Top-rated local movers that handle Santa Ana to Chattanooga moves
When planning a move from Santa Ana to Chattanooga, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 93 local movers in Santa Ana who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Santa Ana to Chattanooga.
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Best Fit Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc , College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County , Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191680
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3051481
Alternate Names: Best Fit Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc , Richards Moving Company , Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana to Chattanooga?
Movers in California charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,326 – $5,230 | $1,221 – $2,937 | $1,229 – $2,372 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,323 – $7,732 | $2,193 – $4,526 | $1,292 – $2,796 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,233 – $10,737 | $2,806 – $6,177 | $1,629 – $3,494 |
Cost to hire movers from Santa Ana to Chattanooga
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Chattanooga, you can expect to spend between $1,326 and $5,230. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,323 to $7,732 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Chattanooga typically runs between $6,233 and $10,737.
Cost of moving containers from Santa Ana to Chattanooga
When moving from Santa Ana to Chattanooga, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,221 and $2,937. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,193 to $4,526. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,806 up to $6,177. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Chattanooga
Renting a moving truck in Santa Ana is usually your cheapest option to get to Chattanooga. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,229 and $2,372. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,292 and $2,796. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,629 and $3,494.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Santa Ana to Chattanooga
The cost of Santa Ana movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,589, but larger homes can run up to $10,939.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Santa Ana.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,229–$2,912) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Chattanooga
Many movers find Chattanooga easier on the wallet than Santa Ana – roughly 48% less for singles and 61% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,300 for one person in Chattanooga versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it’s $4,350 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $1,517 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $3,138 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $302,565 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $60,164 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $3,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 44% lower in Chattanooga than in Santa Ana, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 64% lower in Chattanooga than in Santa Ana.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 22% less in Chattanooga than in Santa Ana.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Chattanooga, where the cost of living for a single person is 48% less than in Santa Ana.
- Moving to Chattanooga could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 61% less than in Santa Ana.
- Chattanooga experiences an unemployment rate that is about 20% lower than that of Santa Ana. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are similar in Chattanooga and Santa Ana (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Santa Ana with Chattanooga:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $160.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $56.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $3.92 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $3.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Santa Ana than in Chattanooga.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Santa Ana than in Chattanooga.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Chattanooga.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Chattanooga.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Santa Ana than in Chattanooga.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Santa Ana than in Chattanooga.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Chattanooga.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Chattanooga
| Santa Ana | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 181,099 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 35 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 53.89 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 46.11 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Chattanooga’s population is about 42% less than Santa Ana.
- Chattanooga’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Santa Ana’s score of 7.
- Chattanooga is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Santa Ana’s 67 out of 100.
- Chattanooga has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Santa Ana, which has a score of 62.
- Chattanooga and Santa Ana have a similar crime rate with scores of 53.89 and 54.17, respectively.
- Chattanooga and Santa Ana have a similar safety level, with scores of 46.11 and 45.83.
- Air quality in Chattanooga is Good, and in Santa Ana it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Chattanooga move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Tennessee doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Chattanooga smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Chattanooga
Now that you’ve chosen Scenic City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Chattanooga to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Southside
- Martin Luther King
- Fort Wood
- Lookout Mountain
- West Village
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Shore
- St. Elmo
- Lookout Mountain
- Highland Park
- Orchard Knob
Things to do in Chattanooga
After getting comfortable in your new Tennessee home, it’s time to see what Chattanooga is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Chattanooga offers cultural landmarks like the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Creative Discovery Museum, Coker Museum – Honest Charley, and Hunter Museum of American Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Coolidge Park Tennessee, Riverpark Ross’s Landing Park, Enterprise South Nature Park, and Chickamauga Dam — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League)Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Chattanooga?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Santa Ana to Chattanooga are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Santa Ana are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Chattanooga?
Because spring and fall moves from Santa Ana to Chattanooga are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Chattanooga take?
A move of 2,126 miles from Santa Ana, CA to Chattanooga, generally takes six to 17 days. Movers in Santa Ana sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Chattanooga is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Santa Ana?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Santa Ana offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 73 movers in Santa Ana have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 60 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Santa Ana moving services
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