If you're moving from Memphis to Massachusetts, you're already looking at a 1,297-mile trip and a significant lifestyle shift — lower crime, colder winters, a stronger job market, and a cost of living that will require some honest budgeting. This guide covers what the move actually costs, which Memphis movers have the track record to handle a haul this long, and what you need to know before you sign anything.
Memphis Movers That Can Handle Your Move to Massachusetts
Out of seven Memphis-area movers licensed for interstate moves, here are the five I'd put on your shortlist for this route:
- The Armstrong Company — 4.5 / 5
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.44 / 5
- Cord Moving and Storage — 4.42 / 5
- All My Sons Moving & Storage — 4.44 / 5
- Guardian Moving Systems — 4.48 / 5
The Armstrong Company
4690 Hungerford Road, Memphis, TN 38118 Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Yelp (14 reviews) | Google (197 reviews) | BBB: A+
91% positive reviews | 7% negative
Armstrong has been in business 68 years and operates as a United Van Lines agent. Of 213 reviews analyzed, 91% were favorable — one of the stronger ratios you'll find among Tennessee movers doing interstate work. Customers consistently describe skilled, courteous crews who communicate well, arrive on time, and handle belongings carefully. Where it falls short: a recurring thread around damaged or missing items and friction with the claims process. That said, it comes up far less often than positive experiences. Ask specifically how they handle claims before you book.
DOT #: 1170867 | Years in business: 68
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing/unpacking; pianos; art; antiques; storage; fragile-only packing; credit cards accepted
Phone: (901) 367-3000
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
3560 Sky Harbor Cove, Memphis, TN 38118 Rating: 4.44 / 5 | Yelp (44 reviews) | Google (644 reviews) | BBB: A+
78% positive reviews | 21% negative
Two Men and a Truck brings a national brand with a reasonably solid local reputation. Of 259 reviews, 78% were positive — workable, though lower than the top companies on this list. The pattern in negative feedback is consistent: unexpected charges that weren't disclosed upfront, and underwhelming response when something gets damaged. If you book this company, get the full estimate in writing before they start loading and ask explicitly what could change it.
DOT #: 2527384 | Years in business: 35
Services: Local and interstate moves; packing/unpacking; pianos; storage; safes; credit cards accepted
Phone: (901) 231-1149
Cord Moving and Storage
3264 Democrat Road, Memphis, TN 38118 Rating: 4.42 / 5 | Yelp (7 reviews) | Google (218 reviews) | BBB: A+
90% positive reviews | 7% negative
Cord Moving has been around for 104 years and operates as a North American Van Lines agent. Of 220 reviews analyzed, 90% were positive — nearly tying Armstrong at the top of this list. Customers highlight timely arrivals, helpful and efficient crews, and clear communication. The negative feedback, when it appears, centers on communication gaps when delays happen and occasional item damage. With a century of experience and satisfaction numbers this high, Cord is one of the steadier choices for a long haul out of Memphis.
DOT #: 181102 | Years in business: 104
Services: Local and interstate moves; packing/unpacking; offices; pianos; crating; storage; credit cards accepted
Phone: (866) 742-1558
All My Sons Moving & Storage
5454 Summer Avenue, Memphis, TN 38134 Rating: 4.44 / 5 | Yelp (121 reviews) | Google (1,942 reviews) | BBB: A
63% positive reviews | 35% negative
All My Sons has the largest review volume on this list — 341 analyzed. The positive feedback is real: efficient crews, careful handling, and professional staff. But a 35% negative rate is something I take seriously, and the complaints follow a clear pattern — surprise fees not disclosed upfront, late arrivals, and damage without adequate follow-through. If you use All My Sons, document everything in writing before moving day and confirm every charge in advance.
DOT #: 902281 | Years in business: 26
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing/unpacking; offices; pianos; antiques; crating; storage; safes; credit cards accepted; deposit required
Phone: (901) 472-8875
Guardian Moving Systems
4226 Clarke Road, Memphis, TN 38141 Rating: 4.48 / 5 | Yelp (17 reviews) | Google (184 reviews) | BBB: A+
89% positive reviews | 9% negative
Guardian is a Mayflower agent, and the numbers back it up. Of 202 reviews, 88.6% were positive — customers regularly mention polite crews, careful handling, fast service, and on-time arrivals. The 9.4% negative feedback involves property damage and the occasional late delivery. For a Memphis-to-Massachusetts move, a Mayflower-affiliated agent gives you the backing of a national van line's network and claims infrastructure, which matters when something goes wrong 1,200 miles from home.
