($480+) Chattanooga, TN to Chesapeake, VA Movers
Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to Chesapeake, VA, runs anywhere from $480 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,031 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 649 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,492, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,031 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,020 - $3,205, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $480 - $1,212.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chattanooga, TN, to Chesapeake, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,269 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 Chattanooga, TN to Chesapeake, VA
There are 3 main ways to move from Chattanooga to Chesapeake: 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 $2,269 - $5,291. Containers cost roughly 43% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 79% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 649 miles, expect 1 to 6 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 649-mile route from Chattanooga to Chesapeake, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,492 - $4,052 with full-service movers, $1,020 - $1,754 with a container, $480 - $853 with a rental truck, or $864 - $1,530 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,269 - $5,291 full-service, $1,283 - $2,353 by container, $487 - $1,065 by rental truck, or $966 - $2,080 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,048 - $8,031 full-service, $1,646 - $3,205 by container, $621 - $1,212 by rental truck, or $1,358 - $2,590 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chattanooga, TN to Chesapeake, VA
Full-service movers for the 649-mile relocation from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Chesapeake, Virginia, cost between $1,492 and $8,031. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $287 - $1,912, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Chattanooga typically charge a base rate around $280 plus $99 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chattanooga to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,492 - $4,052
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,269 - $5,291
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,048 - $8,031
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 Chattanooga to Chesapeake.
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 Chattanooga, TN to Chesapeake, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 45% of Chattanooga movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chesapeake, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing77% of local movers | $478 - $4,780 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready45% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $191 - $1,147/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $287 - $2,294 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs63% of local movers | $956 - $2,868 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,390 - $9,560 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $716 - $1,360 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Elizabeth's Moving & Storage | $956 - $2,390 |
| Piano | Any piano type23% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $765 - $3,346 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $287 - $1,434 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $621 - $1,912 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $287 - $14,340+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $287 - $3,346+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chattanooga to Chesapeake?
Movers licensed to operate in Virginia are typically members of the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Chattanooga, TN. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Chattanooga, TN to Chesapeake, VA
Moving containers from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Chesapeake, Virginia, cost between $1,020 and $3,205. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Chattanooga typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chattanooga to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,020 - $1,754
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,283 - $2,353
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,646 - $3,205
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $669 in Chattanooga, TN. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $72 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $143 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Chesapeake, VA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee to Virginia 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 $1,020. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,283 - $2,353.
What are the best moving containers Chattanooga to Chesapeake?
- 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga:
- Good Guys Moving & Delivery (4.8/5), 13 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.6/5), 15 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 26 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chattanooga, TN to Chesapeake, VA
Truck rentals from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Chesapeake, Virginia, range from $480 - $1,212 for the 649-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $197 - $226
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Chattanooga daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $0.99
| 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 Chattanooga to Chesapeake based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $480 - $853
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $487 - $1,065
- 4+ bedrooms: $621 - $1,212
Pro tip: The base rate of $480 - $1,212 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Chattanooga to Chesapeake. Fuel ($197 - $226), lodging at around $143/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $669.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $197 - $226 for the 649-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $57 and $311, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $143 per night for hotel stops on the 649-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $287 - $430.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chattanooga to Chesapeake?
- 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 Chattanooga, TN to Chesapeake, VA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Chesapeake, Virginia. 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 $860 and $2,080.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chattanooga to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $864 - $1,530
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $966 - $2,080
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,358 - $2,590
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $72 - $143 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, typically costs $669.
What are the best freight companies from Chattanooga to Chesapeake?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Chattanooga to Chesapeake. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Chattanooga, TN vs Chesapeake, VA
Day-to-day costs in Chesapeake are close to what you're used to in Chattanooga: cost of living index of 104 versus 90, with average rent of $1,800/mo compared to $1,475/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 29/100 and 46.11/100 in Chattanooga versus 21/100 and 70.88/100 in Chesapeake.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chesapeake, VA to Chattanooga, TN guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to Virginia 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 213 movers in our Tennessee network to compare for this 649-mile move.
Our take
A move from Chattanooga, TN, to Chesapeake, VA, 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 $1,492 - $8,031 on the 649-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,020 - $3,205, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $480 - $1,212. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,269 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 Dollar Tree and Chesapeake City Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to Chesapeake, VA
What is the cheapest way to move from Chattanooga, TN to Chesapeake, VA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $487 - $1,065. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Chesapeake?
For families, Greenbrier, Great Bridge, and Hickory are worth a look in Chesapeake. If you're moving solo or without kids, Capital District, Central Office, and East Ghent tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Chattanooga, TN to Chesapeake, VA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Chattanooga?
Local movers based in Chattanooga typically start around $280 as a base rate, plus $99/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Chesapeake run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Chattanooga, TN to Chesapeake, VA?
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.
What percentage of Chattanooga movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 23% of movers in Chattanooga handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.