Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 01 2025
The average cost for movers in Tennessee ranges from $5,386 to $8,586 per move, depending on distance, volume, and additional services.
Price Table for Moving Service
| Service Type | Basic Package | Premium Package | Deluxe Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packing | Included | Contain | Included |
| Furniture Disassembly | Not Included | Contain | Included |
| Loading | Included | Contain | Included |
| Enclosed Transport | Not Included | Contain | Included |
| Local Transport | Included | Contain | Included |
| Insurance | Not Included | Contain | Included |
| Delivery | Standard | Standard | Express |
| Storage Service | 5 Days Included | 10 days Included | 15 days Included |
| Price | $5,000 | $7,500 | $10,000 |
Understanding the Cost of Movers Tennessee: Pricing and Tips for Your Move
Are you planning a commercial move in the beautiful state of Tennessee? Whether moving within Nashville, relocating to the countryside, or venturing across state lines, understanding the cost of movers is crucial for a smooth transition. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the key factors affecting prices, compare local and long-distance moves at affordable prices, and provide valuable tips to save money on your move.
Key Takeaways
- The cost of movers depends on distance, size of move, time of year, and additional services.
- Comparing quotes from multiple companies can help find the best deal for your move. Decluttering and timing it strategically also saves money.
- Research reviews to select a reputable hauling agency with proper licensing & insurance coverage.
Cost Factors for Haulers
Several other factors can influence the cost of cheap moving. These include:
- The distance of the move
- The size of the move
- The time of year
- Any additional services required
For instance, hiring shifters can be more economical when choosing local movers for a short-distance move than opting for interstate haulers for a long-distance* move.
We will examine these cost factors more intensely to give you a clear idea of what to anticipate when engaging carriers.
Distance of the Move
The distance of your move plays a significant role in determining the overall price. Generally, moving locally is more affordable than long-distance moves, due to shorter distances and less time required. The average price per mile for long-distance moves, including Nashville mover's cost, can range from $1,123 to more than $14,107, depending on the distance and size of the move.
On the other hand, relocating within the same city can vary but generally ranges from $200 to $7,500, with an average expense of approximately $1,250 when hiring a professional moving company.
Size of the Move
The size of the move is another factor that significantly impacts the Tennessee movers’ cost. More significant properties require more time and personnel, resulting in higher charges.
The average cost to hire haulers for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $593, including two haulers for four hours at $173 per hour. The quantity and weight of your possessions can also impact the moving price. Heavier items require additional effort and resources to move, leading to increased prices.
Consider requesting a free moving estimate from moving companies for a more transparent cost estimate.
Time of Year
The time of year can influence the cost of your move. Peak moving season in Tennessee typically falls between April and September. During this period, rates may rise by approximately 20% due to increased demand for carrying services.
In contrast, December and January are generally the most cost-effective moving months. Additionally, weekend driving is typically more expensive than weekdays due to higher demand for luggage solutions.
Additional Services
Additional assistance, such as packing, storage, and handling of specialty items, can augment the total expense of your move. For example, pianos, boats, hot tubs, and motorcycles may result in an additional cost of between $300 and $2,000 during a move. Packing services typically range from $50 to $80, while storage solutions can vary from $200 to $7,500, depending on the move size and the amount of belongings being stored.
Remember these extra feeswhile planning your move for a smoother, stress-free experience.
Local vs. Long-Distance Moves: Comparing Costs
Having analyzed the main cost factors, we can now compare the costs of local and long-distance moves. As mentioned earlier, local moves are more economical due to the shorter distances and reduced time needed. In contrast, long-distance moves may be pricier because of the greater distances and increased time required.
The fee for local moves in Tennessee can range from $200 to $7,500, depending on various factors such as the number of bedrooms and belongings to be moved. In contrast, the fee for long-distance moves can generally range from $950 to $17,000, depending on the distance, size, and additional services required.
