Local moving companies in Charleston

  1. Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  2. Flex Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  3. Smooth Move Charleston: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  4. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Affordable rates
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Inexperienced movers
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving earns high marks for efficiency and professionalism, with 62% of input reflecting strong satisfaction out of the 92 reviews analyzed. Customers highlight prompt, careful service from polite movers, quick moving processes, and competitive pricing. Many praise the care taken with belongings, friendly attitudes, and seamless booking. On the downside, over one-third of customer feedback cites frustration with damages to furniture or property, poor communication, and instances where movers lacked experience or preparation. A few reviewers also faced unresolved claims, delays, or insufficient compensation for damaged items. While Bellhop offers more budget-friendly rates and efficient service compared to many moving companies, the risk of damages and inconsistent quality underscores the importance of clear communication and setting expectations. Most who use Bellhop for standard, smaller moves appreciate the value, but concerns remain for complex or larger moves requiring extra care or experience.
Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

State license #: 2934

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/FlexStorageInc/,
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Friendly and approachable staff
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Flex Moving & Storage receives glowing feedback for its polite, professional staff and efficient service, setting it apart from other companies. Most clients appreciate quick moves, careful handling, and approachable crews who communicate well and make the process easy. The company stands out for reliability and friendly supportโ€”qualities not always found in movers. Feedback highlights that belongings usually arrive undamaged, staff are punctual, and rates are affordable compared to competitors. Some customers even call out specific team members for exceptional integrity and helpfulness. On the downside, a small group of clients point out serious problems including damaged items, hidden or unexpected charges, and difficulty reaching support for resolutions. There are concerns about claims for property damage being handled poorly, and in rare cases, clients report belongings being lost or disposed of without proper notice. Despite these significant complaints, with 89% of the feedback being positive, Flex Moving & Storage maintains a strong reputation, outperforming many companies in customer service and care.
Get a Quote (786) 738-9516

Company Info

Years in Business: 2

DOT #: 3610638


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/smoothmovecharleston/, https://twitter.com/gosmoothmove?lang=en
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unprofessional behavior
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Moving with Smooth Move Charleston means you'll likely be impressed. Out of 270 customer inputs, 94% praised the company for efficient service, professional staff, careful handling of possessions, clear communication, and a smooth moving process. Multiple people noted easy scheduling, as well as fast, cautious crews that often finished under budget and with no surprises. Customers described their moves as stress-free with property and valuables respected throughout. Hardworking, fast-moving teams and personable attitudes have made these movers stand out when compared to others in the industry. Negative input made up just 5%, with issues concentrated around property damage, unprofessional conduct, or communication gaps. These incidents involved broken or lost items and inconsistent follow-up, which customers found frustrating. Overall, most people felt their belongings were handled safely and the staff was knowledgeable and courteous. Few companies in Charleston earn the consistent, high marks for reliability and skill Smooth Move Charleston receives from its customers.
Get a Quote (843) 860-9717

Company Info

State license #: 9823

Years in Business: 12

DOT #: 2357653

Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/AllMySonsCharleston/, https://twitter.com/AllMySonsMoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Strong word of mouth powers All My Sons Moving & Storage, with 62% of customer input praising the team's efficiency, careful handling, professional attitude, and quick pace. Clients frequently mention courteous crews and movers who ensure belongings arrive undamagedโ€”qualities that set them apart from many competitors. On the downside, 38% warn of damages to items, extra or unexpected charges, and poor communication, including unresolved complaints and higher-than-quoted bills. Two reviews report slow or inconsistent follow-up on damages and pricing disputesโ€”much more critical than what customers typically see from rivals. The broad review base of 346 entries gives a clear picture: All My Sons is recognized for reliable, fast work, but also criticized for lapses in property care and billing transparency.
Get a Quote (843) 202-4860

