Moving to Tennessee guide

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Whether Tennessee is the only ten you see or just an option you’re considering, it’s good to do your research! So what would moving to Tennessee involve? What should you know about this state before making the decision to move house to Tennessee and call it your new home? How is Tennessee different from other places you’ve lived? And what can you expect from living here? These are just some of the questions you should know the answers to before relocating. And we’re here to provide you with the most important answers. So, if you decide to move to Tennessee after reading this article, you’ll need professionals to help you with the relocation. Choose the right moving companies in Tennessee and have a safe move to this beautiful country.

Some quick facts you should know before moving to Tennessee

Located in the southeastern United States, the state of Tennessee is the 36th largest and 16th most populous of the 50 states. It borders Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri. The Appalachian Mountains are one of the state’s defining geographic qualities, dominating the eastern areas. Given its location in the Bible Belt, it’s not at all surprising that more than 80% of more than 6 million residents are Christian. With a similar majority being white, Tennessee doesn’t boast great diversity. But the famous southern hospitality makes it a welcoming state for all!

Church rooftop.
Tennessee is a very religious state.

Major Tennessee cities

There are plenty of smaller urban locations across the state, but the major Tennessee cities are the capital Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. All have been growing for the past couple of years. Nashville, in particular, appears to be popular with millennials and other young adults. The big city vibes and lots of job opportunities are the main factors in the cities’ appeal. But students moving to Tennessee are also more drawn to its major cities. That is because some of the major universities in Tennessee are mostly found in these urban centers:

  • The University of Tennessee in Knoxville
  • Vanderbilt University in Nashville
  • The University of Memphis in Memphis

What can you expect from moving to Tennessee?

Especially if you are moving long distance, you are probably wondering what you can expect from relocating to and living in Tennessee. You should take many things into consideration before moving to a new state, such as the weather conditions, housing options, neighborhood environment, job opportunities, education for your children, and the overall cost of living. Luckily, you don’t have to scroll through the search engine – we’ve prepared you a quick guide through living in Tennessee. Here’s what you need to know about day-to-day life here.

The weather (or why moving to Tennessee in the summer is a terrible idea)

The climate in Tennessee varies depending on the area you live in. That is primarily due to the vastly different terrain and geographical influences in different parts of the state. Overall, however, the climate is temperate. Tennessee experiences mild winters and warm summers. Summer, in particular, is a difficult season for many residents. Although the temperatures only reach into the 90s on average, humidity can be very high.

Your housing options in Tennessee

The first thing you should consider if you want to move house to Tennessee is housing. Tennessee offers a variety of housing options. House or apartment, rural or urban, cheap or expensive – it’s up to you! Currently, the median house value is around $159,400. While this may seem like quite a lot, it’s actually lower than the national average. And if you’re not looking to own a home, you can always rent. The average cost of rent in Tennessee is around $1,315/month

Housing is affordable even in the most expensive cities,

Rent for apartments is even lower. You can find a nice place for as little as $700/month. Most homes currently on the market were built in the 2000s, so they are still very new. There’s also a lot of construction still going on in the cities. Finding a place to buy or rent will, therefore, be easier in a city. It will, however, also be more expensive.

The cost of living in Tennessee

There’s more good news for your wallet! In addition to relatively affordable housing, the cost of living is in general, pretty low in Tennessee. In fact, you can expect to spend around 20% less than in most other states. Tennessee is actually one of the five most affordable states in the US at the moment. Utilities, consumer goods, groceries, and healthcare are all far less expensive than in other parts of the country.

All you need to know about Tennessee taxes

And the good news doesn’t end there! If you’re worried about taxes, moving to Tennessee should solve your problems. The taxes are more than reasonable in this affordable state. Of course, you will pay sales taxes and property taxes. These are, however, on par with the property prices and cost of living. That is to say, they are pretty low. There is, however, an important difference between Tennessee and most other states when it comes to taxes. Namely, Tennessee does not have an income tax. Not only will you not see taxes taken out of your salary, but you also won’t owe the state anything come tax season. The only exception is income through investments, which is taxed at 6%.

Taxes when moving to Tennessee
Tennessee doesn’t have an income tax.

The job market (or how to find work after moving to Tennessee)

Yet another positive thing about Tennessee is the job market. Unemployment rates have been steadily dropping for years. The current number is at 3.2%, which is below the national average. That is good news in case you are planning on moving to Tennessee without having a job first. The current minimum wage is $7.25/hour, which is exactly what is mandated by federal law. You will find most job opportunities in the medical field. Tennessee is looking for everything from nurses to surgeons. You may even want to consider moving your business to Tennessee because it’s a great place for startups.

