Top-rated movers to make your Chicago to Chattanooga move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Chicago that offers long-distance services to Chattanooga can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 68 top local movers in Chicago who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Chicago to Chattanooga.
- New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 158678
Years in Business: 16
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Chattanooga?
In Illinois, moving services typically cost around $113 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,080 – $3,351 | $696 – $1,598 | $463 – $881 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,932 – $5,213 | $1,231 – $2,420 | $470 – $1,057 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,577 – $7,193 | $1,610 – $3,033 | $605 – $1,288 |
Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Chattanooga
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Chattanooga from Chicago, you can expect prices to land between $1,080 and $3,351. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,932 to $5,213 for the trip from Chicago to Chattanooga. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,577 and $7,193.
Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Chattanooga
Moving containers from Chicago to Chattanooga will cost you $696 to $1,598 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,231 to $2,420. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,610 to $3,033. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Chattanooga
Renting a moving truck from Chicago to Chattanooga typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $463 and $881 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $470 to $1,057. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $605 to $1,288.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Chicago to Chattanooga move
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,552 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,030 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Chicago.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $463 to $1,127, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Chattanooga
Many movers find Chattanooga easier on the wallet than Chicago – roughly 10% less for singles and 53% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,300 for one person in Chattanooga versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it’s $4,350 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,517 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $3,138 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $302,565 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $60,164 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $3,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
- When relocating from Chicago to Chattanooga, expect to find rent about 28% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- Home pricing is relatively consistent, with less than a 5% difference between Chattanooga and Chicago, making significant budget changes unnecessary unless you opt for a larger space.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 16% lower in Chattanooga compared to Chicago.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Chattanooga, as the cost of living for a single person is 10% lower compared to Chicago.
- A move to Chattanooga can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 53% less than what it costs in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Chattanooga is about 38% lower than in Chicago. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 10% less in Chattanooga relative to Chicago. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- 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.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Chicago and Chattanooga:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $160.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $56.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $3.92 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chicago than in Chattanooga.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Chattanooga.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Chattanooga.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Chattanooga.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Chattanooga.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Chattanooga.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Chattanooga.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Chattanooga
| Chicago | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 181,099 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 35 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 53.89 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 46.11 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chattanooga’s population is about 93% less than Chicago.
- Chattanooga’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
- Chattanooga is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 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 Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Chattanooga’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 53.89 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Chattanooga is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 46.11 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
- Air quality in Chattanooga is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Chattanooga move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Tennessee’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Chattanooga. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Chattanooga
Planning your move to Scenic City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Chattanooga.
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 settling into your new Tennessee home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chattanooga has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Chattanooga features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League)Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Chattanooga?
Planning your move from Chicago to Chattanooga? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Chattanooga?
Because most people are moving from Chicago to Chattanooga in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Chicago to Chattanooga take?
The 601-mile journey from Chicago, IL to Chattanooga, , typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Chicago offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Chattanooga.
Are there special savings available from movers in Chicago?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 2 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Chicago?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Chicago, 54 movers can manage piano relocations. 40 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Illinois has 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
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