($209+) Knoxville, TN to Lexington, KY Movers
Moving from Knoxville, TN, to Lexington, KY, runs anywhere from $197 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,318 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 175 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $849, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,318 or more.
- Moving containers run $774 - $2,356, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $197 - $454.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Knoxville, TN, to Lexington, KY. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,317 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Knoxville, TN to Lexington, KY
Moving options from Knoxville to Lexington 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 $1,317 - $4,176 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 175 miles and typically takes 1 to 2 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 175-mile route from Knoxville to Lexington, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $849 - $3,313 | $774 - $1,363 | $197 - $348 | $739 - $1,276 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,317 - $4,176 | $987 - $1,937 | $206 - $398 | $829 - $1,521 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,988 - $5,318 | $1,366 - $2,356 | $258 - $454 | $1,103 - $1,774 |
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 Knoxville, TN to Lexington, KY
Full-service movers for the 175-mile relocation from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Lexington, Kentucky, cost between $849 and $5,318. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $275 - $1,832, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Knoxville typically charge a base rate around $170 plus $113 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Knoxville to Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $849 - $3,313
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,317 - $4,176
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,988 - $5,318
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 Knoxville to Lexington.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee to Kentucky. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Knoxville, TN to Lexington, KY
Specialty needs vary by market — 67% of Knoxville movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Lexington, 100% 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 ready67% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $183 - $1,099/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $275 - $2,198 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% 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 items22% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $916 - $2,290 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gouffon Moving & Storage | $733 - $3,206 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $275 - $1,374 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $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 Knoxville to Lexington?
- 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 Knoxville, TN?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Knoxville to Lexington with a local mover averages $1,291 - $4,093. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Knoxville, TN often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Gouffon Moving & Storage (4.64/5 stars) is a local mover in Knoxville, based on our analysis of feedback from 243 customers, 91.8% of which is positive.
Address: 1520 Amherst Road, Knoxville, TN, 37909 | Founded: 1887
Moving container costs from Knoxville, TN to Lexington, KY
Moving containers from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Lexington, Kentucky, cost between $774 and $2,356. 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 Lexington. If you go over that window, storage in Knoxville adds around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Knoxville to Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $774 - $1,363
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $987 - $1,937
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,366 - $2,356
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Knoxville, TN and Lexington, KY. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $641 in Knoxville, TN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $69 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $137 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee to Kentucky 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 $774. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $987 - $1,937, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Knoxville to Lexington?
- 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.7/5), 10 years in business
- Gouffon Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 139 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Knoxville, TN to Lexington, KY
Truck rentals from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Lexington, Kentucky, range from $197 - $454 for the 175-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $51 - $58
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Knoxville 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 Knoxville to Lexington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $197 - $348
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $206 - $398
- 4+ bedrooms: $258 - $454
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $197 - $454 does not include fuel ($51 - $58) , lodging ($137/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Knoxville to Lexington typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $51 - $58 for the 175-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Knoxville, Tennessee, for about 5 hours typically costs around $641.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 175-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $137 per night, adding $275 - $412 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $46 and $275.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Knoxville to Lexington?
- 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 Knoxville, TN to Lexington, KY
If you're moving a larger household from Knoxville, Tennessee, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Lexington, Kentucky.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $829 and $1,521.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Knoxville to Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $739 - $1,276
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $829 - $1,521
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,103 - $1,774
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 Knoxville, Tennessee, typically costs $641.
What are the best freight companies from Knoxville to Lexington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Hittman Transport Services, Inc. (4.26/5 stars): Hittman Transport Services, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Lexington 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: Knoxville, TN vs Lexington, KY
Knoxville and Lexington land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 92 in Knoxville and 91 in Lexington, and rent tracks closely too ($1,795/mo vs. $1,345/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (31 vs 90) and safety scores (57.46 vs 49.12) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lexington, KY to Knoxville, TN guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to Kentucky over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 70 movers in our Tennessee network to compare for this 175-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 175-mile route from Knoxville, TN, to Lexington, KY, run $849 - $5,318 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $774 - $2,356, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $197 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,317, 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 A&W Restaurants and University of Kentucky.
FAQs: Moving from Knoxville, TN, to Lexington, KY
How do I know a mover is licensed in Kentucky?
Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) – Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($51 - $58), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $137/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Lexington?
Lexington has a walkability score of 90 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 85, compared to 31 and 30 in Knoxville. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Knoxville, TN to Lexington, KY?
Costs on this route range from around $849 to $5,318, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $849 and $5,318, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Knoxville, TN to Lexington, KY?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Knoxville movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 67% of movers in Knoxville handle piano moves, and 22% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
