($434+) New Orleans, LA to Chattanooga, TN Movers
Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Chattanooga, TN, runs anywhere from $409 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,721 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 489 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,306, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,721 or more.
- Moving containers run $953 - $3,239, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $409 - $1,158.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from New Orleans, LA, to Chattanooga, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,985 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from New Orleans, LA to Chattanooga, TN
There are 3 main ways to move from New Orleans to Chattanooga: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,985 - $5,662. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 489 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 489-mile route from New Orleans to Chattanooga, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,306 - $4,085, container $953 - $1,705, rental truck $409 - $810, freight trailer $839 - $1,535.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,985 - $5,662, container $1,207 - $2,305, rental truck $431 - $924, freight trailer $997 - $1,921.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,913 - $7,721, container $1,723 - $3,239, rental truck $571 - $1,158, freight trailer $1,325 - $2,367.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from New Orleans, LA to Chattanooga, TN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 489-mile move from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, with costs ranging from $1,306 - $7,721. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $292 - $1,944. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between New Orleans and Chattanooga. Local movers in New Orleans typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from New Orleans to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,306 - $4,085
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,985 - $5,662
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,913 - $7,721
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from New Orleans to Chattanooga.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Louisiana to Tennessee. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from New Orleans, LA to Chattanooga, TN
Specialty needs vary by market — 75% of New Orleans movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chattanooga, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $486 - $4,860 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready75% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $194 - $1,166/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $292 - $2,333 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $972 - $2,916 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,430 - $9,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $728 - $1,383 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items38% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. | $972 - $2,430 |
| Piano | Any piano type88% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $778 - $3,402 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $292 - $1,458 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect13% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. | $632 - $1,944 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $292 - $14,580+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $292 - $3,402+ |
What are the best full-service movers from New Orleans to Chattanooga?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in New Orleans, LA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from New Orleans to Chattanooga with a local mover averages $2,004 - $5,718. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in New Orleans, LA can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
Atmosphere Movers (4.56/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in New Orleans, ranked #1 in Louisiana, based on our analysis of feedback from 116 customers, 91.4% of which is positive.
Address: 1615 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112 | Founded: 2001
Moving container costs from New Orleans, LA to Chattanooga, TN
Moving containers from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, cost between $953 and $3,239. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in New Orleans costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from New Orleans to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $953 - $1,705
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,207 - $2,305
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,723 - $3,239
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both New Orleans, LA and Chattanooga, TN. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $680 in New Orleans, LA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $73 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $146 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Louisiana to Tennessee move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $953. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,207 - $2,305, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers New Orleans to Chattanooga?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in New Orleans to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in New Orleans:
- Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.8/5), 72 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 38 years in business
- AD Movers (4.7/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from New Orleans, LA to Chattanooga, TN
Plan on $409 - $1,158 for a rental moving truck on the 489-mile route from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Chattanooga, Tennessee. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $151 - $173
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- New Orleans daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from New Orleans to Chattanooga based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $409 - $810
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $431 - $924
- 4+ bedrooms: $571 - $1,158
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from New Orleans to Chattanooga starts at $409 - $1,158, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($151 - $173) , overnight lodging ($146/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $146 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $63 and $316 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $151 - $173 in fuel for the 489-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $680 in New Orleans, Louisiana, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from New Orleans to Chattanooga?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from New Orleans, LA to Chattanooga, TN
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $875 and $1,921.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from New Orleans to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $839 - $1,535
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $997 - $1,921
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,325 - $2,367
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In New Orleans, Louisiana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $680.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $73 - $146 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from New Orleans to Chattanooga?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- T C I Trucking (4.66/5 stars): T C I Trucking is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from New Orleans to Chattanooga, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: New Orleans, LA vs Chattanooga, TN
Good news for your budget: Chattanooga isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than New Orleans. Cost of living index runs 90 there against 102 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 58/100 and 32.69/100 here versus 29/100 and 46.11/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chattanooga, TN to New Orleans, LA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Louisiana to Tennessee over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 29 movers in our Louisiana network to compare for this 489-mile move.
Our take
A move from New Orleans, LA, to Chattanooga, TN, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,306 - $7,721 on the 489-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $953 - $3,239, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $409 - $1,158. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,985 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Hamilton County and Schools Erlanger.
FAQs: Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Chattanooga, TN
What is the best time of year to move from New Orleans, LA to Chattanooga, TN?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from New Orleans, LA to Chattanooga, TN?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is Chattanooga a safe place to live?
Chattanooga has a safety index of 46.11 out of 100 and a crime index of 53.89, compared to 32.69 and 67.31 in New Orleans. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Chattanooga?
Chattanooga has a walkability score of 29 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 35, compared to 58 and 66 in New Orleans. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Chattanooga?
For families, North Shore, St. Elmo, and Lookout Mountain are worth a look in Chattanooga. If you're moving solo or without kids, Southside, Martin Luther King, and Fort Wood tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of New Orleans movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 88% of movers in New Orleans handle piano moves, and 38% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
