Charles River Movers review 2026 (Waltham, MA)
In business since 1976 · Updated
Charles River Movers, a Waltham, MA moving company, ranks #37 of 299 movers in Massachusetts, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.44/5.
75% of Charles River Movers' 113 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its organized packing, while the most common complaint involves misplaced or lost items.
In business since 1976, Charles River Movers holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #1299686) and operates 6 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Charles River Movers measures up
Across 113 reviews, Charles River Movers in Waltham, MA is rated 4.3/5 on Google (61 reviews) and 3.7/5 on Yelp (51 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Charles River Movers ranks #37 out of 299 movers in Massachusetts with a moveBuddha Score of 4.44 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.44.
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Brand
- 4.5
- Review quality
- 4.5
- Customer service
- 4.1
- Website
- 4.0
Google rating
Based on 61 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 51 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is Charles River Movers moveBuddha Certified?
Charles River 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. Charles River 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 Charles River Movers?
Out of 113 verified reviews, 75% of customers left a positive review about Charles River Movers in Waltham, MA. 20.4% of reviews are negative and 4.4% are neutral. Charles River Movers has a 15% lower positive review percentage than the average Massachusetts moving company (75% vs the Massachusetts state average of 90%).
- Positive75.2%(85)
- Neutral4.4%(5)
- Negative20.4%(23)
Based on 113 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Charles River Movers
Organized packing
Charles River Movers is often recognized for labeling boxes clearly and packing with structure and care.
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found Charles River Movers to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Flexibility
Clients liked that Charles River Movers was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully Charles River Movers's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
Careful handling
Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to Charles River Movers's attention to detail.
What positive reviewers say
“The team arrived early, wrapped furniture quickly, handled everything carefully, and left it in great condition. They even helped set up.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “They packed, unpacked, and arranged our belongings respectfully. The move was professional, personable, and easier than any move we've experienced.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The final cost was below the estimate and competing movers' estimates. Nothing was broken, and the crew packed antiques carefully.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “We had to shift our move date five times. They stayed kind and flexible, wrapped large furniture, and everything arrived safe.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
What mixed reviewers say
“The actual movers were good and deserved the fee, but the office sent them 40 minutes early and charged me for it.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Certainly not bad, but compared with other moves, they did not stand out. They were careful, and nothing was broken or damaged.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “I couldn't get them on the phone.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about Charles River Movers
Misplaced or lost items
In some cases, belongings went missing or were delivered to the wrong location.
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Unexpected charges
Hidden fees or surprise costs caused dissatisfaction among some Charles River Movers clients.
What negative reviewers say
“They lost one box and tried to deliver someone else's furniture. They did not return calls or reimburse us for the missing items.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The piano arrived with a large crack in its fallboard. The repair estimate exceeded $600, and the company did not respond to payment requests.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The estimate was $650, but the final charge exceeded $1,000. Several items were damaged, and the truck took too long to load.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The movers arrived three hours late, charged hourly travel time, scratched floors, and left an armoire unreassembled after losing its hardware.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Charles River Movers
4.44Waltham, MASince 1976
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Charles River Movers
4.44
Waltham, MA · Since 1976
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Charles River Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Waltham.
Compare prices side by side
See where Charles River 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 Charles River Movers offer?
Charles River Movers offers full-service moving, local moves, and long-distance moves. It also provides commercial moves, small moves, and senior moves.
Services offered
Is Charles River Movers licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 1299686 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Charles River Movers is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 1299686, as JOSEPH E TROY, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a Massachusetts intrastate license, number 1299686.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Charles River Movers holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- 1299686Issued by Massachusetts. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- JOSEPH E TROYThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
- FMCSA safety rating
- SatisfactoryAssigned after a compliance review
- Trucks registered
- 6Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 80,000Reported to the FMCSA for 2020
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- July 2026
How much does Charles River Movers cost?
