $183 - $1,099/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $275 - $2,198 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $916 - $2,748 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,290 - $9,160 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $686 - $1,303 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items71% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $916 - $2,290 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $733 - $3,206 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $275 - $1,374 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Spyder Moving and Storage | $595 - $1,832 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $275 - $13,740+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $275 - $3,206+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Memphis to Bakersfield?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Memphis, TN. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,644 and $5,679. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Memphis costs roughly $45/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,644 - $2,928
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,042 - $4,224
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,708 - $5,679
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $69 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $137 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $641 in Memphis, TN, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Bakersfield, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee to California 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 $1,644. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,042 - $4,224, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Memphis to Bakersfield?
- 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 Memphis 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 Memphis:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 36 years in business
- Cord Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 106 years in business
- Spyder Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA
Plan on $1,109 - $3,263 for a rental moving truck on the 1,808-mile route from Memphis, Tennessee, to Bakersfield, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $527 - $602
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Memphis 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 Memphis to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,109 - $2,027
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,211 - $2,640
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,513 - $3,263
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,109 - $3,263 does not include fuel ($527 - $602) , lodging ($137/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Memphis to Bakersfield typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $69 and $321.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $137.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $527 and $602 for the 1,808-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $641 for 2 movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Memphis to Bakersfield?
- 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 Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Memphis, Tennessee, to Bakersfield, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,585 and $3,213.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,380 - $2,662
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,585 - $3,213
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,234 - $4,543
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Memphis, Tennessee, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $641.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $69 - $137 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Memphis to Bakersfield?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Empire Express, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Empire Express, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Memphis, TN vs Bakersfield, CA
Memphis and Bakersfield land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 86 in Memphis and 100 in Bakersfield, and rent tracks closely too ($1,299/mo vs. $1,695/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (35 vs 37) and safety scores (22.51 vs 41.51) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Memphis, TN guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to California, 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. Tennessee alone has 70 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,808-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Memphis, TN, to Bakersfield, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,519 - $11,226 on the 1,808-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,644 - $5,679, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,109 - $3,263. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,652 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bakersfield City School District and Clinica Sierra Vista.
FAQs: Moving from Memphis, TN, to Bakersfield, CA
What is the cheapest way to move from Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA?
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 $1,211 - $2,640. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Bakersfield a safe place to live?
Bakersfield has a safety index of 41.51 out of 100 and a crime index of 58.49, compared to 22.51 and 77.49 in Memphis. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA?
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 do I know a mover is licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
What percentage of Memphis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 71% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
