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 influence moving costs from Charleston to Tampa
What to know before moving from Charleston to Tampa
Moving from Charleston to Tampa comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Tampa 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 | Tampa | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $875 | $1,930 |
Average home value | $153,672 | $371,271 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $66,802 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,549 | $3,232 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,862 | $8,108 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.0% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.5% |
State income tax | 6.5% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Tampa are 121% 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 Tampa are 141.6% higher than in Charleston. - Income in Tampa is 12.5% higher than in Charleston, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Tampa include Bloomin' Brands, Sykes Enterprises, and OSI Restaurant Partners.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tampa, since the cost of living for a single person in Tampa is 108.7% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Tampa, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tampa is 109.9% higher than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Tampa is 19.35% lower than in Charleston.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tampa, since the cityโs sales taxes in Tampa are 7.14% lower than in Charleston.
- One perk of moving to Tampa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,259.52 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Tampa
Tampa | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 403,364 | 48,018 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 2 |
Walkability score | 51 | 33 |
Bike friendliness score | 51 | 28 |
Crime Index | 46.15 | 53.94 |
Safety Index | 53.85 | 46.06 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Tampa is about 740% 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.
- Tampa offers better access to buses and trains than Charleston, based on public transportation ratings. Tampa has a transit score of 8 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 Tampa means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Charleston. Tampa is considered more walkable than Charleston, with a score of 51 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, Tampa 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. Tampa has a bike-friendliness score of 51 out of 100, while Charleston is rated as 28 out of 100.
- Tampa has a lower crime rate than Charleston based on scores of 46.15 and Charleston's 53.94, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Tampa than in Charleston, based on Tampaโs safety index of 53.85 versus 46.06 for Charleston. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Tampa 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. Tampa move
- Weather: Tampa's climate generally features hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and dry and mild winters. Tampa seldom feels major effects from tropical storms or hurricanes.
- 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 Tampa 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 Tampa
With your sights set on "Big Guava", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Tampa.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Channel District
- Courier City-Oscawana
- Downtown
- Historic Ybor
- North Hyde Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bayshore Beautiful
- Bayshore Gardens
- Beach Park
- Oakford Park
- Sunset Park
Things to do in Tampa
After settling into your new Florida home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tampa has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Tampa is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Glazer Children's Museum, Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa Bay History Center, Museum of Science and Industry, and SS American Victory Mariners' Memorial and Museum Ship.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Lettuce Lake Regional Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Sparkman Wharf, and Ballast Point 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 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), or Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Tampa?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Charleston to Tampa. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Tampa?
Because spring and fall moves from Charleston to Tampa are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Charleston to Tampa take?
Covering 842 miles, the move from Charleston, WV to Tampa, FL typically takes two to seven days. Some Charleston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTampa can help bridge the gap.