10 best movers in Nashville, Tennessee

The best interstate mover for relocating out of Tennessee is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move in the Nashville area.

Long-distance movers in Nashville

A long-distance move is when you move from one state to another or more than 50 miles away. Check that the mover you hire has the proper federal licensing when crossing state lines. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name to verify a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

The long-distance moving companies below are experienced and actively licensed. They can help get your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

Featured

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?

While moving can be an expensive process, the average hourly rate for moving services in Nashville is lower than the national average. Despite the cost of living in Nashville being higher than 85.2% of the country, moving prices in the area are more affordable than expected.

Moving expenses add up quickly, as there are many factors involved. The following are typical moving expenses:

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

These additional factors can cause your total moving cost to climb even more:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring professional movers, you may have to pay more for moving valuable, fragile or very large items. Some items that can be more expensive to move include these:

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

When researching moving companies, ask if they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers is optional, but it’s common if your movers provided good service. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

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

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to reduce moving costs in Nashville.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items they have to move.

Small items may not be a problem, but inform them of large additions such as new furniture or appliances. 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

Reliable, budget-friendly movers are in high demand. Consider moving in the off-season or during the week to reduce costs and still book your preferred relocation service.

Peak moving season is between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, moving during slower months may result in less competition or lower ratesfor services.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider an alternative if you can't find an affordable relocation service that meets your needs.

You can move on your own, but consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

Enlisting help from family, friends or neighbors for moving bulky items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. If you don't have the time or support system needed for a self-move, employing movers is valuable.

Another option is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can be less expensive, these independent contractors may not have the necessary licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Nashville

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will handle the entire moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is pricier than services that only include loading and transporting your belongings, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing materials it saves. Additionally, full-service moving can offer better insurance coverage, as self-packed items are typically only covered up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be challenging to get a claim accepted for self-packed damaged items.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will show proof of registration on their transport trucks, as well as on paperwork like quotes and agreements. If you're planning an interstate move, confirm the company's USDOT and MC numbers on 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?

You’ll also need to learn about your mover’s insurance policies. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which covers items at 60 cents per pound per item. Purchasing this additional coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving costly or sentimental items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The ideal time to move stretches from May through September, resulting in lower supply and heightened pricing nationwide for relocations of all kinds. The steep rates may prevent you from a summer move. Furthermore, you may wish to avoid relocating in the summer given Nashville's intense heat, which could further complicate a move.

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?

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and valuable keepsakes in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any high-end electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Moving companies frequently cap insurance coverage on expensive items, like jewelry and heirlooms. Bring irreplaceable and valuable belongings in your own car if you're concerned about loss or damage.

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

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

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.