($103+) Huntsville, AL to Chattanooga, TN Movers
Moving from Huntsville, AL, to Chattanooga, TN, runs anywhere from $103 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,273 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 101 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 $588, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,273 or more.
- Moving containers run $644 - $1,829, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $103 - $190.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Huntsville, AL, to Chattanooga, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,046 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 Huntsville, AL to Chattanooga, TN
There are 3 main ways to move from Huntsville to Chattanooga: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,046 - $3,227. Moving containers run about 20% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 89% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 2 days for this 101-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 101-mile route from Huntsville to Chattanooga, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $588 - $2,837, container $644 - $1,178, rental truck $103 - $159, freight trailer $615 - $1,000.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,046 - $3,227, container $835 - $1,476, rental truck $115 - $185, freight trailer $661 - $1,256.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $1,466 - $4,273, container $1,122 - $1,829, rental truck $125 - $190, freight trailer $906 - $1,463.
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 Huntsville, AL to Chattanooga, TN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 101-mile move from Huntsville, Alabama, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, with costs ranging from $588 - $4,273. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $277 - $1,848. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Huntsville and Chattanooga. Local movers in Huntsville typically start around $280 as a base rate plus $65/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Huntsville to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $588 - $2,837
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,046 - $3,227
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,466 - $4,273
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 Huntsville to Chattanooga.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Huntsville, AL to Chattanooga, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 59% of Huntsville movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chattanooga, 45% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $462 - $4,620 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready59% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Applewhite Movers LLC | $185 - $1,109/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $277 - $2,218 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $924 - $2,772 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,310 - $9,240 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $692 - $1,315 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items35% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Motivated Movers, Inc. | $924 - $2,310 |
| Piano | Any piano type48% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Applewhite Movers LLC | $739 - $3,234 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling12% of local movers | $277 - $1,386 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Brothers EZ Moving of Alabama | $601 - $1,848 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $277 - $13,860+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $277 - $3,234+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Huntsville to Chattanooga?
- 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.
How much do local movers cost in Huntsville, AL?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Huntsville to Chattanooga with a local mover averages $1,077 - $3,323. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Huntsville, 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.
Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.52/5 stars) is a local mover in Huntsville, based on our analysis of feedback from 710 customers, 95.9% of which is positive.
Address: 211 Palmer Rd, Suite D,, Madison, AL, 35758 | Founded: 2011
Moving container costs from Huntsville, AL to Chattanooga, TN
Moving containers from Huntsville, Alabama, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, cost between $644 and $1,829. 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 Huntsville costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Huntsville to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $644 - $1,178
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $835 - $1,476
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,122 - $1,829
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $69 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $139 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Chattanooga, TN, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $647 in Huntsville, AL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $644. 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 $835 - $1,476.
What are the best moving containers Huntsville 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 Huntsville 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 Huntsville:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 37 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.5/5), 15 years in business
- PODS Moving & Storage
Moving truck rental costs from Huntsville, AL to Chattanooga, TN
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 101 miles from Huntsville, Alabama, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, running $103 - $190. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $30 - $34
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Huntsville 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 Huntsville to Chattanooga based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $103 - $159
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $115 - $185
- 4+ bedrooms: $125 - $190
Pro tip: A rental truck from Huntsville to Chattanooga looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $103 - $190. But once you factor in fuel ($30 - $34), overnight lodging ($139/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $139 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $60 and $300 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $30 - $34 in fuel for the 101-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $647 in Huntsville, Alabama, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Huntsville 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 Huntsville, AL to Chattanooga, TN
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Huntsville, Alabama, 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 $832 and $1,256.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Huntsville to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $615 - $1,000
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $661 - $1,256
- 4+ bedrooms: $906 - $1,463
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $69 - $139 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Huntsville, Alabama, for about five hours typically runs $647.
What are the best freight companies from Huntsville to Chattanooga?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Huntsville to Chattanooga. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Huntsville, AL vs Chattanooga, TN
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Huntsville and Chattanooga to plan around. Cost of living index: 94 vs. 90. Average rent: $1,409/mo vs. $1,475/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 24 vs. 29. Safety index: 57.45 vs. 46.11.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chattanooga, TN to Huntsville, AL guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Tennessee in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 142 movers based in Alabama, handy for sizing up options on this 101-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Huntsville, 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 $588 - $4,273 on the 101-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $644 - $1,829 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $103 - $190 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,046 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 Huntsville, AL, to Chattanooga, TN
How much does it cost to move from Huntsville, AL to Chattanooga, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $103 to $4,273, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $588 and $4,273, 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.
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 do local movers charge in Huntsville?
Local movers based in Huntsville typically start around $280 as a base rate, plus $65/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Chattanooga run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 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 percentage of Huntsville movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 48% of movers in Huntsville handle piano moves, and 35% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.