Sean Donnelly is a writer for USA TODAY Homefront. His content draws on more than three years of experience in the moving industry. He started as a laborer and was quickly promoted to moving crew leader. Sean also served as a move coordinator, where he conducted in-home and virtual estimates for customers. During his time in the industry, Sean assisted more than 500 clients with their relocation needs. Thanks to his years of hand-on experience, he understands all aspects of moving — from proper preparation to the quote process to effective packing techniques. Sean studied English literature and creative writing at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and is still located in the greater Springfield area. When he isn’t writing, Sean is a cohead coach of the boxing team at his alma mater.
Editorial note: Homefront (defined in the Disclosure below) may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured on our site. This commission does not influence our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
Spring is an ideal time to start planning your move but know that moving companies see heightened demand between May and September. Researching moving companies at least six to eight weeks before your move date can help you find a moving company that offers the best services at an affordable rate.
After reviewing more than 15 popular national movers, USA TODAY Homefront research shows that Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines (NAVL) are the best long-distance moving companies.
Allied’s expedited small-move packages make it a good choice for college students, empty nesters and customers with few belongings that need to be moved a long distance. Plus, its valuation coverage options cover clients with varied home inventories.
Similarly, NAVL’s “not-to-exceed” and “bottom-line” pricing options make it a good choice for clients who have a set budget. Those planning a local relocation in Tennessee should look at 6th Man Movers. As one of the best moving companies in the state, 6th Man Movers is known for positive customer reviews.
We reviewed the six best moving companies in Tennessee. All of our top picks have a customer rating of at least 4.7 out of 5 stars on our proprietary grading scale. These movers provide a wide range of services, feature high customer satisfaction ratings and cover moves into, out of and within Tennessee.
These moving companies are all a great choice for Tennessee moves. We graded them against our criteria and each received a high rating for quality and service.
Long-distance:
Local:
We graded each moving company using its service coverage area, quote processes and customer reviews:
If you’re planning an interstate or long-distance move in Tennessee, the following movers are the most accessible nationwide options for you:
Allied Van Lines is a carrier with more than 500 locations nationwide, with multiple offices in Nashville and other locations throughout Tennessee. If you’re moving long-distance but only have limited furnishings and belongings, Allied Express could be a great fit. It offers expedited small-move plans including full service for two-bedroom moves or smaller, and full-value protection and labor at a single bottom-line rate.
Service area: 50 states and 130 countries
Base services:
Add-on services:
Storage: Most Allied locations provide short- and long-term storage.
Quote type: Allied provides binding estimates for long-distance moves.
Pricing: Long-distance quotes are based on move distance and shipment weight.
Sample cost: We called Allied and got a long-distance quote for a three-bedroom, 1,800-mile relocation. During our 15-minute phone call, the representative took down our inventory and basic information. They gave us a ballpark rate of $7,000 for a move with no add-ons. Packing increased our cost to $10,000.
Deposit: No deposit is required.
Payment methods: This mover accepts cash, certified checks, money orders and credit cards.
In addition to the federally mandated released-value protection (60 cents per pound), Allied offers Extra Care Protection (ECP) with any move. This coverage involves discussing a select dollar for maximum coverage with your move coordinator. You pay a percentage of this along with your bill to guarantee your agreed coverage.
Allied’s Nashville location has a customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. Positive reviews mention responsive customer service staff and punctual moving teams. We read reviews for local and long-distance service.
North American Van Lines (NAVL) is a nationwide moving carrier licensed in all 50 states. Its 500-plus locations include a highly-rated Nashville office that provides local and long-distance service and add-ons such as packing, crating, valuation options and more.
Storage: NAVL offers short- and long-term storage options at most locations.
Quote type: This mover provides binding estimates for all long-distance moves. These quotes can come with bottom-line or not-to-exceed pricing options to suit any budget.
Pricing: Long-distance moving quotes are based on move distance and shipment weight.
Sample cost: We called NAVL and got a quote for a cross-country three-bedroom move. In all, we spent 20 minutes on the phone with the representative. They asked for our inventory and gave us a ballpark rate for a 2,900-mile relocation. Without packing, this move would cost $13,450. Full-service packing increased the cost to $16,757.