Local Moves
For example, the price of local moves in Nashville ranges from approximately $400 to $1,200. Factors that influence the cost of a local shipment include:
- The number of bedrooms
- The number of items to be moved
- The duration of the move
- Any additional services or add-ons
- Seasonal rates
Local move charges in Tennessee are typically calculated using the local average hourly moving rate. However, be aware of hidden fees in local dragging expenses, such as:
- Charges for packing materials
- Fuel surcharges
- Long carry fees
- Fees for moving specialty items
It’s advisable to confirm with the shifting agency before the move if any additional fees may apply to your specific situation.
Long-Distance Moves
Long-distance moves can cost between $950 and $17,000, based on distance, size, and additional services. To give you an idea, average prices for a one-bedroom studio size with a distance of 250 miles typically begin at $950, while a move across the country that is over 2,500 miles generally starts at $1,800.
The estimated price of relocating a two-bedroom house over a long distance within Tennessee is approximately $4,890. These costs can add up if you require additional benefits like packing, unpacking, and a storage unit, so it’s important to factor them into your overall budget.
Types of Moving Services and Their Costs
Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose from different types of moving services. These include full-service moves, DIY moves, and hybrid moves. Full-service moves typically encompass packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking of your belongings, with the cost depending on the size and distance of the move.
DIY moves involve renting a truck and handling all aspects of the move yourself, with prices typically ranging from $150 to $400 for truck rental. Hybrid moves combine elements of both full-service and DIY moves, allowing you to customize your moving experience and potentially save on fees. We’ll examine each type of move and its associated prices.
Full-Service Moves
Full-service moves provide a convenient and stress-free experience, as the moving company handles everything from packing to transportation and unpacking. A full-service carriage can range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the size of the move, the distance, and the benefits offered.
Full-service moves are a great option for those who don’t want to deal with the heavy lifting and want a worry-free moving experience. However, this type of move might be more costly than DIY or hybrid moves, so it's recommended that you compare prices and services before settling on a decision.
DIY Moves
DIY moves require you to rent a moving truck and handle all aspects of the move, from packing and loading to transportation and unloading. Expenses for a DIY move in Tennessee typically range from $150 to $400 for truck rental, with additional gas, insurance, and dollies costs. While this type of move can be more labor-intensive, it can also be more cost-effective than full-service moves, especially for smaller or tight-budget moves.
However, remember that DIY moves can be more time-consuming and may require additional planning and organization.
Hybrid Moves
Hybrid moves combine the best of both worlds, offering a more customized and potentially cost-effective experience. With a hybrid move, you can choose which aspects of the move you want to handle yourself and which you want to entrust to a professional movers company. For example, you might pack and load your belongings onto the truck but hire relocators to transport and unload them at your new home.
The price of a hybrid move can range from approximately $2,000 to $7,000, depending on the specific services required. This type of move allows you to tailor your moving experience to your needs and budget, making it a popular choice for many people.
Tips for Saving Money on Your Tennessee Move
Having examined the different types of moving services and their fees, we can now share some money-saving tips for your haulage. Here are some ways to reduce the overall cost of your relocation:
- Compare quotes from multiple removalists to find the best deal.
- Declutter your belongings before the move to reduce the items you need to transport.
- Time your move strategically, as hauling during off-peak seasons or weekdays is often cheaper.
By following these tips, you can save money on your Tennessee move.
Comparing Quotes
One of the best ways to save money on your move is to compare quotes from multiple moving companies. By obtaining quotes from several companies, you can better understand the range of prices and services offered in the market. This can help you find the best deal and negotiate better rates with your chosen shifters.
When evaluating locomoting quotes, consider price, usefulness offered, insurance coverage, reputation, experience, licensing and credentials, and additional services provided.
Decluttering
Another way to save money on your move is to declutter your belongings before the big day. By removing items you no longer need or want, you can reduce the amount of stuff you need to transport, resulting in lower moving fees and even allowing you to use a smaller moving truck.
Decluttering can also help you identify items that can be sold or donated, potentially providing additional funds or tax deductions for your move.
Timing Your Move
Timing your move strategically can also help you save money. As mentioned earlier, moving during off-peak seasons or days can result in lower costs and increased availability of movers. For example, carrying on a weekday instead of a weekend can help you avoid higher rates and busier schedules.
Additionally, planning your move during the off-peak season can lead to potential savings of up to 30% of the standard moving rates.
