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
- Evans Van & Storage: 3.9 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
Evans Van & Storage

DOT #: 070851
Moving made easy and stress-freeโmost feedback about Evans Van & Storage points to a high-quality, reliable experience. Out of 130 reviews, 93% reflect satisfied customers, highlighting professional, polite staff, efficient service, careful handling, helpful movers, and clear communication. Movers regularly earn praise for their respectful approach and the care taken with furniture and delicate possessions. Customers describe a well-organized, punctual moving process, frequently noting that nothing arrived scratched or broken. Many cite affordability and flexibility as standout features, with the company frequently able to accommodate changing schedules and specific customer needs. Negative feedback is rare but centers on issues like damaged or missing items, poor communication after problems, and unexpected charges. Compared to other moving companiesโoften criticized for hidden fees and careless serviceโEvans Van & Storage appears to set itself apart by consistently delivering professionalism and dependability, making it a recommended choice for local and long-distance moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 070851
Factors influencing moving costs from Charleston to Gainesville
What to know before moving from Charleston to Gainesville
Moving from Charleston to Gainesville comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Gainesville 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 | Gainesville | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $875 | $1,600 |
Average home value | $153,672 | $288,002 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $59,013 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,549 | $1,727 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,862 | $3,491 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 4.4% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 6.5% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Gainesville are 83% 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 Gainesville are 87.4% higher than in Charleston. - Income is the same in Gainesville and Charleston. The top employers in Gainesville include University of Florida, Charles Perry Partners, Inc., and CPAmerica.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Gainesville, since the cost of living for a single person in Gainesville is 11.5% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Gainesville is 9.6% lower than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Gainesville is 29.03% lower than in Charleston.
- Sales taxes are the same in Gainesville and Charleston.
- One perk of moving to Gainesville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,344.74 in Gainesville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Gainesville
Gainesville | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 141,085 | 48,018 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 2 |
Walkability score | 37 | 33 |
Bike friendliness score | 69 | 28 |
Crime Index | 8.0 | 53.94 |
Safety Index | 52.61 | 46.06 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Gainesville's population is about 194% greater than Charleston.
- Gainesville's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 2.
- Gainesville is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Charleston's 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 69 out of 100, Gainesville 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.
- Gainesville's crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 8.0 compared to Charleston's 53.94. This means that Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Gainesville is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 52.61 vs Charleston's 46.06.
- Air quality in Gainesville is good, and in Charleston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Gainesville move
- Weather: April, November and October are the most pleasant months in Gainesville, while August and July are the least comfortable months.
- 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: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services โ Division of Consumer Services. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Florida, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Florida 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 Gainesville 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. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Gainesville
With your sights set on "Gainesville", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Gainesville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Duckpond
- Midtown
- Northwest Gainesville
- Sugarfoot
- Suburban Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Northwest Gainesville
- Duckpond
- Haile Plantation
- Eastside
Things to do in Gainesville
After settling into your new Florida home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Gainesville has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Gainesville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Florida Museum of Natural History, Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, and Matheson History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, Depot Park, and Kanapaha 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 Florida Gators (SEC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Gainesville?
The best time to move from Charleston to Gainesville 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 Gainesville?
Because most people are moving from Charleston to Gainesville 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 Gainesville take?
The 715-mile move from Charleston, WV, to Gainesville, FL, takes one to six 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 Gainesville.