1st Choice Movers review 2026 (Jacksonville, FL)
In business since 1996 · Updated
1st Choice Movers, a Jacksonville, FL moving company, ranks #180 of 886 movers in Florida, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.16/5.
90% of 1st Choice Movers' 522 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its quick response times, while the most common complaint involves delayed arrival or delivery.
1st Choice Movers has been in business since 1996. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How 1st Choice Movers measures up
Across 522 reviews, 1st Choice Movers in Jacksonville, FL is rated 4.5/5 on Google (415 reviews) and 2.5/5 on Yelp (4 reviews), and has an F rating from the Better Business Bureau.
1st Choice Movers ranks #180 out of 886 movers in Florida with a moveBuddha Score of 4.16 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.16.
- Industry experience
- 4.7
- Brand
- 4.5
- Customer service
- 4.1
- Website
- 4.0
- Review quality
- 3.8
Google rating
Based on 415 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 4 reviews
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 522 verified reviews, 90% of customers left a positive review about 1st Choice Movers in Jacksonville, FL. 9.2% of reviews are negative and 0.6% are neutral. 1st Choice Movers matches the average Florida moving company's positive review percentage (90% vs the Florida state average of 90%).
- Positive90.2%(471)
- Neutral0.6%(3)
- Negative9.2%(48)
Based on 522 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about 1st Choice Movers
Quick response times
Customer support at 1st Choice Movers was often noted for responding to questions or concerns almost immediately
Quick moving process
The team at 1st Choice Movers often gets the job done faster than expected, saving clients time.
Helpful movers
Movers were more than just muscle—they offered guidance and went above and beyond to assist customers.
Efficient service
Many customers praise 1st Choice Movers for completing moves smoothly and with minimal downtime.
Professional and polite staff
Customers say the 1st Choice Movers's crews and service representatives handled their move professionally and were friendly and helpful throughout the move.
What positive reviewers say
“They promised to help me in less than 24 hours and kept their promise. The movers worked fast, handled everything gently, and organized my belongings without breaking anything.”
Samantha MillerVerified ReviewerGoogle“Bill and Eddie were very fast and efficient and unloaded everything in less than the scheduled two hours. These guys were great!”
Ethan ThomasVerified ReviewerGoogle“The team arrived early, was polite, clean, organized, and efficient. They unloaded a fully packed 40-foot container and cleared all the packaging.”
Quentin LamVerified ReviewerGoogle“Everyone was very nice and responsive, and the crew packed, moved, and unloaded my two-bedroom apartment across state lines without damage.”
Phlip MendelsonVerified ReviewerGoogle
What mixed reviewers say
“The two movers were excellent, but several items were missing after unpacking. The estimator was also far off, and I paid twice the quoted amount.”
David CribbsVerified ReviewerGoogle“The crew communicated well and was nice, but the move took almost four hours instead of the expected two to three. Several items were chipped, and the final cost was about double the quote.”
Lea GVerified ReviewerGoogle“The service was below expectations, and the cost was too high. I expected better value for the money.”
AliceVerified ReviewerGoogle
Most common complaints about 1st Choice Movers
Delayed arrival or delivery
Several reviewers experienced frustrating delays either on moving day or with final delivery.
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.
What negative reviewers say
“They were a day late on delivery. When the truck arrived, the washer was dented, boxes were crushed, and fragile items were broken.”
virginia bryantVerified ReviewerGoogle“I am currently missing a box of high-end clothes, shoes, a toolbox, and costume jewelry valued at $3,000. I received no response from 1st Choice.”
lizzy gurrenVerified ReviewerGoogle“They never showed up at the scheduled time or answered the phone, forcing us to find another company after wasting our day.”
Rudy AbarcaVerified ReviewerGoogle“A footboard was damaged, and the movers acknowledged tearing it. Three months after filing a claim, the company still ignored my calls and never followed up.”
arne baierVerified ReviewerGoogle
1st Choice Movers
4.16Jacksonville, FLSince 1996
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
1st Choice Movers
4.16
Jacksonville, FL · Since 1996
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 Jacksonville.
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 is a local and long-distance mover in Jacksonville, FL, listing 5 services on moveBuddha, including small moves and packing.
Services offered
Is 1st Choice Movers licensed and insured?
Registered with the FMCSA
US DOT 4580477. Operating status is not on this profile. Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
1st Choice Movers is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 4580477.
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.
