($437+) Chattanooga, TN to Arlington, VA Movers
Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $437 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,186 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 593 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 $1,413, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,186 or more.
- Moving containers run $998 - $3,209, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $437 - $1,155.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chattanooga, TN, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,069 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 Arlington, VA
Moving options from Chattanooga to Arlington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,069 - $5,710 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 39% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 77% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 593 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 593-mile route from Chattanooga to Arlington, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,413 - $4,230, container $998 - $1,676, rental truck $437 - $814, freight trailer $837 - $1,617.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,069 - $5,710, container $1,255 - $2,437, rental truck $481 - $1,026, freight trailer $964 - $1,911.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,735 - $8,186, container $1,608 - $3,209, rental truck $624 - $1,155, freight trailer $1,260 - $2,418.
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 Arlington, VA
Hiring full-service movers from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Arlington, Virginia, costs between $1,413 and $8,186. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 593-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $359 - $2,392, 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 Chattanooga and Arlington. For a rough baseline, movers based in Chattanooga tend to start around $280 plus $99/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 Chattanooga to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,413 - $4,230
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,069 - $5,710
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,735 - $8,186
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 Arlington.
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 Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 45% of Chattanooga movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Arlington, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing77% of local movers | $598 - $5,980 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready45% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $239 - $1,435/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $359 - $2,870 |
| 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 | $1,196 - $3,588 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,990 - $11,960 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $896 - $1,702 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Elizabeth's Moving & Storage | $1,196 - $2,990 |
| Piano | Any piano type23% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $957 - $4,186 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $359 - $1,794 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $777 - $2,392 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $359 - $17,940+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $359 - $4,186+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chattanooga to Arlington?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- 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 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 Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $998 and $3,209. 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 Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $998 - $1,676
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,255 - $2,437
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,608 - $3,209
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Chattanooga, TN and Arlington, VA. 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 $837 in Chattanooga, TN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $90 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $179 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 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 $998. 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 $1,255 - $2,437.
What are the best moving containers Chattanooga to Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 593 miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Arlington, Virginia, running $437 - $1,155. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $226 - $258
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- 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 Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $437 - $814
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $481 - $1,026
- 4+ bedrooms: $624 - $1,155
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $437 - $1,155 when pricing out a rental truck from Chattanooga to Arlington. Fuel alone runs $226 - $258, and overnight lodging ($179/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $90 and $419.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $179.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $226 and $258 for the 593-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $837 for 2 movers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chattanooga to Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
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 Arlington, Virginia.
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 $964 and $1,911.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chattanooga to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $837 - $1,617
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $964 - $1,911
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,260 - $2,418
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 pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $90 and $179.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for roughly five hours typically average $837.
What are the best freight companies from Chattanooga to Arlington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Arlington fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Chattanooga, TN vs Arlington, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with Chattanooga on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chattanooga, TN | Arlington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 164 |
| Average rent | $1,475/mo | $2,718/mo |
| Median home value | $259,125 | $866,334 |
| Average income | $61,028/yr | $140,160/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 29/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 46.11/100 | 79.15/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Arlington, VA 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 Virginia, 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 213 movers licensed in Tennessee, useful context for sizing up this 593-mile move.
Our take
The 593-mile move from Chattanooga, TN, to Arlington, VA, costs between $1,413 and $8,186 with full-service movers, $998 - $3,209 with a moving container, and $437 - $1,155 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,069 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to Arlington, VA
What is the cheapest way to move from Chattanooga, TN to Arlington, 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 $481 - $1,026. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Arlington a safe place to live?
Arlington has a safety index of 79.15 out of 100 and a crime index of 15.67, compared to 46.11 and 53.89 in Chattanooga. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Chattanooga, TN to Arlington, VA?
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. Virginia 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.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Virginia?
In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV).
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.