Moving To Nashville? Tips For Your Move

Nashville is a great place to call home! Our town offers something for everyone - foodies will find a vibrant culinary scene filled with Nashville hot chicken, southern comfort food, and trendy eateries. Sightseers can explore everything from big-city landmarks to historical gems and charming small-town spots just outside the city. And for music lovers, Nashville is nothing short of a dream come true.​

Prefer quiet corners and cozy bookstores? Love an exciting nightlife scene? Maybe you’re drawn to art, culture, or the beauty of nature. No matter your passion, you’ll find it in Nashville.

It’s no surprise people are flocking to Nashville. For several years, Forbes named Nashville as a top real estate market in the United States. A thriving job market, a rich cultural landscape, and Southern charm make it irresistible. But with rapid growth comes unique challenges.

We’ve helped many clients unpack who are just coming into town for the first time, so we’ve created this complete guide to moving to Nashville. Whether you’re relocating solo or with a family, these tips will help you easily navigate the process and settle in. Let’s dive in!
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Things You Should Know Before Moving to Nashville

Coming to a new community can be overwhelming. Before you load up your moving truck, here are a few things to know about Nashville.
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Nashville Weather

Nashville’s climate is a mix of southern charm and unpredictability. Summers are hot and humid, so stock up on lightweight clothes and sunscreen. Winters are somewhat mild with an occasional snowstorm (an inch of snow can shut everything down!) Spring and fall are gorgeous, but they often bring storms. And yes, tornadoes are a real possibility. 

Nashville Traffic

The city’s rapid growth makes rush hour feel more like rush hours. Whether you're headed downtown or navigating the suburbs, planning your route is essential. Here are some approximate drive times to Nashville from surrounding communities. (Times can vary based on traffic conditions, time of day, and specific starting points.)

Antioch: 15 minutes
Ashland City: 32 minutes
Belle Meade: 15 minutes
Bellevue: 21 minutes
Brentwood: 17 minutes
Clarksville: 54 minutes
Columbia: 52 minutes
Dickson: 48 minutes
Forest Hills: 16 minutes
Franklin: 28 minutes
Gallatin: 41 minutes
Green Hills: 15 minutes
Hendersonville: 26 minutes
Hermitage: 16 minutes
La Vergne: 23 minutes
Lebanon: 35 minutes
Madison: 15 minutes
Mount Juliet: 22 minutes
Murfreesboro: 39 minutes
Smyrna: 27 minutes
Spring Hill: 36 minutes
Springfield: 40 minutes
Thompson's Station: 34 minutes
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Nashville Housing

Nashville’s housing market offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a trendy high-rise in The Gulch, a historic bungalow in East Nashville, or a suburban haven in Franklin. Remember that competition can be fierce, so starting your search early is key. 

Essential Nashville Services

Once you’ve found your new home, setting up essential services is the next step. You’ll need to know about utilities, voter registration, and more. Visit Nashville.gov for all things Nashville—from pool permits to tennis lessons. For basic services, Nashville Electric Service (NES) covers electricity, Metro Water Services handles water and sewer, and internet options like AT&T or Xfinity keep you connected.
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Nashville Schools and Education

For families, Nashville offers a mix of educational options. Public schools are part of Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), which includes zoned, magnet, and charter schools. Prefer private education? There are plenty of highly regarded institutions to choose from. If higher education is on your radar, you’ll find renowned universities like Vanderbilt, Belmont, and Tennessee State University right in your backyard.
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Nashville Southern Charm

Southern hospitality is more than a stereotype—it’s a way of life in Nashville. Expect to be greeted with smiles, waves, and the occasional “y’all.” Life moves at a slightly slower pace here, and people genuinely enjoy getting to know their neighbors. So, if you’re coming from a fast-paced city, embrace the opportunity to slow down and soak up the charm.
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Middle Tennessee Towns Near Nashville

1. Goodlettsville - Just 15 minutes north of downtown Nashville, Goodlettsville offers a small-town vibe with easy city access. It’s known for its charming antique shops, parks, and family-friendly atmosphere. Learn more here. 
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2. Madison - Located northeast of Nashville, Madison is an affordable area with a mix of suburban neighborhoods and shopping centers. It’s a great option for those seeking to balance city and suburban living. Learn more here. 
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3. Franklin - This picturesque town south of Nashville is famous for its historic downtown, boutique shops, and excellent schools. Franklin has a rich Civil War history and a strong sense of community. Learn more here.
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4. Brentwood - Just south of Nashville, Brentwood is a premier suburb known for its luxury homes, highly rated schools, and abundant green spaces, including Radnor Lake State Park and Crockett Park. Learn more here.
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5. Hendersonville - Situated on Old Hickory Lake, Hendersonville is ideal for those who love water activities. It offers a mix of suburban comforts and outdoor recreation, just 20 minutes from downtown Nashville. Learn more here.

