($401+) Norfolk, VA to Knoxville, TN Movers
Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Knoxville, TN, runs anywhere from $401 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,552 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 533 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,159, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,552 or more.
- Moving containers run $919 - $3,057, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $401 - $1,108.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Norfolk, VA, to Knoxville, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,887 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 Norfolk, VA to Knoxville, TN
Moving options from Norfolk to Knoxville 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 $1,887 - $5,196 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 33% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 77% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 533 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 533-mile route from Norfolk to Knoxville, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,159 - $3,731 with full-service movers, $919 - $1,667 with a container, $401 - $784 with a rental truck, or $870 - $1,502 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,887 - $5,196 full-service, $1,263 - $2,398 by container, $432 - $882 by rental truck, or $991 - $1,824 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,586 - $7,552 full-service, $1,585 - $3,057 by container, $561 - $1,108 by rental truck, or $1,229 - $2,373 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Norfolk, VA to Knoxville, TN
Full-service movers for the 533-mile relocation from Norfolk, Virginia, to Knoxville, Tennessee, cost between $1,159 and $7,552. 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 $274 - $1,828, 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 Norfolk typically charge a base rate around $220 plus $89 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Norfolk to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,159 - $3,731
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,887 - $5,196
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,586 - $7,552
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 Norfolk to Knoxville.
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 Norfolk, VA to Knoxville, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Norfolk movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Knoxville, 76% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $457 - $4,570 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $183 - $1,097/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $274 - $2,194 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers | $914 - $2,742 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,285 - $9,140 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $685 - $1,301 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $914 - $2,285 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $731 - $3,199 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $274 - $1,371 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $594 - $1,828 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $274 - $13,710+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $274 - $3,199+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Norfolk to Knoxville?
- 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Norfolk, VA. 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 Norfolk, VA to Knoxville, TN
Moving containers from Norfolk, Virginia, to Knoxville, Tennessee, cost between $919 and $3,057. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Norfolk typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Norfolk to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $919 - $1,667
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,263 - $2,398
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,585 - $3,057
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $640 in Norfolk, VA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $69 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $137 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Knoxville, TN, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to Tennessee 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 $919. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,263 - $2,398.
What are the best moving containers Norfolk to Knoxville?
- 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 9 years in business
- Atlantic Beach Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Norfolk, VA to Knoxville, TN
Truck rentals from Norfolk, Virginia, to Knoxville, Tennessee, range from $401 - $1,108 for the 533-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $155 - $177
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Norfolk daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Norfolk to Knoxville based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $401 - $784
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $432 - $882
- 4+ bedrooms: $561 - $1,108
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $401 - $1,108 does not include fuel ($155 - $177), lodging ($137/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Norfolk to Knoxville typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
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 $320.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $137.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $155 and $177 for the 533-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 $640 for 2 movers in Norfolk, Virginia, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Norfolk to Knoxville?
- 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 Norfolk, VA to Knoxville, TN
If you're moving a larger household from Norfolk, Virginia, 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 Knoxville, Tennessee.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $991 and $1,824.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Norfolk to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $870 - $1,502
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $991 - $1,824
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,229 - $2,373
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $69 - $137 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Norfolk, Virginia, for about five hours typically runs $640.
What are the best freight companies from Norfolk to Knoxville?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Knoxville 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: Norfolk, VA vs Knoxville, TN
Day-to-day costs in Knoxville are close to what you're used to in Norfolk: cost of living index of 92 versus 91, with average rent of $1,795/mo compared to $1,500/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 46/100 and 41.9/100 in Norfolk versus 31/100 and 57.46/100 in Knoxville.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Knoxville, TN to Norfolk, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Tennessee, 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. Virginia alone has 304 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 533-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Norfolk, VA, to Knoxville, TN, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,159 for a studio to $7,552 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 533-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $919 - $3,057. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $401 - $1,108, 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 $1,887 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 Regal Cinemas Corp and Regal.
FAQs: Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Knoxville, TN
How do I know a mover is licensed in Tennessee?
Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, 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 do local movers charge in Norfolk?
Local movers based in Norfolk typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $89/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 Knoxville run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Norfolk, VA to Knoxville, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $401 to $7,552, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,159 and $7,552, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Norfolk, VA to Knoxville, TN?
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 $432 - $882. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Norfolk movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 44% of movers in Norfolk handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.