($715+) Chattanooga, TN to Portland, ME Movers
Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to Portland, ME, runs anywhere from $715 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,381 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,137 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,152, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,381 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,191 - $4,180, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $715 - $1,893.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chattanooga, TN, to Portland, ME. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,624 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Chattanooga, TN to Portland, ME
Moving options from Chattanooga to Portland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,624 - $6,520 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 71% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,137 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,137-mile route from Chattanooga to Portland, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,152 - $4,988 with full-service movers, $1,191 - $2,227 with a container, $715 - $1,430 with a rental truck, or $1,051 - $1,924 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,624 - $6,520 full-service, $1,550 - $3,225 by container, $750 - $1,603 by rental truck, or $1,215 - $2,456 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,536 - $8,381 full-service, $2,096 - $4,180 by container, $952 - $1,893 by rental truck, or $1,727 - $3,377 by freight.
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 Portland, ME
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,137-mile move from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Portland, Maine, with costs ranging from $2,152 - $8,381. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $296 - $1,976. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Chattanooga and Portland. 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 Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,152 - $4,988
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,624 - $6,520
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,536 - $8,381
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 Portland.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Chattanooga, TN to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market: 45% of Chattanooga movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Portland, 50% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing77% of local movers | $494 - $4,940 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready45% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $198 - $1,186/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $296 - $2,371 |
| 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 | $988 - $2,964 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,470 - $9,880 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $740 - $1,406 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Elizabeth's Moving & Storage | $988 - $2,470 |
| Piano | Any piano type23% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $790 - $3,458 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $296 - $1,482 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $642 - $1,976 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $296 - $14,820+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $296 - $3,458+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chattanooga to Portland?
Maine Motor Transport Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Maine, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Chattanooga, TN. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Chattanooga, TN to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,191 and $4,180. 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 Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,191 - $2,227
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,550 - $3,225
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,096 - $4,180
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Chattanooga, TN and Portland, ME. 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 $692 in Chattanooga, TN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $74 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $148 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 Maine 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 $1,191. 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 $1,550 - $3,225.
What are the best moving containers Chattanooga to Portland?
- 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 Portland, ME
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,137 miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Portland, Maine, running $715 - $1,893. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $357 - $408
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $715 - $1,430
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $750 - $1,603
- 4+ bedrooms: $952 - $1,893
Pro tip: A rental truck from Chattanooga to Portland looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $715 - $1,893. But once you factor in fuel ($357 - $408), overnight lodging ($148/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $357 - $408 for the 1,137-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 $692.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,137-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $148 per night, adding $296 - $445 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $49 and $296.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chattanooga to Portland?
- 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 Portland, ME
For larger DIY moves from Chattanooga, Tennessee, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Portland, Maine.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,215 and $2,456.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chattanooga to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,051 - $1,924
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,215 - $2,456
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,727 - $3,377
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $692.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $74 and $148 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Chattanooga to Portland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
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 Portland, ME
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Portland, side by side with Chattanooga on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chattanooga, TN | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 112 |
| Average rent | $1,475/mo | $1,991/mo |
| Median home value | $259,125 | $452,202 |
| Average income | $61,028/yr | $76,174/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 5.8% |
| Walkability score | 29/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 46.11/100 | 67.84/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Portland, ME to Chattanooga, TN guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to Maine, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Tennessee alone has 213 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,137-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Chattanooga, TN, to Portland, ME, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,152 for a studio to $8,381 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,137-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,191 - $4,180. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $715 - $1,893, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,624 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include TD Banknorth Inc and Maine Medical Center.
FAQs: Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to Portland, ME
How walkable is Portland?
Portland has a walkability score of 62 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 68, compared to 29 and 35 in Chattanooga. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($357 - $408), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $148/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Maine?
Although a local license is not required in Maine, 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.
What is the best time of year to move from Chattanooga, TN to Portland, ME?
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. 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.
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.