1st Choice Movers review 2026 (San Diego, CA)
In business since 2012 · Updated
1st Choice Movers, a San Diego, CA moving company, ranks #350 of 1153 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.02/5.
96% of 1st Choice Movers' 380 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its consistency and follow-up, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.
In business since 2012, 1st Choice Movers holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #2776935) and operates 3 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How 1st Choice Movers measures up
Across 380 reviews, 1st Choice Movers in San Diego, CA has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
1st Choice Movers ranks #350 out of 1153 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 4.02 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.02.
- Website
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Customer service
- 4.1
- Brand
- 4.0
- Review quality
- 3.8
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is 1st Choice Movers moveBuddha Certified?
1st Choice Movers is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.
With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. 1st Choice Movers hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.
What movebuddha certified movers offer
- Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
- Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
- Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
- Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.
Before you book, check:
- USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
- Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
- A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
- The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified
** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.
What do customers say about 1st Choice Movers?
Out of 380 verified reviews, 96% of customers left a positive review about 1st Choice Movers in San Diego, CA. 3.4% of reviews are negative and 0.5% are neutral. 1st Choice Movers has a 5% higher positive review percentage than the average California moving company (96% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive96.1%(365)
- Neutral0.5%(2)
- Negative3.4%(13)
Based on 380 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about 1st Choice Movers
Consistency and follow-up
Reviewers liked that 1st Choice Movers stayed in touch before and after the move to ensure everything went smoothly.
Organized packing
1st Choice Movers is often recognized for labeling boxes clearly and packing with structure and care.
Good communication
Reviewers frequently mention clear, consistent updates from 1st Choice Movers throughout the moving process.
Flexibility
Clients liked that 1st Choice Movers was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully 1st Choice Movers's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
What positive reviewers say
“Jerzy and David were fantastic; friendly, professional, respectful of our property, and incredibly efficient. They arrived right on time, communicated their ETA and kept me updated throughout the day. Derek followed up after the move.”
Richard SoveVerified ReviewerGoogle“The packing was fast, organized, and made the entire moving process so much easier.”
EugeniaVerified ReviewerGoogle“Derek was also beyond helpful with re-scheduling when we found out our original moving date was a 'quiet day' at our new building and had to change days last minute.”
Mike MooneyVerified ReviewerGoogle“They wrapped items securely, navigated tight corners with precision, and made sure nothing was scratched or damaged in the process.”
Tony BondsVerified ReviewerGoogle“We’ve used First Choice Movers several times now, and every single experience has been fantastic. From start to finish, they’ve been reliable, professional, and incredibly efficient.”
Nancy OrtizVerified ReviewerGoogle
What mixed reviewers say
“The movers were efficient but we found a few of our things broken. You get what you pay for.”
Anh TruongVerified ReviewerGoogle“The moving crew was great! But the sales office blew it on packing materials. No one called me to apologize for the issue.”
Chris PiecukonisVerified ReviewerGoogle
Most common complaints about 1st Choice Movers
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Misplaced or lost items
In some cases, belongings went missing or were delivered to the wrong location.
Unprofessional behavior
Complaints included movers using foul language, showing up late, or acting inappropriately.
What negative reviewers say
“Our brand new LVP flooring was scratched, leaving a long, unremovable rubber mark. An unsecured toolbox also led to the loss of numerous sockets during transportation, and the owner's response was unsatisfactory.”
Landy LinVerified ReviewerGoogle“After packing, a valuable watch (~$20,000) went missing. The owner was initially cooperative, then went silent and refused to help resolve the situation.”
Zachary S.Verified ReviewerYelp“The movers dragged my furniture, broke a dresser, and left scratches in my old apartment and scuffs on the floor in my new one.”
Bronte D.Verified ReviewerYelp“It was supposed to be here to load up my apartment at eleven thirty. That turned into twelve thirty, then I was told they wouldn't be there until two thirty.”
Darlene DackVerified ReviewerGoogle“A motor was dropped into a box marked fragile and broke expensive items inside. Several items were not moved, and the owner denied additional dishwasher damage.”
J B.Verified ReviewerYelp
1st Choice Movers
4.02San Diego, CASince 2012
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
1st Choice Movers
4.02
San Diego, CA · Since 2012
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from 1st Choice Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in San Diego.
Compare prices side by side
See where 1st Choice Movers lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
What services does 1st Choice Movers offer?
1st Choice Movers covers moving (local moves and long-distance moves), packing (unpacking and fragile-only packing), and storage.
Services offered
Is 1st Choice Movers licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 2776935 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, 1st Choice Movers is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 2776935, as 1ST CHOICE MOVERS LLC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number CAL-T0190918.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover 1st Choice Movers holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- CAL-T0190918Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- 1ST CHOICE MOVERS LLCThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
- FMCSA safety rating
- Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
- Trucks registered
- 3Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 65,000Reported to the FMCSA for 2026
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- October 2026
How much does 1st Choice Movers cost?
1st Choice Movers does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in California, you can expect to pay approximately $129/hr. Total local-move costs from similar movers typically run $400–$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home. Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) 2-3 bedroom moves from similar movers typically run $4,500–$7,500.
