Best Moving Companies in Portland of 2024

By: Harrison Gough Last Updated: Jan 01, 2024

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Choosing a mover can be overwhelming, but Moving Feedback is here to make things simple. We analyzed services, reviews, and pricing info for over 20 different movers in Portland to bring you our top 5 picks.

BEST OVERALL

4.9


Moving APT

  • Professionalism
  • Great customer service
  • Affordable rates
Get a Quote 800-360-0037 Read review

BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE

4.7


Adams Van Lines

  • 500 local agents
  • Binding Prices
  • Customized services
Get a Quote 855-254-0416 Read review

BEST CUSTOMER REVIEWS

4.4


Native Van Lines

  • Highly Professional
  • No hidden fees
  • Budget-friendly pricing
Get a Quote 888-809-1249 Read review

How We Ranked Our Movers

The research team at Moving Feedback has done the heavy lifting to bring you a reliable list of the top 5 movers in Portland, pulling from authentic customer reviews and our own 10+ years of experience in the moving industry.

We got the inside scoop on what movers are worth your time and some tips and tricks you can’t find anywhere else.

Read on to learn more about the top 5 movers in Portland, and check out our insider tips to make your Portland move even easier.


How Much Does it Cost to Hire Movers in Portland?

Budgeting is important, so keep in mind that a local move in Portland is going to cost between $450 and $5000, and a long-distance move costs somewhere between $1200 and $15500. You may have to pay more or less depending on the size of your load, and the distance you’re moving.

Distance 1 Bedroom 2 – 3 Bedroom 4 – 5 Bedroom
Local (Less than 100 Miles) $450 – $800 $750 – $1900 $1200 – $5000
100 miles $1200 – $1600 $1350 – $1700 $1600 – $3400
250 miles $1400 – $2100 $1700 – $3600 $2,100 – $4900
750 miles $1600 – $2900 $2100 – $7100 $5500 – $8200
1500 miles $1800 – $3400 $3000 – $7500 $6900 – $9800
2500 miles+ $2200 – $3900 $4100 – $8200 $15500+

How to Find Movers in Portland

With tons of fresh air, enough actual space to live in, and minimal smog, you shouldn’t be surprised to learn that life in Portland isn’t exactly cheap.

It’s also logical to assume that the moving companies in Portland are going to be similarly pricey. While each moving company will have its unique pricing and service options, our survey of most of moving companies in Portland revealed some common themes.

Here are the four most important things to have at the back of your mind when choosing a moving company in Portland.

1. Good Reviews

It doesn’t matter how cheap a moving service is if they break your glassware, refuse to respond on time, and generally make you wish you carried all 2000 pounds of your property across state lines by yourself. By hand.

Nowadays, you have the luxury of checking on the internet to see how each mover has treated their customers. Getting information about moving companies is a simple Google or Facebook or Twitter search away.

Read reviews to see if the Portland mover you want to hire actually responds on time, lives up to their end of the bargain, and actually has a dedicated customer service line to take complaints and requests after the check has cleared.

2. Competitive Pricing

As important as good service is, it shouldn’t come at an absurd price. Since moving companies in Portland run like any other business, you shouldn’t be upset that they want to make as much profit as possible.

What you should do is have a firm idea about what the average price charged by their closest rivals comes to and then use this figure to negotiate the best deal for yourself.

It’s not too difficult to find a moving company that provides good customer service at an affordable price, and reading this article will give you some helpful ideas about how to identify these companies, and negotiate a fair price.

3. Service Options

Moving is a pain, but hiring movers means you won’t have to deal with the hard stuff. Check with a moving company to see what special services they provide. The more moving services available, the better.

This means that they offer service options ranging from simply transporting your property across state lines to doing pretty much all the work associated with moving — yes, including packing and moving heavy furniture — for you.

4. Insurance and Licensing

If you’re going to trust all of your worldly belongings to a mover in Portland, you better make sure that they can at least compensate you if things go sideways.

Check and double-check a mover’s registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the US Department of Transportation before you finally book a mover.


