($566+) Houston, TX to Chattanooga, TN Movers
Moving from Houston, TX, to Chattanooga, TN, runs anywhere from $572 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,291 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,926, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,291 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,084 - $3,767, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $572 - $1,570.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Houston, TX, to Chattanooga, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,517 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Houston, TX to Chattanooga, TN
Moving options from Houston to Chattanooga fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,517 - $6,321 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 813-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 813-mile route from Houston to Chattanooga, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,926 - $4,408 | $1,084 - $1,997 | $572 - $1,123 | $985 - $1,779 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,517 - $6,321 | $1,524 - $3,000 | $624 - $1,294 | $1,172 - $2,308 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,243 - $8,291 | $1,889 - $3,767 | $805 - $1,570 | $1,590 - $2,834 |
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 Houston, TX to Chattanooga, TN
Hiring full-service movers from Houston, Texas, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, costs between $1,926 and $8,291. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 813-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $283 - $1,884, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Houston and Chattanooga. For a rough baseline, movers based in Houston tend to start around $175 plus $75/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Houston to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,926 - $4,408
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,517 - $6,321
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,243 - $8,291
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 Houston to Chattanooga.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to Tennessee. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Houston, TX to Chattanooga, TN
Specialty needs vary by market — 66% of Houston 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 packing96% of local movers | $471 - $4,710 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage | $188 - $1,130/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $283 - $2,261 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs66% of local movers | $942 - $2,826 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,355 - $9,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $706 - $1,340 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items30% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage | $942 - $2,355 |
| Piano | Any piano type54% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage | $754 - $3,297 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling22% of local movers | $283 - $1,413 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage | $612 - $1,884 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $283 - $14,130+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $283 - $3,297+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Houston to Chattanooga?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Houston, TX. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Houston, TX to Chattanooga, TN
Moving containers from Houston, Texas, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, cost between $1,084 and $3,767. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Chattanooga. If you go over that window, storage in Houston adds around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Houston to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,084 - $1,997
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,524 - $3,000
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,889 - $3,767
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Houston, TX, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $659, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $71 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $141 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Houston, TX, and Chattanooga, TN, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas 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 $1,084. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,524 - $3,000, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston:
- 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
- Summit Moving And Storage Houston (4.6/5), 5 years in business
- Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 22 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Houston, TX to Chattanooga, TN
Renting a moving truck for the 813-mile move from Houston, Texas, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, costs between $572 and $1,570, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $244 - $278
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Houston daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Houston to Chattanooga based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $572 - $1,123
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $624 - $1,294
- 4+ bedrooms: $805 - $1,570
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $572 - $1,570 when pricing out a rental truck from Houston to Chattanooga. Fuel alone runs ($244 - $278) , and overnight lodging ($141/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Houston, Texas, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $659.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $244 - $278 for the 813-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 $306, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $141 per night for hotel stops on the 813-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $283 - $424.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Houston 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 Houston, TX to Chattanooga, TN
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Houston, Texas, 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 $848 and $2,308.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Houston to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $985 - $1,779
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,172 - $2,308
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,590 - $2,834
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $71 - $141 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 Houston, Texas, typically costs $659.
What are the best freight companies from Houston to Chattanooga?
- 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.
- W W Rowland Trucking Company, LLC (4.58/5 stars): W W Rowland Trucking Company, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
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: Houston, TX vs Chattanooga, TN
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Houston and Chattanooga to plan around. Cost of living index: 97 vs. 90. Average rent: $1,549/mo vs. $1,475/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 47 vs. 29. Safety index: 36.5 vs. 46.11.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chattanooga, TN to Houston, TX guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Texas to Tennessee, 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 289 movers licensed in Texas, useful context for sizing up this 813-mile move.
Our take
A move from Houston, TX, 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 $1,926 - $8,291 on the 813-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,084 - $3,767, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $572 - $1,570. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,517 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 Houston, TX, to Chattanooga, TN
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Houston, TX 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.
How much does it cost to move from Houston, TX to Chattanooga, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $1,926 to $8,291, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,926 and $8,291, 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 Chattanooga?
Chattanooga has a walkability score of 29 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 35, compared to 47 and 49 in Houston. 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 ($244 - $278), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $141/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Tennessee?
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.
What percentage of Houston movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 54% of movers in Houston handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.