Years in business: 39
Services: Local and interstate moves; packing/unpacking; offices; pianos; art; antiques; crating; storage; credit cards accepted
Phone: (615) 287-0700
Local Moving Services in Memphis, TN
Here's a quick breakdown of what specialty services are available across all seven interstate-capable Memphis movers I reviewed:
| Service | # of Movers | % Offering |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 7 | 100% |
| Small moves | 4 | 57% |
| Antiques | 5 | 71% |
| Art | 4 | 57% |
| Pianos | 7 | 100% |
| Fragile-only packing | 2 | 28% |
Cost to Move from Memphis to Massachusetts
Use the moving cost calculator to dial in a number based on your specific home size and situation. In the meantime, here are the realistic ranges for this 1,297-mile route by service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,227 – $4,863 | $880 – $2,092 | $768 – $1,466 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,845 – $6,109 | $1,638 – $3,296 | $839 – $1,658 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,657 – $8,183 | $2,050 – $4,208 | $1,034 – $2,043 |
Estimates based on a 1,297-mile move from Memphis, TN, to Massachusetts using verified rate data as of January 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, parking access, fuel, and timing. Get at least three quotes before committing.
Cost to Hire Movers from Memphis to Massachusetts
For a studio or one-bedroom, full-service moving companies are pricing this route between $1,227 and $4,863. A two- or three-bedroom move runs $2,845 to $6,109. Four-plus bedrooms lands between $4,657 and $8,183.
That's a wide range, and the variation is real — it reflects differences in company pricing, packing add-ons, and move timing. For a haul this size, I'd put long-distance movers through a proper quote process. Getting three bids minimum is worth the extra hour. For a competitive interstate route, a coordinating service like SafeShip Moving can also be worth comparing — they work with multiple carriers and can help you find availability at a competitive rate.
Cost of Moving Containers from Memphis to Massachusetts
Moving containers give you flexibility: the company drops off a unit, you load it on your own schedule, and they ship it to Massachusetts when you're ready. For a studio or one-bedroom: $880 to $2,092. Two to three bedrooms: $1,638 to $3,296. Four-plus bedrooms: $2,050 to $4,208. It's worth pricing PODS and competing portable storage options side by side for this route — pricing varies more than most people expect.
Cost of Moving Truck Rentals from Memphis to Massachusetts
Renting a truck is the cheapest line item — but you're absorbing 1,200-plus miles of driving, all the fuel, and all the loading and unloading yourself. Studio or one-bedroom: $768 to $1,466. Two to three bedrooms: $839 to $1,658. Four-plus bedrooms: $1,034 to $2,043. These figures include estimated fuel costs for the trip.
If you want to save money without driving the whole way, check out truck rental options alongside hiring local labor for loading and unloading on each end. That hybrid approach can meaningfully cut costs compared to a full-service move.
Factors Influencing Moving Costs from Memphis to MA
A few variables move the needle more than people usually expect:
- Move size. Weight and volume are the primary cost drivers for any carrier. More rooms means a higher base price.
- Time of year. Summer is peak season. Moving out of Memphis between May and August will cost more and book up faster. If your timeline is flexible, fall or winter moves tend to be cheaper and easier to schedule.
- DIY vs. professional. Full-service movers handle packing, loading, transport, and delivery — but you pay for that convenience. Containers and truck rentals reduce the cost at the expense of your time and physical effort.
What You Should Know Before Moving from Memphis to MA
Memphis to Massachusetts is one of the bigger lifestyle changes you can make. You're trading a mid-size Southern city with no state income tax for one of the most expensive, most educated states in the country. Here's an honest look at what that means day to day.
Compare Cost of Living: Memphis vs. Massachusetts
| Memphis, TN | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,299 | $1,588 |
| Average home cost | $143,715 | $623,131 |
| Average income (per capita) | $48,090 | $96,505 |
| Cost of living index | 86 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 3.9% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 9.0% |
Memphis sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation. Massachusetts sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
- Rent in Massachusetts runs about 22% higher than in Memphis — real, but manageable with planning.
- Home prices are roughly 334% higher. Memphis median homes are under $145K; Massachusetts is over $623K. If you're planning to buy, recalibrate your timeline.
- Incomes average about 101% higher in Massachusetts, which offsets some of the cost gap — but "some" is doing a lot of work in that sentence.
- Overall cost of living is about 16% higher in Massachusetts, running across housing, groceries, healthcare, and transportation.
- Unemployment is about 51% lower in Massachusetts (3.9% vs. 8.0%), which matters if you're still job hunting or weighing career risk.
- State income tax is the one that catches Tennessee residents off guard. Memphis has zero state income tax. Massachusetts charges 9%. Run the math on your take-home pay before you accept any offer.
