How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Chattanooga
Consider each company's licensing, services, customer reviews, and cost before picking.
Determine Your Budget
Local movers in Chattanooga charge an average hourly rate of $54. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,229 in total. Factors that affect your actual cost include move distance, the season, any additional tasks you need done, and your home size.
You should get quotes from a minimum of three movers in your area. Request written estimates that outline the total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Comparing the estimate provided by your mover to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies depend on good customer feedback. Check platforms such as Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, social media, and Yelp to learn about customer experiences with that moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Chattanooga must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving intrastate, your mover must be registered with the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
If you're moving interstate, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which you can use on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Assessing whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Compile a list of any basic or add-on services you may require and take inventory of your home before seeking quotes. Additionally, tell your moving company representative about any special conditions or specific needs you may have to evaluate the company's ability to deliver suitable service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will include the following services in the base price for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Inform your moving company about any other services you need as you go through the quote process. Increased pricing may apply for these services:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Chattanooga, TN
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your Chattanooga move.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Chattanooga are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also increase your moving costs when charged an hourly rate. We recommend planning before morning rush hour, which ensures the movers avoid heavy traffic and wrap up the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest moving period, which falls between May and September, coincides with the hot summer temperatures in Chattanooga. This can negatively impact your moving experience. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to secure your desired moving company. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies only carry items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before their arrival. You should begin packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have a few spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it.
How Much do Movers Cost in Chattanooga, TN
Movers in Chattanooga cost $2,636 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,146 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.
| Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 250 miles | $2,636 | $3,093 | $7,146 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,249 | $3,717 | $10,623 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,287 | $4,268 | $10,980 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,200 | $5,334 | $13,118 |
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