Moving from Tennessee to Virginia

A full-service move from Tennessee to Virginia typically costs between $2,400 and $5,750, depending on home size, shipment weight, and time of year. Studio and one-bedroom moves start at $2,400, two-to-three-bedroom homes run around $3,850, and four-plus-bedroom households reach $5,750 across the 613-mile corridor. Seasonal demand, stair access, and long-carry distances at either end can also affect your final total. Call (855) 822-2722 for an itemized estimate based on your specific inventory.

Transit time on this 613-mile corridor depends on carrier availability, the size of your shipment, and the delivery window you select at booking. Your move coordinator will confirm a scheduled delivery window once your inventory and pickup date are finalized. Factors like building access, elevator availability, and seasonal road conditions can also influence timing. Call (855) 822-2722 or request a quote online to discuss scheduling options for your move.

Virginia requires new residents to obtain a Virginia driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to visit the Virginia DMV (dmv.virginia.gov) with proof of identity, residency, and your current out-of-state license. Vehicle registration must be completed within 30 days of establishing residency, which is an earlier deadline than the license transfer. Plan to handle registration first to avoid any lapse in compliance.

The most common additional charges on an interstate move include shuttle fees when a full-size truck cannot access your street, long-carry charges when the distance from the truck to your door exceeds 75 feet, stair fees for multi-floor homes without elevator access, and elevator waiting-time fees at high-rise buildings. Fuel surcharges and packing material costs can also add to the base rate if not discussed upfront. All applicable fees are disclosed in your written estimate before you confirm the booking, so there are no surprises on moving day. Ask your coordinator to walk through each line item when reviewing your quote.

A binding estimate locks your total cost based on the inventory list you provide - you pay exactly that amount even if the actual shipment weight turns out to be higher or lower. A not-to-exceed estimate caps your price at the quoted amount but can come in lower if your shipment weighs less than projected. Both binding and not-to-exceed options are available through Star Van Lines, and your coordinator will explain which approach fits your move best. Understanding the difference before you sign helps you budget accurately for the Tennessee-to-Virginia corridor.

Federal law requires interstate movers to offer two levels of valuation coverage on every shipment. Released Value Protection is included at no additional charge and covers items at $0.60 per pound per item, which is minimal protection for high-value goods. Full Value Protection is a paid upgrade that requires the mover to repair, replace, or reimburse the current market value of any lost or damaged item. Star Van Lines is fully insured and operates under USDOT #4176875, and your coordinator can explain both options in detail before your move date.

Search USDOT number 4176875 on the FMCSA SAFER website (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov) to confirm our operating authority, insurance status, and safety record. The database will also display our MC number 1607491, which confirms we hold active interstate carrier authority. Any legitimate interstate mover should be able to provide a verifiable USDOT number and MC number before you sign a contract. Checking safer.fmcsa.dot.gov takes only a few minutes and gives you direct access to federal licensing and insurance records.

Spring - specifically March through May - and early fall in September and October offer the most favorable conditions for this corridor, with mild temperatures and lower risk of weather delays. Peak demand runs from May through September, when moving rates are highest and scheduling windows fill quickly. The lower-demand period from October through April generally offers more scheduling flexibility, though winter months can bring snow and cold along the route. Booking 6 to 8 weeks ahead of your target date is advisable regardless of season, and your coordinator will confirm a delivery window at the time of booking.

Virginia requires an annual safety inspection for all registered vehicles, and emissions testing is required in Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads region. If your vehicle is coming from Tennessee, which does not have a statewide emissions program, you should schedule your safety inspection promptly after arriving to avoid registration delays. Emissions testing stations are widely available in the affected regions, and the Virginia DMV (dmv.virginia.gov) provides a locator tool. Your move coordinator can help you plan the timing of your arrival around these requirements.

Tennessee has no state income tax on wages and repealed its tax on interest and dividends in 2021, while Virginia imposes a graduated state income tax ranging from 2% to 5.75% on earned income. Virginia does offer meaningful advantages for retirees, including a full exemption of Social Security benefits and deductions for residents aged 65 and older, which can offset the income tax burden for qualifying households. For the year you move, you may need to file partial-year returns in both Tennessee and Virginia, so consulting a tax professional about your specific situation is advisable. Property taxes also vary significantly by county within Virginia, so research your destination county's rates before finalizing your budget.

Virginia requires new residents to register their vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency, which is an earlier deadline than the 60-day window for transferring your driver's license. You will need your current title, proof of insurance that meets Virginia's minimum coverage requirements, and proof of residency such as a lease or utility bill. Because Virginia requires an annual safety inspection - and emissions testing in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads - you will need to pass the applicable inspection before your registration can be completed. Visit the Virginia DMV (dmv.virginia.gov) for the complete and current list of required documents and inspection stations near your new address.