New Bedford, Massachusetts, residents facing the rigors of relocation now have a detailed roadmap to reliable moving services, thanks to a comprehensive review published by Yahoo Local. The guide, which evaluated thousands of customer reviews, Better Business Bureau ratings, and direct consultations with companies, highlights top performers in the area amid a bustling moving season. As the city known for its maritime history and growing population continues to attract newcomers, selecting a trustworthy mover has become increasingly important, especially with the recent rebranding of one key player in the industry.
Restoration Movers, formerly known as Mass Bay Movers, emerges as the top overall choice for local moves in New Bedford, according to the Yahoo Local analysis. Founded in 2015, the company rebranded in late 2025 to reflect its expanded focus on water and fire damage relocations alongside standard residential and commercial services. Operating out of Peabody, Massachusetts, at 58 R Pulaski Street, Building 14, Unit 108, Restoration Movers serves the greater Boston area and New England, offering everything from boarding school and college faculty moves to climate-controlled storage in a 50,000-square-foot, video-monitored warehouse with over 6,000 vaults.
Pricing at Restoration Movers starts at $220 per hour for a crew of three movers and a truck, with additional movers at $60 per hour and extra trucks at $25 per hour, the company representative told Yahoo Local. Travel fees are calculated at a flat rate based on average destination time, billed in half-hour increments at the hourly rate. Supplies such as tape and shrink wrap add a weight-based charge, typically ranging from $150 to $300 for an average residential move. Most small moves require a minimum of three hours, leading to a base cost of at least $660 plus extras, according to the guide.
Customers can book phone or FaceTime estimates, and the company recommends reserving dates two and a half weeks in advance during winter or four to six weeks ahead in summer. A $100 credit card hold secures the booking, with no fees for splitting final payments across cards. All movers are background-checked, directly employed, and extensively trained, the representative emphasized. While not BBB-accredited, Restoration Movers holds an A+ rating with just one complaint in the past three years.
Online feedback underscores the company's strengths. On Google, under its former name Mass Bay Movers, it boasts a 4.9-star average from 582 reviews, with praise for efficiency and communication. Yelp shows a perfect five-star rating from 25 reviews, and Angi rates it 4.9 stars from 44 reviews. One satisfied customer, Erin B., shared on Google: "I cannot recommend this company enough! From the initial phone call, follow up and the actual move, they were excellent. Guy and his crew moved us out of our home. I was so impressed with the care they gave all of our items!" She highlighted the team's professionalism, wrapping care, and positive attitude throughout the process.
For those seeking an alternative, Esquire Moving & Storage Inc., based in Boston since 2013, stands out for its transparent pricing and versatile services, the Yahoo Local review states. Located at 9 Charles Park Road, Boston, Massachusetts, 02132, the company handles local and long-distance moves across Massachusetts and nationwide, including packing, junk removal, cleaning, white-glove service, and car shipping. It also accommodates art, antique, and heavyweight item relocations, with the latter incurring a $120 fee per item over 300 pounds.
Esquire's rates begin at $165 per hour for a three-man crew and truck on a three-bedroom move, covering mileage, gas, tolls, furniture assembly, and basic supplies, according to a company representative. A three-hour minimum applies, with subsequent billing in 15-minute increments, resulting in a starting labor cost of $495. No deposit is needed, though 48 hours' notice is advised for bookings. Packing services match the hourly rate, and climate-controlled storage is available separately. Payments can be made in cash (with a 3% discount), check, or credit card (with a 4% surcharge).
The company's Google profile features a 4.8-star average from over 297 reviews, commending professional and timely service. Yelp rates it 4.5 stars from a similar volume, though some users noted issues with extra charges and missing items. Angi scores it 4.4 stars, and it holds a BBB A+ accreditation with no complaints. Cristina M., a recent client, posted on Google: "Fantastic service from booking to move-in day. Best rate I found after much research, and they called twice to confirm leading up to the move. The two guys helping us move from storage to our 3rd floor walk-up apt were amazing! Careful with our items and speedy fast moving everything." She described the experience as seamless and highly recommended the firm.
Beyond local options, BLVD Moving takes the spotlight as the best national carrier for New Bedford residents eyeing longer relocations, per the guide. Headquartered at 21622 Plummer Street, Chatsworth, California, 91311, this family-run business with over a decade of experience operates nationwide from four California offices. It owns its truck fleet and employs its crews, though subcontractors may assist on select jobs—a common practice in the industry, Yahoo Local notes.
For a sample 500-mile move of about 1,340 cubic feet—equivalent to a standard three-bedroom home without appliances—BLVD quoted roughly $6,700, aligning with industry norms. A 33% deposit is required at booking, with half the balance due at pickup and the remainder upon delivery. Cancellations two business days prior qualify for a full deposit refund. Delivery windows span two to 21 business days from the chosen date, potentially extending moves beyond a month. The company advises booking at least 30 days ahead, or earlier during peak summer periods.
BLVD's BBB accreditation comes with a B rating and 99 complaints, considered typical for national operations. Google reviews average 4.5 stars from 1,450 users, while Yelp sits at 2.4 stars from 392. All employees pass background checks. Lacie B. raved on Google: "This company did a great job with our cross country move. They were very professional took care of all the paperwork and handled my items with care. Every single step of the process was explained to me and I felt very comfortable with the process when they were done. Excellent customer service." The guide praises BLVD's flexible options, seven-day operations, and customer-friendly cancellation policies.
Other notable providers in the New Bedford area include Seven Moving, a Brookline, Massachusetts-based firm operating since 2011. It offers full-service residential and commercial moves starting at $129 per hour for weekdays with an 18-foot truck and two-man crew. No deposit is required outside summer, when a $90 nonrefundable fee applies, and cash payments earn a 5% discount. Services extend to packing, piano moves, and hoisting at $30 per item per flight for balcony or window access.
The Yahoo Local evaluation process involved scrutinizing company policies, licensing, and service ranges while prioritizing businesses with stellar reputations. It emphasizes matching movers to individual budgets, timelines, and needs, such as short-term truck storage or specialized relocations. For Massachusetts-specific queries, the guide addresses common concerns like licensing requirements—all recommended companies are fully licensed—and tips for avoiding scams, such as verifying USDOT numbers for interstate moves.
As New Bedford's housing market evolves, with median home prices rising amid economic growth in sectors like healthcare and education, demand for efficient movers is likely to persist. Officials from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, which oversees moving regulations, stress the importance of insured providers to protect against damages. The reviewed companies all carry appropriate coverage, though customers are advised to confirm details during quotes.
Looking ahead, industry experts anticipate continued consolidation among movers, with rebrands like Restoration's signaling adaptation to climate-related services amid increasing natural disasters. For now, New Bedford locals can rely on these vetted options to ease transitions, whether across town or the country. To explore further, residents may contact the companies directly: Restoration Movers at 978-723-7075, Esquire at 617-952-1505, or BLVD at 844-274-0500.