Best Movers Near Charleston, IL (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Dec 2, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Our research of 100 movers across Illinois revealed that Federal Companies is the best option for local moves in Charleston, IL. Their 109 reviews show a company with a strong customer track record — 81.7% of them are positive.

Those planning a move out of state will find Safeway Moving to be a reliable and affordable choice.

Hi, I'm Ryan.
Let's get moving.

I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.

Best local IL mover:

Federal Companies

4.58
Best interstate mover:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best DIY moving option:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
International Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.45 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5

Our track record

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

Founded in 2015
3,500+ moving companies analyzed
$50,000 in moving grants delivered
Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
Fact-checked for accuracy

5 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Charleston, IL

If you're planning a move within Charleston or to a nearby Illinois city no more than 50 miles away like Lerna or Ashmore, take a look at these top-rated, budget-friendly moving companies:

Federal Companies: 4.58 out of 5 stars
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Sappington & Sons Moving Inc: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Jenkins & Key Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Eldred Moving & Storage Co. Inc: 4.26 out of 5 stars

Federal Companies

401 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign, IL 61820 US

82% of all reviews were positive

18% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Customers say Federal Companies stands out for its professional, efficient, and communicative staff, often making stressful moves feel manageable. Employees like Kyle and Julie receive frequent praise for their professionalism, kindness, and expertise. Many customers mention careful handling of belongings, fair and binding estimates, and timely, organized moves—qualities that many other moving firms struggle to deliver as reliably. Some mention affordability, especially with discounts for university affiliates. On the downside, a minority report significant problems like broken or missing items, inaccurate weight or cost estimates, and poor packing quality. Several negative reviews highlight difficulty resolving claims and receiving compensation for damages. Federal Companies earns consistently high marks compared to competitors, particularly for professionalism and seamless coordination, but recurring issues with item damage and pricing disputes suggest room for improvement.

Get a Quote (217) 393-8224

Company Info

State license #: 4588

Years in Business: 111

DOT #: 642945

Alternate Names: Federal O'Byrne Moving & Storage, Federal/O'Byrne Moving & Storage, LLC, Allied Van Lines, Federal, Federal Brokerage, LLC

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by money order
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
DOD certified

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

701 W Bradley Ave, Champaign, IL 61820 US

78% of all reviews were positive

21% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Service that keeps the stress low and the pace high—TWO MEN AND A TRUCK impresses most customers, with 263 feedback entries analyzed and 78% of customers praising efficient and careful moves. Customers frequently highlight hardworking, polite staff who communicate clearly and handle items with care, often completing moves quicker than estimated. Many point to seamless moves, accurate timelines, and easy interactions with both the movers and office staff. Despite these highlights, about one in five report issues. Main frustrations include estimates that fall far short of final bills, damages to belongings, and difficulty reaching management. Some customers mention that items were left behind, claims for repairs dragged on, or promised communication failed to materialize. While the majority enjoy a well-run operation that stands out among local moving companies for reliability and professionalism, select customers encounter inconsistency in estimating and follow-up. For those looking to book, prepare by detailing inventory upfront to prevent miscommunication and ask how travel and additional charges are calculated.

Get a Quote (217) 583-4036

Company Info

State license #: 113793

Years in Business: 16

DOT #: 2527384

Alternate Names: Shunk Corporation

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Pianos
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

Sappington & Sons Moving Inc

1801 N 25th St, Terre Haute, IN 47804 US

81% of all reviews were positive

15% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Fast moves, friendly staff, and affordable pricing headline the feedback for Sappington & Sons Moving Inc. After analyzing 75 reviews, 81% of customers reported positive experiences, praising the team’s professional service, careful handling of belongings, efficiency, and budget-friendly rates. Many highlight the movers’ polite attitude and seamless coordination, making stressful moves much easier. A few customers note problems with communication, mainly regarding unreturned calls or delayed responses. Some mention higher-than-expected costs or occasional item damage, but these complaints appear far less common. Compared to other movers, Sappington & Sons earn standout praise for quick, cost-effective, and courteous help.

Get a Quote (812) 235-6776

Company Info

State license #: 457784

Years in Business: 39

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Crating
Storage
Safes
Pay by money order
Pay by credit card

Jenkins & Key Moving & Storage

1108 Carroll Ave, Urbana, IL 61802 US

85% of all reviews were positive

15% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Customers praise Jenkins & Key Moving & Storage for their efficient service, helpful and professional staff, low pricing, and careful handling of belongings. Many cite lower costs compared to competitors and recommend the company for both moving and storage. Movers are frequently described as courteous, hard-working, and reliable. On the other hand, some clients express frustration over unprofessional interactions, inaccurate estimates, and inexperienced handling of furniture. Negative feedback includes complaints about customer service and payment handling. With 85% positive feedback from 27 reviews, Jenkins & Key outperforms most moving companies for consistency, affordability, and care, but should address occasional management and professionalism issues.

