The best local movers for Knoxville to Columbus moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Knoxville that also handles long-distance moves to Columbus. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated nine local movers in Knoxville who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Knoxville to Columbus.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Gouffon Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 137
DOT #: 553340
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving Knoxville
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Knoxville to Columbus?
The average hourly rate for movers in Tennessee is $123. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $977 – $3,052 | $582 – $1,477 | $296 – $566 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,660 – $4,631 | $1,132 – $2,070 | $325 – $677 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,436 – $6,538 | $1,381 – $2,599 | $427 – $809 |
Cost to hire movers from Knoxville to Columbus
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Knoxville to Columbus will cost between $977 and $3,052. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Knoxville to Knoxville will range from $1,660 to $4,631, and a large move from Knoxville to Columbus will cost from $2,436 to $6,538.
Cost of moving containers from Knoxville to Columbus
If you’re moving from Knoxville to Columbus, expect to pay between $582 and $1,477 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,132 up to $2,070. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,381 and $2,599. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Tennessee.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Knoxville to Columbus
Renting a moving truck from Knoxville to Columbus is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $296 and $566. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $325 and $677. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $427 up to $809 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Knoxville to Columbus
The cost of Knoxville movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,248, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $5,408.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Knoxville, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($296–$717) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Knoxville to Columbus
Many movers find Columbus easier on the wallet than Knoxville – roughly 7% less for singles and 26% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,041 for one person in Columbus versus $2,184 in Knoxville. For a family of four, it’s $3,834 compared with $5,200.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Knoxville | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,667 | $1,250 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,210 | $1,400 |
| Average home value | $350,035 | $157,861 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,050 | $50,542 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,184 | $2,041 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,200 | $3,834 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.3% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 5.49% |
- If you’re heading to Columbus from Knoxville, you’ll find that rent is roughly 39% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 55% less in Columbus than in Knoxville.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 17% lower in Columbus compared to Knoxville.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Columbus. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 7% lower than in Knoxville.
- Choosing to move to Columbus can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 26% less than in Knoxville.
- In Columbus, the unemployment rate is approximately 13% higher than in Knoxville, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Columbus and Knoxville (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
- Georgia has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Knoxville and Columbus:
| Living Expense | Knoxville | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.94 | $211.40 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.00 | $40.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.06 | $2.24 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.64 | $3.52 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $34.67 | $10.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Knoxville than in Columbus.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Knoxville than in Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Knoxville than in Columbus.
- Bread is more expensive in Knoxville than in Columbus.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Knoxville than in Columbus.
- Gym memberships cost more in Knoxville than in Columbus.
How life is different in Knoxville vs. Columbus
| Knoxville | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,740 | 206,922 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 25 |
| Bike friendliness score | 30 | 31 |
| Crime index | 42.54 | 72.18 |
| Safety index | 57.46 | 27.82 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus’s population is about 8% greater than Knoxville.
- Columbus’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Knoxville’s score of 4.
- Columbus is less walkable than Knoxville with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Knoxville’s 31 out of 100.
- Both Columbus and Knoxville have similar bike-friendliness scores (30 vs 31), meaning Columbus is about as safe for cyclists as Knoxville. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Columbus’s crime rate is higher than Knoxville with a score of 72.18 compared to Knoxville’s 42.54. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Knoxville with a score of 27.82 vs Knoxville’s 57.46.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Knoxville it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Knoxville to Columbus move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Georgia moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Georgia doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Columbus. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover’s responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Columbus
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to The Lowell of the South[, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Columbus.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- MidTown
- Uptown
- Downtown Columbus
- Overlook
- Lakebottom
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Columbus
- Brookstone
- Green Island Hills
- MidTown
- Ivy Park
Things to do in Columbus
Once you’re settled into your new home in Georgia, it’s time to get out and discover what Columbus has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Columbus, such as the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, National Civil War Naval Museum, Columbus Museum, and Coca-Cola Space Science Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Flat Rock Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Columbus Lions (NAL)Columbus River Dragons (FPHL)Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots (SBL)Columbus Rapids (NISL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Columbus?
The best time to move from Knoxville to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Knoxville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Knoxville to Columbus?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Knoxville to Columbus, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Knoxville to Columbus take?
Moving from Knoxville, TN to Columbus, covers 315 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Knoxville movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Columbus.
Which movers in Knoxville give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Knoxville?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 6 movers in Knoxville advertise piano moving expertise. 2 movers in Knoxville provide antique moving services. State totals show 46 piano movers and 21 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Knoxville moving services
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