Charles River Movers does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts moving companies similar to Charles River 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
Charles River Movers is licensed for interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service Massachusetts 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 Charles River Movers offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
- Discounts
- MilitarySenior
Charles River Movers accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
Charles River Movers also offers military and senior discounts. Ask what you qualify for and how much you could save before you book.
How Charles River Movers compares with the top 3 Waltham movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.44 out of 5, Charles River Movers places third when ranked against the three highest-scoring Waltham moving companies, 0.06 points behind Lexel Moving & Storage and 0.08 points ahead of Aviv Moving & Storage. Charles River Movers's score rests on 113 reviews, fewer than any of the three.
The three highest-scoring local movers near Waltham, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flash MovingWaltham | 4.50 | 899 | 5.0 | 4.6 | A+ |
| 2 | Lexel Moving & StorageWaltham | 4.50 | 399 | 4.8 | 4.5 | A+ |
| 3 | Charles River MoversThis mover · ranks #3 | 4.44 | 113 | 4.3 | 3.7 | A+ |
| 4 | Aviv Moving & StorageWaltham | 4.36 | 217 | 4.5 | 3.5 | A+ |
How does Charles River Movers compare to other Massachusetts movers?
- moveBuddha score#37 of 299(better than average)
4.44vs 3.73 avg
Charles River Movers scores 4.44, above the Massachusetts average of 3.73, and ranks #37 of 299 Massachusetts movers.
- Positive reviews#235 of 299(worse than average)
75%vs 90% avg
Charles River Movers has 75% positive reviews, below the Massachusetts average of 90%, and ranks #235 of 299 Massachusetts movers.
- Negative reviews#234 of 299(worse than average)
20%vs 9% avg
Charles River Movers has 20% negative reviews, above the Massachusetts average of 9%, and ranks #234 of 299 Massachusetts movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#118 of 299(worse than average)
113vs 245 avg
Charles River Movers has 113 reviews analyzed, below the Massachusetts average of 245, and ranks #118 of 299 Massachusetts movers.
- Yelp rating#73 of 299(worse than average)
3.7vs 3.9 avg
Charles River Movers has a Yelp rating of 3.7, below the Massachusetts average of 3.9, and ranks #73 of 299 Massachusetts movers.
- Years in business#9 of 299(better than average)
50 yearsvs 26 years avg
Charles River Movers has been in business for 50 years, above the Massachusetts average of 26 years, and ranks #9 of 299 Massachusetts movers.
| Metric | This moverCharles River Movers | Massachusetts avg | Massachusetts rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#37 of 299 in Massachusetts | 4.44 | 3.73 | #37 of 299 | +0.71(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#235 of 299 in Massachusetts | 75% | 90% | #235 of 299 | −15 pts(worse than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#234 of 299 in Massachusetts | 20% | 9% | #234 of 299 | +11 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#118 of 299 in Massachusetts | 113 | 245 | #118 of 299 | −132(worse than average) |
| Yelp rating#73 of 299 in Massachusetts | 3.7 | 3.9 | #73 of 299 | −0.2(worse than average) |
| Years in business#9 of 299 in Massachusetts | 50 years | 26 years | #9 of 299 | +24(better than average) |
Compared with 299 Massachusetts movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Massachusetts.
Charles River Movers
4.44Waltham, MASince 1976
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 Charles River Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Waltham.
Compare prices side by side
See where Charles River 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.
Charles River Movers
4.44
Waltham, MA · Since 1976
Final verdict: Charles River Movers
Charles River Movers earns a 4.44/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #3 among Waltham movers, with 75% positive feedback across 113 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its organized packing and affordable rates. It is best for customers prioritizing helpful crews, careful handling of belongings, and reliable service experience.
With 6 trucks and a track record dating to 1976, it has more history than the average Massachusetts mover, and the most common complaint is misplaced or lost items.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Charles River Movers
4.44
Waltham, MA · Since 1976
Why moveBuddha?
- 30%+Average savings
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
Calculate your Massachusetts 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 Charles River Movers
- Phone
- (617) 996-7518
- Website
- charlesrivermovers.com
Helpful Massachusetts 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.