Best overall value
Local moving companies in Garland
- Firehouse Movers Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Element Moving and Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- AB Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Rave reviews pour in for Firehouse Movers Inc., with 494 customer feedback entries analyzed—over 92% positive. Customers applaud their efficient service, professional and polite staff, careful handling of belongings, quick work, and strong communication throughout the process. Many said the moving crews arrived on time, worked with great care, and completed moves below the expected budget, making a typically stressful process much easier. Negative feedback centered on damage to items, unexpected costs, and communication lapses. A handful reported rough handling of furniture or delays, with some also citing higher final bills than quoted or difficulty reaching the office for claims. Compared to most moving companies, Firehouse outperforms in reliability and care, but as with any service, a few customers do experience issues. Strong points include speed, professionalism, and friendliness while common downsides involve occasional property damage or confusion about charges. Firehouse Movers stands out for making moves go smoothly, offering a top-tier experience that exceeds expectations for most people.
Company Info
State license #: 000570404B
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 1939062
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Insurance issues
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Moving made simple and fast—that’s what most feedback about 3 Men Movers conveys. From 265 reviews, 91% praised efficient service, careful handling, and professional, polite teams that consistently work quickly and communicate well. Customers highlight how crews take great care with furniture, handle even heavy or delicate items attentively, and are both friendly and fast. Booking is reported as easy, and most find charges transparent. Compared to many other movers, customers routinely mention that 3 Men Movers minimize stress and move jobs along briskly. Some even share stories of last-minute booking saves and seamless moves under tight deadlines, something that helps the company stand out. Negative input appears in about 8% of feedback and points to occasional damage to items, with some complaints about the limited compensation offered through their insurance policy (.60 cents per pound), leaving customers frustrated if expensive or sentimental items are broken. Delayed arrivals also came up, along with rare reports of slow claims responses. A small set of neutral reviews report occasional misplacement of boxes or longer-than-expected delivery windows. Taken together, the company’s customer service sets it apart, but anyone moving high-value items should review the company's insurance policies carefully before booking.
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Misplaced or lost items
- Poor complaint handling
Review Analysis
Element Moving and Storage earns a standout reputation, with 251 reviews analyzed and 92.4% positive feedback. Customers highlight efficient service, professionalism, careful handling, strong communication, and a quick moving process. Many cite stress-free experiences with organized teams who handle belongings with care and maintain clear, consistent updates. Despite competitive pricing, the company’s rapid pace and respectful crews set it apart from standard movers. On the negative side, some customers detail significant damage to items, lost belongings, or unresolved claims, especially for complex or long-distance moves. Complaint resolution and insurance handling see the most criticism. Compared to typical moving services, Element consistently delivers high efficiency and care but should consider improving claims responsiveness and safeguarding valuables to further elevate its reputation.
Company Info
State license #: 006519926C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2038052
Alternate Names: Element Moving and Wine Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Black Tie Moving stands out with glowing input from over three-fourths of almost 500 customers, a rate much higher than similar companies. Customers praise their efficiency, professionalism, careful handling of belongings, and staff communication. Many highlight quick moving processes and friendly, organized crews who often go above expectations. Some reviewers say their move cost less than anticipated and items always arrived safe. A few even report the crew made an otherwise stressful day feel easy. While most describe positive outcomes, close to one in five cite concerns. Damage to belongings is the most common complaint, often followed by poor communication and unexpected additional fees. Delays in resolving claims and difficulty contacting the office are recurring frustrations in negative feedback. Compared to industry norms, Black Tie Moving receives more consistent compliments for efficiency and courtesy, but could improve how it handles issues and billing transparency to match its service reputation. For those seeking fast, respectful movers, the company offers one of the better experiences in the business, though those with high-value items or who expect flawless communication should be vigilant.
Company Info
State license #: 006733496C
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2407712
Alternate Names: Black Tie Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Higher-than-expected costs
Review Analysis
Moving day doesn't have to be a headache—AB Moving proves why so many people rely on their teams to get the job done. Analyzing 867 pieces of feedback, nearly 70% of customers praised fast and efficient service, respectful movers, and attention to detail in handling belongings. Professionalism and thorough care for items stand out, along with crews working quickly and maintaining constant communication from quote to delivery. Many customers appreciated fair, transparent pricing and consistently positive interactions throughout the move. On the flip side, almost 29% reported significant frustration, mostly with damaged items, delays, or final costs well above estimates. Customers highlighted slow crews who lacked urgency, as well as poor compensation or response when things broke. Scheduling hiccups and late arrivals surfaced, especially during busy periods. While positive input outpaces criticism, negative reports are more severe than typically seen with top-rated moving companies. AB Moving's strong care and efficiency are clear advantages, but inconsistent handling of claims, responsiveness, and actual versus quoted costs show where they lag behind the best in the industry.
Company Info
State license #: 000571862B
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 1939700
Alternate Names: Baker Relocation, Inc., AB Movers, AB Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Factors that influence moving costs from Garland to Chattanooga
What to know before moving from Garland to Chattanooga
Moving from Garland to Chattanooga comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Chattanooga is generally more expensive than Garland, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Garland | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,624 | $1,475 |
| Average home value | $294,156 | $302,565 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,107 | $60,164 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,827 | $3,300 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,793 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.5% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Chattanooga are 9% lower than in Garland, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
- The home prices in Chattanooga are 2.9% higher than in Garland, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- Income in Chattanooga is 11.7% lower than in Garland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Chattanooga — including Hamilton County, Schools Erlanger, and Health System — may pay more.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chattanooga, since the cost of living for a single person in Chattanooga is 16.7% higher than in Garland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- 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 44.2% less than what it costs in Garland.
- The unemployment rate in Chattanooga is 13.85% lower than in Garland.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Chattanooga, since its sales taxes are 12.12% higher than what you are paying in Garland.
- State income taxes are the same in Chattanooga and Garland.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,501.95 in Chattanooga to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Garland.
How life is different in Garland vs. Chattanooga
| Chattanooga | Garland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 181,099 | 239,928 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 29 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 41 |
| Crime Index | 53.89 | 37.13 |
| Safety Index | 46.11 | 62.87 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Chattanooga might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 25% less than Garland.
- Getting around Chattanooga without a car might be more difficult than in Garland. Chattanooga has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Garland is ranked 4. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Chattanooga neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Garland. Based on its score of 29 out of 100, Chattanooga isn't as walkable as Garland, which has a score of 40 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Chattanooga, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Garland. While Garland has a bike-friendliness score of 41 out of 100, Chattanooga earned a 35. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- The crime rate in Chattanooga is higher than in Garland, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 53.89 in Chattanooga, it is 37.13 in Garland. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Chattanooga. With a crime index of 46.11, Chattanooga ranks lower in overall safety than Garland, whose index is 62.87. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Chattanooga and Garland is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Garland vs. Chattanooga move
- Weather: May, September and October are the most suitable months for moving in Chattanooga, while you might reconsider your plans in January and July as these are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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: To confirm a moving company's license in Tennessee, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Tennessee doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Chattanooga without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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
Now that you've chosen Scenic City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Chattanooga to check out.
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
Now that you've made the move to Tennessee it's the perfect time to explore Chattanooga From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chattanooga, such as the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Creative Discovery Museum, Coker Museum - Honest Charley, Hunter Museum of American Art, and International Towing and Recovery Museum.
- 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: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League) and Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Garland to Chattanooga?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Garland to Chattanooga You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Garland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Garland to Chattanooga?
Because spring and fall moves from Garland to Chattanooga are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Garland to Chattanooga take?
The 782-mile journey from Garland, TX to Chattanooga, TN, typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Garland 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.
