Best moving companies in Chattanooga, TN 2025

We compared 26 companies and chose the top movers

    • Bellhop
      2.6(274)
    • Colonial Van Lines
      4.3(2,662)
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Jon Bortin

    Best moving companies in Chattanooga, TN 2025

    Our 2 picks for movers in Chattanooga

    1. Local service: Bellhop
    2. Best overall: Colonial Van Lines

    To help find the best options for you, we compared 80 moving companies and determined which were available in Chattanooga. Then we analyzed ratings and reviews on ConsumerAffairs from Chattanooga customers.

    To make our picks, we also considered pricing, the quote and deposit processes, and the availability of packing services and storage options. Read our full methodology below for all the details. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us, but this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations.

    Local service
    Bellhop
    Highlight
    Flexible reservations
    Types of moves
    Commercial, residential, interstate, local
    Discounts available
    Storage

    Bellhop provides moves to and from Chattanooga. It offers fixed-price and hourly-rate quotes, and quotes are subject to change based on availability and other factors.

    Highlights

    • Broker vs. carrier: Broker and carrier
    • Type(s) of quotes: Fixed-price and hourly-rate quotes
    • Storage options: Third-party storage options
    • Packing services: Varies by location; packing-only services available

    Pros

    • Packing-only services available
    • App for tracking shipment
    • Packing kits (for an added charge)

    Cons

    • Availability varies statewide
    • Storage options are through third parties
    • Deposit requirements: 10% of estimated costs (charged 48 hours after booking)
    • Discounts: Storage
    • “This is our second time using Bellhop to move. The first time was simply unloading. This time was loading, transport, and unloading. Our service on both were spectacular. Knowledgeable and friendly crew, who are expert at moving Tetris. I am so grateful Bellhop was recommended to us. I absolutely recommend them for your moving needs.” — Jessica from Chattanooga
    • “This was the best experience I could have imagined for hiring movers. They were punctual, efficient, courteous, and took great care handling our items. I would recommend to everyone use Bellhop for your moving needs. I will be using Bellhop for all my future moves.” — Mike in East Ridge
    Best overall
    Colonial Van Lines
    Highlight
    Climate-controlled storage options
    Types of moves
    Commercial, residential, military
    Discounts available
    Seasonal

    Colonial Van Lines offers commercial, residential and military moves and single-item, kitchen and full-service packing. It’s a carrier that provides moving services to and from Chattanooga.

    Highlights

    • Broker vs. carrier: Carrier
    • Type(s) of quotes: Binding
    • Storage options: Climate-controlled facilities and modular cubes
    • Packing services: Single items, kitchen, full packing

    Pros

    • Portable moving containers
    • Quick, efficient crews, according to reviewers
    • More than 50 years in the moving industry

    Cons

    • No local or international moves
    • Some reports of communication issues
    • Deposit requirements: Anywhere from one-third of the full price to 40%
    • Discounts: Seasonal
    • “I put my information into a site that basically gets quotes from a whole bunch of people. Colonial happened to call and they quoted me on the spot. They had a cheaper quote and they were able to move my jet ski which was positive. A lot of the other companies weren't able to do that. Colonial's customer service was really good and always kept me aware of what was going on.” — Weston in Chattanooga
    • “The rep from Colonial Val Lines and I went around on prices a little bit and it changed based on what we were moving and what we weren't moving. It wasn't the cheapest, but it was a decent price for the move. The contract people were good.” — John in Chattanooga

    Moving Companies in Chattanooga Buyers guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

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      What to consider when choosing a mover in Chattanooga

      Hiring the right movers can make a move significantly smoother. Here are some tips for finding the right type of mover for you:

      1. Determine what kind of mover you need. Is your move local or long-distance, and do you need full-service packing services or basic transport?
      2. Research movers available in your area. Check licensing, insurance and customer reviews. Get multiple quotes in writing to avoid misunderstandings and for easy comparison.
      3. Get details on pricing and insurance. Ask about costs for any extra services you’re interested in (e.g., packing, unpacking, storage). Don’t forget to factor in potential costs for bulky items or difficult-to-access areas. Also clarify the details regarding insurance coverage and the claims process in case of damage.

      Cost to move in Chattanooga

      Moving expenses can vary significantly — often from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on distance, number of belongings and any additional services you opt for.

