($1,004+) Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA Movers

Moving from Memphis, TN, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $1,004 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,164 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,808 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

  • Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,304, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,164 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,491 - $5,356, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,004 - $2,960.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Memphis, TN, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,280 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA

Moving options from Memphis to Bakersfield fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,280 - $7,321 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 67% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,808-mile route typically takes 5 to 16 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,808-mile route from Memphis to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:

  • A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,304 - $5,361 with full-service movers, $1,491 - $2,677 with a container, $1,004 - $1,972 with a rental truck, or $1,275 - $2,562 by freight.
  • A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,280 - $7,321 full-service, $1,926 - $4,063 by container, $1,075 - $2,418 by rental truck, or $1,557 - $3,030 by freight.
  • A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $6,025 - $10,164 full-service, $2,765 - $5,356 by container, $1,370 - $2,960 by rental truck, or $2,044 - $4,157 by freight.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 12, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
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Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
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Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA

For the 1,808-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Bakersfield, California, full-service movers cost between $2,304 and $10,164. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $275 - $1,832 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Memphis generally start around $334 plus $125 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Memphis to Bakersfield:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,304 - $5,361
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,280 - $7,321
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,025 - $10,164

Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Memphis to Bakersfield.

Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.

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Specialty moving services from Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA

Specialty needs vary by market: 41% of Memphis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Bakersfield, 71% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing74% of local movers$458 - $4,580
Storage in transitNew place not ready41% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$183 - $1,099/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$275 - $2,198
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage19% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers$916 - $2,748
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,290 - $9,160
Car shippingSecond vehicle$686 - $1,303
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items22% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Cord Moving and Storage$916 - $2,290
PianoAny piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$733 - $3,206
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers$275 - $1,374
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company$595 - $1,832
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$275 - $13,740+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$275 - $3,206+

What are the best full-service movers from Memphis to Bakersfield?

California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Memphis, TN, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.

Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA

Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,491 and $5,356. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Memphis typically costs about $45/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to Bakersfield:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,491 - $2,677
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,926 - $4,063
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,765 - $5,356

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $641 in Memphis, TN. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
  • Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $69 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $137 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
  • Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Bakersfield, CA, destination before booking.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.

Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,491. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,926 - $4,063.

What are the best moving containers Memphis to Bakersfield?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)

Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Memphis to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Memphis:

  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 36 years in business
  • Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company, 18 years in business
  • Country Club Moving & Packing Inc, 32 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA

Renting a moving truck for the 1,808-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $1,004 and $2,960, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $527 - $602
  • Daily insurance: $27/day
  • Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
  • Memphis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Memphis to Bakersfield based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,004 - $1,972
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,075 - $2,418
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,370 - $2,960

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,004 - $2,960 when pricing out a rental truck from Memphis to Bakersfield. Fuel alone runs $527 - $602, and overnight lodging ($137/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $137 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
  • Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Memphis, Tennessee, usually costs about $641 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 1,808-mile drive falls between $527 and $602, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $46 and $275 to your total.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Memphis to Bakersfield?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)

The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.

Freight trailer costs from Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA

For larger DIY moves from Memphis, Tennessee, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Bakersfield, California.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,557 and $3,030.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Bakersfield:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,275 - $2,562
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,557 - $3,030
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,044 - $4,157

Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $69 - $137 to your final bill.
  • Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
  • Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Memphis, Tennessee, typically costs $641.

What are the best freight companies from Memphis to Bakersfield?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.

Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.

Cost of living: Memphis, TN vs Bakersfield, CA

Day-to-day costs in Bakersfield are close to what you're used to in Memphis: cost of living index of 100 versus 86, with average rent of $1,695/mo compared to $1,299/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 35/100 and 22.51/100 in Memphis versus 37/100 and 41.51/100 in Bakersfield.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Memphis, TN guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 213 movers licensed in Tennessee, useful context for sizing up this 1,808-mile move.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Memphis, TN, to Bakersfield, CA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,304 - $10,164 on the 1,808-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,491 - $5,356 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,004 - $2,960 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,280 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bakersfield City School District and Clinica Sierra Vista.

FAQs: Moving from Memphis, TN, to Bakersfield, CA

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

Is Bakersfield a safe place to live?

Bakersfield has a safety index of 41.51 out of 100 and a crime index of 58.49, compared to 22.51 and 77.49 in Memphis. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What is the cheapest way to move from Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,075 - $2,418. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What are the best neighborhoods in Bakersfield?

For families, Seven Oaks, Northwest Bakersfield, and Southwest Bakersfield are worth a look in Bakersfield. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Bakersfield, The Oaks, and Westchester tend to be popular picks instead.

How long does a move from Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What percentage of Memphis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 41% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 22% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.