Company Info

State license #: 9792-B

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 902281


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/ReadsMovers/,
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Good communication
  • Highly recommended
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Unfriendly or rude staff
Review Analysis
Customers spotlight professional and friendly crews, careful handling of belongings, efficient and organized moves, reliable communication, and consistent high recommendations for Reads Moving Systems of Carolina. Over half (51.9%) of the 129 reviews are positive, highlighting respectful treatment and punctual service. Feedback frequently mentions staff professionalism, strong communication, and movers who go out of their way to ensure a seamless experience. On the other hand, a significant portion (44.2%) of reviews point out issues, especially property damage, poor communication, and discourteous behavior. Item breakage and missing goods appear in numerous complaints. Compared to some moving companies, Reads stands out for responsiveness and care when things go smoothly, but negative input often focuses on resolving claims and recognizing problems. Customers seeking careful movers and courteous staff report excellent results, but those valuing faultless communication and damage-free moves should carefully weigh recent feedback.
Get a Quote (843) 285-7374

Company Info

State license #: 149-D

Years in Business: 47

DOT #: 2021301


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified

Key factors that impact the cost of your Charleston to Richmond movetoggle

The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Charleston to Richmond (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,240, while larger moves may reach $7,331 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” it's the busiest time of year for movers in Charleston,
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $475 to $1,109), but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Charleston to Richmond

Moving from Charleston to Richmond means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Charleston than in Richmond, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Charleston compares to Richmond so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Charleston Richmond
Average rent cost $2,500 $1,595
Average home value $559,231 $350,897
Average income (per capita) $62,294 $59,606
Cost of living (single person) $5,300 $2,270
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,890 $5,336
Unemployment rate 4.0% 7.1%
Sales tax 9.0% 6.0%
State income tax 7.0% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Richmond are 36% lower than in Charleston, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Richmond.
    Home prices in Richmond are 37.3% lower than in Charleston.
  • Income in Richmond is 4.3% lower than in Charleston, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Richmond โ€” including Brink's, CarMax, and MeadWestvaco โ€” may pay more.
  • Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Richmond. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 57.2% lower than in Charleston.
  • A move to Richmond can help cut down on a familyโ€™s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 32.4% less than what it costs in Charleston.
  • The unemployment rate in Richmond is 77.50% higher than in Charleston.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Richmond, since the city's sales taxes in Richmond are 33.33% lower than in Charleston.
  • One perk of moving to Richmond is paying less in state income taxes, which are 17.86% lower than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,284.91 in Richmond to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Richmond

Richmond Charleston
Population 226,610 150,277
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 3
Walkability score 51 40
Bike friendliness score 51 50
Crime Index 48.45 44.97
Safety Index 51.55 55.03
Air Quality Good Good
  • Richmond's population is about 51% greater than Charleston.
  • Richmond's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 3.
  • Richmond is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 out of 100.
  • Both Richmond and Charleston have the same bike-friendliness score of 50 out of 100, meaning Richmond is about as safe for cyclists as Charleston. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Richmond and Charleston have a similar crime rate.
  • Richmond and Charleston are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Richmond is good, and in Charleston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Richmond move

  • Weather: Richmond has a humid subtropical climate, with very hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters. Precipitation is rather uniformly distributed throughout the year. Dry periods lasting several weeks sometimes occur, especially in autumn, when long periods of pleasant, mild weather are most common.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Virginia, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Richmond Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Richmond

Now that you've decided to make the move to Capital of the South, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Richmond.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Monroe Ward
  • The Fan District
  • The Museum District
  • Woodland Heights

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bellevue
  • Byrd Park
  • Museum District
  • Three Chopt
  • Westover Hills

Things to do in Richmond

Once you're settled into your new home in Virginia, it's time to get out and discover what Richmond has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Richmond, such as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, White House of the Confederacy, Science Museum of Virginia, Edgar Allan Poe Museum, and Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Belle Isle, Libby Hill Park, Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System), and Capitol Square Park โ€” 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 Richmond Kickers (USL League One) and Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A East) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Charleston to Richmond?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charleston to Richmond are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Charleston. are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Richmond?

Because most people are moving from Charleston to Richmond in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Charleston to Richmond take?

Moving from Charleston, SC to Richmond, VA covers 423 miles and usually takes one to four days Need to move faster? Some Charleston movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Richmond.

Helpful moving resources