Tennessee is known for its rich comfort food and famous music cities, Memphis and Nashville. Whether you’re moving to or from this vibrant Southern state, finding a reputable moving company is essential for managing your relocation.
Planning a move of any distance can be a complicated endeavor, but professional movers can provide services that reduce stress along the way. In this guide, I’ll share the best moving companies in Tennessee. My review of these companies is based on specific criteria from Today’s Homeowner, like customer reviews, add-on services, and Better Business Bureau ratings. Continue reading to learn about each company’s services, prices for various types of moves, and how to avoid scams and bad moving companies.

Our Top Pick
Best Full-Service Mover

4.5

One month of free storage included with your move

Provides moves in all 50 states

Offers air & ocean freighting

VISIT SITE
Most Transparent Pricing

4.0

Flat rate pricing for all moves

Offers price matching

Expedited moves between big cities

VISIT SITE
Best Flat-rate Pricing
Safeway Moving Logo

4.1

Customizable moving packages

Flat-rate pricing 

Short and long-term storage solutions

VISIT SITE

What Are the Best Moving Companies in Tennessee?

My top 9 recommended national moving companies for 2023: 


Compare the Best Moving Companies in Tennessee

Below is a quick comparison of Tennessee’s best moving companies, including our rating, Better Business Bureau accreditation, and basic pricing information. Read on to learn more about each company and the services it provides.

Company

Best For

Our Rating

BBB Rating

Local Cost

Long-distance Cost

Best Full-Service
Mover

B

$650–$1350

$2,100–$5,400

Most Transparent Pricing

B-

$550–$1,100

$2,550–$5,700

Best Cost Estimation Tools

B

$700 - $1,250

$1,800 - $4980

Best Flat-Rate
Pricing

Not Rated

Not available for local moves

$2,200–$5,500

Most Moving
Partners

B

Call for a quote

$2,750–$5,200

Most Customizable

A+

Call for a quote

$2,750–$6,000

Best Vehicle
Shipping Options

A+

$800–$1,500

$2,000–$5,000

Best Pricing
Options

A+

$800–$1,500

$2,000–$5,000

Best Technology

A+

Call for quote

$2,000–$5,000

Best Container Service

A+

Not available for local moves

$1,350–$2,400

Best Valuation Coverage Options

A+

$1,200-$2,750

$3,100-$8,400


Best Full-Service Mover

International Van Lines

4.5

Our Rating

Limited Time Offer:
Get 10% Off Your Next Move

International Van Lines (IVL) has been servicing relocations worldwide for over twenty years and has an excellent reputation for satisfied customers and reliable services. I highly recommend IVL’s full-service packages, which include expert packing, loading, transportation, and unpacking, for a low-stress, streamlined relocation. Professional packers know how to pack items safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of damage. Additionally, IVL provides full valuation insurance options for your belongings, a rare feature in the moving industry, making its services a smart investment and one of the safest ways to relocate your belongings.

30 days of free climate-controlled storage with every move
Available throughout the United States and 180 other countries
Has small move solutions to cover moves as limited as one piece of furniture
33% deposit for booking
Brokers out services so service quality varies based on location

IVL’s service options in Tennessee are more comprehensive than most moving companies:

  • Assembly and disassembly 
  • Debris removal
  • Car transport (with enclosed and open trailer options)
  • Custom crating for fragile items
  • Full-service moving
  • Full-service packing
  • Insurance options
  • Motorcycle transport
  • Packing supplies
  • Piano moving
  • Shipment tracking
  • Shuttle services

International Van Lines typically handles long-distance moves in-house and brokers local moves to third-party companies, providing the following options:

  • Auto transportation services
  • Commercial moving 
  • Cross-country moving 
  • Interstate moving
  • Intrastate moving
  • Local moving 
  • Military moving services
  • Overseas moving services

IVL offers the following discounts to its customers in Tennessee, which is more than most companies offer:

  • 15% discount on auto shipping
  • 15% discount for senior citizens
  • 30 days of free storage with every move 
  • Discounts for booking online 

Speak to a representative at IVL to claim these discounts.

