($654+) Knoxville, TN to Portland, ME Movers
Moving from Knoxville, TN, to Portland, ME, runs anywhere from $648 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,002 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 $2,243, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,002 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,163 - $4,125, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $648 - $1,926.
- 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 $2,646 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 is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,646 - $6,395. 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 1,026 miles, expect 2 to 8 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 1,026-mile route from Knoxville to Portland, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,243 - $4,950 with full-service movers, $1,163 - $2,122 with a container, $648 - $1,331 with a rental truck, or $1,058 - $1,890 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,646 - $6,395 full-service, $1,542 - $2,952 by container, $715 - $1,553 by rental truck, or $1,234 - $2,409 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,358 - $8,002 full-service, $2,000 - $4,125 by container, $896 - $1,926 by rental truck, or $1,567 - $3,109 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 6, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Knoxville, TN to Portland, ME
For the 1,026-mile move from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Portland, Maine, full-service movers cost between $2,243 and $8,002. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $300 - $2,000 (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 Knoxville generally start around $170 plus $113 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Knoxville to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,243 - $4,950
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,646 - $6,395
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,358 - $8,002
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: 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.
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Specialty moving services from Knoxville, TN to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market — 67% of Knoxville movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Portland, 78% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $500 - $5,000 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready67% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Gouffon Moving & Storage | $200 - $1,200/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $300 - $2,400 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,500 - $10,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $749 - $1,423 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items22% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Fox Moving and Storage | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gouffon Moving & Storage | $800 - $3,500 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $300 - $1,500 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% nationallyTop pick: | $650 - $2,000 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $300 - $15,000+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $300 - $3,500+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Knoxville to Portland?
Look for Maine Motor Transport Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Maine beyond this list.
- 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Knoxville, TN. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Knoxville, TN to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,163 and $4,125. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Knoxville costs roughly $60/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Knoxville to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,163 - $2,122
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,542 - $2,952
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,000 - $4,125
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $75 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $150 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 $700 in Knoxville, 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 Portland, ME, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,163. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,542 - $2,952, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Knoxville to Portland?
- 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:
- Gouffon Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 139 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.7/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.8/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Knoxville, TN to Portland, ME
Truck rentals from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Portland, Maine, range from $648 - $1,926 for the 1,026-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- 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: $648 - $1,331
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $715 - $1,553
- 4+ bedrooms: $896 - $1,926
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $648 - $1,926 does not include fuel ($326 - $373) , lodging ($150/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Knoxville to Portland typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $150 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Knoxville, Tennessee, usually costs about $700 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,026-mile drive falls between $326 and $373, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $50 and $300 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Knoxville to Portland?
- 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 Portland, ME
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 Portland, Maine.
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 $1,234 and $2,409.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Knoxville to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,058 - $1,890
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,234 - $2,409
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,567 - $3,109
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?
- 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 $75 - $150 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 $700.
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. (4.26/5 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: 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: 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 moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to Maine, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Tennessee alone has 71 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,026-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Knoxville, TN, to Portland, ME, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,243 - $8,002 on the 1,026-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,163 - $4,125, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $648 - $1,926. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,646 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live 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 some tips for saving money on a move from Knoxville, TN to Portland, ME?
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.
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.
How walkable is Portland?
Portland has a walkability score of 62 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 68, 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.
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.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Maine?
Although a local license is not required in Maine, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
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.