($509+) Chattanooga, TN to Chesapeake, VA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Chattanooga, TN to Chesapeake, VA

Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to Chesapeake, VA, runs anywhere from $474 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,940 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 649 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,612, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,940 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,081 - $3,501, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $474 - $1,365.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chattanooga, TN, to Chesapeake, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,289 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Chattanooga, TN to Chesapeake, VA

There are 3 main ways to move from Chattanooga to Chesapeake: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,289 - $5,846. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 649-mile route, depending on which option you go with.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 649-mile route from Chattanooga to Chesapeake, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,612 - $4,515 $1,081 - $1,973 $474 - $979 $973 - $1,793
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,289 - $5,846 $1,307 - $2,600 $511 - $1,096 $1,089 - $2,059
4+ bedrooms $4,250 - $8,940 $1,890 - $3,501 $698 - $1,365 $1,468 - $2,582

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Chattanooga, TN to Chesapeake, VA

A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 649-mile move from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Chesapeake, Virginia, with prices running from $1,612 - $8,940. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $287 - $1,912 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Chattanooga and Chesapeake are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Chattanooga movers tend to run around $280 as a base rate plus $99/hour per mover, for comparison.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chattanooga to Chesapeake:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,612 - $4,515
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,289 - $5,846
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,250 - $8,940

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 Chesapeake.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

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.

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Specialty moving services from Chattanooga, TN to Chesapeake, VA

Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Chattanooga movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chesapeake, 100% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$478 - $4,780
Storage in transitNew place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Good Guys Moving & Delivery $191 - $1,147/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$287 - $2,294
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers$956 - $2,868
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,390 - $9,560
Car shippingSecond vehicle$716 - $1,360
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items17% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Elizabeth's Moving & Storage$956 - $2,390
PianoAny piano type33% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$765 - $3,346
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling$287 - $1,434
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: $621 - $1,912
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$287 - $14,340+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$287 - $3,346+

What are the best full-service movers from Chattanooga to Chesapeake?

All three below meet the standards set by the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Virginia movers are affiliated with.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Chattanooga, TN. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.

Moving container costs from Chattanooga, TN to Chesapeake, VA

Moving containers from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Chesapeake, Virginia, cost between $1,081 and $3,501. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Chattanooga typically runs around $60/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chattanooga to Chesapeake:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,081 - $1,973
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,307 - $2,600
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,890 - $3,501

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $72 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $143 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Chesapeake, VA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
  • Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $669 in Chattanooga, TN. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee to Virginia 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 $1,081. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,307 - $2,600, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Chattanooga to Chesapeake?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Chesapeake, VA

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 649 miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Chesapeake, Virginia, running $474 - $1,365. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $197 - $226
  • Daily insurance: $29/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
  • Chattanooga daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $0.99
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Chattanooga to Chesapeake based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $474 - $979
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $511 - $1,096
  • 4+ bedrooms: $698 - $1,365

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chattanooga to Chesapeake starts at $474 - $1,365, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($197 - $226) , overnight lodging ($143/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?

  • Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $143 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
  • Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $62 and $311 to your total.
  • Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
  • Gas: Plan on spending $197 - $226 in fuel for the 649-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
  • Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $669 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Chattanooga to Chesapeake?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Chesapeake, VA

If you're moving a larger household from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Chesapeake, Virginia.

Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,089 and $2,059.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chattanooga to Chesapeake:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $973 - $1,793
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,089 - $2,059
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,468 - $2,582

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?

  • Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
  • More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $72 - $143 more per foot.
  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for about five hours typically runs $669.

What are the best freight companies from Chattanooga to Chesapeake?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
  3. Covenant Logistics (4.8/5 stars): Covenant Logistics is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Chesapeake fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.

Cost of living: Chattanooga, TN vs Chesapeake, VA

Chattanooga and Chesapeake land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 90 in Chattanooga and 104 in Chesapeake, and rent tracks closely too ($1,475/mo vs. $1,800/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (29 vs 21) and safety scores (46.11 vs 70.88) come out about the same too.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chesapeake, VA 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 Virginia, 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 70 movers licensed in Tennessee, useful context for sizing up this 649-mile move.

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Our take

A move from Chattanooga, TN, to Chesapeake, VA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,612 - $8,940 on the 649-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,081 - $3,501, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $474 - $1,365. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,289 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Dollar Tree and Chesapeake City Schools.

FAQs: Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to Chesapeake, VA

What is the cheapest way to move from Chattanooga, TN to Chesapeake, VA?

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 $511 - $1,096. 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 Chesapeake, VA?

Costs on this route range from around $1,612 to $8,940, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,612 and $8,940, 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 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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

What do local movers charge in Chattanooga?

Local movers based in Chattanooga typically start around $280 as a base rate, plus $99/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Chesapeake run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Virginia?

In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV).

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.