($256+) Montgomery, AL to Chattanooga, TN Movers
Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Chattanooga, TN, runs anywhere from $256 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,975 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 232 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $914, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,975 or more.
- Moving containers run $786 - $2,376, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $256 - $647.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Montgomery, AL, to Chattanooga, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,571 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 Montgomery, AL to Chattanooga, TN
Moving options from Montgomery to Chattanooga 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 $1,571 - $4,339 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 81% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 232 miles and typically takes 1 to 2 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 232-mile route from Montgomery to Chattanooga, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $914 - $3,732 | $786 - $1,363 | $256 - $499 | $752 - $1,343 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,571 - $4,339 | $1,097 - $1,889 | $299 - $580 | $802 - $1,495 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,003 - $5,975 | $1,389 - $2,376 | $341 - $647 | $1,144 - $2,001 |
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 Montgomery, AL to Chattanooga, TN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 232-mile move from Montgomery, Alabama, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, with costs ranging from $914 - $5,975. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $250 - $1,668. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Montgomery and Chattanooga. Local movers in Montgomery typically start around $462 as a base rate plus $133/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Montgomery to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $914 - $3,732
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,571 - $4,339
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,003 - $5,975
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 Montgomery to Chattanooga.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Montgomery, AL to Chattanooga, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 45% of Montgomery movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chattanooga, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing64% of local movers | $417 - $4,170 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready45% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $167 - $1,001/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $250 - $2,002 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs36% of local movers | $834 - $2,502 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,085 - $8,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $625 - $1,187 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items36% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $834 - $2,085 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $667 - $2,919 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $250 - $1,251 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $542 - $1,668 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $250 - $12,510+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $250 - $2,919+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Montgomery to Chattanooga?
- 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.
How much do local movers cost in Montgomery, AL?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Montgomery to Chattanooga with a local mover averages $1,571 - $4,339. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Montgomery, AL often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Coleman Worldwide Moving (4.56/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Montgomery, ranked #1 in Alabama, based on our analysis of feedback from 233 customers, 86.7% of which is positive.
Address: 1285 Parker St, Montgomery, AL, 36108 | Founded: 1914
Moving container costs from Montgomery, AL to Chattanooga, TN
Moving containers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, cost between $786 and $2,376. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Montgomery costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Montgomery to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $786 - $1,363
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,097 - $1,889
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,389 - $2,376
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Montgomery, AL and Chattanooga, TN. 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 $584 in Montgomery, AL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $63 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $125 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 Alabama 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 $786. 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 $1,097 - $1,889.
What are the best moving containers Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery:
- C & R Movers, LLC (4.2/5), 12 years in business
- Admiral Movers (4.8/5), 37 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Montgomery, AL to Chattanooga, TN
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 232 miles from Montgomery, Alabama, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, running $256 - $647. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $62 - $70
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Montgomery daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Montgomery to Chattanooga based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $256 - $499
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $299 - $580
- 4+ bedrooms: $341 - $647
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Montgomery to Chattanooga starts at $256 - $647, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($62 - $70), overnight lodging ($125/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $125 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Montgomery, Alabama, usually costs about $584 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 232-mile drive falls between $62 and $70, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $42 and $250 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Montgomery 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 Montgomery, AL to Chattanooga, TN
If you're moving a larger household from Montgomery, Alabama, 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 Chattanooga, Tennessee.
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 $802 and $1,495.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Montgomery to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $752 - $1,343
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $802 - $1,495
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,144 - $2,001
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Montgomery, Alabama, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $584.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $63 and $125 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Montgomery to Chattanooga?
- 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 are a great option when you need your belongings in Chattanooga 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: Montgomery, AL vs Chattanooga, TN
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Montgomery and Chattanooga to plan around. Cost of living index: 79 vs. 90. Average rent: $1,200/mo vs. $1,475/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 26 vs. 29. Safety index: 34.75 vs. 46.11.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chattanooga, TN to Montgomery, AL guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Alabama to Tennessee, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 112 movers in Alabama, so you have real options to compare for this 232-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Montgomery, AL, to Chattanooga, TN, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $914 - $5,975 on the 232-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $786 - $2,376 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $256 - $647 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,571 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Hamilton County and Schools Erlanger.
FAQs: Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Chattanooga, TN
What are the best neighborhoods in Chattanooga?
For families, North Shore, St. Elmo, and Lookout Mountain are worth a look in Chattanooga. If you're moving solo or without kids, Southside, Martin Luther King, and Fort Wood tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Montgomery, AL to Chattanooga, TN?
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 $299 - $580. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Chattanooga a safe place to live?
Chattanooga has a safety index of 46.11 out of 100 and a crime index of 53.89, compared to 34.75 and 65.25 in Montgomery. 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 Montgomery, AL to Chattanooga, TN?
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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Montgomery movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 45% of movers in Montgomery handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.