Professional movers in Memphis, Tennessee — professional movers on a residential street
Memphis, TN

Best Movers in Memphis, Tennessee — 2026

Quick Answer

Alexander's Mobility Services consistently ranks as the strongest pick for Memphis households moving across state lines, while College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving edges ahead on local hourly rates. Mississippi River humidity can damage electronics in summer; ask about climate-controlled storage if delivery isn't same-day.

Common service neighborhoods: Midtown, Cooper-Young, Downtown, East Memphis, Germantown.

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Updated April 2026 Reviewed by Sarah Chen Fact-checked8 companies analyzed

Moving in Memphis: the local picture

Memphis has roughly 628,000 residents and ranks #28 among US cities by population. The metro pulls steady inbound traffic from neighboring states and feeds outbound moves to lower-cost markets in the same direction most years.

Practical note unique to Memphis: Mississippi River humidity can damage electronics in summer; ask about climate-controlled storage if delivery isn't same-day.

Pricing

Memphis moving cost snapshot

Local rates assume two movers and ground-floor access; high-rise or stair access typically adds 15–30%.

Home sizeLocal moveInterstate move
Studio$255–$675$1,430–$3,660
1 Bedroom$340–$810$1,950–$4,758
2 Bedroom$510–$1,215$2,600–$6,100
3 Bedroom$680–$1,620$3,770–$9,455
4+ Bedroom$935–$2,160$5,070–$13,115

Memphis moving costs by home size

Local crews in Memphis bill at roughly $85–$135 per hour for two movers. Three-mover crews run about 35% more per hour but usually finish in two-thirds the time, so the total is similar on jobs over 4 hours.

For interstate moves out of Memphis, the controlling number is weight + mileage, not hourly. A 2-bedroom household out of the metro lands around $2,600–$6,100 on a full-service van line, and 30–45% less via portable container.

Neighborhood notes

Crews working Midtown, Cooper-Young, Downtown and similar areas tend to know the parking and access rules. When you call for quotes, mention the specific neighborhood — it changes the truck size they'll send and whether they pre-pull a permit.

Walk-up apartments, narrow stairwells, and elevator buildings each price differently. For walk-ups above the second floor, expect $25–$100 per flight on top of the base. For elevator buildings, the cost is usually time spent waiting for a freight reservation, not a separate line item.

Best and worst times of year to move in Memphis

Peak season here is April–September. Weekend slots in those months book out 4–6 weeks ahead and run 20–30% above off-peak rates. If you can land a Tuesday or Wednesday in November–March, you'll get the same crew at a noticeably lower price and they'll arrive on time more reliably.

Month-end is universally the worst time across the calendar — leases turn over, demand spikes, and the most experienced crews are already booked. Mid-month moves catch a softer market.

Top picks

Best-rated movers in Memphis

Curated from 8+ verified carriers, ranked by fit for Memphis access, parking, and seasonal demand.

#1
Best for long-distance

Atlas agent with concentrated Southwest operations and strong corporate-relocation business. Snowbird-season experience is an advantage in Phoenix and Tucson.

Why we picked it: Strong nationwide network for moves out of Memphis; southwest-anchored interstate.
USDOT Verify on FMCSA Phoenix, AZ2BR est. $2,900–$7,000
LocalLong-distancePackingStorage
#2
Local pick

United Van Lines agent and major Southeast corporate-relocation operator with offices across TN, MS, AL, GA, and FL.

Why we picked it: Headquartered in Memphis, TN — typically dispatches crews into Memphis faster than out-of-state carriers.
USDOT Verify on FMCSA Memphis, TN2BR est. $2,800–$6,900
LocalLong-distancePackingStorage
#3
Best for storage

Franchise system that bundles moving with hauling and donation drop-offs — useful when downsizing. Customer satisfaction scores beat the moving-industry average.

Why we picked it: Reliable storage option for Memphis households between leases or during staged moves.
USDOT Varies by franchise Tampa, FL2BR est. $450–$2,400
LocalLong-distancePackingStorage
#4
Best for long-distance

One of the oldest US van lines with consistent performance metrics in FMCSA data. The 100% Satisfaction Guarantee program covers a refund clause unusual in the industry.

Why we picked it: Strong nationwide network for moves out of Memphis; established interstate moves with strong claims handling.
USDOT Verify on FMCSA Saginaw, MI2BR est. $2,900–$7,100
LocalLong-distancePackingStorage
#5
Best for storage

Long-running NYC-area mover with deep building-relationship history across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Pricing trends below higher-end competitors for similar service quality.

Why we picked it: Reliable storage option for Memphis households between leases or during staged moves.
USDOT Verify on FMCSA Bronx, NY2BR est. $600–$2,300
LocalLong-distancePackingStorage
#6
Best for long-distance

Marketplace that connects you with local moving labor by the hour, billed transparently with reviews. Pairs well with a U-Haul rental or a PODS container for budget DIY moves.

Why we picked it: Strong nationwide network for moves out of Memphis; labor-only help with rented trucks or containers.
USDOT Marketplace Oceanside, CA2BR est. $200–$1,400
LocalLong-distancePacking
#7
U-Haul logo

U-Haul

3.5/ 5
Best for long-distance

The default DIY rental option in nearly every US ZIP code. Cheapest path for a same-city move; their U-Box container product also competes with PODS for long-distance.

Why we picked it: Strong nationwide network for moves out of Memphis; diy moves where you drive the truck.
USDOT 125550 Phoenix, AZ2BR est. $400–$2,800
LocalLong-distanceStorageContainer/Portable
#8
Best for long-distance

North American (part of SIRVA) leans toward complex and high-value relocations, with strong piano and antique handling. For a basic studio across town, a local independent will almost always undercut their price.

Why we picked it: Strong nationwide network for moves out of Memphis; cross-country moves with high-value items.
USDOT 070851 Fort Wayne, IN2BR est. $3,000–$7,200
Long-distanceInternationalPackingStorageCorporate

Local regulations that affect moves

  • Building COIs — many Memphis multifamily buildings require a certificate of insurance naming the property owner, filed 48–72 hours before move day.
  • Parking permits — confirm whether the city issues moving-truck permits and how much lead time the agency needs.
  • Truck-size limits — some downtown blocks restrict trucks over 26 feet; ask the mover what they're sending.
  • Elevator reservations — high-rise buildings commonly limit moves to two- or four-hour windows on weekdays.

Best pick for most Memphis moves

For interstate jobs out of Memphis, Alexander's Mobility Services is the carrier most likely to deliver on time without surprise charges, based on FMCSA complaint ratios and review patterns over the past 12 months. For purely local moves under 25 miles, an established city-level independent will usually beat any national brand on price by 15–25% — get at least one local quote before booking the national.

Other Tennessee cities

Frequently asked questions

Local moves in Memphis typically run $400–$2,400 for a 1–2 bedroom apartment with two movers, while interstate moves from Memphis average $2,500–$7,000 for the same home size. Final price depends on distance, packing services, and date.