10 best movers in Franklin, Tennessee

The best long-distance moving company for relocating out of Tennessee is International Van Lines. For a local move around Franklin, use the filters below to find other local companies for your move.

Long-distance movers in Franklin

A long-distance move is when you move more than 50 miles away or relocate from one state to another. When moving across state boundaries, check that your moving company has the necessary federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database to verify a carrier's licensing status.

The long-distance movers below are reliable and have an active license. They can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently across state lines.

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

The average hourly moving rate for relocating within or out of Franklin is greater than the national average, making itrelatively expensive. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Franklin is higher than 95.3% of the country.

Moving expenses add up quickly, as there are numerous factors involved. Typical moving expenses include the following:

• Junk removal
• Professional labor
• Supplies
• Storage
• Fuel
• Packing

These additional considerations can cause your total cost to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move valuable, oversized or fragile items. Some common items that can cost more to move include these:

• Artwork and sculptures
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Pianos
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Safes

If you have to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t required, it's common to tip if they provide quality service. For long-distance moves, a typical tip is $20–$40 per mover per day. For local moves, tip $5–$10 per mover per hour.

Unexpected delays

It's common for a move to be delayed due to issues such as traffic, inclement weather, a lack of supplies and transportation emergencies. These can increase your moving costs and extend your timeline. Although delays are unpredictable, you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping these ways in mind can lower your moving expenses in Franklin.

Be communicative

To prevent unexpected charges on your moving day, be communicative with your movers, particularly about items you add to your inventory after getting a quote from the movers.

For example, small items can usually be added to the truck without a problem, but large items — like new appliances or furniture — should be discussed ahead of time. The movers may need to adjust their estimate for these item, and they’ll need your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Dependable, affordable movers are highly sought after. Consider moving in the off-season or during the week to reduce costs and still get your preferred moving company.

Movers are the most booked between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, moving during slower months may result in less competition or lower rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you can’t find an affordable moving service that meets your needs, there are several alternatives to consider.

While you can move yourself, consider the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have bulky items such as furniture. If you don't have the time or support system required for a self-move, hiring movers is worth it.

Another alternative is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. While hiring hourly help can be more affordable, these gig workers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Franklin

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your hired movers handle the entire moving process for you. They supply packing materials, provide packing services for your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving is more expensive than services that only include loading and moving your items, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing supplies it saves. Additionally, full-service moving may offer more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are usually only insured up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be tough.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on all official documents such as estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should verify a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an interstate move by checking the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Tennessee are also required to have a license from the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

How does moving insurance work?

Learn what insurance policies your movers provide. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, inquire about your mover's full-value protection policies. However, you may want to inquire about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an additional cost, if your belongings include higher worth items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The best moving time falls during May to September, leading to notably higher demand and pricing for moves both big and small. The high summer rates could understandably dissuade you from moving at that time of year.

We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

On moving day, keep personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping any valuable electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving companies cap insurance coverage for high-value items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about potential loss or damage, take those invaluable or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including the following:

• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Batteries
• Perishable foods and produce
• Aerosols
• Fertilizers
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Fuel sources
• Plants

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.