($422+) Chattanooga, TN to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $434 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,031 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 489 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,306, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,031 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,031 - $3,052, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $434 - $1,147.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chattanooga, TN, to New Orleans, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,194 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chattanooga, TN to New Orleans, LA
There are 3 main ways to move from Chattanooga to New Orleans: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,194 - $5,604. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 489 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 489-mile route from Chattanooga to New Orleans, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,306 - $4,287 | $1,031 - $1,741 | $434 - $748 | $919 - $1,646 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,194 - $5,604 | $1,320 - $2,426 | $477 - $961 | $1,027 - $1,960 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,836 - $8,031 | $1,606 - $3,052 | $542 - $1,147 | $1,352 - $2,441 |
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 Chattanooga, TN to New Orleans, LA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 489-mile move from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to New Orleans, Louisiana, with costs ranging from $1,306 - $8,031. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $284 - $1,896. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Chattanooga and New Orleans. Local movers in Chattanooga typically start around $280 as a base rate plus $99/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chattanooga to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,306 - $4,287
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,194 - $5,604
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,836 - $8,031
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 Chattanooga to New Orleans.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee to Louisiana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Chattanooga, TN to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Chattanooga movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In New Orleans, 75% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $474 - $4,740 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Good Guys Moving & Delivery | $190 - $1,138/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $284 - $2,275 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $948 - $2,844 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,370 - $9,480 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $710 - $1,349 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items17% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Elizabeth's Moving & Storage | $948 - $2,370 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $758 - $3,318 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $284 - $1,422 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $616 - $1,896 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $284 - $14,220+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $284 - $3,318+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chattanooga to New Orleans?
Look for Louisiana Motor Transport Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Louisiana beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Chattanooga, TN?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Chattanooga to New Orleans with a local mover averages $2,173 - $5,548. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Chattanooga, TN often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Good Guys Moving & Delivery (4.58/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Chattanooga, ranked #5 in Tennessee, based on our analysis of feedback from 245 customers, 93.9% of which is positive.
Address: 2000 Stuart Street, Chattanooga, TN, 37406 | Founded: 2013
Moving container costs from Chattanooga, TN to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,031 and $3,052. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Chattanooga typically costs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chattanooga to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,031 - $1,741
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,320 - $2,426
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,606 - $3,052
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Chattanooga, TN and New Orleans, LA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $664 in Chattanooga, TN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $71 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $142 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee to Louisiana 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 $1,031. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,320 - $2,426, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chattanooga to New Orleans?
- 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga:
- Good Guys Moving & Delivery (4.8/5), 13 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 26 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.6/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chattanooga, TN to New Orleans, LA
Truck rentals from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to New Orleans, Louisiana, range from $434 - $1,147 for the 489-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $148 - $169
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Chattanooga daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $0.99
| 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 Chattanooga to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $434 - $748
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $477 - $961
- 4+ bedrooms: $542 - $1,147
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chattanooga to New Orleans starts at $434 - $1,147, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($148 - $169) , overnight lodging ($142/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $71 and $332.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $142.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $148 and $169 for the 489-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $664 for 2 movers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chattanooga to New Orleans?
- 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 Chattanooga, TN to New Orleans, LA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to New Orleans, Louisiana, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,027 and $1,960.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chattanooga to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $919 - $1,646
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,027 - $1,960
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,352 - $2,441
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $71 - $142 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, typically costs $664.
What are the best freight companies from Chattanooga to New Orleans?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Covenant Logistics (4.8/5 stars): Covenant Logistics is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Chattanooga to New Orleans, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Chattanooga, TN vs New Orleans, LA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Chattanooga and New Orleans to plan around. Cost of living index: 90 vs. 102. Average rent: $1,475/mo vs. $1,755/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 29 vs. 58. Safety index: 46.11 vs. 32.69.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Orleans, LA to Chattanooga, TN guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Tennessee to Louisiana, 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 70 movers in Tennessee, so you have real options to compare for this 489-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Chattanooga, TN, to New Orleans, LA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,306 - $8,031 on the 489-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,031 - $3,052 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $434 - $1,147 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,194 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Entergy and Ochsner Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to New Orleans, LA
What is the best time of year to move from Chattanooga, TN to New Orleans, LA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Louisiana also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Chattanooga, TN to New Orleans, LA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($148 - $169), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $142/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chattanooga, TN to New Orleans, LA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $477 - $961. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Chattanooga, TN to New Orleans, LA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,306 to $8,031, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,306 and $8,031, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of Chattanooga movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Chattanooga handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