Deposit: None required
Payment methods: This mover accepts cash, certified checks and money orders.
NAVL provides released-value protection for all moves at no additional cost. It also offers paid valuation coverage options if you want more protection for your goods. You should discuss these options with your move coordinator during your free quote.
NAVL’s Memphis branch is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. While the few negative reviews mention poor communication between booking staff and moving crews, positive feedback mentions minimal hassle during individual moving processes. Customers were satisfied with pricing and punctuality for their moves overall.
International Van Lines (IVL) is a global moving carrier and broker. While it primarily offers long-distance service, its nationwide coverage makes it a convenient option for longer relocations between Tennessee and most areas of the U.S. and worldwide.
Service area: 50 states and 150 countries
Storage: IVL offers short- and long-term storage options in most locations.
Quote type: This mover offers binding estimates for long-distance moves.
Pricing: Long-distance pricing is based on move distance and total shipment weight.
Sample cost: We called IVL for a consultation regarding a three-bedroom, 1,800-mile move. Our move coordinator spent 20 minutes on the phone collecting our move information and gave us a ballpark rate. Without packing, this relocation would cost $6,276. Full-service packing would increase our cost to $7,158.
Deposit: 20% to 25% of your final move total
Payment methods: IVL accepts cashier’s checks, money orders, business checks and major credit cards.
This provider includes released-value protection with all moves and offers full-value protection at an added cost. You’ll have to coordinate with your company representative during the quote process for increased protection. Set your maximum amount of coverage, depending on the value of your shipment. Your added price will be between 3% and 4% of this declared value.
This mover has a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Negative reviews mention added fees after goods were delivered to clients’ new homes. Positive reviews cite responsive customer service teams and punctual moving crews.
The following movers are well-reviewed and provide local and long-distance service to most of the state.
6th Man Movers is a Nashville area mover that was founded in 2013. It offers quality local (less than 50 miles) and long-distance (more than 50 miles) service via well-trained teams. Comprehensive valuation coverage options will appeal to clients with expensive items in their inventories.
Service area: This mover serves all of Tennessee.
Quote type: This mover supplies nonbinding estimates for local moves.
Pricing: Local moving rates are based on the number of movers and moving trucks assigned to your move.
Sample cost: This mover requires that you schedule an in-person consultation for any definitive moving quote. We were treated to prompt responses when we reached out for pricing. However, you should plan to set aside at least 30–60 minutes to fully log your inventory and moving needs.
Deposit: This mover charges deposits to book. While it declined to provide the amounts, most moving companies charge a deposit equal to about one to two hours of their hourly labor rate and apply it to the final moving cost.
Payment methods: You can pay your move bill via cash, checks or major credit cards.
Aside from the legally required released-value protection, 6th Man Movers offers two valuation coverage options: a no-deductible option and a higher-coverage plan with a deductible.
Both plans allow you to set a maximum dollar amount of coverage and require that you pay the cost with your move bill.
This mover has more than 1,100 reviews and is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. Positive reviews cite friendly moving crews, detail-oriented workers and customer service staff. We routinely saw high praise for 6th Man’s interstate moving services, too.
Big League Movers is a Memphis-based carrier with more than a decade of moving experience. It provides well-reviewed service for residential and commercial moving clients across Tennessee and beyond.
Service area: This mover primarily services the Memphis area, but offers long-distance service in the entire state.
Quote type: This mover offers ballpark quotes for local moves based on hourly rates.
Pricing: All hourly rates are based on the number of movers and moving trucks assigned to a move.
Sample cost: We contacted Big League Movers for a quote and received a prompt email response. However, you should note that this mover requires a phone or video call to yield pricing. We could not get a preliminary pricing estimate, but its prompt response times are a definite positive.
Deposit: No deposit requirements were mentioned in our email correspondence, however, a one-time service fee is discussed in this mover’s FAQs. Ask about this when you get a quote.
Payment methods: Big League Movers accepts cash and all major credit cards.
