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
Key factors that impact the cost of your Charleston to New York City move
What to know before moving from Charleston to New York City
Moving from Charleston to New York City comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since New York City 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 | New York City | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $875 | $4,340 |
Average home value | $153,672 | $752,778 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $78,058 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,549 | $5,683 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,862 | $15,081 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 11.2% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.0% |
State income tax | 6.5% | 10.9% |
- Rent prices in New York City are 396% 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 New York City are 389.9% higher than in Charleston. - Income in New York City is 31.5% higher than in Charleston, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in New York City include IBM, PepsiCo, and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co..
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in New York City, since the cost of living for a single person in New York City is 266.9% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to New York City, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in New York City is 290.5% higher than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in New York City is 80.65% higher than in Charleston.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in New York City, since the cityโs sales taxes in New York City are 14.29% higher than in Charleston.
- State income taxes in New York City are 67.69% higher than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $11,006.46 in New York City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. New York City
New York City | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 8,258,035 | 48,018 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 10 | 2 |
Walkability score | 88 | 33 |
Bike friendliness score | 69 | 28 |
Crime Index | 50.83 | 53.94 |
Safety Index | 49.17 | 46.06 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of New York City is about 17,098% 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.
- New York City offers better access to buses and trains than Charleston, based on public transportation ratings. New York City has a transit score of 10 out of 10 compared to 2 in Charleston. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in New York City means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Charleston. New York City is considered more walkable than Charleston, with a score of 88 out of 100 versus 33 out of 100 in Charleston. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, New York City 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. New York City has a bike-friendliness score of 69 out of 100, while Charleston is rated as 28 out of 100.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in New York City 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.
- New York City is generally as safe as Charleston, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- The air quality in New York City 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. New York City move
- Weather: New York City tends to have chilly and damp winters and rather hot summers. New York City tends to have warm and humid summers with mixes of rain, and very cold, snowy, and windy winters. The city is generally cloudy year-round. Temperatures typically vary from 26ยฐF to 87ยฐF. Temps are rarely below 10ยฐF or above 95ยฐF.
- 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: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in New York, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While New York 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 New York City 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 Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your 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 New York City
With your sights set on "Big Apple", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in New York City.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Astoria, Queens
- Lower East Side, Manhattan
- Murray Hill, Manhattan
- Upper East Side, Manhattan
- Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Best neighborhoods for families
- Battery Park City, Manhattan
- Forest Hills, Queens
- Great Kills, Staten Island
- Park Slope, Brooklyn
- Riverdale, Bronx
Things to do in New York City
After settling into your new New York home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, New York City has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: New York City is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Met Cloisters, New York Public Library, and Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Central Park, The High Line, Bryant Park, and Washington Square 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 Brooklyn Nets (NBA), Long Island Nets (NBA G League), New York City FC (MLS), or New York Giants (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to New York City?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charleston to New York City 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 New York City?
With many people choosing to move from Charleston to New York City 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 New York City take?
Moving from Charleston, WV to New York City, NY covers 532 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Charleston movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in New York City.