Compare the Best Moving Companies in Portland

4.9 4.7 4.4 4.2 4.1
Best Overall Best for Long Distance Best Customer Reviews Best Prices Best Perks
15% Seniors & Military Discounts 18% Flexibility Discount 20% Seasonal Discount 15% Student Discount Not Disclosed
$2700-$6200 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) $2900-$6500 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) $2850-$6350 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) $2200-$5400 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) $2300-$5600 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom)
Get a Quote Get a Quote Get a Quote Get a Quote Get a Quote

Moving Feedback’s Top 5 Movers in Portland

  1. Moving APT
  2. Adams Van Lines
  3. Native Van Lines
  4. PDX Movers
  5. Bridgetown Moving
1

BEST OVERALL

4.9

Moving APT

  • Affordable rates
  • Professionalism
  • Great customer service

Out of all the moving companies that we reviewed, Moving APT was our top choice.

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, they offer personalized moving solutions and attentive customer service.

They also offer a wide range of customizable moving options, which means you can choose services that best fit your needs and budget.


  • Offers local, long-distance, and international moving
  • Packing and unpacking services
  • Storage solutions available
  • Competitive pricing and excellent value
  • Professional and experienced moving teams
  • Free moving quotes and consultations
  • Some services may not be available in different areas

Licenses:

Type:

Long Distance Moves

2

BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE

4.7

Adams Van Lines

  • 500 local agents
  • Binding Prices
  • Customized services

When it comes to premium moving, Adams Van Lines is our go-to mover in Portland.

They specialize in the safe and secure transport of delicate and valuable items and offer a completely hands-off relocation experience.

With their meticulous approach and skilled movers, Adams Van Lines is the ideal choice for those who value extra care during their move.


  • Specialized moving services for antiques, artwork, and other fragile items
  • Wide range of packing and unpacking services
  • Custom crating for high-value items
  • Experienced and skilled movers
  • White-glove moving experience
  • Personalized moving plans and attentive customer service
  • Higher pricing compared to other movers

Licenses:

Type:

Long Distance Moves

3

BEST CUSTOMER REVIEWS

4.4

Native Van Lines

  • Highly Professional
  • No hidden fees
  • Budget-friendly pricing

Native Van Lines is highly-ranked Portland moving company. Their exceptional customer reviews and commitment to customer satisfaction make them stand out from the rest.

Native Van Lines has received numerous awards for their quality service, and their focus on personalized customer service sets them apart from other movers in Portland.


  • Offers local, long-distance, and international moving services
  • Packing and unpacking services
  • Storage solutions available
  • Award-winning and professional movers
  • Customizable moving options
  • Competitive pricing and free moving quotes
  • No guaranteed delivery dates

Licenses:

Type:

Long Distance Moves

4

BEST PRICES

4.2

PDX Movers

  • Price matching
  • Great customer service
  • Binding quotes

PDX Movers is a local and long-distance moving company based right in Portland.

As a small, family-owned business, they take pride in their close relationship with the community.

PDX Movers also offers containerized storage, which allows them to bring a storage container directly to your doorstep, load it up, and secure it at one of their storage sites.


  • Local and long-distance moving services
  • Containerized storage services
  • Family-owned business with a strong connection to the local community
  • Fully licensed and insured for your protection
  • Competitive pricing and personalized moving plans
  • Some services may not be available for certain moves
  • Limited availability in busier months

Licenses:

Type:

Local Moves

5

BEST PERKS

4.1

Bridgetown Moving

  • Wide geographic range
  • Flexible cancellation policy
  • Flexible payment options

Bridgetown Moving is a family-owned moving company based in the greater Portland area.

They pride themselves on their local knowledge, which makes them an excellent choice for customers who need to navigate the city’s narrow streets and tight corners.

Bridgetown Moving also offers sustainable moving services, with recyclable cartons and biodiesel trucks


  • Local and long-distance moving services
  • Sustainable moving practices
  • Family-owned business with a deep connection to the local community
  • Known for their punctuality and reliability
  • Offers personalized moving plans and attentive customer service
  • Limited availability in busier months
  • Some services may not be available for certain moves

Licenses:

Type:

Local, Long distance, International Moves


Factors Behind Your Moving Costs

Moving companies in Oregon have different rates for different types of moves. Local movers will charge an hourly rate that covers the cost of required movers and moving equipment.

