($588+) Des Moines, IA to Chattanooga, TN Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Chattanooga, TN, runs anywhere from $594 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,202 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 776 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,860, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,202 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,151 - $3,682, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $594 - $1,486.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Chattanooga, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,540 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 Des Moines, IA to Chattanooga, TN
Moving options from Des Moines to Chattanooga fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,540 - $5,857 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 776 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 776-mile route from Des Moines to Chattanooga, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,860 - $4,399 | $1,151 - $2,097 | $594 - $1,108 | $1,036 - $1,760 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,540 - $5,857 | $1,407 - $2,937 | $654 - $1,276 | $1,092 - $2,146 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,053 - $8,202 | $1,830 - $3,682 | $764 - $1,486 | $1,556 - $2,886 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Chattanooga, TN
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, costs between $1,860 and $8,202. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 776-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $265 - $1,764, 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 Des Moines and Chattanooga. For a rough baseline, movers based in Des Moines tend to start around $737 plus $142/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 Des Moines to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,860 - $4,399
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,540 - $5,857
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,053 - $8,202
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 Des Moines to Chattanooga.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Tennessee. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Des Moines, IA to Chattanooga, TN
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chattanooga, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $441 - $4,410 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $176 - $1,058/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $265 - $2,117 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $882 - $2,646 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,205 - $8,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $661 - $1,255 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $882 - $2,205 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $706 - $3,087 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $265 - $1,323 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $573 - $1,764 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $265 - $13,230+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $265 - $3,087+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Des Moines, IA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Chattanooga, TN
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, cost between $1,151 and $3,682. 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 Des Moines typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,151 - $2,097
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,407 - $2,937
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,830 - $3,682
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Des Moines, IA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $617, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $66 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $132 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Des Moines, IA, and Chattanooga, TN, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa 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 $1,151. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,407 - $2,937, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Chattanooga, TN
A rental truck for this 776-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, costs between $594 and $1,486. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $218 - $249
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
| 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 Des Moines to Chattanooga based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $594 - $1,108
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $654 - $1,276
- 4+ bedrooms: $764 - $1,486
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $594 - $1,486 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to Chattanooga. Fuel alone runs ($218 - $249) , and overnight lodging ($132/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $218 - $249 for the 776-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 Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours typically costs around $617.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 776-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $132 per night, adding $265 - $397 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $44 and $265.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines 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 Des Moines, IA to Chattanooga, TN
If you're moving a larger household from Des Moines, Iowa, 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. Most moves on this route fall between $1,092 and $2,146.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,036 - $1,760
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,092 - $2,146
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,556 - $2,886
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $66 and $132.
- 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 Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly five hours typically average $617.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Chattanooga?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
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: Des Moines, IA vs Chattanooga, TN
Des Moines and Chattanooga land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 87 in Des Moines and 90 in Chattanooga, and rent tracks closely too ($1,150/mo vs. $1,475/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (45 vs 29) and safety scores (57.8 vs 46.11) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chattanooga, TN to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Iowa 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 36 movers in Iowa, so you have real options to compare for this 776-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Chattanooga, TN, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,860 for a studio to $8,202 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 776-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,151 - $3,682. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $594 - $1,486, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,540 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Hamilton County and Schools Erlanger.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Chattanooga, TN
How walkable is Chattanooga?
Chattanooga has a walkability score of 29 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 35, compared to 45 and 39 in Des Moines. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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.
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 do local movers charge in Des Moines?
Local movers based in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate, plus $142/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 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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
