6 Best Chattanooga, TN Moving Companies for Stress-Free Apartment Living in 2026

Moving into a new apartment should feel exciting, not exhausting. But between hidden fees, damaged furniture, and movers who show up hours late (or not at all), the reality often falls short. You’ve probably heard the horror stories: estimates that triple on moving day, belongings held hostage until you pay inflated charges, or companies that vanish after collecting your deposit.

The truth is, apartment moves come with unique challenges. Narrow stairwells, strict building access hours, and elevator reservations require coordination that most movers overlook. Add in the risk of damage to your security deposit, and choosing the wrong company can cost you thousands. The good news? Chattanooga has several licensed, insured movers who specialize in apartment relocations and actually show up when they say they will.

Here’s how the top options compare.

What Are Buyers Concerned About With Moving Companies?

Moving companies are a credible service option, but some recurring customer-reported concerns appear consistently across public reviews and consumer protection sites. Based on analysis of publicly available customer feedback and industry reports, common moving concerns include:

• Hidden fees and inflation that double or triple estimates on moving day, with unexpected charges for stairs, long carries, or “heavy items” not disclosed upfront
• Damage and lost belongings, including furniture scratches, broken items, or missing boxes, with limited accountability or unclear claims processes
• Scheduling failures like late arrivals, no-shows, or delivery delays that leave customers scrambling for alternative arrangements
• Hostage situations where movers demand cash payments far exceeding estimates before unloading belongings
• Companies operating without numbers, state licenses, or adequate coverage to protect customer property

Moving Company Alternatives at a Glance

1) All Out Moving and Storage – The #1 Moving Company Right Now

Google Rating: 4.8/5 (754 reviews)

All Out Moving and Storage operates as a professional moving and storage company serving Chattanooga with full-time, background-checked crews and company-owned trucks. The company handles local moves, long-distance relocations, office moves, packing services, and secure storage.

It is fully licensed (US DOT: 3241000, MC: 1017962, TN License: 001009367) and carries $1M in auto/cargo insurance, $1M workers’ compensation, and $1M general liability. The company offers both hourly and flat-rate pricing with in-person or virtual assessments, and maintains a policy of never overbooking or leaving customers without service once scheduled.

Key Highlights:

• Full-time employees only (no day labor or temp workers) undergo background checks and drug testing
• $3M total insurance coverage protects your belongings throughout the entire move
• 20,000 sq ft climate-controlled warehouse for short-term and long-term storage needs
• Lead mover provides live updates during long-distance moves for complete transparency
• In-house training covers floor protection, furniture wrapping, and handling antiques and valuables

“Incredible experience moving from Hixson, TN to Rome, GA with Donny, Kobi, Lathan, Jeremy. They arrived on schedule and packed everything with care. Very professional and polite group of men. They packed and moved with great care. Nothing was damaged. Made the moving process much easier. Zach and V did a great job packing too. The quote and final bill were as expected. We can’t recommend them highly enough!” – Chelsea Wood (Google Reviews)

Why Choose All Out Moving and Storage?

All Out Moving and Storage offers full and partial packing services performed by trained crews using professional techniques to safeguard items during transport. For customers requiring temporary storage between move-out and move-in dates, the company operates an integrated warehouse facility that supports efficient intake, storage, and outbound delivery. On moving day, crews implement home and property protection measures, including floor, wall, and doorway safeguards, before loading begins. The company maintains valuation coverage options, including released value protection ($0.60 per pound per item) and optional full value protection ($6.00 per pound per item).

2) Bellhop – Technology-Driven Moving with Nationwide Coverage

Google Rating: 4.5/5 (540 reviews)

Bellhop operates as a technology-enabled moving services company across 26 states and the District of Columbia, coordinating local moves, long-distance moves, hourly labor, packing services, and storage-related solutions. The company uses data from hundreds of thousands of moves to create customized moving plans based on location, home size, and service needs, allowing customers to book online or by phone without in-home estimates. Bellhop’s service model includes transparent time-based pricing and background-checked movers for a smooth moving experience.

Key Highlights:

• QR code time tracking ensures you’re billed only for actual work time
• Digital dashboard lets you manage your move, view mover profiles, and track status
• Labor-only services available for loading/unloading rental trucks or PODS containers
• Storage container moves are coordinated through the PODS partnership for flexible timing

Considerations before going with Bellhop:

Bellhop coordinates movers rather than employing them directly, which may result in service consistency variations. Customers must provide their own packing materials for packing services, adding an extra planning step before moving day.

3) Elizabeth’s Moving & Storage – Family-Owned with White-Glove Distribution

Google Rating: 4.8/5 (81 reviews)

Elizabeth’s Moving & Storage operates as a family-owned moving, packing, storage, warehousing, and distribution service provider based in Chattanooga. The company emphasizes safeguarding client belongings through careful handling and protective measures, offering residential moving, commercial moving, specialty item handling, and climate-controlled storage in locked wooden vaults. The facility is strategically positioned near I-75, I-24, and I-59 intersections, supporting accessibility for regional and commercial transportation needs. It is fully licensed and insured (US DOT: 2438253, MC Number: 840971-P) to ensure customer property protection.

