Top local movers for Washington DC to Chattanooga moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Washington DC that also provides long-distance services to Chattanooga can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 82 local movers in Washington DC who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Washington DC to Chattanooga.
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Bookstore Movers, LLC: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Artisan Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- BoxStar Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 70719
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 70719
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2005212
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2005212
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2957382
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2957382
Alternate Names: Artisan Movers Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $145/hr
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3455884
Alternate Names: BoxStar Moving Services , BoxStar Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC to Chattanooga?
Movers in Maryland generally charge an average of $125 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,067 – $3,469 | $675 – $1,727 | $446 – $798 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,155 – $5,281 | $1,267 – $2,437 | $476 – $977 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,557 – $7,567 | $1,724 – $2,991 | $630 – $1,167 |
Cost to hire movers from Washington DC to Chattanooga
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Washington DC to Chattanooga typically costs between $1,067 and $3,469. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,155 and $5,281 when moving from Washington DC to Chattanooga. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Washington DC to Chattanooga, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,557 up to $7,567.
Cost of moving containers from Washington DC to Chattanooga
If you’re relocating from Washington DC to Chattanooga, you’ll typically spend between $675 and $1,727 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,267 up to $2,437. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,724 and $2,991. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Maryland.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Chattanooga
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Washington DC to Chattanooga move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $446 and $798. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $476 to $977. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $630 and $1,167.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Washington DC to Chattanooga
The cost of Washington DC movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Washington DC to Chattanooga might be as low as $1,712, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,213.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Washington DC.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $446 to $1,029 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Chattanooga
Many movers find Chattanooga easier on the wallet than Washington DC – roughly 17% less for singles and 61% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,300 for one person in Chattanooga versus $3,963 in Washington DC. For a family of four, it’s $4,350 compared with $11,093.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Washington DC | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,568 | $1,517 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,417 | $3,138 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $302,565 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $60,164 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,963 | $3,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,093 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 0.0% |
- Good news! When moving to Chattanooga from Washington DC, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 39% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 49% cheaper in Chattanooga, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 41% lower in Chattanooga than in Washington DC.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Chattanooga. The cost of living for a single person is 17% less compared to Washington DC.
- Relocating to Chattanooga could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 61% lower than in Washington DC.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 20% lower than Washington DC, Chattanooga boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes in Chattanooga exceed those in Washington DC by 54%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- 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.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Washington DC and Chattanooga, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Washington DC | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.62 | $160.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $65.80 | $56.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.67 | $3.92 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.43 | $3.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $103.76 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Washington DC than in Chattanooga.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Washington DC than in Chattanooga.
- Eggs cost more in Washington DC than in Chattanooga.
- Bread is more expensive in Washington DC than in Chattanooga.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Washington DC than in Chattanooga.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Washington DC than in Chattanooga.
- Gym memberships cost more in Washington DC than in Chattanooga.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Chattanooga
| Washington DC | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 672,079 | 181,099 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 70 | 35 |
| Crime index | 60.37 | 53.89 |
| Safety index | 39.63 | 46.11 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chattanooga’s population is about 73% less than Washington DC.
- Chattanooga’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Washington DC’s score of 9.
- Chattanooga is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Washington DC’s 77 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 Washington DC, which has a score of 70.
- Chattanooga’s crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 53.89 compared to Washington DC’s 60.37. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Chattanooga is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 46.11 vs Washington DC’s 39.63.
- Air quality in Chattanooga is Good, and in Washington DC it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC to Chattanooga move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Tennessee moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Tennessee, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Chattanooga without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Chattanooga
Ready to relocate to Scenic City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you’ve made the move to Tennessee, it’s the perfect time to explore Chattanooga. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Chattanooga include museums and art centers like the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Creative Discovery Museum, Coker Museum – Honest Charley, and Hunter Museum of American Art.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Coolidge Park Tennessee, Riverpark Ross’s Landing Park, Enterprise South Nature Park, and Chickamauga Dam, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer 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 Washington DC to Chattanooga?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Washington DC to Chattanooga. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Chattanooga?
With many people choosing to move from Washington DC to Chattanooga in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Washington DC to Chattanooga take?
Covering 597 miles, the move from Washington DC, MD to Chattanooga, typically takes one to six days. Some Washington DC movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Chattanooga can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Washington DC offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 7 movers provide military discounts. 13 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Washington DC can handle specialty items for my move to Chattanooga?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Washington DC, 58 movers can handle pianos. 43 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of MD, there are 37 piano movers and 30 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
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