These rates range between $50-$100 per hour, and the typical local move in Portland takes around 4-6 hours. Most companies will give you an estimate of the total cost of your move based on an hourly rate, and the number of hours they estimate it will take to complete your move.

For longer moves, moving companies charge a flat rate based on the weight of your belongings and the distance of your move. These rates can range from $2500-$7000 or more, depending on the size of your move. Be sure to get quotes from a few moving companies to compare rates and find the best deal for your specific needs.

Be sure to budget for optional and required fees charged by moving companies in Oregon, such as:

  • Full-service packing/unpacking – $200-$400
  • Piano moving – $100-$1000+
  • Elevator/stairs access fees – $50-$200
  • Long carry fees – $100-$300
  • Shuttle service – $100-$400
  • Storage fees – $50-$200+ per month
  • Car transport – $500-$1200

One additional cost you’ll need to budget for is parking permits. In Oregon, you must obtain a parking permit if you plan to park a moving truck on the street. These permits typically cost under $100 and can be obtained from your local police department or city hall.

To get an accurate cost assessment for comparison to moving quotes you receive from Moving Feedback’s moving partners, use our moving cost calculator.

This handy tool will give you an estimate based on the particular details of your move and the current market rates for movers in Oregon.


Portland Moving Guide

We researched and compiled information about some of the best moving companies in Portland, including their rates, service offerings, and the best times to close the deal.

We also included relevant tips about how to make your transition to life in another city as smooth and peaceful as possible.

Portland is a great city to move to, especially if you love greenery and have a healthy appreciation for actually seeing the stars in the night sky.

But, if you’ve had enough of the relentless cheering of the birds every morning and want to get out of town, we’ve got you covered, too. Read on for some important info on moving in and moving out of Portland.

Moving In Portland: Things To Consider

So far in this article, we’ve talked about what moving companies in Portland do and how much they charge. In this section, we’ll focus instead on how you can get the most out of your moving experience.

We’ll handle these major questions one by one to help you get a better idea of how to handle your move:

  • When do you plan to move?
  • How much do you plan to move?
  • How far away are you moving?
  • Do you want full service moving?

When Do You Plan To Move?

While Portland isn’t your typical tourist town, it still receives about 7 million visitors per year.

If you’re confused about why tourists affect the ease and cost of moving, think about how traffic gets when they’re in town. Now imagine trying to move the contents of a three-bedroom apartment through that tangle.

In a similar vein, moving will be more difficult and pricier around major events, summer holidays, and weekends, so hiring a moving company in Portland during these months might not be the best idea.

How Much Are You Moving?

Movers in Portland typically charge you an amount that reflects the amount of property you want to move. You’ll pay more for moving the contents of a three-bedroom apartment than you would for a one-bedroom.

This is because your Portland movers will send more hands to handle more work, and (as you may recall), you’re paying each person on this team a non-negotiable rate of up to $300 per hour.

How Far Away Are You Moving?

As we said earlier in the article, Portland movers charge different rates depending on how far away you want to move. Moving companies will generally classify moves into local (usually within 100 miles) and long-distance moves.

Portland moving companies (and moving companies pretty much everywhere else), have fixed rates for this service. It’s probably the only thing you won’t be able to negotiate for a fairer price.

Full Service

If you’re particularly anti-DIY, you can hire a moving company in Portland that can take it all off your hands. For a slightly larger fee, some Portland movers will do literally everything involved in the moving process for you.

For example, they can uninstall your home gym and transform your furniture back to its IKEA state of being. They can maneuver your baby grand piano through narrow staircases and carefully tow it to the truck that’s parked 3 miles from your back door.

If it has anything to do with moving, your white glove moving company in Portland will do it. At this point, we should mention that not all moving companies in Portland offer this service, so you may want to confirm before scheduling a spa day.


The Cost of Living in Portland

Life in Portland isn’t cheap. It’s one of the more beautiful cities in America with enough greenery to touch the shriveled heart of the most cynical New Yorker.

Nothing good comes cheap, however, and the cost of living in Portland is about 1.3 times the national average. When we crunched the numbers, we found that it’ll cost you about $209 for basic utilities.

If you intend to move around for work or pleasure, budget about $100 for a monthly transportation pass. Renting a one-bedroom apartment will cost a staggering $1,706 in the city center, and if you have delusions of actually owning one, get ready to shell out $4,952 per square meter.