Moving to Tennessee: relocation guide

So, now that you got acquainted with Tennesse and its life opportunities, you can start planning your relocation. Organizing and planning the move is the first thing you should do if you want to have a successful relocation. To avoid potential problems, hire the best movers in Memphis. This is very important since they will provide you with a moving estimate so you can know the exact price of your relocation. Also, they can help you with daunting moving tasks such as packing. With them by your side, you’ll manage to plan the relocation and finish everything on time. Here’s how you can prepare for moving to Tennessee:

  • Make a moving plan: this will help you stay organized.
  • Gather the necessary moving documents: keep the documents at hand.
  • Find a reliable moving company and get an estimate: plan your moving budget by getting a moving quote.
  • Create an inventory list: this list will make your packing easier.
  • Declutter your belongings based on the inventory list: downsize your stuff and give away the things you don’t need.
  • Purchase packing supplies: the right packing materials will keep your things free from damage.
  • Pack your bag of essentials: Have your necessities at hand for the first days after the move. The bag should contain toiletries, essential clothes and beddings.
  • Start packing: label the boxes for easier relocation, especially the fragile ones.
  • Pack room by room: start from the room of your choice.
  • Create a floor plan for your new home: this will save your time for unpacking after the move.

Pack your belongings for moving to Tennessee

Packing is one of the longest relocation processes. It can take days, even weeks, to pack your belongings, from furniture, kitchen appliances to clothes and other stuff. That is why you should plan your packing. Start by making an inventory list. This list will give you a clear picture of your possessions and what to declutter. Yes, it can be hard sometimes to downsize our belongings, but at the same time, it is good to get rid of the things that will only occupy space. Also, decluttering is a great way to make some space in your new home. If you are indecisive about what things to remove, make a floor plan for your new house to help you make a final decision. Yes, making a floor plan can be overwhelming when you have to plan your relocation parallelly, but it can be beneficial long term.

A woman carrying boxes before moving to Tennessee
Packing is the most essential part of the relocation

Where to start packing from?

After you’ve made an inventory list, can start packing. Wonder what to pack first? Essentials bag. As its name suggests, the bag of essentials is the most important to pack. You’ll probably be tired after the relocation, and the last thing you want is to unpack boxes to find your toiletries or pajama. Pack everything that you need for your morning/evening routine, as well as kitchen necessities. Also, don’t forget to pack phone and laptop chargers. And, of course, have the documents at hand. Pack also the first-aid kit, just in case. After you’ve packed your essentials, start packing room by room. Our recommendation is to start from the garage, but you’ll know what room is your priority. First, disassemble and pack your furniture and other bulky things, then move on to packing other things. Don’t forget to free the stairs and hallways from boxes to avoid injuries.

If you need some help with packing, hire Memphis movers and packers. They are experienced in any type of relocation, from residential to commercial, local, and long-distance. Also, you won’t have to worry about purchasing the packing materials. They will supply you with all the necessary ones. Most importantly, your belongings will be packed safely and securely.

Packing materials you’ll need for your move to Tennessee

To pack effectively, you should have the right packing supplies. Although it may seem easy to pack at first, it can turn into a nightmare if you don’t pay attention to what packing materials you are using. Here’s what you’ll need to pack your belongings safely:

  • Cardboard boxes
  • Packing paper
  • Packing tape
  • Scissors
  • Plastic wrap
  • Bubble wrap
  • Stretch wrap
  • Cushioning and inserts
  • Foam bags
  • Vacuum bags for clothes
  • Tools set for disassembling furniture
  • Box labels/markers
  • Moving day supplies such as dollies. etc.

After moving to Tennessee: things to do

And what about after moving to Tennessee? How will you spend your time? What is there to do in Tennessee? Well, the good news is that in this area at least, Tennessee is very diverse. No matter what your interests are, you will find some sort of entertainment. There are mountains and caves to explore for outdoor lovers. For the urbanites with a love of nature, the good news is that the cities have plenty of parks and green areas. All major cities are also quite pet-friendly, so your furry friends will get to enjoy themselves too. Finally, we cannot forget that Nashville is the US capital of country music. There are many festivals, concerts, and musical gatherings to enjoy throughout the year.

Professional movers moving to Tennessee
Plan and perform your relocation with Spyder Movers

Weave a strong relocation net with Spyder Movers

Relocation is like a spyder net. If you plan it carefully, there’s no space for problems or any obstacles. So, to avoid unnecessary stress, find a reliable moving company to handle all the relocation tasks for you. Hire Spyder Movers and use their relocation services any time and anywhere, especially when moving to Tennessee. With them by your side, you’ll be able to finish all the tasks without having to worry about whether you’ll manage to relocate on time. What’s most important, by using their moving and packing services, you’ll save not only time but also money. So, don’t wait a minute longer, contact us today and get a moving quote. You are just one call away from having a safe and sound relocation. Enjoy your move.