Highly rated local moving companies for Indianapolis to Chattanooga moves
Organizing a move from Indianapolis to Chattanooga can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 27 local movers in Indianapolis known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Indianapolis to Chattanooga.
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Sherman Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Busy Bee Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Wheaton Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co. , Leaders Moving and Storage Company , Hilling Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 92
DOT #: 719392
Alternate Names: Ed Sherman Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 1458935
Alternate Names: Planes Companies , Planes Specialized Logistics , Planes Commercial Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 573343
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 64
DOT #: 70719
Alternate Names: Crown Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Indianapolis to Chattanooga?
On average, moving companies in Indiana charge about $130 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $941 – $3,040 | $664 – $1,562 | $361 – $676 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,834 – $4,831 | $1,100 – $2,107 | $404 – $786 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,846 – $6,905 | $1,533 – $2,943 | $473 – $933 |
Cost to hire movers from Indianapolis to Chattanooga
When planning a move to Chattanooga from Indianapolis, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $941 and $3,040. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,834 and $4,831 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,846 to $6,905.
Cost of moving containers from Indianapolis to Chattanooga
When you’re heading from Indianapolis to Chattanooga, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $664 and $1,562. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,100 and $2,107. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,533 to $2,943. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Indiana easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Indianapolis to Chattanooga
A moving rental truck from Indianapolis to Chattanooga is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $361 to $676. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $404 to $786, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Indianapolis to Chattanooga costs around $473 to $933.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Indianapolis to Chattanooga
The cost of Indianapolis movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Indianapolis to Chattanooga may only cost $1,373, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $5,574.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Indianapolis.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($361–$868), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Indianapolis to Chattanooga
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chattanooga runs about 18% higher for singles and -35% higher for families than Indianapolis.
Singles spend around $3,300 in Indianapolis versus $2,804 in Indianapolis; families pay $4,350 compared with $6,667.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Indianapolis | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,688 | $1,517 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,708 | $3,138 |
| Average home value | $220,467 | $302,565 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,110 | $60,164 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,804 | $3,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,667 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 3.15% | 0.0% |
- Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Chattanooga from Indianapolis with rent being about the same in each state.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 37% steeper in Chattanooga compared to Indianapolis.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Chattanooga and Indianapolis are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Chattanooga, with the cost of living for a single person being 18% more than in Indianapolis. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- A move to Chattanooga can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 35% lower compared to Indianapolis.
- Chattanooga and Indianapolis have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won’t see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you’re used to.
- Sales taxes in Chattanooga surpass those in Indianapolis by 32%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- 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.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Indianapolis versus Chattanooga:
| Living Expense | Indianapolis | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $231.67 | $160.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.58 | $56.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.33 | $3.92 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.00 | $3.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $35.50 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Indianapolis than in Chattanooga.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Indianapolis than in Chattanooga.
- Eggs are less expensive in Indianapolis than in Chattanooga.
- Bread costs less in Indianapolis than in Chattanooga.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Indianapolis than in Chattanooga.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Indianapolis than in Chattanooga.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Indianapolis than in Chattanooga.
How life is different in Indianapolis vs. Chattanooga
| Indianapolis | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 887,642 | 181,099 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 35 |
| Crime index | 60.71 | 53.89 |
| Safety index | 39.29 | 46.11 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chattanooga’s population is about 80% less than Indianapolis.
- Chattanooga’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Indianapolis’s score of 5.
- Chattanooga is less walkable than Indianapolis with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Indianapolis’s 31 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 Indianapolis, which has a score of 43.
- Chattanooga’s crime rate is lower than Indianapolis with a score of 53.89 compared to Indianapolis’s 60.71. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71%.
- Chattanooga is considered to be safer than Indianapolis with a safety index of 46.11 vs Indianapolis’s 39.29.
- Air quality in Chattanooga is Good, and in Indianapolis it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Indianapolis to Chattanooga move
- HOA rules: Costs across Indianapolis and Chattanooga are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Tennessee, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Tennessee, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Chattanooga. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Chattanooga
With your sights set on Scenic City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to Tennessee complete, you can dive right into experiencing Chattanooga. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Chattanooga is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Indianapolis to Chattanooga?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Indianapolis to Chattanooga. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Indianapolis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Indianapolis to Chattanooga?
Want to save on your move from Indianapolis to Chattanooga? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Indianapolis to Chattanooga take?
The 417-mile move from Indianapolis, IN, to Chattanooga, , takes one to four days. Some Indianapolis movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chattanooga.
What kinds of discounts do Indianapolis movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 3 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Indianapolis?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 18 movers in Indianapolis provide piano moving services. 10 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 43 piano movers and 21 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
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