How Life Is Different in Memphis, TN from Massachusetts
| Memphis, TN | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 633,104 | 7,001,399 |
| Political leaning | Democratic (51–46) | Democratic (61.5–36.3) |
| Summer high | 91°F | 82°F |
| Winter low | 30°F | 16°F |
| Annual rain | 54″ | 49″ |
| Annual snow | 3″ | 47″ |
| Crime index | 77.49 | 13.92 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia.
- Both Memphis and Massachusetts voted Democratic in the last presidential election, though Massachusetts leans more heavily so.
- Summers are noticeably cooler — 82°F vs. 91°F. If Memphis summers have been grinding you down, that's a genuine upgrade.
- Winters are a different story. Lows of 16°F and about 47 inches of snow per year versus 3 inches in Memphis. Budget for winter gear, heating, and snow removal — it adds up.
- Rainfall is similar in total (49 vs. 54 inches annually), but the seasonal distribution is different enough to affect your routine.
- Crime is dramatically lower in Massachusetts — an index of 13.92 compared to 77.49 in Memphis. That's one of the most significant quality-of-life differences between the two.
Other Considerations When Moving to Massachusetts
Beyond packing and booking movers, there are a few logistics specific to Massachusetts worth getting ahead of:
- HOA rules: Check community regulations before moving day, especially in newer condo developments. Some have restrictions on when and how moves can happen.
- Elevator reservation: If you're moving into a multi-story building, reserve the elevator in advance. Most management companies require it.
- Truck parking permits: Some Massachusetts cities require permits for large moving vehicles on city streets. Check with your destination city or town clerk before moving day.
- State licensing: Massachusetts requires movers to hold a license from the Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to operate locally or intrastate. They must carry adequate cargo insurance and file their tariffs publicly. Verify your mover's license before you sign anything.
- State regulator: You can confirm a Massachusetts moving license directly on the official state regulator's website.
- Moving permits: There's no statewide moving permit requirement, but local parking rules vary widely. Look into your specific destination.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before your move date at usps.com. You can set your exact move date and have mail forwarded automatically.
- Moving insurance: In Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is included at no cost but only covers $0.60 per pound per item. For a long haul like this, that's not much protection. Ask your mover about Full Value Protection or look at third-party insurance options before departure.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay organized and make sure nothing gets overlooked between now and moving day.
Things to Do in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a lot going for it once you get settled.
Museums in Massachusetts
- The House of the Seven Gables
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Plimoth Patuxent
- New Bedford Whaling Museum
- John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
Parks in Massachusetts
- Stage Fort Park and Beach
- Salem Witch Trials Memorial
- Forest Park
- Cornelia Carey Sanctuary (The Knob)
- Veterans Memorial Park
Sports Teams in Massachusetts
- Boston Red Sox (MLB)
- Boston Bruins (NHL)
- Boston Celtics (NBA)
- New England Patriots (NFL)
- New England Revolution (MLS)
Universities in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Harvard University
- Boston University
- Tufts University
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
FAQ
How long does a move from Memphis to Massachusetts take?
Most moves on this route take three to eight days, depending on the carrier and time of year. Summer moves carry a higher risk of delays — demand is high and schedules get tight. Before you book, ask your mover for a specific delivery window in writing, not just a rough estimate.
How many movers in Memphis provide custom crating for art or antiques?
Four of the seven Memphis interstate movers I reviewed offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly-shaped items — including artwork, antiques, and electronics. If you have pieces that need it, confirm crating capability with your specific mover before booking. Not every company handles every item type.
What is the best way to get a car from Memphis to Massachusetts?
For auto transport on this route, use a carrier with verifiable interstate experience and proper insurance. Open transport is the most cost-effective option for standard vehicles; enclosed transport is worth the premium for high-value or classic cars. The 1,300-mile distance makes this a solid case for shipping rather than adding miles to your vehicle during a stressful move.
Why are people moving from Memphis to Massachusetts?
Mostly for work and education. Massachusetts has one of the strongest job markets in the country, with deep roots in biotech, finance, healthcare, and higher ed. The school systems are a major draw for families. Lower crime and the quality of outdoor life in New England factor in for a lot of people as well.
Where can I find long-distance moving companies in Memphis?
Start with the five companies listed above. For a broader look at carriers operating on this route, see MoveFinders' picks for the best long-distance movers.
Can I pay for my move from Memphis, TN, with cash?
Two of the seven Memphis movers I reviewed accept cash. Even so, cash isn't the norm for interstate moves — traceable payment methods are better for dispute resolution if anything goes wrong on a 1,200-mile haul. Expect to pay a deposit at booking, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the payment terms in writing before you commit.
The cost range on this route is wide enough that shopping around pays off. Get quotes from at least three movers, use our moving cost calculator to benchmark them, and make sure you understand what's included before you sign.