How Much Does It Cost to Move in Portland?
Planning a move in the Portland metro area? Before calling around for quotes, it’s helpful to know what to expect.
At a glance:
- According to Angi.com, a typical local move in Portland usually lands between $1,231 and $3,262, depending on factors like labor type and home size.
- Labor-only services, where your movers ONLY load and unload the truck, can start as low as $120 to $212 per hour for two movers, according to moving.com.
- On the other hand, full-service moves include packing, transport, and sometimes unpacking, which can cost up to $3,000 or more for a standard apartment move.
Hi, I’m Bradley Boland, owner of O’Neill Transfer and Storage, and since all the way back in 1998 when I began managing this company, to today, the number one question I am asked is “How much will my move cost?
In this blog, I’ll break down the factors that go into the price of your move so you can prepare your budget better for your Portland move.
Local vs. Long-Distance Moving: What’s the Cost Difference?
Distance changes everything: time, logistics, fuel costs, and ultimately, price. Local moves in Portland typically stay within the Metro area and charge by the hour. Long-distance moves, however, shift to mileage-based pricing and require extra layers of coordination and equipment.
What’s the Average Rate Per Mile?
Long-distance moves begin with a base rate and grow with mileage. Many interstate moving companies charge between $0.60 and $1 per mile per 100 pounds of belongings, based on industry rate averages. For a 1,000-mile move with 5,000 pounds of household goods, costs can range from $2,450 to $8,230, depending on additional services.
Estimating the Cost of Popular Long-Distance Routes
- Portland to San Francisco: Assuming we are using the interstate average rate shared above, with a distance of roughly 635 miles, this route typically costs $2,000 to $4,500.
- Portland to New York City: A coast-to-coast move covering around 2,900 miles sees prices rise to $6,000 to $11,000+
These figures include transportation, but extras like packing, storage, and shuttle services will add to the total.
How Much are Packing Services in Portland?
Choosing whether to pack yourself or bring in the pros can have a big impact on both your moving day experience and your expenses. In Portland, professional packing services can be customized based on how much help you want.
Full vs. Partial Packing Services
- Full-service packing:Movers handle everything: boxing the kitchen glassware, wrapping artwork, disassembling furniture, and labeling each item. This option suits those with limited time or larger homes.
- Partial packing: Targets select rooms or fragile items only. Need help boxing up the china cabinet or securing delicate electronics? This service is for that. It balances cost and convenience without committing to the price tag of a full pack-up.
Hourly Rates Compared to Flat Fees
In Portland, professional packing services typically bill by the hour or offer a flat rate based on inventory assessments. Hourly rates for packing labor are often around $60 per hour. Flat rates, on the other hand, are calculated from the estimated time and volume of possessions and often range from $280 to $2,200 for a full pack of a two- to three-bedroom home.
Deciding between these models depends on the complexity and size of your move. For example, studio apartments with minimal belongings often fit better under an hourly model, while larger households with many breakables might prefer finding a mover that offers a flat fee.
Cost of Packing Materials Supplied by Movers
When movers provide materials, be sure to clarify if you’ll need to pay a markup for materials beyond boxes. In Portland, pricing for mover-supplied packing materials may include:
- Standard moving boxes: $3 to $6 each
- Wardrobe boxes with bar: $15 to $20 each
- Bubble wrap (per 150 feet): $20 to $30
- Packing tape (per roll): $3 to $5
- Mattress bags: $8 to $12 each
Some companies bundle materials with their packing services, while others itemize each supply. Always verify how the quote is structured.
What You’ll Spend on Truck Rentals in Portland
Price Breakdown by Truck Size
Truck rental rates in Portland scale directly with vehicle size. Here’s what renters typically pay for a truck rental based on mileage, according to Move.org:
- 50 Miles: $175
- 450 Miles: $499
- 1,750 Miles: $1,478
Rates fluctuate based on location demand, truck availability, and whether you book online or in person. Reservation timing also affects pricing; booking 2 to 4 weeks in advance can help you get a lower base rate.
How Much is Temporary Storage in Portland?
Monthly Storage Rates in the Portland Metro Area
There are three main kinds of storage options:
- Self storage: On average, expect to pay around $139 per month for a standard 10’x10′ unit. Rent drops in less central neighborhoods like units in Gresham, Beaverton where costs can be 10–25% less than those in close-in Portland proper, such as the Pearl District or Hawthorne.
- Warehouse Storage: Warehouse storage is usually charged based on square footage rented. Costs can range from as low as $1 to $10, and typically vary based on location or features of a warehouse, like climate control.
- Portable container storage: Having a container dropped off at your house will usually cost between $120 – $175. This doesn’t include the cost of having your container transported.
Bundling Moving and Storage Services
Opting for a moving company that also provides storage can streamline logistics—especially during multi-day moves or when waiting for a new lease to start. Many local moving companies in Portland offer short-term storage solutions like warehouse and portable containers tied to moving packages.
Depending on the company you move with, bundling your move with storage could save you up to $1 off your cost per square footage, so no matter what mover you choose, be sure to ask if bundling services can help you save.
Conclusion
Whether you’re relocating across town or preparing for a cross-country transition, having real, research-backed numbers takes the guesswork out of budgeting. Between hourly labor, packing add-ons, truck rentals, and possible storage, the cost of a Portland move can vary widely, but understanding these averages helps you make informed decisions and avoid surprises on moving day.