Key Highlights:

• Climate-controlled storage with locked wooden vaults lined with humidity-blocking insulation
• Specialty packing includes custom wooden crates for art, mirrors, and technology
• 24-hour security protection with single-source storage model (items never shared)
• AMSA standards compliance with a detail-oriented team accountability
• White-glove distribution services for fine art and large equipment

Considerations before going with Elizabeth’s Moving & Storage:

The company operates from a single Chattanooga facility, which may limit service flexibility for moves requiring multiple coordination points. Customers should confirm the estimate terms and claims procedures in writing before booking.

4) Move In Helpers – 24/7 Availability for Flexible Scheduling

Google Rating: 5/5 (82 reviews)

Move In Helpers operates from Chattanooga, serving customers within approximately a 30-mile radius, providing local moving, long-distance moving, interstate moving, residential moving, apartment moving, and commercial moving since 2018. The company offers service availability seven days a week, along with specialty services including furniture moving and delivery, small piano moving, vehicle transportation and towing, move-out cleaning, and lawn equipment rental.

Key Highlights:

• 24/7 service availability accommodates urgent or off-hours moving needs
• Vehicle transportation and towing services provide comprehensive relocation solutions
• Move-out cleaning services help secure your security deposit
• Lawn equipment rental supports property upkeep during transitions
• Serves select Tennessee and Georgia locations within the regional coverage scope

Considerations before going with Move In Helpers:

The service area is limited to approximately 30 miles from Chattanooga, which may not accommodate longer-distance relocations. Customers should verify insurance coverage details and request written estimates before committing to services.

5) Scenic City Movers – Local Expertise for Chattanooga Relocations

Google Rating: 4.4/5 (155 reviews)

Scenic City Movers is a local moving company based in Chattanooga, providing professional moving services to residential and commercial clients since 2023. The company is licensed and insured, focusing on simplifying the relocation process through organized planning, careful handling of belongings, and consistent customer communication. Services include local moving, long-distance moving, interstate moving, apartment moving, office moving, furniture moving and assembly, piano moving, equipment moving, and packing services.

Key Highlights:

• Local expertise with familiarity of Chattanooga routes and regional considerations
• Customized moving plans tailored to individual client requirements
• Furniture assembly services are integrated into the moving process
• Punctual arrivals and adherence to planned timelines
• Cash payment option for customer convenience

Considerations before going with Scenic City Movers:

Operating hours are limited to weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with no weekend availability, which may not accommodate all scheduling needs. As a newer company established in 2023, its long-term track record is still developing.

6) River City Moving – Chattanooga’s Locally-Managed Moving Service

Google Rating: 5/5 (221 reviews)

River City Moving LLC is a locally owned and managed professional moving company based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The company is fully licensed, insured, and authorized and serves residential and commercial clients throughout Tennessee and select areas in Alabama and Georgia, with most customers located within a 60-mile radius of Chattanooga. River City Moving operates seven days a week with transparent flat hourly rates with no extra costs.

Key Highlights:

• All protective materials, including dollies, furniture pads, shrink wrap, and tools, are provided at no additional cost
• Offers free rescheduling when changes are made in advance with no upfront charges
• Provides labor-only services for customers with their own trucks, PODs, or trailers
• Structured moving timeline guidance helps customers prepare up to two months in advance
• Maintains email support alongside phone contact for comprehensive customer assistance

Considerations before going with River City Moving:

Packing and moving require two separate appointments, which may not suit customers with tight timelines. Items like pianos and gun safes have weight caps and cannot be moved beyond five stairs.

The Verdict: Which Moving Company Should You Choose? (Our Top 3 Picks)

After comparing service offerings, licensing, insurance coverage, and customer protections, here are our top recommendations:

All Out Moving and Storage for overall experience – With full-time background-checked crews, $3M in total insurance coverage, comprehensive licensing, and a 20,000 sq ft warehouse for storage needs, All Out Moving and Storage delivers the most complete package for apartment moves. The company’s policy of never overbooking and never leaving customers without service once scheduled makes it the most reliable choice for stress-free apartment relocations in Chattanooga.

Bellhop for Tech-Savvy Movers – If you value digital convenience and nationwide coverage, Bellhop’s technology-enabled booking system, QR code time tracking, and customer dashboard provide transparency and control throughout your move. The company’s recognition as a Best Mover by U.S. News & World Report makes it ideal for customers who prioritize modern booking experiences and flexible service options.Elizabeth’s Moving & Storage for Storage-Heavy Moves – For customers requiring climate-controlled storage with maximum security, Elizabeth’s family-owned operation offers locked wooden vaults with humidity-blocking insulation and 24-hour security protection. The single-source storage model ensures your belongings are never shared with other clients, making it the top choice for moves involving extended storage periods or valuable items requiring white-glove handling.

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