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.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.1
Customizable moving packages
Flat-rate pricing
Short and long-term storage solutions
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 | 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 | Not Rated | Not available for local moves | $2,200–$5,500 | |
 | Most Moving | B | Call for a quote | $2,750–$5,200 | |
 | Most Customizable | A+ | Call for a quote | $2,750–$6,000 | |
 | Best Vehicle | A+ | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 | |
 | Best Pricing | 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 |
International Van Lines
4.5
Our Rating
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.
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.
American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
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.
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:
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
4.2
Our Rating
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.
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.
Safeway Moving
4.1
Our Rating
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.
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.
Moving APT
3.9
Our Rating
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.
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.
JK Moving Services
4.2
Our Rating
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.
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.
Allied Van Lines
4.2
Our Rating
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.
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.
Mayflower Moving
4.1
Our Rating
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.
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.
North American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
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.
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 Move | Average 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.
Read also: Solar Incentives Tennessee
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.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.1
Customizable moving packages
Flat-rate pricing
Short and long-term storage solutions
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:
- Seek recommendations from friends, family, or online communities with positive experiences.
- Research local moving companies online, checking for licensing, insurance, and customer reviews on reputable platforms.
- 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.
