Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville is a vibrant river city where the presence of the University of Tennessee creates a highly seasonal moving market. Relocating in Knoxville requires navigating the city’s hilly terrain and historic districts like Old North Knoxville, while preparing for the heavy traffic surges associated with game days and university cycles.
1. Gouffon Moving & Storage
Owner / Operator: Gouffon Family (5th Generation)
Founded: 1887
Headquarters: Knoxville, TN
Phone: (865) 584-8545
Website: https://gouffon.com
Address: 221 Dalton Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921
Service Area: Local, Intrastate (Tennessee), Interstate, International
Services: Residential Moving, Commercial Moving, Professional Packing, Secure Warehousing, Senior Moving, Piano & Antique Moving, Labor-Only Services
Licensing: Licensed and insured; verify at https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
Insurance: Fully licensed, bonded, and insured; provides Full Value Protection and Released Value options
Firm Size: Established regional leader with over 135 years of experience and a modern truck fleet
Fee Structure: Competitive hourly rates for local moves; professional estimates for long-distance hauls
Languages: English
Gouffon Moving & Storage is Knoxville’s oldest and most established moving company, boasting over 137 years of continuous service. As a 5th-generation family-owned business, they are deeply rooted in the East Tennessee community and have handled relocations for generations of Knoxville families. They are widely recognized for their “white-glove” treatment of high-value items, including heirlooms and grand pianos. The company operates a large, secure warehouse for short and long-term storage needs. With a consistent A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Gouffon is a primary choice for residents seeking a combination of local heritage and professional logistical precision.
2. Two Men and a Truck (Knoxville)
Founded: 1985 (National), 1999 (Knoxville Branch)
Headquarters: Lansing, MI
Phone: (865) 671-4643
Website: https://twomenandatruck.com
Address: 10842 Murdock Dr, Knoxville, TN 37932
Service Area: Local, Intrastate (Tennessee), Interstate
Services: Home Moving, Business Moving, Packing & Unpacking, Climate-Controlled Storage, Junk Removal, Boxes & Supplies, Loading/Unloading Labor
Licensing: Licensed and insured; verify at https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
Insurance: Full Value Protection and Released Value options; professionally insured
Firm Size: Substantial local fleet of 20+ trucks and a team of background-checked movers
Fee Structure: Upfront hourly pricing for local moves; detailed digital estimates provided
Languages: English, Spanish
The Knoxville branch of Two Men and a Truck is a multi-award-winning franchise that has served the area for over 25 years. They are known for their high referral rate (96%) and their strict adherence to the “Grandma Rule,” which emphasizes treating every customer and their belongings with the utmost care. This location is particularly well-equipped for the Knoxville market, offering specialized services like junk removal to help homeowners declutter before a move. Their movers are full-time employees, never day labor, who undergo rigorous training in property protection. They are a staple in the West Knoxville and Farragut communities.
3. Mitchell Moving
Owner / Operator: Mitchell Family
Founded: 2018
Headquarters: Knoxville, TN
Phone: (865) 351-1772
Website: https://knoxmover.com
Address: Serving the Greater Knoxville Area (Mobile Dispatch)
Service Area: Local, Intrastate (Tennessee), Interstate
Services: Local Moving, Long-Distance Moving, Office Moving, Senior Relocation, Professional Packing Services, Moving Help (Labor Only)
Licensing: Licensed and insured; verify at https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
Insurance: Fully licensed and insured per Tennessee standards; contact for valuation tiers
Firm Size: Local professional fleet serving East Tennessee counties
Fee Structure: Transparent hourly pricing; free no-obligation quotes
Languages: English
Mitchell Moving has quickly built a reputation as one of East Tennessee’s most reliable and transparent local moving operations. They focus on delivering a “stress-free” experience by utilizing modern equipment and expert care for both residential families and local businesses. The company is highly rated on platforms like HireAHelper and Google for their diligence, communication, and punctuality. They specialize in a variety of moves, including the delicate logistics of senior relocations. Their “labor-only” services are a popular choice for Knoxville residents who have rented their own trucks but need professional expertise for loading and unloading heavy items safely.