As of this writing, IVL’s website also offered a 10% discount on moves.

Most Transparent Pricing

American Van Lines

4.0

Our Rating

Limited Time Offer:
Price Matching Available

American Van Lines (AVL) stands out as a moving carrier in an industry filled with moving brokers because it uses in-house employees to conduct all its services. This approach guarantees consistent service quality for AVL customers across Tennessee.

One thing I love about AVL is its clear pricing structures. AVL calculates the cost of your move based on the distance of your relocation, the volume of your belongings, and the specific services you require. Once AVL gives you the price for your services, the price remains fixed as long as you don’t change your inventory. This makes AVL an excellent option for individuals on a budget.

All employees screened and background checked
No fees for last-minute moves
Weekly shuttles to major U.S. cities 
Larger required deposit than other companies 
No local moves in Tennessee

AVL offers the following service options exclusively fulfilled by its employees, keeping service quality high and consistent:

  • Antique and piano handling
  • Contents coverage plan
  • Discounted moving (no packing)
  • Full-service moving
  • Full-service packing
  • Furniture disassembly and reassembly
  • Partial packing (fragile items only)
  • Storage options
  • Vehicle shipping 

American Van Lines provides moving services for residential and commercial clients:

  • Corporate employee relocation
  • Commercial moving
  • Interstate moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Military moving

American Van Lines offers considerable discounts to senior citizens, military members, and disabled veterans. If you believe you are eligible, please contact an AVL customer representative to learn more.

Watch this quick video to learn more about American Van Lines and its services: 

Best Cost Estimation Tools

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

4.2

Our Rating

Limited Time Offer:
No current offers available.

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a full-service moving broker in Tennessee. IMRG has an extensive network of moving companies to provide the best pricing and accommodations for your move. We recommend getting at least three quotes from reputable companies before you book your movers, and IMRG completes this step for its clients.

Additionally, IMRG stands out with its handy online price calculator. After responding to a few prompts, you get an instant estimate of your moving costs. While it may not be as precise as an in-person quote, it’s ideal for early research and making quick comparisons.

Today’s Homeowner Tips
If you’ve hired professional movers in the past, you know how hard they work to get the job done. We recommend showing your gratitude with a tip of 10% to 20% of your final bill, $5 to $10 per hour per day, or $20 to $50 per mover at the end of each day.
As a broker, can accommodate most service requests
Great online cost calculator
Offers price matching
No customer support on weekends
No international moving services

IMRG works with moving carriers throughout Tennessee to provide the following services:

  • Auto transportation
  • Full-service moving
  • Full-service packing
  • Furniture disassembly and reassembly
  • Furniture moving
  • Loading and unloading

IMRG specializes in military moves and offers a full range of moving options to residents in Tennessee:

  • Corporate moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Local moves
  • Long-distance moves
  • Military moves

As of this writing, IMRG is offering a $500 discount to anyone who calls to book their interstate move. IMRG also offers special rates for senior citizens, active-duty military members, and students. Contact an IMRG representative to learn more about these discounts.

Best Flat-rate Pricing

Safeway Moving

4.1

Our Rating

Limited Time Offer:
No current offers available.

If you’re making a long-distance move to or from Tennessee, Safeway Moving is an excellent option, thanks to its high customer service ratings and availability in all 50 states. Furthermore, unlike most moving companies, Safeway Moving offers flat-rate pricing, so as long as you don’t change your inventory, you’ll know exactly how much your expenses are on moving day. 

At the moving company where I work, we don’t provide binding estimates or flat-rate pricing, and sometimes, jobs require more time and labor than we estimated, increasing our clients estimated costs significantly. With Safeway Movings’ pricing, you don’t have to worry about any surprises on your final bill, making it an ideal option for those on a strict moving budget.

