Best overall value
Local moving companies in Charleston
- Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.24 out of 5 stars
- Dunbar Transfer: 3.9 out of 5 stars
Bellhop Moving
rating
4.62 / 5
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
rating
4.42 / 5
DOT #: 3610638
Years in Business: 3
4037 E Independence Blvd Ste 105, Charlotte, NC 28205 USCustomers rave about Flex Moving & Storage’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.
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.
rating
4.66 / 5
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
rating
4.24 / 5
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 movers—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.
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
rating
3.9 / 5
DOT #: 1186580
Moving with confidence is what customers experience at Dunbar Transfer. All four feedback entries show complete satisfaction, with clients highlighting the company’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 Transfer’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.
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 influencing moving costs from Charleston to Chicago
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Charleston to Chicago can be as low as $1,478 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,122.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Charleston, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $503 to $1,162. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Chicago
Moving from Charleston to Chicago comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Chicago is generally more expensive than Charleston, it’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 | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $875 | $2,045 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,549 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,862 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 4.95% |
- Rent prices in Chicago are 134% higher than in Charleston, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Charleston.
Home prices in Chicago are 92.5% higher than in Charleston. - Income in Chicago is 20.6% higher than in Charleston, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 135.5% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you’re moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 139.9% higher than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 45.16% higher than in Charleston.
- You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chicago, since the city’s sales taxes in Chicago are 46.43% higher than in Charleston.
- One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 23.85% lower than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,065.20 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Chicago
| Chicago | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 48,018 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 28 |
| Crime Index | 35.19 | 53.94 |
| Safety Index | 33.87 | 46.06 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 5,619% greater than Charleston.
- Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 2.
- Chicago is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Charleston's 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago 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.
- Chicago's crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 35.19 compared to Charleston's 53.94. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 33.87 vs Charleston's 46.06.
- Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Charleston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Chicago move
- Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’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: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Illinois, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Illinois doesn’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 Chicago 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 cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options 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 Chicago
With your sights set on "Chi-Town", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Chicago.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
After settling into your new Illinois home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chicago has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Chicago?
The best time to move from Charleston to Chicago 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 Chicago?
Because most people are moving from Charleston to Chicago 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 Chicago take?
The 492-mile move from Charleston, WV, to Chicago, IL, takes one to four 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 Chicago.