Get a Quote (217) 367-6531

Company Info

Years in Business: 70

DOT #: 70719

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Crating
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by credit card

Eldred Moving & Storage Co. Inc

3900 4th Pkwy, Terre Haute, IN 47804 US

75% of all reviews were positive

25% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving day stories at Eldred Moving & Storage Co. Inc show a strong reputation for professionalism and efficiency, with 75% of customer feedback rating them positively. Customers repeatedly highlight the team's courteous manner, careful handling of belongings, quick service, and fair prices—qualities that set Eldred ahead of many local competitors. Most praise the movers for being punctual, respectful, and consistently protective of furniture during moves. Negative input, though less common, focuses on property being damaged, poor follow-through with claims, and occasional missing items. A few customers experienced communication gaps when seeking resolution for breakage or lost property. While most clients feel their items are handled attentively and moves are efficient, some report frustrating claim and follow-up processes compared to other companies that provide more responsive claims handling. Eldred stands out for skilled and friendly movers, but potential users should note sporadic issues with damage resolution and post-move communication.

Get a Quote (812) 466-4242

Company Info

Years in Business: 151

Alternate Names: Eldred Van and Storage Company, Inc.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Storage
Pay by credit card

Other local IL movers

While these local Illinois movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:

Top-rated movers in other nearby Illinois cities

If you need something local Charleston movers don’t offer, consider checking out other trusted companies in IL cities. You might find a better fit just a short drive away.

See less

Cheapest movers when moving out of Illinois

Moving from Illinois to another state involves more than just packing boxes. You’ll also need the support of an experienced moving team. These interstate moving companies have the know-how and manpower to make your move as easy as possible:

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Safeway Moving

rating

4.85 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

International Van Lines

rating

4.45 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

24/7 cust. service
Competitive rates
10% discounts

Get A Quote

(855) 929-4120

Mayzlin Relocation

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

American Van Lines

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Cheapest DIY moving options in Charleston, IL

Hiring a full-service mover in Charleston, Illinois offers maximum convenience, but it’s also the most expensive option. If you’d like to save, consider one of the best moving container companies or opt for a truck rental company instead.

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

U-Pack

rating

5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Check prices Visit Website

MovingYourself

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Offers car shipping
No hidden fees

Get A Quote

(352) 322-2920

Budget Truck Rental

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Check prices Visit Website

How we chose the best movers in Charleston, IL

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 82 Illinois movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of movers in Charleston, IL

The pricing table below offers a general sense of what you might pay for a local move in the Charleston area. To learn more, take a look at our full guide to moving costs in Illinois.

The moving quotes listed are ballpark figures—your final cost could be higher or lower depending on your individual move. For a more tailored estimate, use our moving cost calculator.

Home Size	Avg. Total Cost	Cost/hour	# of Movers	# Hours
Studio	$879	$741	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$1,620	$741	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$3,252	$1,038	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$8,857	$1,453	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$10,310	$1,453	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$16,419	$2,035	5 movers	10 hours

Compare the top Charleston, IL movers

Let’s compare how the top movers in Charleston, IL stack up in terms of their reputation.

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
Federal Companies	4.6/5	A+	2.5/5	4.5/5
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK	4.4/5	A+	2.7/5	4.6/5
Sappington & Sons Moving Inc	4.3/5	A+	3.9/5	4.3/5
Jenkins & Key Moving & Storage	4.3/5	A+	4.2/5	/5
Eldred Moving & Storage Co. Inc	4.3/5	A+	2.3/5	4.2/5
MI-Box Moving & Mobile Storage	4.2/5	NR	5/5	5/5
Bellhop Moving	4.6/5	C	3.6/5	4.4/5
Flex Moving & Storage	4.4/5	B	3/5	/5

FAQs

How can I verify if my mover is legally licensed?

In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current.

Every mover featured in our guide is fully licensed. Check out our best movers in Illinois page for top picks.

What should I look for in a reputable Charleston mover?

Choosing a reputable Charleston moving company doesn’t have to be hard if you focus on a few key considerations:

Reputation: Whether it's a family-run business or a major van lines provider, their reputation tells you a lot about what to expect.
Dispute resolution: Companies with many unresolved issues are red flags. Even top Charleston movers have occasional hiccups— it’s how they handle them that matters.
Move-specific experience: Just because a mover is great for local jobs doesn't mean they’re ready for your long-distance move. Ask about their experience with moves like yours.

What options do you have for long-distance moves from Charleston?

While many movers stick to local service areas, 8 companies in Charleston offer support for cross-state or nationwide moves. To compare trusted long-distance options, check out our list of out-of-state movers in Charleston.

When is the most affordable day to hire movers in Charleston, IL?

Movers in Charleston, Illinois, are usually cheapest on weekdays, as weekends tend to be busier and more expensive. Typically, the most affordable time to move falls between October and April. Moving costs spike between May and September due to high demand during peak season.

It’s best to book your Charleston move early. To save money, try to avoid weekends, holidays, and peak summer months. And remember, a low initial quote isn’t always a good sign. Some movers increase the price on moving day after low-balling up front.

How can I move out of state from Charleston, IL on a budget?

If you're looking to save money, renting a moving truck is the most affordable way to move out of state or even locally within Charleston, Illinois. It’s a DIY solution, though, so you’ll be responsible for packing, loading, unloading, and doing all the driving.

Is using a moving container a smart choice for my move from Charleston?

Moving containers give you the flexibility to move on your schedule, but you’ll need to handle all the lifting and loading yourself. Once everything is packed, the container company will take care of transporting it to your new home, so you can skip the hassle of driving a moving truck.