24/7 customer support
Provides binding estimates for your moving package 
Donates part of moving fees to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
No international moving assistance
No local moving services in Tennessee

Safeway provides the following basic services, which can accommodate most homeowners in Tennessee:

  • Automobile shipping
  • Custom crating
  • Full valuation coverage and liability insurance
  • Junk removal
  • Loading and unloading services
  • Packing and unpacking services
  • Piano moving
  • Storage services (30 days of free storage)
  • Specialty items moving

As a moving broker, Safeway can handle moves of all shapes and sizes. Here are Safeway’s moving options in Tennessee:

  • Commercial moving
  • International moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Military relocation
  • Office moving

Although Safeway’s website doesn’t display any discounts, customers report special rates for veterans, students, and seniors. To learn more, speak with a customer representative at Safeway.

Best Quoting Experience

Moving APT

3.9

Our Rating

Limited Time Offer:
Use Code APT23 For 20% Off

Moving APT is a moving broker with a network of over 500 agents to coordinate full-service moves in Tennessee, including specialty services. I work for a moving company that offers full-service packing and limited add-on services, so when our clients require services we don’t provide, they have to work with additional moving companies and coordinate between them all. I love that Moving APT will coordinate all the services you need within its network of partners into one single package. 

24/7 customer support
Prescreens all moving partners for proper licensing and insurance
Price matches among its 2,500 moving partners
Cancellations must be made at least one week before your move to receive a full refund of your deposit
Customer reviews and service quality vary because of so many moving partners

Moving APT can coordinate the following service options in Tennessee through its extensive partner network:

  • Appliance connection 
  • Auto shipping
  • Custom crating
  • Furniture disassembly and reassembly (limited)
  • Home staging
  • Junk removal 
  • Moving supplies
  • Packing 
  • Piano moving
  • Storage 

Moving APT can accommodate Tennessee homeowners and businesses with the following options: 

  • Commercial moving
  • International moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Moving APT offers discounts to military members, seniors, and early bookers. Moving APT can also help you save money by searching within its network of partners to find the lowest possible price for your services. Speak to a Moving APT representative for more information about these discounts.

Most Customizable Moving Experience

JK Moving Services

4.2

Our Rating

Limited Time Offer:
No current offers available.

JK Moving Services is the largest independent moving carrier in North America, meaning that JK Moving’s employees handle all its services. When you work with JK Moving, you can feel at ease knowing that it background checks all its employees and your services won’t be brokered out to other companies. Furthermore, for a moving carrier, JK Moving offers more add-on services than any other company I’ve seen, making it the best choice on our list for a moving carrier with fully customizable moving packages.

Dedicated move coordinator with every move
24/7 customer support
Financing options through Enhancify with rates as low as 0%
No local moves in Tennessee
No online quotes (in-person visit required)

JK Moving Services offers the following options to create your customized moving package in Tennessee:

  • Archive services
  • Auto relocation 
  • Business storage services (short-term and long-term) 
  • Climate-controlled storage options 
  • Crating
  • Financing assistance
  • Freighting (overseas)
  • Furniture wrapping
  • GPS shipment tracking
  • Loading and unloading 
  • Optional full-value protection
  • Packing and unpacking
  • Transportation and delivery on moving trucks

JK Moving Services doesn’t provide local moving services in Tennessee, but it does accommodate the following options:

  • Commercial moves 
  • Government moves
  • International moves
  • Long-distance moves

I found no information about discounts on JK Moving Services’ website, but I learned about its partnership with Enhancify, a home improvement loan company that provides financing for moving projects. Speak to a JK Moving representative for more information.

Best Vehicle Shipping Options

Allied Van Lines

4.2

Our Rating

Limited Time Offer:
No current offers available.

If you need to relocate your car, truck, SUV, boat, yacht, snowmobile, jet ski, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle, Allied is the best provider for the job. Allied offers in-house vehicle shipping — a rare option in the moving industry. It also provides covered and uncovered transport options, additional insurance, and GPS tracking. Most importantly, if your car shipment runs late, Allied will provide a rental car free of charge, making the process stress-free.

