Local moving companies in Charleston

  1. Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  2. Flex Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  3. Smooth Move Charleston: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  4. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.52 out of 5 stars

Bellhop Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 2878240

Years in Business: 14

6433 Creekstone Place,, Charlotte, NC 28213 US

Bellhop Moving stands out for professional and courteous movers who work efficiently and handle items with care. More than half of feedback praises friendly attitudes, quick moving times, and help from knowledgeable staff. Many people found the process organized and appreciated clear communication from crews. On the other hand, customers report frequent problems with damage to items, late arrivals, and difficulties resolving complaints. Several describe poor compensation for damaged possessions and challenges communicating with customer service. While the hands-on teams often outshine competitors and keep local moves smooth, Bellhopโ€™s administrative side leaves many customers dissatisfied, especially when things go wrong. Out of 79 reviews, 54% contained positive experiences, but issues with item safety and unreliability are mentioned at a higher rate compared with most other moving companies.

Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage

Additional Information

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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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Smooth Move Charleston

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 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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All My Sons Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 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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Low Country Moving, LLC

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.52 / 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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Key factors that impact the cost of your Charleston to Portland 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 Portland (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,310, while larger moves may reach $7,943 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Charleston.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $876 to $2,161, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Charleston to Portland

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

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

Charleston Portland
Average rent cost $2,500 $1,991
Average home value $559,231 $542,001
Average income (per capita) $62,294 $64,171
Cost of living (single person) $5,300 $2,491
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,890 $6,060
Unemployment rate 4.0% 5.2%
Sales tax 9.0% 5.5%
State income tax 7.0% 5.8%
  • Rent prices in Portland are 20% 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 Portland.
    Home prices in Portland are 3.1% lower than in Charleston.
  • Income in Portland is 3.0% higher than in Charleston, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Portland include TD Banknorth Inc, Maine Medical Center, and Unum Life Insurance Company of America.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Portland is 53.0% lower than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Portland is 23.2% lower than in Charleston.
  • The unemployment rate in Portland is 30.00% higher than in Charleston.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Portland, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Portland are 38.89% lower than in Charleston.
  • One perk of moving to Portland is paying less in state income taxes, which are 17.14% lower than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,410.00 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Portland

Portland Charleston
Population 68,408 150,277
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 3
Walkability score 62 40
Bike friendliness score 68 50
Crime Index 32.16 44.97
Safety Index 67.84 55.03
Air Quality Good Good
  • Portland might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 54% less than Charleston.
  • Portland offers better access to buses and trains than Charleston, based on public transportation ratings. Portland has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 3 in Charleston. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Portland means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Charleston. Portland is considered more walkable than Charleston, with a score of 62 out of 100 versus 40 out of 100 in Charleston. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Portland 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. Portland has a bike-friendliness score of 68 out of 100, while Charleston is rated as 50 out of 100.
  • Portland has a lower crime rate than Charleston based on scores of 32.16 and Charleston's 44.97, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Portland than in Charleston, based on Portlandโ€™s safety index of 67.84 versus 55.03 for Charleston. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Portland 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. Portland move

  • Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Portland, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
  • 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: Although a local license is not required in Maine, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Maine, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Maine 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 Portland 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. Consider cost-free Released Value Protection from movers in Maine, offering basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. If you seek full-value protection, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company 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 Portland

With your sights set on "Forest City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Portland.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • West End
  • Parkside
  • Downtown
  • Oakdale
  • Back Cove

Best neighborhoods for families

  • East End
  • Rosemont
  • Valley Street
  • East Deering
  • Oakdale

Things to do in Portland

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

  • Arts and culture: Portland is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Portland Museum of Art, Victoria Mansion, 5th Maine Museum, The Wadsworth-Longfellow House, and Richard Boyd Art Gallery.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Eastern Promenade Trail, Back Cove Trail, Deering Oaks Park, and Quarry Run Dog 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 Maine Celtics (G League) and Maine Mariners (ECHL) game.

FAQ

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

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charleston to Portland 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 Portland?

With many people choosing to move from Charleston to Portland in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Charleston to Portland take?

Moving from Charleston, SC to Portland, ME covers 1,071 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Charleston movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Portland.

Helpful moving resources