Best overall value
Local moving companies in Fresno
- Meathead Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Colonial Van & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Courtesy Moving and Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Economy Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Master Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Meathead Movers
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 921143
Years in Business: 27
4744 North El Capitan Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722 USMoving made easyโMeathead Movers stands out with high marks in professionalism and careful handling. This analysis covers 500 pieces of customer feedback, and more than 84% express satisfaction. Most note that staff are polite, diligent, and truly careful with belongings. Many customers praise efficient service and rapid moving, while raving about clear and helpful communication. A few customers report concerns about damages to furniture or their homes, highlighting the need for better item protection. Several mention higher-than-expected final costs and, less often, late arrivals. Compared to other services, Meathead Movers receives more consistent praise for reliability and courteous movers, but some buyers find their rates steep or worry about occasional lapses in item care. Anyone searching for an efficient, dependable moving company with a professional attitude will find Meathead Movers excels where service and courtesy matter most, though they should pay close attention to pricing and confirm all details before moving day.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 921143
- State license #: 0189849
Alternative Business Names
- Meathead Movers, Inc.
- Princess Packers
Colonial Van & Storage
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 2973
Years in Business: 54
214 Broadway, Fresno, CA 93721 USCustomers regularly call out Colonial Van & Storage's professionalism and attentive staff, highlighting clear communication, care in handling, fast service, and affordability. Many mention excellent experiences with organized crews and well-informed sales representatives. These strengths set Colonial ahead of other movers, earning praise for reliability and value. On the other hand, a significant number of customers report damaged or missing items, late deliveries, and communication breakdowns, sometimes involving difficulties with claims or refunds. Around 60% of feedback is positive, while nearly a third points to serious problems with item condition and timeliness. In comparison to industry standards, Colonial's customer service stands out positively for politeness and responsiveness, but recurring damage and delays may be concerns for those prioritizing item safety above all.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2973
- State license #: 0099536
- DOD certified
Local Associations
Courtesy Moving and Storage
rating
4.62 / 5
DOT #: 3119841
Years in Business: 51
3515 N Sabre Dr, Fresno, CA 93727 USCourtesy Moving and Storage receives praise in over three-quarters of feedback for professionalism, careful item handling, and efficiency. Clients often describe staff as courteous and helpful and outside reviews highlight affordable rates compared to other moving companies. Many customers report stress-free moving days, accurate or lower-than-estimated prices, and no damage to belongings. Some negative input points to damaged or lost items, unanticipated charges, and trouble with claim or issue resolution. Speed and teamwork set this company apart, but unresolved problems and inconsistencies with pricing have led to dissatisfaction for some. Out of 93 reviews, 76% are favorable, making Courtesy Moving and Storage a strong contender but with a few notable drawbacks compared to competitors.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3119841
- State license #: 191184
Economy Movers
rating
4.62 / 5
DOT #: 1011944
Years in Business: 54
4287 West Swift Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722 USMoving made easy and affordableโmost customers praise Economy Movers for their quick, efficient service, careful handling of belongings, and professional staff. Out of 256 feedback entries, 89% are positive, with clients routinely mentioning reasonable rates and moves finished ahead of schedule. Friendly communication and help with heavy or specialty items stand out in the input, making Economy Movers a strong choice versus typical moving companies that often fall short on reliability or care. Still, some customers highlight problems like item damage or delays, especially for long-distance moves, and occasional issues with communication before or after a job. A few mention belongings arriving late or unresolved claims, underscoring the importance of insurance and clear communication for complex moves. Most people find the company's value, speed, and careful approach hard to beat.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- DOT #: 1011944
- State license #: 0190355
Alternative Business Names
- United Van Lines AGT
- Packaging Store
Master Movers
rating
4.52 / 5
Master Movers draws strong praise for fast, organized moves and a team known for professionalism and courtesy. Customers describe a smooth booking process, competitive pricing, and careful handling of belongings, placing Master Movers ahead of many competitors in reliability. Feedback shows 78% gave positive input out of 37 total reviews. Office staff and crews were often called polite and efficient. Many highlighted affordable rates, clear communication, and prompt arrivals. Some responses noted issues with item damage, lack of communication, and price discrepancies, especially in complex or long-distance moves. Complaints also included poor packing and delays in handling claims. While most moves were completed quickly without hidden charges, about 19% of reviews cited main concerns with care and follow-through on promises. Master Moversโ positive reputation stands firmly on consistency and value, though extra attention to claim handling and item protection on long hauls could set them even further apart.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- State license #: 190355
Factors influencing moving costs from Fresno to Charleston
What to know before moving from Fresno to Charleston
Moving from Fresno to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than Fresno, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Fresno | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,650 | $2,500 |
| Average home value | $381,180 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,001 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,277 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,358 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.09% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.98% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in Charleston are 52% higher than in Fresno, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Fresno.
Home prices in Charleston are 46.7% higher than in Fresno. - Income in Charleston is 1.1% lower than in Fresno, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Charleston include Joint Base Charleston, Medical University of South Carolina, and The Boeing Company.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 132.8% higher than in Fresno. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Charleston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 47.3% higher than in Fresno.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 43.58% lower than in Fresno.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the cityโs sales taxes in Charleston are 12.78% higher than in Fresno.
- One perk of moving to Charleston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 47.37% lower than in Fresno.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,982.87 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Fresno.
How life is different in Fresno vs. Charleston
| Charleston | Fresno | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 542,107 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 58 |
| Crime Index | 44.97 | 56.85 |
| Safety Index | 55.03 | 43.15 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Charleston's population is about 72% less than Fresno.
- Charleston's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Fresno's higher score of 5.
- Charleston is less walkable than Fresno with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Fresno's 47 out of 100.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score 50 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Fresno, which has a score of 58 out of 100.
- Charleston's crime rate is lower than Fresno with a score of 44.97 compared to Fresno's 56.85. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Fresno neighborhoods are safer than 56.85%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Fresno with a safety index of 55.03 vs Fresno's 43.15.
- Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Fresno it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Fresno vs. Charleston move
- Weather: Consider moving to Charleston around October, April and May as these are the most pleasant months, while July and August are the least comfortable ones due to thunderstorms which can cause delays in your moving plans.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: South Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Charleston. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.When moving in South Carolina, explore movers' insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Charleston
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Holy City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Charleston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Harleston Village
- James Island
- North Charleston
- South of Broad West Ashley
Best neighborhoods for families
- Mount Pleasant
- Park Circle
- Stiles Point
- Summerville
- Wagener Terrace
Things to do in Charleston
After settling into your new South Carolina home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Charleston has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Charleston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Fort Sumter National Monument, Nathaniel Russell House, Old Slave Mart Museum, The Charleston Museum, and Gibbes Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Fresno to Charleston?
The best time to move from Fresno to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Fresno.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fresno to Charleston?
Because most people are moving from Fresno to Charleston 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 Fresno to Charleston take?
The 2,597-mile move from Fresno, CA, to Charleston, SC, takes seven to 21 days. Some Fresno movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.
