10 best movers in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

The best interstate moving company for relocating out of Tennessee is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move in the Oak Ridge area.

Long-distance movers in Oak Ridge

A long-distance move is when you move over 50 miles away or relocate to a different state. When crossing state boundaries, make sure your mover has the proper federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to confirm a carrier's licensing status.

The reliable and experienced long-distance moving services below have an active license. They can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

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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 moving within or out of Oak Ridge is higher than the national average, making itrelatively costly. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Oak Ridge is above 40.0% of the country.

Moving expenses add up quickly based on what services you need. The following are typical moving expenses:

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

These extra factors can cause your final moving bill to climb even more:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain belongings, especially those that are fragile, valuable or particularly large. These common items can be more expensive to move:

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

When researching movers, ask if they move these items and how much it'll cost.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers is optional but common if they take good care of your belongings or make your move easier. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

It's common for a move to be delayed due to issues such as a lack of supplies, traffic, transportation emergencies and inclement weather. These can raise your moving costs and extend your timeline. You can't prevent delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to lower moving expenses in Oak Ridge.

Be communicative

Prevent surprise charges the day of your move by communicating with your movers as much as possible. Inform them of additional items that weren’t in the initial inventory.

For example, your movers can usually add small items to the truck without issue, but large items — like new furniture or appliances — need to be discussed in advance. The movers may charge more for those additions and won’t begin your move until you’ve consented to the additional charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving in the off-season or during the week can save some money and ensure you book your preferred moving company.

Most people hire moving companies between May and September. If you have a flexible timeline, you may want to move outside of those months, as there may be less competition or lower rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you can't find an affordable mover that meets your needs.

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

• Moving truck rental
• Fuel
• Packing supplies

Enlisting help from family, friends or neighbors for moving heavy items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. Hiring movers is beneficial if you don't have the time or anyone to help you move.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr, which can cost less. However, these freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Oak Ridge

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will manage every part of the moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is more expensive than standard moving services, which typically only include the loading up and transport of your belongings. The price can be worth it, considering the time and labor packers spare you, in addition to the packing materials costs it covers. Additionally, full-service moving may offer more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are typically only insured up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be difficult.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Any legitimate moving company will show their proof of registration on physical trucks and official files. If you're making an out of state move, you should screen companies for legitimate USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting 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?

Review what insurance policies your movers provide. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to ask 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 warmer months (stretching from May through September) are the best moving time, which makes for elevated demand and higher rates across the country for moves of all sizes. This may steer you away from a summer move due to the higher cost. You may also want to avoid moving in the summer because of the intense heat that Oak Ridge can encounter, which could make moving in those months even more challenging.

We advise moving in the springtime or early autumn so that you have optimal weather conditions and more affordable pricing for services.

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

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

Many moving companies restrict insurance coverage on high-value items, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Hold onto these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable possessions, if you're concerned about potential loss or damage.

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

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

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.