Small move services through Allied Express moving container services
GPS tracking on all moves
In-house vehicle shipping and auto guarantee
More expensive local moves than competitors
Online quotes are sometimes inaccurate (stick with in-person or over-the-phone quotes) 

I strongly recommend Allied for its top-notch vehicle transportation options. Allied also provides full-service moves and the following service options: 

  • Auto and boat transportation
  • DIY moving container service
  • Extended insurance coverage
  • Furniture disassembly and reassembly
  • Loading and unloading
  • Long-term storage arrangement
  • Packing and unpacking
  • Specialty packing for delicate items
  • Storage for in-transit items
  • Vehicle guarantees

Allied doesn’t handle military or corporate relocations, but it offers the following options for homeowners in Tennessee:

  • International moving
  • Interstate moving
  • Local moving

Customers report 15% discounts for seniors and discounts for up-front cash payments. Speak to an Allied representative for more information.

Best Technology

Mayflower Moving

4.1

Our Rating

Limited Time Offer:
No current offers

Mayflower has been providing customized moving experiences for over 90 years. When it comes to convenience, Mayflower is my top choice for a moving broker. With a Mayflower moving package, you’ll have a personal move coordinator to assist you throughout the process. You can also manage your service details on Mayflower’s app and track your moving truck’s location with GPS. Having these technological features provides quick access to overall peace of mind during your move.

Full-service moving packages
Wide variety of storage options 
GPS tracking
Limited selection of add-on services
No online estimates

Mayflower offers limited moving services compared to other companies in this guide:  

  • Basic full-value protection
  • Debris removal
  • Loading and unloading
  • Packing and unpacking 
  • Personal move coordination
  • Short-term and long-term storage solutions

Mayflower doesn’t offer moving services for businesses, but it does offer the following move options for homeowners in Tennessee:  

  • International moves
  • Local moves
  • Long-distance moves

I didn’t find any discounts listed on Mayflower’s website. However, I did discover an interesting partnership with Mayflower and CityPointe Real Estate Services. CityPointe offers cash back for home sales and purchases and connects clients with temporary housing to save time and money while they relocate. Contact a Mayflower representative for more information. 

Best Pricing

North American Van Lines

4.0

Our Rating

Limited Time Offer:
Seniors Get 40–65% Off

North American Moving Services (NAMS) has an exceptional A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and over 85 years of experience coordinating moves across the United States and Tennessee. As a moving carrier and broker, NAMS offers its clients a wide range of service options, a dedicated move coordinator, and, most importantly, flexible pricing. With NAMS, you can set not-to-exceed and bottom-line price limits, guaranteeing that you won’t exceed your predetermined budget unless you add additional services or inventory during your move. This feature is especially beneficial for homeowners working with a tight budget for their moving expenses.

Exceptional senior citizen discount
GPS tracking available for all moves
Local moves offered throughout Tennessee
Customers report long claims process for damages
Varied service quality based on moving partners in Tennessee

As a full-service moving company, North American Moving Services offers an extensive list of services you can check out below:

  • Appliance disconnection and reconnection
  • Auto transport
  • Basic liability coverage
  • Crane van for moving oversized items
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Furniture disassembly and reassembly
  • Junk removal
  • Loading and unloading
  • Packing and unpacking
  • Packing materials
  • Specialty fragile item packing
  • Storage services

NAMS coordinates the following move options, making it a great choice for homeowners in Tennessee:  

  • International moves 
  • Interstate moves
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moves

While NAMS doesn’t offer many deals, if you’re a part of The Senior Citizens League, you can receive discounts between 40% and 65%. This is remarkably higher than any other discount I’ve seen offered in the moving industry.


How Much Do Top Moving Companies Typically Charge in Tennessee?

With Tennessee’s low cost of living, local movers may charge less than in other places, but depending on the size of your home, the distance of your move, and the services you require, moving can be expensive. 

