($398+) Chattanooga, TN to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $398 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,496 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $1,184, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,496 or more.
- Moving containers run $926 - $2,791, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $398 - $1,071.
- 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 $2,069 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
Moving options from Chattanooga to New Orleans fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,069 - $5,497 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 46% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 80% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 489-mile route typically takes 1 to 4 days door to door.
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:
- Full-service movers: $1,184 for a studio up to $7,496 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $926 - $2,791 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $398 - $1,071, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $850 - $2,326, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chattanooga, TN to New Orleans, LA
Hiring full-service movers from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to New Orleans, Louisiana, costs between $1,184 and $7,496. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 489-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $284 - $1,896, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Chattanooga and New Orleans. For a rough baseline, movers based in Chattanooga tend to start around $280 plus $99/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chattanooga to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,184 - $3,967
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,069 - $5,497
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,438 - $7,496
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.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Chattanooga, TN to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market: 45% of Chattanooga movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In New Orleans, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing77% of local movers | $474 - $4,740 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready45% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $190 - $1,138/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $284 - $2,275 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs63% 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 items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Elizabeth's Moving & Storage | $948 - $2,370 |
| Piano | Any piano type23% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $758 - $3,318 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $284 - $1,422 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $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?
Movers licensed to operate in Louisiana are typically members of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers 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 $2,028 - $5,388. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Chattanooga, TN can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
Good Guys Moving & Delivery (4.7/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Chattanooga, ranked #2 in Tennessee, based on our analysis of feedback from 726 customers, 94.1% 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 $926 and $2,791. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Chattanooga costs roughly $60/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chattanooga to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $926 - $1,575
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,127 - $2,197
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,562 - $2,791
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $71 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $142 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $664 in Chattanooga, TN, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your New Orleans, LA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $926. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,127 - $2,197.
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
- Bellhop Moving (4.6/5), 15 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 26 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chattanooga, TN to New Orleans, LA
Renting a moving truck for the 489-mile move from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to New Orleans, Louisiana, costs between $398 and $1,071, before these typical add-ons:
- 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: $398 - $757
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $420 - $898
- 4+ bedrooms: $506 - $1,071
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $398 - $1,071 does not include fuel ($148 - $169), lodging ($142/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Chattanooga to New Orleans typically runs more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $148 - $169 for the 489-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for about 5 hours typically costs around $664.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 489-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $142 per night, adding $284 - $427 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $47 and $284.
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 a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to New Orleans, Louisiana. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $997 and $1,739.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chattanooga to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $850 - $1,507
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $997 - $1,739
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,262 - $2,326
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
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 best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Chattanooga, TN vs New Orleans, LA
Chattanooga and New Orleans land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 90 in Chattanooga and 102 in New Orleans, and average rent is $1,475/mo vs. $1,755/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 29 vs 58 and safety scores are 46.11 vs 32.69.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Orleans, LA to Chattanooga, TN guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to Louisiana, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 213 movers licensed in Tennessee, useful context for sizing up this 489-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 489-mile route from Chattanooga, TN, to New Orleans, LA, run $1,184 - $7,496 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $926 - $2,791, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $398 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,069, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
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.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is New Orleans a safe place to live?
New Orleans has a safety index of 32.69 out of 100 and a crime index of 67.31, compared to 46.11 and 53.89 in Chattanooga. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 $420 - $898. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in New Orleans?
For families, Algiers Point, Bayou St. John, and East Carrollton are worth a look in New Orleans. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central Business District, Freret, and Gentilly Terrace tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Chattanooga movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 23% of movers in Chattanooga handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.