Big League Movers offers the federally required released-value protection. If you require more protection beyond the 60 cents per pound per item that this provides, you should discuss it with your move coordinator when getting a free quote.
This carrier has a 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews with more than 2,700 reviews. The mostly positive customer testimonials mention professional and considerate moving crews, with high marks for local and long-distance moving clients.
True Friends Moving Company is a Nashville-based mover with a second location in Tampa, Florida. It provides local and long-distance moving services within these areas, along with commercial and residential moving options.
Service area: This mover focuses mainly on the greater Nashville area, but offers long-distance service throughout the state.
Quote type: This mover offers ballpark quotes for local moves.
Pricing: Hourly rates are set by the number of movers and trucks assigned to your move.
Sample cost: We contacted True Friends Moving Company for a pricing estimate and received a prompt email reply. This mover requested we book a video call estimate or in-person consultation to get pricing. While we couldn’t get a ballpark hourly rate, True Friends’ positive customer reviews and quick email communication suggest quality customer service.
Deposit: This mover didn’t mention deposit requirements when we contacted them for a quote.
Payment methods: True Friends accepts cash and major credit cards.
True Friends Moving Company advertises multiple levels of moving valuation coverage. However, you’ll have to call and discuss this when you get a quote from this mover. From the information listed, released-value protection comes free with any move and you can purchase at least one additional tier of coverage.
This mover has 4.6 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. With more than 1,500 positive reviews, positive mentions great care in handling and packing fragile items and stress-free experiences.
You’ll want to remember some key factors when requesting quotes from any moving company. The tips below will help refine your search when selecting a moving company in Tennessee, and beyond.
The first step in any moving process is determining the basic and add-on services you want or need. To do this, conduct a full walk-through of your home and write up an inventory list. Break down this list by room and note all items you plan on taking with you and all that you plan to donate or discard. Note any moving needs and additional services you would like your movers to perform, including the following:
You should understand your mover’s service model before you book. Generally, moving companies operate under one of two service models: carriers and brokers.
All moving companies must comply with unique regulations and registration requirements. Check that your mover is properly licensed before getting quotes.
Interstate and long-distance moving companies are federally regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This governing body requires all movers to carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can check a mover’s registration status via the FMCSA database to ensure that a carrier or broker is fully licensed.
There are no state-level governing bodies for moving companies within Tennessee. Instead, all moving companies must carry basic business licensing and a USDOT number.
How your mover bills for their service depends on the scope of your move. Even though binding estimates are always preferred, local movers rarely offer this quote type.
Long-distance moving costs are based almost entirely on move distance and total shipment weight. Add-on services such as packing dishes and crating can lead to increased rates as well. We got seven quotes from nationwide moving companies for three-bedroom, 1,800-mile moves — our average price was $7,329. Full-service packing increased our rate to $9,155.
Local moves are almost exclusively billed at hourly rates. These are set by the number of movers and moving trucks assigned to your move. Often, moving companies will have minimum charges. These usually amount to two to four hours at your set hourly rate.
All movers must provide baseline moving insurance for lost or damaged goods during your move. The lowest tier of coverage is released-value protection. This provides 60 cents per pound per item in reimbursement in the event of such occurrences. Beyond this, most movers provide full-value protection at an added cost.
Based on our in-depth research, you’ll likely have a positive moving experience with Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines for a long-distance or cross-country move. For a local Tennessee move, we recommend 6th Man Movers.
To compare rates and services, request at least three quotes before deciding on a moving company. We recommend asking for quotes from FMCSA-registered movers at least six to eight weeks before your move-out date. This will help you get quotes from providers that offer the right services at the right cost for your needs and budget.
Our moving recommendations are all backed by our detailed rating methodology. To fairly assess both interstate and local movers, we have tailored two sets of review standards for long-distance and intrastate movers.
Both sets of review standards assess factors including reputation and customer satisfaction, availability and range, services offered, pricing and quote practices and customer service. We rate each moving company out of 100 possible points. We then divide the final score by 20 to obtain the 5-star rating we feature in our reviews.
BBB and Google Reviews ratings are accurate as of April 2024.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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