($535+) Chattanooga, TN to Houston, TX Movers
Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to Houston, TX, runs anywhere from $535 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,554 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 813 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,857, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,554 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,132 - $3,596, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $535 - $1,544.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chattanooga, TN, to Houston, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,401 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 Houston, TX
Moving options from Chattanooga to Houston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,401 - $6,152 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 43% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 76% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 813 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 813-mile route from Chattanooga to Houston, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,857 for a studio up to $8,554 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,132 - $3,596 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $535 - $1,544, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,018 - $2,791, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chattanooga, TN to Houston, TX
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 813-mile move from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Houston, Texas, with costs ranging from $1,857 - $8,554. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $278 - $1,856. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Chattanooga and Houston. Local movers in Chattanooga typically start around $280 as a base rate plus $99/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chattanooga to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,857 - $4,422
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,401 - $6,152
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,128 - $8,554
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 Houston.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Chattanooga, TN to Houston, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Chattanooga movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Houston, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing69% of local movers | $464 - $4,640 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Good Guys Moving & Delivery | $186 - $1,114/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $278 - $2,227 |
| 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 | $928 - $2,784 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,320 - $9,280 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $695 - $1,321 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Elizabeth's Moving & Storage | $928 - $2,320 |
| Piano | Any piano type31% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Good Guys Moving & Delivery | $742 - $3,248 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $278 - $1,392 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $603 - $1,856 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $278 - $13,920+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $278 - $3,248+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chattanooga to Houston?
All three below meet the standards set by the Southwest Movers Association, the group most Texas movers are affiliated with.
- 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Chattanooga, TN. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Chattanooga, TN to Houston, TX
Moving containers from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,132 and $3,596. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Chattanooga runs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chattanooga to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,132 - $1,926
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,357 - $2,646
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,896 - $3,596
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 $650 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 $70 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $139 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 Houston, TX, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee to Texas 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 $1,132. 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 $1,357 - $2,646.
What are the best moving containers Chattanooga to Houston?
- 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 Houston, TX
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 813 miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Houston, Texas, running $535 - $1,544. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $240 - $274
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $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 Houston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $535 - $1,103
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $577 - $1,273
- 4+ bedrooms: $769 - $1,544
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $535 - $1,544 does not include fuel ($240 - $274), lodging ($139/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Chattanooga to Houston typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $240 - $274 for the 813-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for about 5 hours typically costs around $650.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 813-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $139 per night, adding $278 - $418 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $46 and $278.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chattanooga to Houston?
- 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 Houston, TX
If you're moving a larger household from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Houston, Texas.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,130 and $2,138.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chattanooga to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,018 - $1,857
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,130 - $2,138
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,547 - $2,791
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $70 - $139 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 $650.
What are the best freight companies from Chattanooga to Houston?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Chattanooga, TN vs Houston, TX
Day-to-day costs in Houston are close to what you're used to in Chattanooga: cost of living index of 97 versus 90, with average rent of $1,549/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 47/100 and 36.5/100 in Houston.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Houston, TX to Chattanooga, TN guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to Texas, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 181 movers licensed in Tennessee, useful context for sizing up this 813-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 813-mile route from Chattanooga, TN, to Houston, TX, run $1,857 - $8,554 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,132 - $3,596, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $535 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,401, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Houston tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and ample economic opportunity, though tropical storms and heat and humidity come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include H-E-B and Houston Methodist.
FAQs: Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to Houston, TX
How much does it cost to move from Chattanooga, TN to Houston, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $535 to $8,554, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,857 and $8,554, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Houston?
Houston has a walkability score of 47 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 49, compared to 29 and 35 in Chattanooga. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($240 - $274), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $139/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?
In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers.
What is the best time of year to move from Chattanooga, TN to Houston, TX?
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. Texas also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Chattanooga movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 31% of movers in Chattanooga handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.