Local moving companies in Charleston

  1. Bellhop Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  2. Flex Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  3. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  4. Smooth Move Charleston: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars

Bellhop Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 2878240

Years in Business: 12

718 South 2nd Street, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 US

Customer input for Bellhop Moving highlights professional staff, efficient service, careful handling of belongings, easy booking, and helpful movers. Nearly half of feedback is positive, as many mention courteous crews and prompt, seamless moves. Yet, over 40% express dissatisfaction, mainly due to late arrivals, surprise charges, or damaged items. Problems range from unreliable scheduling to inconsistent pricing and some unskilled movers. Unlike traditional companies, Bellhop gets recognition for modern booking tools and friendly service, but negative input points to the need for better reliability and transparent billing. Prospective clients should weigh the convenience and professionalism against risks of delays or unexpected fees. In comparison to others, Bellhop stands out for convenient processes but faces challenges with operational consistency and customer communication.

Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Bellhop Moving Services
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Flex Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.42 / 5

DOT #: 3610638

Years in Business: 2

4720 Salisbury Rd Suite 122, Jacksonville, FL 32256 US

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

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage

Additional Information

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All My Sons Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 902281

Years in Business: 26

2532 Oscar Johnson Drive, Charleston, SC 29405 US

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

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 902281
  • State license #: 9792-B
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Smooth Move Charleston

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 2357653

Years in Business: 12

4767 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, SC 29405 US

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

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Go Smooth Move, LLC
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Low Country Moving, LLC

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.42 / 5

DOT #: 2362770

Pricing: $150/hr

Years in Business: 11

1514 Mathis Ferry, Rd #18, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 US

Low Country Moving, LLC receives high praise from most customers, with 233 out of 260 feedback entries (nearly 90%) recommending their services. Clients consistently report efficient and quick service, professional and courteous staff, careful handling of items, and solid communication. Many say booking is easy and pricing is straightforward, noting experiences that are smoother than with larger national firms. On the downside, some report instances of damaged items, especially when furniture is not packed as securely as expected. There are also complaints about poor packing quality and communication breakdowns when resolving claims. Compared to other movers, this company stands out for its speed, reliability, and professional attitude, though attention to packing details is vital for higher-value items. Persistent issues around item care and follow-up detract from an otherwise stellar reputation.

Get a Quote (843) 737-1279

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating

Additional Information

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Factors influencing moving costs from Charleston to Chicagotoggle

The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Charleston to Chicago can be as low as $1,298 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,402.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Charleston, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $706 to $1,824. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Charleston to Chicago

Moving from Charleston to Chicago 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 Chicago, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Charleston Chicago
Average rent cost $2,500 $2,045
Average home value $559,231 $295,743
Average income (per capita) $62,294 $71,566
Cost of living (single person) $5,300 $3,648
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,890 $9,266
Unemployment rate 4.0% 9.0%
Sales tax 9.0% 10.25%
State income tax 7.0% 4.95%
  • Rent prices in Chicago are 18% lower than in Charleston, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
    Home prices in Chicago are 47.1% lower than in Charleston.
  • Income in Chicago is 14.9% higher than in Charleston, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 31.2% lower than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 17.4% higher than in Charleston.
  • The unemployment rate in Chicago is 125.00% higher than in Charleston.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chicago, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Chicago are 13.89% higher than in Charleston.
  • One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 29.29% lower than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,064.91 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Chicago

Chicago Charleston
Population 2,746,388 150,277
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 3
Walkability score 77 40
Bike friendliness score 72 50
Crime Index 35.19 44.97
Safety Index 33.87 55.03
Air Quality Good Good
  • Chicago's population is about 1,728% greater than Charleston.
  • Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 3.
  • Chicago is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 out of 100.
  • With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 50 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Chicago's crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 35.19 compared to Charleston's 44.97. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
  • Chicago is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 33.87 vs Charleston's 55.03.
  • Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Charleston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Chicago move

  • Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™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: 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 youโ€™re considering have one and that itโ€™s current. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Illinois, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Illinois doesnโ€™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 Chicago 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 cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Chicago

With your sights set on "Chi-Town", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Chicago.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Lake View
  • Lincoln Park
  • The Loop
  • Near North Side
  • West Town

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Beverly
  • Edison Park
  • Lincoln Park
  • North Center
  • West Loop

Things to do in Chicago

After settling into your new Illinois home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chicago has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln 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 Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Charleston to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Charleston.

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

Because most people are moving from Charleston to Chicago 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 Chicago take?

The 908-mile move from Charleston, SC, to Chicago, IL, takes two to seven days. Some Charleston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.

Helpful moving resources