4. Big Orange Moving
Founded: 2014
Headquarters: Knoxville, TN
Phone: (865) 761-1616
Website: https://bigorangemoving.com
Address: 218 S Peters Rd Ste 206, Knoxville, TN 37923
Service Area: Local, Intrastate (Tennessee)
Services: Residential Moving, Apartment Moving, Commercial Moving, Packing & Unpacking, Loading/Unloading, Furniture Delivery
Licensing: Licensed and insured; verify at https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
Insurance: Fully licensed and insured; standard cargo and liability coverage
Firm Size: Local independent operation with specialized crews
Fee Structure: Competitive hourly rates with no hidden fees for fuel or equipment
Languages: English
Appropriately named for the local collegiate spirit, Big Orange Moving is a locally owned independent company that specializes in residential and apartment moves throughout the Knoxville metroplex. They are well-versed in the specific logistical requirements of student housing near the University of Tennessee and the surrounding suburban neighborhoods. The company prides itself on a “no-nonsense” approach, providing efficient, energetic crews who are background-checked and professionally trained. They have consistently high scores on consumer review platforms, often praised for their ability to handle heavy furniture and tight staircases with ease and professionalism.
Licensing & Regulatory Information
In the state of Tennessee, moving companies performing intrastate moves (moves that stay within state lines) are regulated by the Tennessee Department of Revenue and the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Companies are required to obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) and maintain specific insurance levels, typically $750,000 in liability and $50,000 in cargo coverage. All carriers must also possess a valid USDOT number, even for local moves. Knoxville residents are encouraged to verify a mover’s CPCN status via the Tennessee Department of Revenue’s TNTAP portal and check the FMCSA SAFER system for safety records before finalizing any contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does University of Tennessee’s schedule affect Knoxville moving availability?
Knoxville experiences a significant moving surge in late July through mid-August when UT students move into campus-area housing, and again in May when leases turn over. Professional movers are in high demand during these windows. If your move coincides with university cycles, book four to six weeks in advance and consider midweek scheduling.
What challenges does Knoxville’s hilly terrain create for movers?
Knoxville’s foothills location means many properties have steep driveways, elevated foundations, and multi-level access points. These conditions can increase the time and physical effort required for loading and unloading. Inform your mover about property terrain during the estimate so they can plan appropriate equipment and crew size.
What credentials should a Knoxville mover have?
Tennessee requires movers to hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) and a valid USDOT number. Verify the CPCN through the Tennessee Department of Revenue’s TNTAP portal and check the FMCSA SAFER system for safety records and insurance compliance. Both credentials are required even for local moves within Knox County.
How much should I budget for a Knoxville local move?
Knoxville local moving costs are generally below national averages. Most companies charge hourly rates with a two-hour minimum. A standard two-to-three-bedroom home move typically requires a three-person crew and takes four to six hours. Factors like stairs, long carries, and specialty items can increase the total. Get written estimates from three or more licensed movers.
Is it worth paying for professional packing in Knoxville?
Professional packing saves significant time and provides a layer of liability protection since items packed by the moving company are typically covered under their valuation policy. Self-packed boxes may not receive the same coverage. If you are moving valuable or fragile items, professional packing is often worth the additional cost for both protection and convenience.
Verification Note
Company details such as phone numbers, addresses, and founding years were compiled from publicly available sources and may have changed since publication. Readers are strongly encouraged to verify all contact information directly via each company’s official website before engaging services. Licensing and insurance status can be confirmed through the FMCSA SAFER database at https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and through respective state regulatory agencies.
Disclaimer
The moving companies listed on this page represent a selection of movers operating in the Knoxville area. Each company’s details, including addresses, phone numbers, services, and background information, are based on publicly available data verified at the time of publication. Inclusion on this page does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Individuals planning a move should conduct their own research, verify current licensing through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) at https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov for interstate movers, and obtain multiple written estimates before selecting a moving company.