What similar movers typically bill for a local move
Full-service California moving companies similar to 1st Choice Movers typically bill the amounts below using a $129/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.
| Home size | Typical total | Time and crew |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $400–$750 | 3–5 hours, 2 movers |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $850–$1,750 | 5–8 hours, 2–3 movers |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,700–$3,400 | 8–12 hours, 3–4 movers |
What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move
1st Choice Movers is licensed for interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service California moving companies.
| Home size | Distance | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $4,500–$7,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $7,000–$11,500 |
What payment options and discounts does 1st Choice Movers offer?
- Accepts
- No credit cards
- Deposit
- Required to book
1st Choice Movers does not list any accepted payment methods on moveBuddha. Confirm how they take payment before moving day. A deposit is required to book. 1st Choice Movers's terms: Some moves may require a deposit to secure the moving date; the requirement will be outlined in the quote.
How 1st Choice Movers compares with the top 10 San Diego movers
1st Choice Movers's moveBuddha score of 4.02 out of 5 places it #23, outside the top 10 movers in San Diego, 0.42 points behind Aloha Movers, the tenth-placed mover. At 380 reviews, 1st Choice Movers has fewer reviews than eight of the ten. 1st Choice Movers has an industry experience score higher than seven of the ten, but the lowest review quality score.
The ten highest-scoring local movers near San Diego, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hulk Movers LLCSan Diego | 4.52 | 1,081 | 4.8 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 2 | 24/7 Moving and StorageSan Diego | 4.52 | 1,057 | 5.0 | 4.9 | A+ |
| 3 | Stella Moving & DeliverySan Diego | 4.50 | 1,275 | 4.9 | 4.8 | A+ |
| 4 | Cube Moving and Storage IncSan Diego | 4.50 | 649 | 4.7 | 4.5 | A+ |
| 5 | Cali Moving & Storage CorpSan Diego | 4.50 | 531 | 4.8 | 4.1 | A+ |
| 6 | We Like To Move It MovingSan Diego | 4.48 | 496 | 4.7 | 4.8 | A+ |
| 7 | Coast 2 Coast Moving IncSan Diego | 4.48 | 105 | 5.0 | 4.9 | A+ |
| 8 | TWO MEN AND A TRUCKSan Diego | 4.44 | 1,252 | 4.5 | 3.3 | A+ |
| 9 | Grizzly MovingSan Diego | 4.44 | 811 | 4.8 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 10 | Aloha MoversSan Diego | 4.44 | 269 | 4.8 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 23 | 1st Choice MoversThis mover · ranks #23 | 4.02 | 380 | — | — | A+ |
How does 1st Choice Movers compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#350 of 1153(better than average)
4.02vs 3.67 avg
1st Choice Movers scores 4.02, above the California average of 3.67, and ranks #350 of 1153 California movers.
- Positive reviews#480 of 1153(better than average)
96%vs 91% avg
1st Choice Movers has 96% positive reviews, above the California average of 91%, and ranks #480 of 1153 California movers.
- Negative reviews#494 of 1153(better than average)
3%vs 8% avg
1st Choice Movers has 3% negative reviews, below the California average of 8%, and ranks #494 of 1153 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#213 of 1153(better than average)
380vs 268 avg
1st Choice Movers has 380 reviews analyzed, above the California average of 268, and ranks #213 of 1153 California movers.
- Years in business#217 of 1153(worse than average)
14 yearsvs 23 years avg
1st Choice Movers has been in business for 14 years, below the California average of 23 years, and ranks #217 of 1153 California movers.
| Metric | This mover1st Choice Movers | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#350 of 1153 in California | 4.02 | 3.67 | #350 of 1153 | +0.35(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#480 of 1153 in California | 96% | 91% | #480 of 1153 | +5 pts(better than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#494 of 1153 in California | 3% | 8% | #494 of 1153 | −5 pts(better than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#213 of 1153 in California | 380 | 268 | #213 of 1153 | +112(better than average) |
| Years in business#217 of 1153 in California | 14 years | 23 years | #217 of 1153 | −9(worse than average) |
Compared with 1153 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
1st Choice Movers
4.02San Diego, CASince 2012
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from 1st Choice Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in San Diego.
Compare prices side by side
See where 1st Choice Movers lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
1st Choice Movers
4.02
San Diego, CA · Since 2012
Final verdict: 1st Choice Movers
1st Choice Movers earns a 4.02/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #23 among San Diego movers, with 96% positive feedback across 380 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its consistency and follow-up and organized packing. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.
With 3 trucks and a track record dating to 2012, it has less history than the average California mover, and the most common complaint is damage to items.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
1st Choice Movers
4.02
San Diego, CA · Since 2012
Why moveBuddha?
- 30%+Average savings
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
Calculate your California moving cost - $1,000Added move coverage*
When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- 1-on-1Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.
Contact 1st Choice Movers
- Phone
- (858) 240-1393
- Website
- my1stchoicemovers.com
Helpful California moving resources
How we score moving companies
Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.
- Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most
The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.
- Online reputationMajor factor
An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.
- ServicesMajor factor
The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.
- Customer supportSupporting factor
How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.
- Review feedbackSupporting factor
A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.
- State availabilityMinor factor
The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.
What the scores are built on
- 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
- 1M+Authenticated reviews
- 25+Independent data sources
- 1,000+Live price points a month
- $0Paid for a ranking
- MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified
Written by
Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.