($387+) Richmond, VA to Knoxville, TN Movers

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
Background image of a moving truck moving from Richmond, VA to Knoxville, TN

Moving from Richmond, VA, to Knoxville, TN, runs anywhere from $379 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,452 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 434 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 $1,087, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,452 or more.
  • Moving containers run $989 - $2,868, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $379 - $1,089.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Richmond, VA, to Knoxville, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,846 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Richmond, VA to Knoxville, TN

Moving options from Richmond to Knoxville fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,846 - $4,757 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 434-mile route typically takes 1 to 4 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 434-mile route from Richmond to Knoxville, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,087 - $3,806 $989 - $1,694 $379 - $764 $847 - $1,540
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,846 - $4,757 $1,290 - $2,455 $434 - $820 $1,002 - $1,813
4+ bedrooms $3,021 - $7,452 $1,582 - $2,868 $556 - $1,089 $1,239 - $2,488

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Richmond, VA to Knoxville, TN

Hiring full-service movers from Richmond, Virginia, to Knoxville, Tennessee, costs between $1,087 and $7,452. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 434-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $281 - $1,876, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Richmond and Knoxville. For a rough baseline, movers based in Richmond tend to start around $360 plus $100/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Richmond to Knoxville:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,087 - $3,806
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,846 - $4,757
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,021 - $7,452

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 Richmond to Knoxville.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Tennessee. 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.

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.

Get Started

Specialty moving services from Richmond, VA to Knoxville, TN

Specialty needs vary by market — 89% of Richmond movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Knoxville, 67% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing95% of local movers$469 - $4,690
Storage in transitNew place not ready89% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$188 - $1,126/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$281 - $2,251
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage32% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs89% of local movers$938 - $2,814
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,345 - $9,380
Car shippingSecond vehicle$703 - $1,335
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items63% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$938 - $2,345
PianoAny piano type68% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$750 - $3,283
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers$281 - $1,407
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect32% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: WayForth LLC$610 - $1,876
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$281 - $14,070+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$281 - $3,283+

What are the best full-service movers from Richmond to Knoxville?

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

How much do local movers cost in Richmond, VA?

Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Richmond to Knoxville with a local mover averages $1,828 - $4,710. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Richmond, VA can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.

That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.

Moving container costs from Richmond, VA to Knoxville, TN

Moving containers from Richmond, Virginia, to Knoxville, Tennessee, cost between $989 and $2,868. 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 Knoxville. If you go over that window, storage in Richmond adds around $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Richmond to Knoxville:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $989 - $1,694
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,290 - $2,455
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,582 - $2,868

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 $657 in Richmond, 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 $70 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $141 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 $989. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,290 - $2,455, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Richmond to Knoxville?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Richmond 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 Richmond:

  • Mr. Moving, LLC (4.6/5), 6 years in business
  • College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
  • Heroes Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 5 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Richmond, VA to Knoxville, TN

Truck rentals from Richmond, Virginia, to Knoxville, Tennessee, range from $379 - $1,089 for the 434-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $130 - $148
  • Daily insurance: $28/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
  • Richmond daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Richmond to Knoxville based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $379 - $764
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $434 - $820
  • 4+ bedrooms: $556 - $1,089

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Richmond to Knoxville starts at $379 - $1,089, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($130 - $148) , overnight lodging ($141/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Richmond, Virginia, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $657.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $130 - $148 for the 434-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $56 and $305, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $141 per night for hotel stops on the 434-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $281 - $422.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Richmond to Knoxville?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Richmond, VA to Knoxville, TN

For larger DIY moves from Richmond, Virginia, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Knoxville, Tennessee.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,002 and $1,813.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Richmond to Knoxville:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $847 - $1,540
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,002 - $1,813
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,239 - $2,488

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 $70 - $141 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 Richmond, Virginia, typically costs $657.

What are the best freight companies from Richmond to Knoxville?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
  3. Abilene Motor Express (4.5/5 stars): Abilene Motor Express is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can 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: Richmond, VA vs Knoxville, TN

Day-to-day costs in Knoxville are close to what you're used to in Richmond: cost of living index of 92 versus 95, with average rent of $1,795/mo compared to $1,595/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 51/100 and 51.55/100 in Richmond versus 31/100 and 57.46/100 in Knoxville.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Knoxville, TN to Richmond, VA guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Tennessee, 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 104 movers licensed in Virginia, useful context for sizing up this 434-mile move.

30%+
Save 30%+
Our readers who compare movers before booking save more than 30% on average.
$1K
$1,000 in coverage
Book a moveBuddha Certified mover for added protection and dedicated support.
Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong with a Certified mover, we help resolve it for you.

Our take

Full-service movers on the 434-mile route from Richmond, VA, to Knoxville, TN, run $1,087 - $7,452 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $989 - $2,868, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $379 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,846, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Regal Cinemas Corp and Regal.

FAQs: Moving from Richmond, VA, to Knoxville, TN

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 Richmond, VA to Knoxville, TN?

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.

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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($130 - $148), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $141/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How walkable is Knoxville?

Knoxville has a walkability score of 31 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 30, compared to 51 and 51 in Richmond. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

What percentage of Richmond movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 68% of movers in Richmond handle piano moves, and 63% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.