($1,181+) Memphis, TN to Sacramento, CA Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to Sacramento, CA, runs anywhere from $1,181 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,623 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,084 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,384, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,623 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,624 - $5,851, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,181 - $3,354.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Memphis, TN, to Sacramento, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,674 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 Sacramento, CA
Moving options from Memphis to Sacramento fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,674 - $7,859 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 43% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 67% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 2,084 miles, this route usually takes 6 to 17 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,084-mile route from Memphis to Sacramento, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,384 - $5,558, container $1,624 - $3,212, rental truck $1,181 - $2,233, freight trailer $1,432 - $2,891.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,674 - $7,859, container $2,081 - $4,161, rental truck $1,227 - $2,792, freight trailer $1,632 - $3,397.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $6,692 - $11,623, container $2,910 - $5,851, rental truck $1,613 - $3,354, freight trailer $2,397 - $4,728.
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 Memphis, TN to Sacramento, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,084-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Sacramento, California, with prices running from $2,384 - $11,623. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $307 - $2,048 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Memphis and Sacramento are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Memphis movers tend to run around $334 as a base rate plus $125/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Memphis to Sacramento:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,384 - $5,558
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,674 - $7,859
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,692 - $11,623
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 Sacramento.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Memphis, TN to Sacramento, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 41% of Memphis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Sacramento, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $512 - $5,120 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready41% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $205 - $1,229/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $307 - $2,458 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage19% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,024 - $3,072 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,560 - $10,240 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $767 - $1,457 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Cord Moving and Storage | $1,024 - $2,560 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $819 - $3,584 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $307 - $1,536 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect15% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company | $666 - $2,048 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $307 - $15,360+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $307 - $3,584+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Memphis to Sacramento?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Memphis, TN, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Sacramento, CA
Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Sacramento, California, cost between $1,624 and $5,851. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Sacramento. If you go over that window, storage in Memphis adds around $45/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to Sacramento:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,624 - $3,212
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,081 - $4,161
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,910 - $5,851
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Memphis, TN, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $717, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $77 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $154 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Memphis, TN, and Sacramento, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,624. 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 $2,081 - $4,161.
What are the best moving containers Memphis to Sacramento?
- 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
- Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company, 18 years in business
- Country Club Moving & Packing Inc, 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to Sacramento, CA
A rental truck for this 2,084-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Sacramento, California, costs between $1,181 and $3,354. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $679 - $776
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 Sacramento based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,181 - $2,233
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,227 - $2,792
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,613 - $3,354
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,181 - $3,354 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Memphis to Sacramento. Fuel ($679 - $776), lodging at around $154/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
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 $77 and $358.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $154.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $679 and $776 for the 2,084-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 $717 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 Sacramento?
- 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 Sacramento, CA
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 Memphis, Tennessee, to Sacramento, California. 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 $1,632 and $3,397.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Sacramento:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,432 - $2,891
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,632 - $3,397
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,397 - $4,728
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $717.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $77 and $154 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Memphis to Sacramento?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Sacramento 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: Memphis, TN vs Sacramento, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Sacramento, side by side with Memphis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Memphis, TN | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 86 | 127 |
| Average rent | $1,299/mo | $1,899/mo |
| Median home value | $154,209 | $483,739 |
| Average income | $51,211/yr | $83,753/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 7.7% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 49/100 |
| Safety index | 22.51/100 | 50.79/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Sacramento, CA to Memphis, TN guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Tennessee to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 213 movers in Tennessee, so you have real options to compare for this 2,084-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,084-mile route from Memphis, TN, to Sacramento, CA, run $2,384 - $11,623 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,624 - $5,851, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,181 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,674, 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 Sutter Health and SynGen.
FAQs: Moving from Memphis, TN, to Sacramento, CA
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 4 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 Sacramento, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($679 - $776), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $154/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Sacramento?
Sacramento has a walkability score of 49 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 67, compared to 35 and 41 in Memphis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Memphis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.