Best 5 Movers in Portland, OR

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Portland

You should consider a few key factors when choosing a moving company. These are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in Portland.

Determine Your Budget

According to our research, Portland movers charge $83 per hour on average. The typical local move costs $4,220 total for two-bedroom homes. Factors that affect your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, your home size, the season, and move distance.

We suggest obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Get written estimates, which should break down your total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is done.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. Looking at customer reviews on Google Reviews, Trustpilot, social media, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp will indicate which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We suggest 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 only moving within Oregon, you'll need to select a mover licensed by the Oregon Department of Transportation. By law, their team must also provide you with a Moving Household Goods in Oregon General Information Bulletin.

If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up the company’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Asking whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Conduct an inventory of your belongings before requesting quotes and document any additional services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Moreover, notify your moving company representative about any particular requirements or unique circumstances you may have to assess the company's ability to deliver suitable service.

Types of Moving Services

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

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

If you require additional services from your moving company, disclose these when requesting a quote. Increased pricing may apply for the following services:

• 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, OR

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

Schedule an Early Move

The morning and evening rush hours in Portland are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also lead to higher costs when charged an hourly rate. We advise arranging before morning rush hour, which makes sure the movers avoid the traffic and finish the move before evening.

Avoid Busy Season

The busiest moving period, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Portland. This can slow or negatively impact your moving experience. By planning and booking at least eight weeks before your move, you should be able to secure your desired moving company. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.

Pack in Advance

Most movers won't move items that haven't been packed by the scheduled moving time. We suggest you begin packing about six weeks in advance to prevent stressing over last-minute packing on your moving day. Packing a few boxes each day can make the process less stressful.

How Much do Movers Cost in Portland, OR

Movers in Portland cost $2,633 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,107 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.