($240+) Columbus, GA to Chattanooga, TN Movers
Moving from Columbus, GA, to Chattanooga, TN, runs anywhere from $240 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,444 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 220 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 $888, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,444 or more.
- Moving containers run $782 - $2,474, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $240 - $611.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, GA, to Chattanooga, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,391 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Columbus, GA to Chattanooga, TN
Moving options from Columbus to Chattanooga fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,391 - $3,998 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 27% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 81% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 220-mile route typically takes 1 to 2 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 220-mile route from Columbus to Chattanooga, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $888 for a studio up to $5,444 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $782 - $2,474 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $240 - $611, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $755 - $1,825, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Columbus, GA to Chattanooga, TN
Full-service movers for the 220-mile relocation from Columbus, Georgia, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, cost between $888 and $5,444. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $248 - $1,656, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Columbus typically charge a base rate around $315 plus $140 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $888 - $3,482
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,391 - $3,998
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,022 - $5,444
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 Columbus 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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Columbus, GA to Chattanooga, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 84% of Columbus 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 packing68% of local movers | $414 - $4,140 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready84% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $166 - $994/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $248 - $1,987 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage5% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs68% of local movers | $828 - $2,484 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,070 - $8,280 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $620 - $1,178 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $828 - $2,070 |
| Piano | Any piano type36% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $662 - $2,898 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $248 - $1,242 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $538 - $1,656 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $248 - $12,420+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $248 - $2,898+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbus 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.
How much do local movers cost in Columbus, GA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Columbus to Chattanooga with a local mover averages $1,350 - $3,879. A local mover in Columbus, GA is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
Coleman Worldwide Moving (4.44/5 stars) is a local mover in Columbus, based on our analysis of feedback from 428 customers, 88.3% of which is positive.
Address: 4520 Cargo Dr, Columbus, GA, 31907 | Founded: 1914
Moving container costs from Columbus, GA to Chattanooga, TN
Moving containers from Columbus, Georgia, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, cost between $782 and $2,474. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Columbus typically costs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $782 - $1,451
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,009 - $1,817
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,366 - $2,474
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $580 in Columbus, GA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $62 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $124 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Chattanooga, TN, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Georgia 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 $782. 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 $1,009 - $1,817.
What are the best moving containers Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus:
- Apple Moving (4.0/5), 26 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, GA to Chattanooga, TN
Truck rentals from Columbus, Georgia, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, range from $240 - $611 for the 220-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $58 - $66
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Columbus 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 Columbus to Chattanooga based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $240 - $432
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $264 - $522
- 4+ bedrooms: $330 - $611
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $240 - $611 does not include fuel ($58 - $66), lodging ($124/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Columbus to Chattanooga typically runs more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $58 - $66 for the 220-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Columbus, Georgia, for about 5 hours typically costs around $580.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 220-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $124 per night, adding $248 - $373 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $41 and $248.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus 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 Columbus, GA to Chattanooga, TN
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Columbus, Georgia, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $791 and $1,562.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $755 - $1,306
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $791 - $1,562
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,029 - $1,825
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?
- 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 $62 and $124.
- 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 Columbus, Georgia, for roughly five hours typically average $580.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus to Chattanooga?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Chattanooga quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Columbus, GA vs Chattanooga, TN
Day-to-day costs in Chattanooga are close to what you're used to in Columbus: cost of living index of 90 versus 78, with average rent of $1,475/mo compared to $1,100/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 25/100 and 27.82/100 in Columbus versus 29/100 and 46.11/100 in Chattanooga.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chattanooga, TN to Columbus, GA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Georgia 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 256 movers in Georgia, so you have real options to compare for this 220-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 220-mile route from Columbus, GA, to Chattanooga, TN, run $888 - $5,444 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $782 - $2,474, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $240 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,391, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Hamilton County and Schools Erlanger.
FAQs: Moving from Columbus, GA, to Chattanooga, TN
What do local movers charge in Columbus?
Local movers based in Columbus typically start around $315 as a base rate, plus $140/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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Columbus, GA 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 Columbus, GA to Chattanooga, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $240 to $5,444, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $888 and $5,444, 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 25 and 31 in Columbus. 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 ($58 - $66), daily insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $124/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 36% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.