Best 5 Movers in Portland, ME

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Portland

A few factors you should consider when choosing a moving company include customer reviews, services offered, licensing, and cost.

Determine Your Budget

The average hourly rate for a local mover in Portland is $64. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs $4,348 in total. Your actual cost will vary depending on the season, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, your home size, and move distance.

We advise obtaining quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Be sure to request written estimates. These should provide a breakdown of the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate readily available until the moving process is done to ensure fair pricing practices.

Read Customer Reviews

Moving companies depend on positive customer reviews. Reading customer reviews on websites such as the Better Business Bureau, social media, Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews will show you which movers have positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Portland must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are moving from one Maine city to another, your mover does not need a Maine state license.

If you're moving to or from another state, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which you can use on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool to check a mover’s registration status and complaint history.

Services

Assess whether the mover can provide the specific services you need during the quote process. Conduct a thorough inventory of your home before getting quotes and note down any basic or add-on services you might require. Notify your moving company representative regarding any specific requirements or unique circumstances to evaluate if the company can provide suitable service.

Types of Moving Services

For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following moving services in the standard price:

• Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
• Loading and unloading
• Released liability coverage for loss or damage

Ensure you inform your mover of any special services you require during the quote process. Services that contribute to increased pricing include the following:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Piano moving
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Portland, ME

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind for your Portland move.

Schedule an Early Move

Portland sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. Arranging your move for the early morning ensures that your movers arrive before rush hour and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is limited.

Avoid Busy Season

May to September marks the busiest moving season and Portland's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your move, especially if you start searching for a moving company too late. The high demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. If you plan far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the month. However, your movers may be hindered by the heat.

Pack in Advance

Most movers won't transport items that haven't been packed by the time your move begins. Start packing approximately six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process less stressful.

How Much do Movers Cost in Portland, ME

Movers in Portland cost $2,677 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,651 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.