6. Mount Juliet - East of Nashville, Mount Juliet boasts great shopping, top-rated schools, and Percy Priest Lake for boating and fishing enthusiasts. It’s a fast-growing area with a suburban feel. Learn more here.
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7. Smyrna - South of Nashville, Smyrna is a growing town with a diverse community, local parks, and a convenient location near I-24 for commuters. Learn more here.
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8. Murfreesboro - This bustling city is home to Middle Tennessee State University and offers a mix of historical landmarks, shopping, and a vibrant community scene. Learn more here.
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9. Spring Hill - Located further south, Spring Hill is a growing town with a suburban feel, great schools, and historic sites like Rippavilla Plantation. Learn more here.
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10. Lebanon - East of Nashville, Lebanon is known for its small-town charm, the annual Wilson County Fair, and Cedars of Lebanon State Park for outdoor enthusiasts. Learn more here.
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Nashville Home Organizers serves many areas in Middle Tennessee. If you need unpacking services, we’ll gladly help!

Read more in our blog post Beyond Unboxing: Hire a Professional Organizer for Your Nashville Move.

Tips for Your Nashville Move

You’ve done your research, found a home, and connected with the community. Now it’s time to tackle planning your move. Here are some basic moving tips:
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Declutter Before Packing

Think of moving as an opportunity for a fresh start. Before packing, go room by room and decide what’s worth keeping. Donate items in good condition to local charities or sell them online—sites like Facebook Marketplace or local consignment shops are great options. You will have less to move, and you’ll start your new chapter without clutter holding you back.​

Labeling Boxes with Room and Priority

A little extra effort while packing can save you hours of frustration later. Use colored labels or masking tape to designate which room each box belongs to. Take it a step further by noting unpacking priorities—for example, mark kitchen essentials or your child’s favorite toys as high priority. This way, you’ll know which boxes to tackle first.

Pack a “First-Night Kit”

After a long day of moving, the last thing you want to do is dig through boxes for your toothbrush, pajamas, or Keurig. Pack a separate “first-night kit” with everything you’ll need immediately, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, chargers, medications, snacks, and important documents. You’ll thank yourself later.
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Consider Storage Options

Short-term storage can be a lifesaver if your new home isn’t quite move-in ready or you’re temporarily downsizing. Nashville has many reliable storage facilities, many of which offer climate-controlled units to protect your belongings from Tennessee’s weather extremes.
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Hire Local Movers

Local moving companies aren’t just convenient—they’re knowledgeable. Many Nashville movers understand the area’s neighborhoods, traffic patterns, and peak moving times, which can make your transition smoother. 
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Plan to Hire a Professional Organizer To Unpack

The unpacking process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Hiring a professional organizer, like our team at Nashville Home Organizers, can turn moving chaos into a seamless transition. From unpacking boxes to setting up functional systems tailored to your lifestyle, we help you settle in quickly and efficiently.

Learn more in our blog post, Unpacking Services: What You Should Know Before You Hire.

Connect with the Community

Settling into a new city is more than just unpacking boxes—it’s about finding your place in the community. Follow Nashville-focused blogs to stay informed about local events, restaurant openings, and news. Joining local Facebook groups can also be a game-changer for getting recommendations, meeting neighbors, and finding out about neighborhood happenings.

If you’re looking for even more tips or camaraderie, check out the Nashville Reddit page. It’s a lively hub where locals share advice, ask questions, and discuss everything from the best hot chicken spots to traffic updates. Getting plugged into these resources can help you feel at home in no time.

Things to Remember

After you unload the boxes, there are still a few key tasks to check off your list:

• Find Local Grocery Stores and Pharmacies: Locate stores close to your new home for easy access to essentials.
• Research Doctors and Schools: If you haven’t already, find healthcare providers and schools that fit your needs.
• Update Your Address: To avoid missing bills or deliveries, notify the USPS, your bank, and subscription services about your move.
• ​​Explore Your Neighborhood: Discover nearby parks, restaurants, and community centers to make your new place feel like home.

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Nashville Home Organizers Can Help You With Your Move!

Instead of living out of boxes for weeks, a professional organizer can help you settle in quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re moving with a family, solo, or with furry friends, Nashville is ready to welcome you. Use these tips to make your move smooth and enjoyable—and don’t forget, Nashville Home Organizers can help with unpacking and organizing!

Ready to get organized? Contact us today to learn how we can help make your move seamless.

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