The Best Neighborhoods in Portland

While Portland generally is a great place to live in, some neighborhoods are much nicer than others. We’ll run through a shortlist of some of the neighborhoods in Portland so that even if you can’t afford to move there yet, you’ll have something to aspire to when you find your feet in Portland.

Healy Heights

Yes, it is every bit as posh as it sounds. Home to 1,182 people, Healy Heights gets high marks for safety, family friendliness, and access to good public schools for the kids.

Arlington Heights

With a population of just under 3,000 people, Arlington Heights combines all the attractions of Healy Heights with easy access to the city.

Eastmoreland

If you’re interested in historic homes and want to indulge in this hobby in an environment that scores high in diversity, housing, and access to good public schools, then Eastmoreland is probably your best bet.


Activities in Portland

Have we mentioned that Portland is an amazing city yet? Regardless of whether you’re moving into Portland or moving out, here’s a list of some of the more popular attractions in Portland that you should visit at least once.

Powell’s City of Books: This iconic bookstore is a must-see for book lovers. It spans an entire city block and contains over a million new and used books.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI): A hands-on science museum that features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater.

International Rose Test Garden: This beautiful garden is home to over 10,000 roses of more than 650 varieties. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy the fragrance and beauty of these blooms.

Hawthorne District: A trendy neighborhood in southeast Portland that offers unique boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a great place to explore on foot and experience Portland’s eclectic culture.

Washington Park: A large urban park that offers a variety of attractions, including the International Rose Test Garden, the Oregon Zoo, and the Portland Japanese Garden.

If you’re more of the “stare at a powerful, awe-inspiring force of nature just to remind yourself of your relative insignificance in the grand scheme of things” type (or you just like waterfalls), then make sure to check out Multnomah Falls.


FAQ

What is the average cost of hiring movers in Portland?

You’re probably already tired of hearing that Portland has one of the highest costs of living in the United States.

If you factor in the labor rates charged by moving companies in Portland (around $300 per hour), then you’re looking at an approximate figure of $4,000 to hire movers in Portland for an out-of-town relocation.

Why Should I Move to Portland?

One of the most convincing reasons to a moving company in Portland called the sheer beauty of the city and surrounding areas.

You may have gotten tired of it, but you have to admit that the greenery, mountains, and general unspoiled natural beauty that Portland has is a strong reason to make the move.

If you think you can handle the relatively high cost of living, why not contact a moving company in Portland today and make the move?

How do I find moving companies in Portland?

You can get a list of some of the more popular moving companies in Portland with a simple Google search. What’s even better is that these results will show you a rating that indicates — most of the time — the quality of service the company has rendered to its clients in the past.

Aside from a Google search, we always recommend checking in with friends and family to hear about their moving experiences. If your folks are more DIY oriented, you can also check out a city’s subreddit to see if anyone has any advice or recommendations.

Do you tip movers in Portland?

Yes, as a general rule of thumb, you should tip all workers in the service industry and workers in the moving companies in Portland are no exception.

There aren’t any particular company-sanctioned tipping rates we’ve seen while carrying out our review of movers in Portland but we really advise that you should start at 10 percent and give more if you can.


Moving Feedback – Methodology

We research and analyze huge amounts of data so that you can make the most educated and informed decision when it comes to choosing your local or long-distance movers.

We dig through customer reviews to get the real scoop on the 6 P’s: 

  • Pricing – fair and transparent pricing policies with binding estimates and no hidden fees.
  • Professionalism – fast responses and knowledgeable staff and a willingness to be flexible and solve problems.
  • Provision of Services – the ability to deliver a wide range of services successfully, including packing, furniture assembly, storage, and more.
  • Protection – insurance coverage and quick resolution of any damage claims.
  • Personalization – customized moving packages depending on need.
  • Perks – GPS tracking, free storage, discounts, and promotions.

Get in Touch with the Best Portland Moving Companies

Choosing the right moving company can make all the difference in your moving experience. By working with the best movers in Portland, you can enjoy a seamless and stress-free move.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the movers on our list to start planning your move today – and don’t forget to check back in with Moving Feedback for more mover reviews and pro-tips to make moving day even easier!