Best overall value
Local moving companies in Charleston
- Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
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.
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
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 support—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.
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
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.
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
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 undamaged—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 disputes—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.
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
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.
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
Factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Tucson
What to know before moving from Charleston to Tucson
Moving from Charleston to Tucson means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Charleston than in Tucson, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Charleston compares to Tucson so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Charleston | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,500 | $1,295 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $327,203 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $61,749 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,300 | $2,390 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,890 | $6,043 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 7.4% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 8.7% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Tucson are 48% 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 Tucson.
Home prices in Tucson are 41.5% lower than in Charleston. - Income is the same in Tucson and Charleston.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Tucson. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 54.9% lower than in Charleston.
- A move to Tucson can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 23.4% less than what it costs in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Tucson is 85.00% higher than in Charleston.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tucson, since the city's sales taxes in Tucson are 3.33% lower than in Charleston.
- One perk of moving to Tucson is paying less in state income taxes, which are 64.29% lower than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,352.83 in Tucson to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Tucson
| Tucson | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 542,629 | 150,277 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 50 |
| Crime Index | 54.43 | 44.97 |
| Safety Index | 45.57 | 55.03 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Tucson is about 261% greater than Charleston, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Tucson offers better access to buses and trains than Charleston, based on public transportation ratings. Tucson has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 3 in Charleston. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- You'll find Tucson to be about as walkable as Charleston. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 43 and 40 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, Tucson is considered more bike-friendly than Charleston in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Tucson has a bike-friendliness score of 66 out of 100, while Charleston is rated as 50 out of 100.
- The crime rate in Tucson is higher than in Charleston, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 54.43 in Tucson, it is 44.97 in Charleston. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Tucson. With a crime index of 45.57, Tucson ranks lower in overall safety than Charleston, whose index is 55.03. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Tucson and Charleston is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Tucson move
- Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Arizona, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Arizona doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Tucson without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Tucson
Ready to relocate to Old Pueblo? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Tucson.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Armory Park
- Dunbar Spring
- Old Fort Lowell
- El Presidio
- Sam Hughes
Best neighborhoods for families
- Armory Park
- Broadmoor-Broadway
- Catalina Foothills
- Dunbar Spring
- Sam Hughes
Things to do in Tucson
After getting comfortable in your new Arizona home, it's time to see what Tucson is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Tucson features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Pima Air and Space Museum, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, and Franklin Auto Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Agua Caliente Park, Himmel Park, Rillito River Park, and Brandi Fenton Memorial Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an University of Arizona Wildcats (NCAA), Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League), Tucson Roadrunners (AHL), or FC Tucson (USL) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Tucson?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Tucson You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Tucson?
Because spring and fall moves from Charleston to Tucson are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Charleston to Tucson take?
The 2,033-mile journey from Charleston, SC to Tucson, AZ, typically takes six to 17 days. Some movers in Charleston offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Tucson.
