Top-rated movers to make your Richmond to Chattanooga move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Richmond that offers long-distance services to Chattanooga can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 18 top local movers in Richmond who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Richmond to Chattanooga.
- On The Fly Moving Guys: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- D1 Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Mr. Moving, LLC: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Heroes Moving and Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 3865625
Years in Business: 0
DOT #: 3865625
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 3013397
Alternate Names: Division I Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 822633
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving and Storage of Richmond
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 3511853
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3511853
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
Alternate Names: Heroes Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Richmond to Chattanooga?
In Virginia, moving services typically cost around $161 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,053 – $3,015 | $659 – $1,571 | $439 – $807 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,945 – $5,196 | $1,166 – $2,445 | $455 – $919 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,378 – $7,405 | $1,569 – $2,876 | $567 – $1,075 |
Cost to hire movers from Richmond to Chattanooga
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Chattanooga from Richmond, you can expect prices to land between $1,053 and $3,015. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,945 to $5,196 for the trip from Richmond to Chattanooga. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,378 and $7,405.
Cost of moving containers from Richmond to Chattanooga
Moving containers from Richmond to Chattanooga will cost you $659 to $1,571 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,166 to $2,445. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,569 to $2,876. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Richmond to Chattanooga
Renting a moving truck from Richmond to Chattanooga typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $439 and $807 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $455 to $919. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $567 to $1,075.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Richmond to Chattanooga move
The cost of Richmond movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,421 for a one-bedroom, or up to $5,956 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Richmond.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $439 to $978, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Richmond to Chattanooga
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chattanooga runs about 45% higher for singles and -18% higher for families than Richmond.
Singles spend around $3,300 in Richmond versus $2,270 in Richmond; families pay $4,350 compared with $5,336.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Richmond | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,537 | $1,517 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,539 | $3,138 |
| Average home value | $350,897 | $302,565 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,606 | $60,164 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,270 | $3,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,336 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 0.0% |
- When relocating from Richmond to Chattanooga, expect to find rent about 8% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 14% more affordable in Chattanooga compared to Richmond.
- In terms of average income, Chattanooga and Richmond are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Chattanooga, as living costs for a single person are 45% higher than in Richmond. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- A move to Chattanooga can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 18% less than what it costs in Richmond.
- The unemployment rate in Chattanooga is about 21% lower than in Richmond. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Chattanooga are 54% more than in Richmond, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Richmond and Chattanooga:
| Living Expense | Richmond | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.21 | $160.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.67 | $56.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.95 | $3.92 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.66 | $3.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $59.72 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Richmond than in Chattanooga, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Richmond than in Chattanooga.
- Eggs cost more in Richmond than in Chattanooga.
- Bread is more expensive in Richmond than in Chattanooga.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Richmond than in Chattanooga.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Richmond than in Chattanooga.
- Gym memberships cost more in Richmond than in Chattanooga.
How life is different in Richmond vs. Chattanooga
| Richmond | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 226,610 | 181,099 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 51 | 35 |
| Crime index | 48.45 | 53.89 |
| Safety index | 51.55 | 46.11 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chattanooga’s population is about 20% less than Richmond.
- Chattanooga’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Richmond’s score of 7.
- Chattanooga is less walkable than Richmond with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Richmond’s 51 out of 100.
- Chattanooga has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Richmond, which has a score of 51.
- Chattanooga’s crime rate is higher than Richmond with a score of 53.89 compared to Richmond’s 48.45. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Richmond neighborhoods are safer than 48.45%.
- Chattanooga is considered to be less safe than Richmond with a score of 46.11 vs Richmond’s 51.55.
- Air quality in Chattanooga is Good, and in Richmond it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Richmond to Chattanooga move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Tennessee’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Chattanooga. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Chattanooga
Planning your move to Scenic City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Chattanooga.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Southside
- Martin Luther King
- Fort Wood
- Lookout Mountain
- West Village
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Shore
- St. Elmo
- Lookout Mountain
- Highland Park
- Orchard Knob
Things to do in Chattanooga
After settling into your new Tennessee home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chattanooga has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Chattanooga features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Creative Discovery Museum, Coker Museum – Honest Charley, and Hunter Museum of American Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Coolidge Park Tennessee, Riverpark Ross’s Landing Park, Enterprise South Nature Park, and Chickamauga Dam — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League)Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Richmond to Chattanooga?
Planning your move from Richmond to Chattanooga? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Richmond.
When is the cheapest time to move from Richmond to Chattanooga?
Because most people are moving from Richmond to Chattanooga in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Richmond to Chattanooga take?
The 545-mile journey from Richmond, VA to Chattanooga, , typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Richmond offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Chattanooga.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Richmond?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Richmond, 13 movers can manage piano relocations. 12 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Virginia has 77 piano movers and 47 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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