Type of MoveAverage Cost 
Local move (within the same city)$600 – $2,400
Local move (within the same state)$4,000 – $6,000
Long-distance move$600 – $10,000+
International move$8,000 – $15,000
Full-service move$2,300+ 
Auto moving$1,000+ per vehicle

Below you’ll find quotes for moves in Tennessee from some of my favorite providers based on the number of bedrooms and distance:

  • North American Moving Services quoted $4,900 to $5,550 for a 500-mile move of a two-bedroom home in Tennessee. 
  • Allied quoted $6,150 to $8,000 for a 700-mile move of a two-bedroom home in Tennessee.
  • International Van Lines quoted $4,500 to $6,500 for a 50-mile move of a two-bedroom home in Tennessee. 
  • Interstate Moving and Relocation Group quoted $8,500+ for a 100-mile move of a four-bedroom home in Tennessee.

How Can You Negotiate With the Top Moving Companies and Get Discounts?

Negotiating with moving companies is a strategic approach that can lead to cost savings and better service options. Here are some tips to facilitate negotiations and gain bargaining power:

  • Be Flexible with Dates: Although flexibility isn’t possible with every moving situation, offering flexible moving dates could get you a deal, as movers may have open slots they’re eager to fill.
  • Combine Services: Inquire about discounts for bundling services like packing, unpacking, and auto shipping. 
  • Collect Multiple Estimates: Obtain quotes from several respected moving companies to understand the pricing policies and services offered by each one.
  • Loyalty and Referrals: Mention if you’re a repeat customer or someone referred you. This may result in discounts.

When negotiating with moving companies, maintain a persistent but polite tone. Communicate your budget constraints and preferences. Beware of common pitfalls such as hidden fees, low-ball estimates, and moving scams. You can navigate negotiations successfully by arming yourself with knowledge and watching for red flags throughout the process.


How Can You Avoid Moving Scams From Bad Moving Companies?

Moving scams can be an absolute nightmare and cost you both time and money. Let’s explore some common scams and how to spot them: 

  • Low-ball estimates: Online or phone estimates are acceptable for gathering information. However, reputable companies will want to do an in-person or virtual assessment of your home before providing a contract. Be wary of estimates that are significantly lower than the others you received. Scammers offer unrealistically low quotes initially only to pile on unexpected charges later.
  • Hidden fees: A reputable moving company will provide a detailed contract with terms and conditions spelled out. Read your contract carefully, and ask about any additional fees you can expect to see on your final bill. Bad movers will provide vague contracts and will add costs later that should have been disclosed upfront.
  • Rogue movers: Reputable movers have a clear online presence, including a physical address and company details. If you can’t find a company’s information online, you may be dealing with unlicensed, unprofessional movers who could damage or steal your belongings.

A bit of caution up front can save you a ton of trouble. Stay informed, ask questions, and trust your gut when something doesn’t seem right during your move.


What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Top Moving Company?

Choosing the best moving company for your move depends on several factors, such as:

  • Your budget: Considering your budget is crucial to avoid overspending on your move. First, research different moving companies and their pricing structures to find the one that offers the services you need at a price you can afford. 
  • Your timeline: Your moving timeline impacts availability and pricing. If you have flexibility, you might secure better rates during off-peak seasons. However, if you’re on a tight schedule, prioritize movers who can accommodate your preferred dates without rushing the process or charging exorbitant rates.
  • Your distance: Look for movers with a strong track record in handling the specific challenges of your move distance. The distance of your move affects logistics and pricing. For long-distance moves, choose a company with experience in cross-country transportation. 
  • Your items: The nature and quantity of your belongings play a role in choosing the right movers. Fragile or valuable items might require specialized packing and handling. Choose a company that offers the necessary expertise and equipment to safely transport your possessions.
  • Your preferences: Your preferences, such as full-service packing or specific scheduling needs, should align with the services offered by the moving company you choose. Read plenty of reviews from each company’s past customers. Choose a company with a solid history of customer satisfaction, verified credentials, and transparent pricing.

So, What Is the Best Moving Company in Tennessee?

Selecting the best moving company for your needs can be a challenge, given the prevalence of moving scams and the innumerable choices for moving companies in Tennessee. However, it’s really simple to get started. Do some preliminary research to find a short list of the best moving companies in your location. Then, pick the top three companies offering the services you need and get quotes from each to compare costs. 