Choosing A Shifters
Armed with this information, the next step is to choose a reputable Tennessee moving company that suits your needs and budget. This involves researching reviews, ensuring proper licensing and insurance, and comparing quotes from multiple companies.
Research and Reviews
Start by researching online reviews and asking for recommendations from friends and family to find a trustworthy company. Reliable sources for reviews of moving companies in Tennessee include:
- Money.com
- ThisOldHouse.com
- Forbes.com
- MarketWatch.com
- Todayshomeowner.com
- Nashville.consumeraffairs.com
- Architecturaldigest.com
When assessing moving company reviews, consider factors such as overall rating, detailed reviews, consistency, response to reviews, and verified reviews.
Licensing and Insurance
Lastly, ensure that your hauling firm is appropriately licensed and insured to protect you from potential damages or losses during the move. You can verify the license of a relocating firm by utilizing the search tool provided by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance and checking with the Better Business Bureau.
A removalist's insurance generally provides Full Value Protection, which holds the mover responsible for the replacement value of any lost or damaged goods in the shipment.
Summary
In conclusion, carrying doesn’t have to break the bank. By understanding the cost factors, comparing local and long-distance moves, and following our tips for saving money, you can make your move an efficient, cost-effective, and enjoyable experience. With the right planning and a reputable moving company, you’ll be ready to embrace your new adventure in the Volunteer State.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Tennessee moves often range $400–$1,400, depending on 2–4 movers, travel time, and city traffic around Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis. Larger homes or weekend bookings can raise totals. Costs increase with packing needs, stairs, tight parking near downtown buildings, and elevator reservation windows. For long distances within the state or across state lines, weight, mileage, and delivery windows determine price. A tool like the moving cost estimator helps compare common ranges.
Most Tennessee moving crews fall between $90–$160 per hour for a two-mover team, with each additional mover adding $35–$60 per hour. Rates shift with crew size, packing labor, heavy items, and access challenges like long carries in older neighborhoods or elevator limits in high-rise buildings. Local traffic timing around morning and evening rush hours also affects billable time. These hourly structures apply mainly to short-distance or local moving companies.
A typical local move within Tennessee’s metro areas runs $550–$1,200 for apartments and $1,000–$1,900 for multi-bedroom homes. Crew size, packing needs, building restrictions, and loading-zone permits influence totals. High-rise buildings in Nashville or Memphis often require service-elevator scheduling, adding labor time. Seasonal peaks, especially late spring and summer, increase demand and may raise rates. Apartment relocations using a specialized apartment movers service can streamline loading in constrained parking areas.
Interstate moves from Tennessee commonly range $2,000–$6,500 for small homes and $6,500–$11,000+ for larger shipments, depending on weight, mileage, fuel, and FMCSA-regulated delivery windows. Costs rise with packing labor, specialty items, and shuttle trucks in dense neighborhoods where full-size trucks cannot enter. Weather across mountain corridors or the I-40 corridor may extend transit times. A reputable long distance moving service provides binding or not-to-exceed estimates.
The biggest drivers include home size, crew size, packing, stairs/elevators, long-carry distances, parking limits, and seasonal demand. Nashville and Knoxville frequently require loading-zone coordination, which affects labor time. Rural-to-city moves may increase travel charges. Special care for pianos, safes, or fragile items adds labor. Local moves use hourly pricing, while long-distance and interstate moves follow weight and mileage rules regulated by the FMCSA.
Yes. Tennessee sees higher demand from May through early September, raising rates for both local and long-distance bookings. Apartment turnover near universities spikes late summer, increasing pressure on weekend scheduling. Early-morning elevator reservations fill quickly in downtown buildings. Booking midweek or during off-peak months helps maintain consistent pricing. For planning, compare off-season estimates with the average cost of local moving company.
Start with home size, expected inventory, and whether you need full packing, partial packing, or labor-only services. Tennessee pricing varies with access conditions like steep driveways, stair-only walkups, and limited curb space in older neighborhoods. After noting these details, use a digital estimate tool or request an in-home walk-through for more accurate weight, time, and mileage projections. Tools such as the moving estimate calculator give faster ballpark ranges.
