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 supportโqualities 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 undamagedโqualities 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 disputesโmuch 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
Key factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Cincinnati
What to know before moving from Charleston to Cincinnati
Moving from Charleston to Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Charleston compares to Cincinnati so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Charleston | Cincinnati | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,500 | $1,450 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $232,735 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $65,682 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,300 | $2,467 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,890 | $6,418 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 4.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 3.5% |
- Rent prices in Cincinnati are 42% 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 Cincinnati.
Home prices in Cincinnati are 58.4% lower than in Charleston. - Youโre likely to make a higher income living in Cincinnati, where incomes are, on average, 5.4% higher than in Charleston. Major employers in Cincinnati include Kroger, First Student, and Macy's.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Cincinnati. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 53.5% lower than in Charleston.
- A move to Cincinnati can help cut down on a familyโs routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 18.7% less than what it costs in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Cincinnati is 22.50% higher than in Charleston.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Cincinnati, since the city's sales taxes in Cincinnati are 27.78% lower than in Charleston.
- One perk of moving to Cincinnati is paying less in state income taxes, which are 50.00% lower than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,396.42 in Cincinnati to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Cincinnati
| Cincinnati | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,317 | 150,277 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 49 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 36 | 50 |
| Crime Index | 48.47 | 44.97 |
| Safety Index | 49.53 | 55.03 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Cincinnati is about 106% 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.
- Cincinnati offers better access to buses and trains than Charleston, based on public transportation ratings. Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Charleston. Cincinnati is considered more walkable than Charleston, with a score of 49 out of 100 versus 40 out of 100 in Charleston. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Cincinnati, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Charleston. While Charleston has a bike-friendliness score of 50 out of 100, Cincinnati earned a 36. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Cincinnati as Charleston. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ100.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Cincinnati. With a crime index of 49.53, Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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. Cincinnati move
- Weather: Snowfall and freezing weather is common in the winters and severe thunderstorms may happen in the warmer months.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Ohio moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Ohio doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Cincinnati. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Cincinnati
Now that you've decided to make the move to Blue Chip City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Cincinnati.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central Business District
- Clifton
- Columbia-Tusculum
- Oakley
- Over-The-Rhine
Best neighborhoods for families
- Hyde Park
- Mount Adams
- Mount Lookout
- Oakley
- Pleasant Ridge
Things to do in Cincinnati
After settling into your new Ohio home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Cincinnati has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Cincinnati features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the American Classical Music Hall of Fame and Museum, American Sign Museum, Art Academy of Cincinnati, Betts House, and Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Ault Park, Smale Riverfront Park, Mt. Airy Forest, and Eden Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Cincinnati Reds (MLB), Cincinnati Bengals (NFL), FC Cincinnati (MLS), or Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Cincinnati?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charleston to Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati?
Because most people are moving from Charleston to Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati take?
Moving from Charleston, SC to Cincinnati, OH covers 620 miles and usually takes one to six 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 Cincinnati.