I recommend International Van Lines for local and long-distance moves in Tennessee due to its wide range of services and availability. However, if you need your vehicle shipped along with your belongings, I recommend Allied for its stellar insurance options and GPS tracking. 

Get at least three free quotes from the best moving companies in Tennessee below to start confidently planning your move.

Our Top Pick
Best Full-Service Mover

4.5

One month of free storage included with your move

Provides moves in all 50 states

Offers air & ocean freighting

VISIT SITE
Most Transparent Pricing

4.0

Flat rate pricing for all moves

Offers price matching

Expedited moves between big cities

VISIT SITE
Best Flat-rate Pricing
Safeway Moving Logo

4.1

Customizable moving packages

Flat-rate pricing 

Short and long-term storage solutions

VISIT SITE

FAQs About the Best Moving Companies in Tennessee

How Much Are Movers in Tennessee?

The cost of hiring movers in Tennessee can vary widely based on factors such as the distance of your move, the size of your home, the volume of your belongings, and the specific services you require. For an accurate estimate, contact multiple moving companies in Tennessee and request quotes tailored to your particular needs.


What Is the Cheapest Day to Hire a Moving Company?

The cheapest day to hire a moving company is usually a weekday, particularly in the middle of the week, like Tuesday or Wednesday. Weekends and the beginning or end of the month tend to be busier and more expensive due to higher demand.


What Moving Company Is the Cheapest?

Determining the cheapest moving company in Tennessee can vary based on location, distance, services needed, and time of year. It’s essential to be cautious of overly low quotes that might lead to hidden fees or poor service quality. To find an affordable and reputable option, obtain quotes from several well-reviewed moving companies in your area, compare their offerings, and choose the one that provides the services you require at a cost you can afford.


How Do I Find the Best Local Movers?

To find the best local movers in Tennessee:

  1. Seek recommendations from friends, family, or online communities with positive experiences.
  2. Research local moving companies online, checking for licensing, insurance, and customer reviews on reputable platforms.
  3. Obtain multiple estimates, compare services and pricing, and choose a mover that aligns with your needs and budget and has a track record of reliability and professionalism.


Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Moving Companies in Tennessee

At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our moving company ratings emphasize what matters most to you — reputable, affordable companies able to tackle a wide range of packing and moving tasks in Tennessee.

Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and interviews with former and current professional movers.

A moving company can earn a maximum of 100 points across four categories converted to a five-star scale. We researched and analyzed dozens of full- and self-service moving companies and developed the following formula:

  • Transparency (30 Points): We awarded top points to Tennessee moving companies that supplied quotes quickly and provided easy-to-read moving contracts. We used the availability of sample pricing and quick quote features, GPS tracking, and clear customer service hours to determine this metric. Points were also awarded for up-front communication regarding policies, licensing, insurance, and the clear listing of added fees.
  • Basic Service Options (20 Points): While this may seem like a given for most Tennessee movers, a strong basic service profile is not guaranteed when you book your move. Movers that offer local, long-distance, and international moving while providing packing and loading with their basic service packages rate highly here. 
  • Customization Options (30 Points): Aside from basic services, a comprehensive list of added services indicates a Tennessee mover’s quality. Assembly and disassembly, valuation coverage, piano moving, car shipping, and similar add-ons indicate a mover that puts customer service first.
  • Reputation (20 Points): We assessed each Tennessee mover’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. We weighed BBB ratings and the company’s complaint response rate to calculate this metric.

We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Katelynn Ward

Katelynn Ward

Katelynn Ward is a home warranty writer at Today’s Homeowner. She attended Eastern Kentucky University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degrees and her Master’s Degrees.

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photo of Lora Novak

Lora Novak

Senior Editor

Lora Novak meticulously proofreads and edits all commercial content for Today’s Homeowner to guarantee that it contains the most up-to-date information. Lora brings over 12 years of writing, editing, and digital marketing expertise. She’s worked on thousands of articles related to heating, air conditioning, ventilation, roofing, plumbing, lawn/garden, pest control, insurance, and other general homeownership topics.

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