Local moving companies in Charleston
- Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Dunbar Transfer: 3.96 out of 5 stars
Bellhop Moving

DOT #: 2878240
Years in Business: 13
79 East Seventh Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201 USWhen timing and professionalism count, Bellhop Moving stands out in customer feedback. Of the 38 reviews assessed, almost 58% delivered positive sentiment, while almost 40% reflected dissatisfied experiences. Customers highlight consistent professionalism, efficiency, careful attention to belongings, and approachable movers. Friendly attitudes and reliable performance under tough conditions, like bad weather, set Bellhop apart from many low-cost alternatives. Reports of fast, careful moves and easy booking are frequent. On the downside, damaged items, delayed or canceled moves, and unexpected extra charges surface often. Some clients experienced property damage or last-minute cancellations that created major issues, and several found the compensation process unsatisfactory if things went wrong. Compared to other movers, Bellhop is more frequently praised for politeness and efficiency but criticized more than average for inconsistent arrival and resolution of complaints.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2878240
Alternative Business Names
- Bellhop Moving
- Bellhops, Inc.
- Bellhops
Flex Moving & Storage

DOT #: 3610638
Years in Business: 3
4037 E Independence Blvd Ste 105, Charlotte, NC 28205 USCustomers rave about Flex Moving & Storageโs fast, careful, and professional crews who make moving less stressful and deliver strong results. Most input highlights efficient service, reliable communication, careful handling of belongings, and a courteous approach. Highly rated feedback consistently mentions both speed and safe transport. On the other hand, a few customers point to significant issues like hidden charges, delayed moves, and trouble reaching support. These problems stand out as rare but serious missteps. Flex Moving & Storage receives a much higher rate of positive feedback than many competitors, driven by standout reliability and attentiveness. Out of 14 reviews, 85.7% are positive, showing a strong trend of customer satisfaction with only isolated but notable complaints.
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 #: 3610638
Central Van & Storage, Inc.

DOT #: 076235
Years in Business: 28
37 Jacobson Drive, Charleston, WV 25159 USCentral Van & Storage, Inc. stands out for reliable and professional movers, backed by 75% positive customer feedback from 16 reviews. Customers consistently praised friendly staff, careful item handling, strong communication, and efficient moving processes. Helpful movers and organized service frequently set them apart from competitors. Some clients reported major concerns, including damages to homes, missing items, and unexpectedly high final costs. Negative experiences mainly centered on property damage and billing disputes. Central Van & Storage earns strong recommendations for care and professionalism, but those hiring them should pay attention to cost estimates and document all belongings carefully.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 076235
Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems

DOT #: 587135
Years in Business: 35
1301 7th Ave # A, Huntington, WV 25701 USFeedback paints a clear divide: Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems is praised for having professional, polite staff, handling items with care, working efficiently, offering good rates, and maintaining solid communication. Half of all customer input highlights smooth moves, careful handling, and courteous moversโtraits that set them above many local competitors for timely service and affordability. But equally frequent are strong reports of lost valuables, damaged furniture, and unreliable timing. Several customers mention misplacement or theft of personal items and lack of follow-up from management, concerns rarely seen in top-performing moving companies. While many point to a hassle-free, professional experience, others caution against major service and trust issues. Out of 34 reviews, 50% are positive, and 50% negative, making the choice less than straightforward for those considering this company.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 587135
Alternative Business Names
- Future Enterprises Corporation
Dunbar Transfer

DOT #: 1186580
Moving with confidence is what customers experience at Dunbar Transfer. All four feedback entries show complete satisfaction, with clients highlighting the companyโs fast moving process, punctuality, and skilled staff. Movers handled tough conditions, like stairs and tight spaces, with efficiency and professionalism. Customers frequently report that jobs were completed quickly and that staff were courteous and prepared. Unlike many moving companies where complaints about delays or damage are common, Dunbar Transferโs customer input reveals no negative experiences, setting it apart from competitors. This consistently positive input signals reliable, well-executed moves for those seeking trustworthy local movers.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1186580
Factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Mobile
What to know before moving from Charleston to Mobile
Moving from Charleston to Mobile comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Mobile is generally more expensive than Charleston, 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:
Charleston | Mobile | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $875 | $1,300 |
Average home value | $153,672 | $186,159 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $61,962 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,549 | $1,825 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,862 | $4,104 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 6.2% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 10.0% |
State income tax | 6.5% | 5.0% |
- Rent prices in Mobile are 49% higher than in Charleston, 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 Charleston.
Home prices in Mobile are 21.1% higher than in Charleston. - Income in Mobile is 4.4% higher than in Charleston, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Mobile include Infirmary Health, Austal, and City of Mobile.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Mobile, since the cost of living for a single person in Mobile is 17.8% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Mobile, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 6.3% higher than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Mobile and Charleston.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Mobile, since the cityโs sales taxes in Mobile are 42.86% higher than in Charleston.
- One perk of moving to Mobile is paying less in state income taxes, which are 23.08% lower than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,534.54 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Mobile
Mobile | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 187,041 | 48,018 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 2 |
Walkability score | 32 | 33 |
Bike friendliness score | 34 | 28 |
Crime Index | 64.95 | 53.94 |
Safety Index | 35.05 | 46.06 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Mobile's population is about 290% greater than Charleston.
- Mobile's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 2.
- Mobile and Charleston are similarily walkable.
- With a score of 34 out of 100, Mobile is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Mobile's crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 64.95 compared to Charleston's 53.94. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Mobile is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 35.05 vs Charleston's 46.06.
- Air quality in Mobile is good, and in Charleston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Mobile move
- Weather: October, April and November are the most pleasant months in Mobile, so consider this in your plans in moving to Mobile City. Mobile City experiences extreme heat on summer and rainy days on winter.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs 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: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Alabama, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Alabama doesnโt 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 Mobile 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. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Mobile
With your sights set on "Port City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Mobile.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Spanish Fort
- Point Clear
- Tillmans Corner
- Theodore
- Chickasaw
Best neighborhoods for families
- Point Clear
- Saraland
- Loxley
- Satsuma
- Semmes
Things to do in Mobile
After settling into your new Alabama home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Mobile has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Mobile is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the GulfQuest - National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, Battleship USS ALABAMA, Mobile Carnival Museum, History Museum of Mobile, and Richards DAR House Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Mobile Bay, Mobile Botanical Gardens, Bienville Square, and Medal of Honor 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 South Alabama Jaguars (Sun Belt) and Spring Hill Badgers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Mobile?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Mobile. Youโll 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 Mobile?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charleston to Mobile, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Charleston to Mobile take?
The 816-mile journey from Charleston, WV to Mobile, AL typically takes two to seven 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 Mobile.