Moving to Middle Tennessee? Start Here

Residential
Written By Hans Nelson

Closing on a home is a big milestone. Then comes the move itself: hiring movers, setting up utilities, getting a Tennessee driver's license, registering vehicles, and figuring out schools. This Q&A collects official links for buyers moving to Nashville, Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, and nearby communities, so you can check off each step.

Providers, service areas, and requirements depend on your exact address and can change. Always confirm details directly with the provider or agency.

How do I find a moving company?

Start by getting written estimates from more than one mover. Ask how pricing works, whether the company is insured, and what happens if something is damaged. For interstate moves, look up the company's USDOT number in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's SAFER Company Snapshot.

Here are a few moving companies with Middle Tennessee locations. For each one, we confirmed a working website and a Tennessee address, either on the company's own site or in its federal (FMCSA SAFER) registration:

Listing is not an endorsement. CBS Realty has no business relationship with these companies and doesn't rank or recommend them. They're listed in no particular order. Do your own research, check reviews, and compare written estimates before hiring any mover.

Who provides electricity?

That depends on where you live:

  • Nashville / Davidson County: Nashville Electric Service (NES) serves all of Nashville and Davidson County, plus parts of the six surrounding counties. Set up service on the NES Start/Stop Service page.

  • Rutherford, Williamson, Wilson, and Cannon counties (most areas): Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE). MTE has described itself as primarily serving these four counties, including cities such as Franklin, Smyrna, La Vergne, Lebanon, and Mt. Juliet.

  • Murfreesboro: The former Murfreesboro Electric Department merged into MTE on July 1, 2020, and its old website now redirects to MTE. If you're moving to Murfreesboro, set up electric service with MTE.

Who provides water and sewer?

Water providers are tied closely to your address, so confirm yours before closing:

Who provides natural gas?

  • Nashville and surrounding region: On March 31, 2026, Spire took over from Piedmont Natural Gas as the natural gas provider for Nashville and the surrounding region. According to Spire, Piedmont Natural Gas will keep handling billing and accounts on Spire's behalf until the transition is complete in 2027. For now, existing customers keep the same phone number (800-752-7504), bill, and account number.

  • Murfreesboro, Franklin, Nolensville, and nearby areas of Rutherford and Williamson counties: Atmos Energy, according to Atmos's Tennessee tariff.

How do I transfer my driver's license?

According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, new residents with a license from another state must get a Tennessee driver's license no later than 30 days after establishing residency. You'll need to:

  • Apply at a full-service Driver Services Center.

  • Bring the required identity, citizenship or lawful presence, and Tennessee residency documents.

  • Surrender your out-of-state license.

  • Pass a vision screening.

If you're transferring a license from certain states, you'll also need a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) from your former state. Check the current list on the state's New Residents page before you go. General information is on the Driver Services page.

How do I title and register my vehicle?

You title and register your vehicle at the county clerk's office in the county where you live. Each office lists the documents it requires. Wilson County's clerk, for example, notes that new residents must apply for plates right after moving, because Tennessee law doesn't provide a grace period.

How do I register to vote?

According to the Tennessee Secretary of State, you must be registered at least 30 days before an election to vote in it. You can register using the state's online voter registration form or find a paper form, check your registration, and look up your county election commission on the Secretary of State's Elections page and How to Register to Vote guide.

Which school district serves my new home?

School assignments depend on the property's address, and some cities run their own districts alongside the county system. Contact the district to confirm zoning for any home you're considering:

Can CBS Realty help with my move?

Yes. Whether you're still house hunting or already under contract, the CBS Realty team can help you figure out which providers serve a property and what to line up before closing day. Reach us through our Contact page or call 615.278.9800. Our office is at 208 West Castle Street in Murfreesboro.

This guide is general information only. Links and details were checked as of October 2026. Confirm requirements, fees, and service areas directly with each agency or provider.

Sources

Hans Nelson

I am a coffee-loving musician and tech nerd living in Nashville, TN. My company, NelsonWerks, tries to bring together several services that work together, but are almost impossible to find from one vendor: Imagery, IT, and Web Design.

http://www.nelsonwerks.com
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