($494+) Chesapeake, VA to Chattanooga, TN Movers
Moving from Chesapeake, VA, to Chattanooga, TN, runs anywhere from $494 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,196 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $1,337, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,196 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,040 - $3,045, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $494 - $1,237.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chesapeake, VA, to Chattanooga, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,055 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 Chesapeake, VA to Chattanooga, TN
There are 3 main ways to move from Chesapeake to Chattanooga: 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 $2,055 - $5,245. Containers cost roughly 36% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 74% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 649 miles, expect 1 to 6 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 649-mile route from Chesapeake to Chattanooga, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,337 for a studio up to $7,196 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,040 - $3,045 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $494 - $1,237, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $873 - $2,538, 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 Chesapeake, VA to Chattanooga, TN
Full-service movers for the 649-mile relocation from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, cost between $1,337 and $7,196. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $295 - $1,968, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Chesapeake typically charge a base rate around $290 plus $125 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chesapeake to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,337 - $3,856
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,055 - $5,245
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,559 - $7,196
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 Chesapeake to Chattanooga.
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 Chesapeake, VA to Chattanooga, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Chesapeake movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chattanooga, 45% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $492 - $4,920 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $197 - $1,181/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $295 - $2,362 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs45% of local movers | $984 - $2,952 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,460 - $9,840 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $737 - $1,400 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $984 - $2,460 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $787 - $3,444 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling15% of local movers | $295 - $1,476 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $640 - $1,968 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $295 - $14,760+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $295 - $3,444+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chesapeake to Chattanooga?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Chesapeake, VA. 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 Chesapeake, VA to Chattanooga, TN
Moving containers from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, cost between $1,040 and $3,045. 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 Chesapeake typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chesapeake to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,040 - $1,736
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,309 - $2,551
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,714 - $3,045
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $74 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $148 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Chattanooga, TN, 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 $689 in Chesapeake, VA. 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 Virginia to Tennessee 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 $1,040. 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 $1,309 - $2,551.
What are the best moving containers Chesapeake to Chattanooga?
- 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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 9 years in business
- Atlantic Beach Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chesapeake, VA to Chattanooga, TN
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 649 miles from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, running $494 - $1,237. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $203 - $232
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Chesapeake daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Chesapeake to Chattanooga based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $494 - $845
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $532 - $1,096
- 4+ bedrooms: $633 - $1,237
Pro tip: A rental truck from Chesapeake to Chattanooga looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $494 - $1,237. But once you factor in fuel ($203 - $232), 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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $74 and $344.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $148.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $203 and $232 for the 649-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 $689 for 2 movers in Chesapeake, Virginia, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chesapeake to Chattanooga?
- 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 Chesapeake, VA to Chattanooga, TN
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,037 and $1,961.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chesapeake to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $873 - $1,691
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,037 - $1,961
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,331 - $2,538
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $74 - $148 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 Chesapeake, Virginia, typically costs $689.
What are the best freight companies from Chesapeake to Chattanooga?
- 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.
- 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.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Chesapeake to Chattanooga, 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: Chesapeake, VA vs Chattanooga, TN
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Chesapeake and Chattanooga to plan around. Cost of living index: 104 vs. 90. Average rent: $1,800/mo vs. $1,475/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 21 vs. 29. Safety index: 70.88 vs. 46.11.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chattanooga, TN to Chesapeake, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Virginia to Tennessee, 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 304 movers in Virginia, so you have real options to compare for this 649-mile move.
Our take
A move from Chesapeake, VA, to Chattanooga, TN, 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 $1,337 - $7,196 on the 649-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,040 - $3,045, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $494 - $1,237. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,055 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 Hamilton County and Schools Erlanger.
FAQs: Moving from Chesapeake, VA, to Chattanooga, TN
What is the cheapest way to move from Chesapeake, VA to Chattanooga, TN?
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 $532 - $1,096. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Chattanooga a safe place to live?
Chattanooga has a safety index of 46.11 out of 100 and a crime index of 53.89, compared to 70.88 and 25.0 in Chesapeake. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 is the best time of year to move from Chesapeake, VA to Chattanooga, TN?
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.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Tennessee?
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.
What percentage of Chesapeake movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 45% of movers in Chesapeake handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.