      Larger moves require more work from moving crews and higher truck capacity, which generally lead to higher overall costs. Moving during peak seasons (like summer) or over the weekend, when competition is high, may also mean spending more on a mover.

      To get the most accurate idea of your moving costs, contact several moving companies for quotes. Most companies will ask for a detailed list of your possessions in order to offer an accurate estimate.

      Should you tip your movers?

      Tipping your movers isn't required, but it's standard practice — and it’s a way to show your appreciation for their hard work, particularly if they provide excellent service.

      A standard tip for a local move may fall between $20 and $50 per mover. You can adjust this amount based on the difficulty and length of the move. For long-distance moves, a larger tip or a percentage of the total cost is often appropriate. Small gestures like offering cold drinks and snacks are also appreciated.

      Average cost for moving services from and within Chattanooga

      The figures below are based on current (as of publishing) industry estimates for a three-bedroom home with no additional services.

      Tips for a successful Chattanooga move

      Moving to Chattanooga can be made easier and less expensive by planning ahead, reducing your belongings and using efficient packing strategies.

      1. Develop a moving budget

      Make a moving budget by estimating the costs of hiring movers or renting a truck, taking into account the distance, how many things you have and any extra services you want or need. Include expenses for packing supplies, potential travel costs (such as gas, tolls and lodging) and temporary storage if needed.

      Remember to account for insurance, cleaning fees and tipping your movers. Research typical moving costs for similar moves to create a realistic budget.

      2. Reduce clutter and sell or donate

      Although it takes time to sort through your possessions, downsizing can simplify your entire move. Consider holding a garage sale to earn money from unwanted items. You might also donate gently used belongings to charity. Many charities offer convenient donation pickup services, allowing you to declutter while supporting a good cause. (Don't forget to get a donation receipt for potential tax deductions.)

      3. Pack efficiently

      Gather sturdy boxes, packing tape, cushioning wrap and markers. Pack one room at a time, and label boxes clearly with their contents and the intended room in your new home. Use appropriate packing materials to protect fragile items, and consider using wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. Maximize space by filling gaps with towels or clothing, and pack an "essentials" box or bag with items you'll need immediately at your new home.

      Moving within or to Tennessee?

      We’ve got some resources for you.

      » MORE: Moving checklist

      Moving regulations in Chattanooga

      All legitimate moving companies in the U.S. should be licensed and insured. If a mover has to cross state lines, it’s also required to be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. You can check a mover’s USDOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.

      Verify current state regulations with Tennessee’s transportation authority. The Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs has resources online to help protect consumers from illegitimate movers.

      FAQ

      How much does it cost to hire movers?

      When budgeting for your move, remember that local movers generally charge an hourly rate (around $80 to $100 for a two-person crew), while interstate movers calculate costs based on the weight and volume of your belongings. Expect to pay a few thousand dollars or more for long-distance moves. Ultimately, your total moving cost will depend on factors like distance, the amount of stuff you're moving and the time of year.

      Is hiring a mover worth it?

      While a DIY move can be budget-friendly, hiring professional movers is often a worthwhile investment. The stress and hassle of DIY moving can be overwhelming, and it’s not always cheap — consider the costs of truck rental, equipment and time off from work. If your budget allows, professional movers can save you time, money and a whole lot of worry.

      How early should I start planning a move?

      To ensure a smooth move, it's generally recommended to begin planning at least two months ahead of your target date. This time frame allows you to gather quotes from multiple movers and efficiently pack your belongings. It also provides a buffer for unexpected issues that may arise.

      Methodology

      ConsumerAffairs carefully collects in-depth, verified reviews to tell each customer’s experience with a company. We believe customer experiences are a crucial indicator when evaluating companies, so these reviews are a significant factor when we make our top picks.

      To choose the top moving companies in Chattanooga, we started with the 80 popular providers listed in our main moving guide. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in Chattanooga. We then weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      • Storage options: We looked at the availability of storage units and any free storage periods.
      • Packing services: We considered the types of packing services offered, including whether a company offers packing services and whether it offers both full and partial packing.
      • Deposit requirements: We prioritized companies that ask for a down payment of 20% or less over those with higher deposit requirements.
      • Discounts: We outlined how many discounts each company offers and what types (e.g., senior, military, student).
      • App: We gave a company preference if it has an app with a useful service, like requesting a quote or tracking a move.
      Guide Sources

      ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

      1. Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs, “Moving Scam Prevention Tips.” Accessed Nov. 22, 2024.

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