($360+) Knoxville, TN to Columbus, OH Movers
Moving from Knoxville, TN, to Columbus, OH, runs anywhere from $353 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,030 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 358 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 $1,142, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,030 or more.
- Moving containers run $954 - $2,964, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $353 - $896.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Knoxville, TN, to Columbus, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,928 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 Columbus, OH
Moving options from Knoxville to Columbus fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,928 - $5,349 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 358 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 4 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 358-mile route from Knoxville to Columbus, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,142 - $4,019 | $954 - $1,659 | $353 - $664 | $825 - $1,418 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,928 - $5,349 | $1,173 - $2,216 | $403 - $788 | $909 - $1,718 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,912 - $7,030 | $1,567 - $2,964 | $475 - $896 | $1,253 - $2,394 |
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 Columbus, OH
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 358-mile move from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Columbus, Ohio, with prices running from $1,142 - $7,030. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $275 - $1,832 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Knoxville and Columbus 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 Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,142 - $4,019
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,928 - $5,349
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,912 - $7,030
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 Columbus.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee to Ohio. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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 Columbus, OH
Specialty needs vary by market — 67% of Knoxville movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Columbus, 87% 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 Columbus?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Ohio Association of Movers is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Knoxville, TN?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Knoxville to Columbus with a local mover averages $2,024 - $5,616. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Knoxville, 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.
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 Columbus, OH
Moving containers from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Columbus, Ohio, cost between $954 and $2,964. 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 Columbus. 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 Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $954 - $1,659
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,173 - $2,216
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,567 - $2,964
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Knoxville, TN, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $641, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $69 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $137 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Knoxville, TN, and Columbus, OH, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee to Ohio 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 $954. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,173 - $2,216, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Knoxville to Columbus?
- 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 Columbus, OH
A rental truck for this 358-mile move from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Columbus, Ohio, costs between $353 and $896. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $104 - $119
- 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 Columbus based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $353 - $664
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $403 - $788
- 4+ bedrooms: $475 - $896
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $353 - $896 when pricing out a rental truck from Knoxville to Columbus. Fuel alone runs ($104 - $119) , and overnight lodging ($137/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $69 and $321.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $137.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $104 and $119 for the 358-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $641 for 2 movers in Knoxville, Tennessee, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Knoxville to Columbus?
- 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 Columbus, OH
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Columbus, Ohio. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $909 and $1,718.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Knoxville to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $825 - $1,418
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $909 - $1,718
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,253 - $2,394
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $641.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $69 - $137 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 Columbus?
- 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.
- Hittman Transport Services, Inc. (4.26/5 stars): Hittman Transport Services, 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: Knoxville, TN vs Columbus, OH
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Knoxville and Columbus to plan around. Cost of living index: 92 vs. 91. Average rent: $1,795/mo vs. $1,441/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 31 vs. 41. Safety index: 57.46 vs. 50.35.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbus, OH 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 Ohio, 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 70 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 358-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Knoxville, TN, to Columbus, OH, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,142 for a studio to $7,030 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 358-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $954 - $2,964. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $353 - $896, 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 $1,928 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Columbus tend to point to low cost of living and delicious food, though bad drivers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Ohio State University and The State of Ohio.
FAQs: Moving from Knoxville, TN, to Columbus, OH
How walkable is Columbus?
Columbus has a walkability score of 41 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($104 - $119), 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 do I know a mover is licensed in Ohio?
Although a local license is not required in Ohio, 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 is the best time of year to move from Knoxville, TN to Columbus, OH?
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.
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 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.
