($732+) Knoxville, TN to Portland, ME Movers
Moving from Knoxville, TN, to Portland, ME, runs anywhere from $732 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,423 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,026 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,389, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,423 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,328 - $4,396, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $732 - $2,032.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Knoxville, TN, to Portland, ME. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,814 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 Knoxville, TN to Portland, ME
There are 3 main ways to move from Knoxville to Portland: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,814 - $7,303. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,026-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,026-mile route from Knoxville to Portland, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,389 - $5,429 with full-service movers, $1,328 - $2,425 with a container, $732 - $1,448 with a rental truck, or $1,184 - $2,182 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,814 - $7,303 full-service, $1,625 - $3,509 by container, $833 - $1,791 by rental truck, or $1,300 - $2,670 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,782 - $9,423 full-service, $2,377 - $4,396 by container, $983 - $2,032 by rental truck, or $1,790 - $3,624 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 31, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Knoxville, TN to Portland, ME
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,026-mile move from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Portland, Maine, with prices running from $2,389 - $9,423. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $300 - $2,000 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Knoxville and Portland are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Knoxville movers tend to run around $170 as a base rate plus $113/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Knoxville to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,389 - $5,429
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,814 - $7,303
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,782 - $9,423
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 Portland.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee to Maine. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Add-ons and specialty services from Knoxville, TN to Portland, ME
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Knoxville to Portland) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $500 - $5,000 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $200 - $1,200/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $300 - $2,400 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,500 - $10,000 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $749 - $1,423 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $800 - $3,500 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $300 - $1,500 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $650 - $2,000 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $300 - $15,000+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $300 - $3,500+ |
| Basic utilities | Ongoing monthly cost in Portland | $203/mo |
| Internet | Ongoing monthly cost in Portland | $73/mo |
| Cell phone plan | Ongoing monthly cost in Portland | $55/mo |
What are the best full-service movers from Knoxville to Portland?
Movers licensed to operate in Maine are typically members of the Maine Motor Transport Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, TN to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,328 and $4,396. 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 Portland. 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 Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,328 - $2,425
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,625 - $3,509
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,377 - $4,396
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Knoxville, TN and Portland, ME. 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 $700 in Knoxville, TN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $75 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $150 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 Maine 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 $1,328. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,625 - $3,509, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Knoxville to Portland?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 27 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.8/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Knoxville, TN to Portland, ME
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,026 miles from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Portland, Maine, running $732 - $2,032. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $326 - $373
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $732 - $1,448
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $833 - $1,791
- 4+ bedrooms: $983 - $2,032
Pro tip: The base rate of $732 - $2,032 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Knoxville to Portland. Fuel ($326 - $373) , lodging at around $150/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $326 - $373 for the 1,026-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 $700.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,026-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $150 per night, adding $300 - $450 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $50 and $300.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Knoxville to Portland?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the best value rental on this list. Budget undercuts most competitors on base rates and layers in discounts for online bookings, AAA membership, and military service.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable option here. Their newer fleet, unlimited mileage on one-way moves, and 24/7 roadside assistance make Penske the choice when breakdown risk is the bigger concern than cost.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental offers the best availability. U-Haul operates more than 23,000 locations and offers 7 truck sizes, giving it the largest pickup network and the broadest accommodation for last-minute or one-way moves.
Freight trailer costs from Knoxville, TN to Portland, ME
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Portland, Maine. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $900 and $2,670.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Knoxville to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,184 - $2,182
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,300 - $2,670
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,790 - $3,624
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 Knoxville, Tennessee, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $700.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $75 - $150 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 Knoxville to Portland?
- 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.
- THE H T Hackney Co, Inc. (4.3/5 stars): THE H T Hackney Co, 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: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Portland quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Knoxville, TN vs Portland, ME
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Portland, side by side with Knoxville on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Knoxville, TN | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 92 | 112 |
| Average rent | $1,795/mo | $1,991/mo |
| Median home value | $213,473 | $452,202 |
| Average income | $50,994/yr | $76,174/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 5.8% |
| Walkability score | 31/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 57.46/100 | 67.84/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Portland, ME to Knoxville, TN guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 377 real quotes from Knoxville, TN to Portland, ME 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 1,026-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Knoxville, TN, to Portland, ME, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,389 for a studio to $9,423 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,026-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,328 - $4,396. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $732 - $2,032, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,814 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include TD Banknorth Inc and Maine Medical Center.
FAQs: Moving from Knoxville, TN, to Portland, ME
What are the best neighborhoods in Portland?
For families, Deering Center, East End, and Rosemont are worth a look in Portland. If you're moving solo or without kids, East End, West End, and West Bayside tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Knoxville, TN to Portland, ME?
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 $833 - $1,791. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Portland a safe place to live?
Portland has a safety index of 67.84 out of 100 and a crime index of 32.16, compared to 57.46 and 42.54 in Knoxville. 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 Knoxville, TN to Portland, ME?
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.
