10 best movers in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The best interstate moving company for relocating out of Tennessee is International Van Lines. If you're moving in the Chattanooga area, use the filters below to find other movers in your area.

Long-distance movers in Chattanooga

A long-distance move is when you move to another state or over 50 miles away. When moving across state lines, make sure your moving company has the right federal licensing. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to confirm a carrier's licensing status.

The long-distance moving companies below are reliable and have an active license. They can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

Relocating within or out of Chattanooga is fairly costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Chattanooga is higher than 70.2% of the country.

Various factors are involved in moving, leading to expenses adding up fast. The following are typical moving expenses:

• Packing
• Fuel
• Junk removal
• Supplies
• Professional labor
• Storage

These extra factors can cause your total cost to climb even more:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move certain items, especially those that are fragile, valuable or oversized. These common items can cost more to move:

• Pianos
• Safes
• Artwork and sculptures
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Family heirlooms or antiques

When researching moving companies, ask if they move these items and how much it'll cost.

Tipping your movers

Giving your movers a tip is optional but common if they get your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. For local moves, a standard tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

Delays happen. Traffic, transportation emergencies, bad weather and limited supplies can all make your move more expensive and take longer. Although delays are unpredictable, you can prepare for them by having a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can save you money on moving in Chattanooga.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items they have to move.

Small items may not be a problem, but make sure they know about large additions such as new appliances or furniture. The movers may need to adjust their estimate for these additions, and they’ll need your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Move in the off-season or during the week to lower the cost and reserve your movers of choice.

Movers are the most booked between May and September. You may find less competition and lower moving rates if your timeline is flexible and you can schedule your move outside of those months.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you can't find an economical relocation service that meets your needs.

While you can move yourself, weigh the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental

Your friends, family or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have bulky or heavy items such as furniture. Professional movers provide significant value if you don’t have the time or support to commit to moving yourself.

Another option is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. While hiring hourly help can be less expensive, these gig workers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Chattanooga

What’s full-service moving?

When you opt for full-service moving, your hired movers will take care of all aspects of the moving process. This includes supplying packing materials, providing packing services for your belongings, transporting them and unpacking everything for you.

Standard moving services are cheaper than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth it when you factor in the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Full-service moving may also offer more comprehensive insurance coverage. Self-packed items are generally only covered for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these items can be tough to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on formal filings like estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should confirm a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an interstate move by checking the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Tennessee are also required to have a license from the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

How does moving insurance work?

You’ll also need to review your mover’s insurance policies. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, request information on your mover's full-value protection policies. Getting this extra coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving costly or sentimental items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The most favorable time to move ranges across May through September, resulting in lower supply and inflated pricing nationwide for relocations of all sizes. The steep rates may prevent you from a summer move. Furthermore, you may wish to avoid relocating in the summer given Chattanooga's scorching heat, which could further complicate a move.

We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and valuable keepsakes in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any expensive electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Moving businesses often cap insurance coverage on high-value goods, like jewelry and heirlooms. Carry irreplaceable and valuable belongings in your own car if you're nervous about loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

• Batteries
• Fuel sources
• Perishable foods and produce
• Plants
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Fertilizers
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Aerosols
• Compressed tanks or gas

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.