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First- Rate Moving & Storage review 2026 (Andover, MA)

Updated

First- Rate Moving & Storage, an Andover, MA moving company, ranks #150 of 299 movers in Massachusetts, with a moveBuddha rating of 3.38/5.

100% of First- Rate Moving & Storage's 90 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its flexibility.

First- Rate Moving & Storage holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #3141590) and operates 3 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.

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How First- Rate Moving & Storage measures up

First- Rate Moving & Storage ranks #150 out of 299 movers in Massachusetts with a moveBuddha Score of 3.38 out of 5.

  • moveBuddha Score

    moveBuddha Score

    The moveBuddha Score is a single 0–5 rating that combines everything we know about a mover, so you can compare companies without cross-referencing a dozen review sites.

    It weighs customer service, quote accuracy, review quality, industry experience, website quality, brand strength, and ratings from Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.

    It is not a paid placement. Partners and non-partners are scored the same way.

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Is First- Rate Moving & Storage moveBuddha Certified?

First- Rate Moving & Storage 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. First- Rate Moving & Storage 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 First- Rate Moving & Storage?

Out of 90 verified reviews, 100% of customers left a positive review about First- Rate Moving & Storage in Andover, MA. 0% of reviews are negative. First- Rate Moving & Storage has a 10% higher positive review percentage than the average Massachusetts moving company (100% vs the Massachusetts state average of 90%).

  • Positive100%(90)

Based on 90 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.

What customers like about First- Rate Moving & Storage

  • Flexibility

    Clients liked that First- Rate Moving & Storage was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.

  • Respectful of property

    Customers appreciated how carefully First- Rate Moving & Storage's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.

  • Helpful movers

    Movers were more than just muscle—they offered guidance and went above and beyond to assist customers.

  • Careful handling

    Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to First- Rate Moving & Storage's attention to detail.

  • Efficient service

    Many customers praise First- Rate Moving & Storage for completing moves smoothly and with minimal downtime.

What positive reviewers say

  • “Jay and his team are top notch! Start to finish amazing customer service and flexibility with scheduling. Helped us out greatly on short notice.”

    Erik HaglundVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “First Rate movers were like angels that helped so much in our move. The men work consistently & tirelessly and were always pleasant and willing to help in EVERY way.”

    Linda BallesVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “1st rate was awesome. They were on time picking up & delivery. They were extremely careful with our belongings & furniture.”

    P SullyVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “Very helpful and efficient.”

    Erin HayesVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “Showed up 15 minutes early. Asked plenty of questions and handled all of our goods professionally. Best money I've spent in a long time.”

    Matt TobinVerified ReviewerGoogle

First- Rate Moving & Storage

3.38Andover, MA

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What services does First- Rate Moving & Storage offer?

First- Rate Moving & Storage offers full-service moving, local moves, and long-distance moves. It also provides commercial moves, senior moves, and packing.

Services offered

Is First- Rate Moving & Storage licensed and insured?

Federally licensed, operating authority active

US DOT 3141590 Check on SAFER

Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha

Yes, First- Rate Moving & Storage is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 3141590, as FIRST-RATE MOVING LLC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a Massachusetts intrastate license, number 99572.

Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover First- Rate Moving & Storage holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.

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State license number
99572Issued by Massachusetts. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
Registered legal name
FIRST-RATE MOVING LLCThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
Doing business as
FIRST-RATE MOVINGTrade name on file 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
60,150Reported to the FMCSA for 2024
Roadside inspections
0Recorded by the FMCSA
FMCSA record last updated
October 2026

How much does First- Rate Moving & Storage cost?

First- Rate Moving & Storage lists an hourly rate of $150, above the Massachusetts average of $129/hr. At that rate, a studio or 1-bedroom move (3–5 hours with 2 movers) would come to about $450–$750. Larger homes need more movers and hours: totals from similar movers typically run $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 First- Rate Moving & Storage 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.

Typical local move totals from similar movers
Home sizeTypical totalTime and crew
Studio / 1 bedroom$400–$7503–5 hours, 2 movers
2-3 bedrooms$850–$1,7505–8 hours, 2–3 movers
4+ bedrooms$1,700–$3,4008–12 hours, 3–4 movers

What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move

First- Rate Moving & Storage is licensed for interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service Massachusetts moving companies.

Typical long-distance move totals from similar movers
Home sizeDistanceTypical total
2-3 bedrooms500–1,000 mi$4,500–$7,500
4+ bedrooms500–1,000 mi$7,000–$11,500

What payment options and discounts does First- Rate Moving & Storage offer?

Accepts
Credit CardsCash
Deposit
Not listed, so ask

First- Rate Moving & Storage accepts credit cards and cash. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.

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How First- Rate Moving & Storage compares with other local movers

With a moveBuddha score of 3.38 out of 5, First- Rate Moving & Storage trails the five top-rated movers in the Andover area, 1.26 points behind Olympia Moving & Storage. First- Rate Moving & Storage's score rests on 90 reviews, fewer than any of the five. Where First- Rate Moving & Storage falls behind is review quality, with the lowest review quality score in the group.

The five highest-scoring nearby movers, by moveBuddha score.

#MoverScoreReviews
1Boston Best Rate MoversWaltham4.721,369
2Flash MovingWaltham4.70620
3Poseidon MovingBrookline4.70325
4Gentle Giant Moving CompanyBoston4.641,924
5Olympia Moving & StorageWatertown4.64735
6First- Rate Moving & StorageThis mover · ranks #63.3890

How does First- Rate Moving & Storage compare to other Massachusetts movers?

  • moveBuddha score#150 of 299(worse than average)

    3.38vs 3.73 avg

    First- Rate Moving & Storage scores 3.38, below the Massachusetts average of 3.73, and ranks #150 of 299 Massachusetts movers.

  • Positive reviews#32 of 299(better than average)

    100%vs 90% avg

    First- Rate Moving & Storage has 100% positive reviews, above the Massachusetts average of 90%, and ranks #32 of 299 Massachusetts movers.

  • Negative reviews#21 of 299(better than average)

    0%vs 9% avg

    First- Rate Moving & Storage has 0% negative reviews, below the Massachusetts average of 9%, and ranks #21 of 299 Massachusetts movers. A lower percentage is better.

  • Reviews analyzed#142 of 299(worse than average)

    90vs 245 avg

    First- Rate Moving & Storage has 90 reviews analyzed, below the Massachusetts average of 245, and ranks #142 of 299 Massachusetts movers.

MetricThis moverMassachusetts avg
moveBuddha score#150 of 299 in Massachusetts3.383.73
Positive reviews#32 of 299 in Massachusetts100%90%
Negative reviewsLower is better#21 of 299 in Massachusetts0%9%
Reviews analyzed#142 of 299 in Massachusetts90245

Compared with 299 Massachusetts movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Massachusetts.

First- Rate Moving & Storage

3.38Andover, MA

Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.

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Final verdict: First- Rate Moving & Storage

First- Rate Moving & Storage earns a 3.38/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #150 among Massachusetts movers, with 100% positive feedback across 90 customer reviews.

Customers consistently praise its flexibility and respect for property. It is best for customers prioritizing helpful crews, careful handling of belongings, and reliable service experience.

It operates 3 trucks.

All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.

First- Rate Moving & Storage

Andover, MA

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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.

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

Read the full scoring methodology

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.

First- Rate Moving & Storage
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