The best local movers for Grand Rapids to Chattanooga moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Grand Rapids that also handles long-distance moves to Chattanooga. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 13 local movers in Grand Rapids who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Grand Rapids to Chattanooga.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Powell Relocation Group: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- H & H Moving Company, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Phase Six Moving, LLC , Two Men and A Truck/Grand Rapids North
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 261884
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 261884
Alternate Names: Powell Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2956991
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: MTC Learning Technologies, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 97
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Corrigan Moving Systems – Grand Rapids, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3328141
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Grand Rapids to Chattanooga?
The average hourly rate for movers in Michigan is . Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,160 – $3,612 | $720 – $1,775 | $469 – $940 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,180 – $5,379 | $1,271 – $2,382 | $500 – $1,073 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,753 – $7,949 | $1,649 – $3,315 | $677 – $1,298 |
Cost to hire movers from Grand Rapids to Chattanooga
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Grand Rapids to Chattanooga will cost between $1,160 and $3,612. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Grand Rapids to Grand Rapids will range from $2,180 to $5,379, and a large move from Grand Rapids to Chattanooga will cost from $3,753 to $7,949.
Cost of moving containers from Grand Rapids to Chattanooga
If you’re moving from Grand Rapids to Chattanooga, expect to pay between $720 and $1,775 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,271 up to $2,382. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,649 and $3,315. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Grand Rapids to Chattanooga
Renting a moving truck from Grand Rapids to Chattanooga is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $469 and $940. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $500 and $1,073. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $677 up to $1,298 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Grand Rapids to Chattanooga
The cost of Grand Rapids movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,752, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,945.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Grand Rapids, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($469–$1,132) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Chattanooga
Many movers find Chattanooga easier on the wallet than Grand Rapids – roughly 38% less for singles and 39% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,300 for one person in Chattanooga versus $5,333 in Grand Rapids. For a family of four, it’s $4,350 compared with $7,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Grand Rapids | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,900 | $1,517 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,200 | $3,138 |
| Average home value | $328,256 | $302,565 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $60,164 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,333 | $3,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,160 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 0.0% |
- If you’re heading to Chattanooga from Grand Rapids, you’ll find that rent is roughly 11% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 8% less in Chattanooga than in Grand Rapids.
- Fortunately, the average income in Chattanooga and Grand Rapids is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Chattanooga. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 38% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- Choosing to move to Chattanooga can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 39% less than in Grand Rapids.
- In Chattanooga, the unemployment rate is approximately 30% higher than in Grand Rapids, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 54% in Chattanooga over Grand Rapids, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- 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 a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Grand Rapids and Chattanooga:
| Living Expense | Grand Rapids | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $118.12 | $160.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $56.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.25 | $3.92 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.46 | $3.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.99 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Grand Rapids than in Chattanooga, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Grand Rapids than in Chattanooga.
- Eggs are less expensive in Grand Rapids than in Chattanooga.
- Bread costs less in Grand Rapids than in Chattanooga.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Grand Rapids than in Chattanooga.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Grand Rapids than in Chattanooga.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Grand Rapids than in Chattanooga.
How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Chattanooga
| Grand Rapids | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,893 | 181,099 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 56 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 35 |
| Crime index | 44.23 | 53.89 |
| Safety index | 55.77 | 46.11 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chattanooga’s population is about 9% less than Grand Rapids.
- Chattanooga’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Grand Rapids’s score of 6.
- Chattanooga is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids’s 56 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 Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52.
- Chattanooga’s crime rate is higher than Grand Rapids with a score of 53.89 compared to Grand Rapids’s 44.23. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
- Chattanooga is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 46.11 vs Grand Rapids’s 55.77.
- Air quality in Chattanooga is Good, and in Grand Rapids it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids to Chattanooga move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Tennessee doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Chattanooga. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Chattanooga
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Scenic City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you’re settled into your new home in Tennessee, it’s time to get out and discover what Chattanooga has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chattanooga, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League)Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Chattanooga?
The best time to move from Grand Rapids to Chattanooga is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Grand Rapids.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Chattanooga?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Grand Rapids to Chattanooga, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Grand Rapids to Chattanooga take?
Moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Chattanooga, covers 673 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Grand Rapids movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Chattanooga.
Which movers in Grand Rapids give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Grand Rapids?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 10 movers in Grand Rapids advertise piano moving expertise. 4 movers in Grand Rapids provide antique moving services. State totals show 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Grand Rapids moving services
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