Top-rated movers to make your Charleston to Chattanooga move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Charleston that offers long-distance services to Chattanooga can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 10 top local movers in Charleston 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 Charleston to Chattanooga.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Cougar Moving: 4.12 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9792-B
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2357653
Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2362770
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
Company Info
Pricing: $124/hr
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2868021
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Chattanooga?
In South Carolina, moving services typically cost around $137 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 | $1,019 – $2,921 | $626 – $1,456 | $354 – $663 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,711 – $4,457 | $1,157 – $2,282 | $377 – $825 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,788 – $6,239 | $1,579 – $2,719 | $502 – $943 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Chattanooga
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Chattanooga from Charleston, you can expect prices to land between $1,019 and $2,921. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,711 to $4,457 for the trip from Charleston to Chattanooga. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $2,788 and $6,239.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Chattanooga
Moving containers from Charleston to Chattanooga will cost you $626 to $1,456 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,157 to $2,282. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,579 to $2,719. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Chattanooga
Renting a moving truck from Charleston to Chattanooga typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $354 and $663 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $377 to $825. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $502 to $943.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Charleston to Chattanooga move
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,358 for a one-bedroom, or up to $5,795 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Charleston.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $354 to $850, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Chattanooga
Many movers find Chattanooga easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 38% less for singles and 45% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,300 for one person in Chattanooga versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $4,350 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,517 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $3,138 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $302,565 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $60,164 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $3,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
- When relocating from Charleston to Chattanooga, expect to find rent about 41% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 46% more affordable in Chattanooga compared to Charleston.
- In terms of average income, Chattanooga and Charleston are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Chattanooga, as the cost of living for a single person is 38% lower compared to Charleston.
- 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 45% less than what it costs in Charleston.
- Chattanooga shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Charleston by around 40%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes hold steady between Chattanooga and Charleston (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- 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 Charleston and Chattanooga:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $160.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $56.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $3.92 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $3.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Chattanooga, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Chattanooga.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Chattanooga.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Chattanooga.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Charleston than in Chattanooga.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Chattanooga.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Chattanooga
| Charleston | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 181,099 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 35 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 53.89 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 46.11 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chattanooga’s population is about 21% greater than Charleston.
- Chattanooga’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Charleston, making them very similar.
- Chattanooga is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 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 Charleston, which has a score of 50.
- Chattanooga’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 53.89 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Chattanooga is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 46.11 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Chattanooga is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston 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 Charleston to Chattanooga?
Planning your move from Charleston to Chattanooga? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Chattanooga?
Because most people are moving from Charleston 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 Charleston to Chattanooga take?
The 415-mile journey from Charleston, SC to Chattanooga, , typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Charleston 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 piano and antique moving services available in Charleston?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Charleston, 6 movers can manage piano relocations. 4 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, South Carolina has 33 piano movers and 18 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.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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