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. Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  4. Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.28 out of 5 stars
  5. Dunbar Transfer: 3.96 out of 5 stars

Bellhop Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 2878240

Years in Business: 13

79 East Seventh Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201 US

When 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.

Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Bellhop Moving
  • Bellhops, Inc.
  • Bellhops
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Flex Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.42 / 5

DOT #: 3610638

Years in Business: 3

4037 E Independence Blvd Ste 105, Charlotte, NC 28205 US

Customers rave about Flex Moving & Storageโ€™s 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.

Get a Quote (704) 397-3281

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Central Van & Storage, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 076235

Years in Business: 28

37 Jacobson Drive, Charleston, WV 25159 US

Central 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.

Get a Quote (800) 753-1898

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

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Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.28 / 5

DOT #: 587135

Years in Business: 35

1301 7th Ave # A, Huntington, WV 25701 US

Feedback 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 moversโ€”traits 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.

Get a Quote (304) 529-2360

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Future Enterprises Corporation
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Dunbar Transfer

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar3.96 / 5

DOT #: 1186580

134 Bel Aire Dr, Tornado, WV 25202 US

Moving with confidence is what customers experience at Dunbar Transfer. All four feedback entries show complete satisfaction, with clients highlighting the companyโ€™s 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 Transferโ€™s 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.

Get a Quote (304) 722-1003

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art

Additional Information

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Factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Madisontoggle

The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Charleston to Madison might cost as little as $1,482, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,365.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Charleston, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $555 to $1,381. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Charleston to Madison

Moving from Charleston to Madison comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Madison is generally more expensive than Charleston, itโ€™s 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 Madison
Average rent cost $875 $1,600
Average home value $153,672 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $59,354 $62,919
Cost of living (single person) $1,549 $2,292
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,862 $5,457
Unemployment rate 6.2% 3.3%
Sales tax 7.0% 5.5%
State income tax 6.5% 7.65%
  • Rent prices in Madison are 83% higher than in Charleston, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Charleston.
    Home prices in Madison are 139.4% higher than in Charleston.
  • Income in Madison is 6.0% higher than in Charleston, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Madison include Datex Ohmeda, American Family Insurance, and Fairway Independent Mortgage.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Madison, since the cost of living for a single person in Madison is 48.0% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Madison, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Madison is 41.3% higher than in Charleston.
  • The unemployment rate in Madison is 46.77% lower than in Charleston.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Madison are 21.43% lower than in Charleston.
  • State income taxes in Madison are 17.69% higher than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,438.99 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Madison

Madison Charleston
Population 269,840 48,018
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 2
Walkability score 50 33
Bike friendliness score 66 28
Crime Index 34.57 53.94
Safety Index 65.43 46.06
Air Quality Good Good
  • Madison's population is about 462% greater than Charleston.
  • Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 2.
  • Madison is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Charleston's 33 out of 100.
  • With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison 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.
  • Madison's crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 34.57 compared to Charleston's 53.94. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
  • Madison is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 65.43 vs Charleston's 46.06.
  • Air quality in Madison is good, and in Charleston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Madison move

  • Weather: August, June and July are the most pleasant months in Madison, while January and December are the least comfortable months for any relocation activities.
  • 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: Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, itโ€™s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Wisconsin, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Wisconsin 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 Madison 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. For a secure move in Wisconsin, explore movers' insurance options to safeguard your belongings. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection with discussions on Full Value Protection or explore customized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wisconsin state moving insurance. Ensure a smooth and protected relocation experience with the right insurance coverage.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Madison

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Shorewood Hills
  • Middleton
  • Monona
  • Lake Mills
  • Verona

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Dudgeon-Monroe
  • Hill Farms-University
  • Maple-Prairie
  • Westmorland
  • Wexford

Things to do in Madison

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

  • Arts and culture: Madison is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children's Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Wisconsin Historical Museum, and University of Wisconsin Geology Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens 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 Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA), Madison Mallards (Baseball), Madison Radicals (AUDL), or Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Madison. Youโ€™ll 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 Madison?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charleston to Madison, 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 Madison take?

The 636-mile journey from Charleston, WV to Madison, WI typically takes one to six 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 Madison.

Helpful moving resources