A Long Haul West: Planning a Tennessee Move

Tennessee is one of the longer trips from Hampton Roads. Knoxville is roughly 550 miles away, Nashville about 700, and Memphis about 900. Most routes follow I-64 west to I-81 south, then I-40 west toward Nashville and Memphis. The Tri-Cities of Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol sit along I-81 and are the shortest runs in the state.

A move this far is planned around a delivery window rather than a same-day arrival, and we confirm that window with you once your load date is set. Send your Tennessee address and target dates early. We recommend booking four to six weeks ahead.

Tennessee Cities and Deadlines to Know

Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Memphis

Each Tennessee metro brings a different kind of move. Nashville and its suburbs, such as Franklin, Murfreesboro, and Hendersonville, bring many house and townhome moves. Knoxville and Chattanooga bring hillside homes and driveways to plan around. Memphis sits at the far western end of the state, the longest trip on this route. Clarksville draws households tied to Fort Campbell, and the Tri-Cities are the closest stop to the Virginia line.

Tennessee License and Registration Deadlines

New residents have 30 days to get a Tennessee driver license, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety. You must bring original documents, including proof of citizenship, a Social Security document, and two proofs of Tennessee residency from the past four months, so keep them with you instead of on the truck. You also have 30 days to register your vehicle at your county clerk’s office. Some counties add a local wheel tax at registration, so ask your clerk what applies.