- FMCSA safety rating
- Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
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 Florida, you can expect to pay approximately $144/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 Florida moving companies similar to 1st Choice Movers typically bill the amounts below using a $144/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 offers interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service Florida 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
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
1st Choice Movers accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How 1st Choice Movers compares with the top 10 Jacksonville movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.16 out of 5, 1st Choice Movers falls short of the top 10 movers in Jacksonville, 0.20 points behind Helping Hands Express Moving & Storage. Where 1st Choice Movers falls behind is customer service, with the lowest customer service score in the group.
The ten highest-scoring local movers near Jacksonville, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stewart Moving & StorageJacksonville | 4.58 | 1,836 | 4.9 | 3.1 | A+ |
| 2 | Royal Moving and StorageJacksonville | 4.58 | 1,245 | 4.8 | 2.0 | A+ |
| 3 | Jaguar MovingJacksonville | 4.52 | 1,347 | 4.8 | 3.6 | A |
| 4 | MoveBright Moving and StorageJacksonville | 4.52 | 1,000 | 5.0 | 4.1 | A+ |
| 5 | TWO MEN AND A TRUCKJacksonville | 4.50 | 1,111 | 4.5 | 3.4 | A |
| 6 | Premier MoversJacksonville | 4.50 | 334 | 4.8 | 4.1 | B- |
| 7 | Baymeadows MoversJacksonville | 4.44 | 374 | 4.6 | 2.1 | F |
| 8 | Bellhop MovingJacksonville Beach | 4.42 | 19 | 4.6 | 3.1 | C+ |
| 9 | College Hunks Hauling Junk & MovingJacksonville | 4.36 | 2,834 | — | 3.5 | A- |
| 10 | Helping Hands Express Moving & StorageJacksonville | 4.36 | 358 | 4.8 | 5.0 | — |
| 11 | 1st Choice MoversThis mover · ranks #11 | 4.16 | 522 | 4.5 | 2.5 | F |
How does 1st Choice Movers compare to other Florida movers?
- moveBuddha score#180 of 886(better than average)
4.16vs 3.61 avg
1st Choice Movers scores 4.16, above the Florida average of 3.61, and ranks #180 of 886 Florida movers.
- Positive reviews#514 of 886(level with average)
90%vs 90% avg
1st Choice Movers has 90% positive reviews, in line with the Florida average of 90%, and ranks #514 of 886 Florida movers.
- Negative reviews#525 of 886(level with average)
9%vs 9% avg
1st Choice Movers has 9% negative reviews, in line with the Florida average of 9%, and ranks #525 of 886 Florida movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#113 of 886(better than average)
522vs 311 avg
1st Choice Movers has 522 reviews analyzed, above the Florida average of 311, and ranks #113 of 886 Florida movers.
- Yelp rating#157 of 886(worse than average)
2.5vs 3.3 avg
1st Choice Movers has a Yelp rating of 2.5, below the Florida average of 3.3, and ranks #157 of 886 Florida movers.
- Years in business#53 of 886(better than average)
30 yearsvs 18 years avg
1st Choice Movers has been in business for 30 years, above the Florida average of 18 years, and ranks #53 of 886 Florida movers.
| Metric | This mover1st Choice Movers | Florida avg | Florida rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#180 of 886 in Florida | 4.16 | 3.61 | #180 of 886 | +0.55(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#514 of 886 in Florida | 90% | 90% | #514 of 886 | ±0 pts |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#525 of 886 in Florida | 9% | 9% | #525 of 886 | ±0 pts |
| Reviews analyzed#113 of 886 in Florida | 522 | 311 | #113 of 886 | +211(better than average) |
| Yelp ratingBased on only 4 reviews#157 of 886 in Florida | 2.5 | 3.3 | #157 of 886 | −0.8(worse than average) |
| Years in business#53 of 886 in Florida | 30 years | 18 years | #53 of 886 | +12(better than average) |
Compared with 886 Florida movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Florida.
1st Choice Movers
4.16Jacksonville, FLSince 1996
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 Jacksonville.
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
4.16
Jacksonville, FL · Since 1996
Final verdict: 1st Choice Movers
1st Choice Movers earns a 4.16/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #18 among Jacksonville movers, with 90% positive feedback across 522 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its quick response times and quick moving process. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, crew professionalism, and reliable service experience.
With a track record dating to 1996, it has more history than the average Florida mover, and the most common complaint is delayed arrival or delivery.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated November 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
1st Choice Movers
4.16
Jacksonville, FL · Since 1996
Why moveBuddha?
- 30%+Average savings
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
Calculate your Florida 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
- (904) 731-7223
- Website
- wemovejax.com
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.