($367+) Memphis, TN to Lexington, KY Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to Lexington, KY, runs anywhere from $367 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,235 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 422 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 $1,138, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,235 or more.
- Moving containers run $938 - $2,972, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $367 - $1,010.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Memphis, TN, to Lexington, KY. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,924 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 Lexington, KY
There are 3 main ways to move from Memphis to Lexington: 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 $1,924 - $5,168. 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 422 miles, expect 1 to 4 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 422-mile route from Memphis to Lexington, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,138 - $4,061, container $938 - $1,689, rental truck $367 - $696, freight trailer $879 - $1,489.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,924 - $5,168, container $1,190 - $2,234, rental truck $424 - $817, freight trailer $923 - $1,899.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,299 - $7,235, container $1,642 - $2,972, rental truck $501 - $1,010, freight trailer $1,236 - $2,306.
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 Lexington, KY
For the 422-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Lexington, Kentucky, full-service movers cost between $1,138 and $7,235. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $264 - $1,760 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Memphis generally start around $334 plus $125 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Memphis to Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,138 - $4,061
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,924 - $5,168
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,299 - $7,235
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 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: 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 Lexington, KY
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Memphis 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 | $440 - $4,400 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $176 - $1,056/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $264 - $2,112 |
| 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 | $880 - $2,640 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,200 - $8,800 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $659 - $1,252 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items71% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $880 - $2,200 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $704 - $3,080 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $264 - $1,320 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Spyder Moving and Storage | $572 - $1,760 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $264 - $13,200+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $264 - $3,080+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Memphis to Lexington?
- 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.
How much do local movers cost in Memphis, TN?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Memphis to Lexington with a local mover averages $1,828 - $4,910. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Memphis, TN can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
The Armstrong Company (4.56/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Memphis, ranked #9 in Tennessee, based on our analysis of feedback from 213 customers, 91.1% of which is positive.
Address: 4690 Hungerford Road, Memphis, TN, 38118 | Founded: 1957
Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Lexington, KY
Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Lexington, Kentucky, cost between $938 and $2,972. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Memphis typically costs about $45/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $938 - $1,689
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,190 - $2,234
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,642 - $2,972
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $66 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $132 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 $616 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 Lexington, KY, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $938. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,190 - $2,234, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Memphis 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 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 Lexington, KY
Plan on $367 - $1,010 for a rental moving truck on the 422-mile route from Memphis, Tennessee, to Lexington, Kentucky. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $118 - $135
- Daily insurance: $26/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 Lexington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $367 - $696
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $424 - $817
- 4+ bedrooms: $501 - $1,010
Pro tip: A rental truck from Memphis to Lexington looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $367 - $1,010. But once you factor in fuel ($118 - $135) , overnight lodging ($132/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 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 $132 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 $57 and $286 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $118 - $135 in fuel for the 422-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $616 in Memphis, Tennessee, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Memphis 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 Memphis, TN to Lexington, KY
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Memphis, Tennessee, to Lexington, Kentucky, 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 $923 and $1,899.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $879 - $1,489
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $923 - $1,899
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,236 - $2,306
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final 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 $616.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $66 - $132 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 Lexington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Empire Express, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Empire Express, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
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 Lexington, KY
Memphis and Lexington land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 86 in Memphis and 91 in Lexington, and rent tracks closely too ($1,299/mo vs. $1,345/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (35 vs 90) and safety scores (22.51 vs 49.12) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lexington, KY to Memphis, TN guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to Kentucky, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 70 movers licensed in Tennessee, useful context for sizing up this 422-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Memphis, TN, to Lexington, KY, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,138 - $7,235 on the 422-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $938 - $2,972 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $367 - $1,010 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,924 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include A&W Restaurants and University of Kentucky.
FAQs: Moving from Memphis, TN, to Lexington, KY
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($118 - $135), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $132/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Memphis, TN to Lexington, KY?
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 $424 - $817. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Memphis, TN to Lexington, KY?
Costs on this route range from around $1,138 to $7,235, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,138 and $7,235, 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 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 do local movers charge in Memphis?
Local movers based in Memphis typically start around $334 as a base rate, plus $125/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 Lexington run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.
