Over a Century of Apartment Moving Services
An apartment move can be just as complex and frustrating as a home move. We want to do everything we can to make your move as smooth as possible.
Get a FreeApartment Moving Quote
An apartment move can be just as complex and frustrating as a home move. We want to do everything we can to make your move as smooth as possible.
Get a Free
If you’re preparing for your first apartment move, the process may feel overwhelming, but working with a professional moving company can make it manageable and stress-free. The first step is to gather quotes from a few trusted local movers. Most offer either in-home or virtual surveys to assess the size and scope of your move. Once you choose a mover, you’ll be assigned a coordinator who will guide you through the next steps, including timelines, building requirements, and available services. You’ll receive an Order of Service, which lists the agreed-upon details — such as packing help, transportation, and storage — along with estimated charges and your scheduled move date. On moving day, the moving team will arrive on time with the necessary tools, padding, and materials to safely pack and load your belongings. As the loading process begins, you’ll be given a Bill of Lading, which acts as both a receipt and a formal contract for your move. It outlines the items being transported, service terms, and final delivery details. Once your belongings arrive at your new home, the movers will unload and place everything according to your instructions. After a quick walkthrough to confirm that everything is accounted for and undamaged, you’ll sign the Bill of Lading to complete the move.Moving for the First Time?
“Pack an essentials box with toiletries, a few outfits, and important documents so you’re not scrambling your first night.”
Sam McEvoy – General Manager / Vice President, O’Neill Transfer & Storage
Whether you're relocating across Portland or across the country, our experienced team ensures your apartment move is efficient, organized, and hassle-free.
We offer full and partial packing options using high-quality materials to protect your belongings — saving you time while reducing the risk of damage.
From narrow stairwells to reserved elevator time slots, we handle the unique challenges of apartment buildings with care and precision.
Our 77,000 sq. ft. warehouse provides a climate-controlled, 24/7 monitored space to safely store your belongings between leases or during a delayed move-in.
Apartment moving companies typically offer a wide range of services designed to simplify the relocation process for renters. Most provide standard options like loading, transport, and unloading, but “some moving companies offer specialized services, such as fragile-only packing, custom crating, and comprehensive insurance coverage, to ensure your valuable goods arrive at your new home safely,” says ArchitecturalDigest.com. Some specialize in navigating apartment-specific challenges like limited parking, narrow staircases, and elevator scheduling. Whether you’re moving across town or within the same building, a professional moving company will coordinate every step to ensure a smooth transition.
O’Neill Transfer & Storage provides comprehensive apartment moving services designed to meet the unique needs of renters in Portland. Whether you’re moving into a downtown high-rise or a garden-level apartment in the suburbs, we handle every detail — from protecting your floors and furniture to coordinating with building management. We offer local, long-distance, and even international moving, so no matter how far you’re going, our team can manage your relocation from start to finish. We also provide specialty services like equipment handling and logistics for oversized or fragile items, ensuring that your apartment move is efficient, secure, and stress-free. “Apartment moves take planning and precision, our job is to make the process smooth, simple, and stress-free for every renter we serve,” says O’Neill Transfer & Storage Owner Bradley Boland.
O'Neill Transfer and Storage
The cost to hire apartment movers in Portland varies depending on several factors, including the size of your apartment, the number of belongings you have, the distance between locations, and any additional services you select. “The average cost of hiring a local moving company in Portland, OR is $90 per hour per mover. This means that hiring two movers and a truck should cost approximately $180 per hour,” MoveAdvisor.com states. A small studio move might cost a few hundred dollars, while a larger two-bedroom apartment with packing services could be significantly more. Timing, such as moving during peak season or on weekends, can also affect the price. Most moving companies offer free estimates to help you budget and plan.
At O’Neill Transfer & Storage, we offer free, no-obligation quotes that reflect your specific move details. Our pricing is transparent — no hidden fees, no surprise charges. Whether you need basic transportation or full-service moving with packing, loading, and unloading, we tailor your estimate based on what you actually need. “You can trust our team to give you an accurate cost breakdown and professional advice to help you stay on budget while receiving top-tier service,” Owner of O’Neill Transfer & Storage Bradley Boland assures.
Moving into or out of an apartment often presents challenges that don’t come with single-family homes. Stairs, narrow doorways, limited elevator access, and loading zones that are far from the front door are all common obstacles. “Don’t underestimate the complexity of the moving job – even when you’re moving up ‘only’ to the 3rd floor, there will be plenty of steps that you’ll have to overcome on each up-and-down run,” says MoveAdvisor.com. Experienced apartment movers are trained to navigate these complications safely and efficiently. They use dollies, padding, ramps, and careful planning to move heavy or bulky furniture through tight spaces without damaging property or belongings. Coordination with building management may be required to reserve elevators or loading docks in advance.
Common challenges apartment movers are trained to handle include:
O’Neill Transfer & Storage is well-versed in the challenges of Portland’s apartment buildings. From top-floor units with no elevator to high-rise buildings with strict moving time slots, we know how to plan ahead and move strategically. Our team uses air-ride trucks, protective furniture padding, and custom equipment to ensure a damage-free move, even in tight or tricky spaces. “We take the time to evaluate access points and determine the safest and most efficient path to move your belongings out of your old apartment and into your new home,” says O’Neill Transfer & Storage Owner Bradley Boland.
PortlandReloGuide.com states that when it comes to moving, new Portland residents need to consider “…understanding the rental market, defining their priorities, and utilizing available resources,”. When choosing apartment movers, renters should prioritize experience, reliability, and transparency. A reputable company will be licensed and insured, offer clear pricing, and have strong reviews or references. It’s also important to find a mover who understands the logistics of apartment moves — including elevator reservations, HOA restrictions, and limited loading zones. Asking the right questions ahead of time and reviewing your estimate thoroughly can help you avoid unexpected costs or issues on moving day.
O’Neill Transfer & Storage has been serving renters across the Portland metro area for over a century. We’re fully licensed, insured, and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Our experienced team understands the ins and outs of apartment relocations, and we’re happy to walk you through the process from the first phone call. With dozens of five-star reviews on Google and an emphasis on safety, punctuality, and customer service, we’ve earned our reputation as a trusted partner for local and long-distance apartment moves. “You should feel confident in the people handling your move — that starts with clear communication, honest pricing, and a team that treats your belongings like their own,” Bradley Boland, Owner of O’Neill Transfer & Storage says.
According to ApartmentGuide.com, “Plan for at least 1-2 weeks to complete everything, including packing, loading, travel, and unpacking. Hiring professionals can help speed up this process,”. These times tend to be busiest for moving companies, and waiting too long could limit your options. Booking early also gives your movers time to conduct a walkthrough (in person or virtually), coordinate with your building, and gather any supplies or equipment needed for your specific situation.
O’Neill Transfer & Storage encourages renters to reach out as early as possible to lock in their preferred move date. However, we understand that sometimes moves come together at the last minute. Thanks to our large fleet and fully staffed moving team, we’re often able to accommodate tight timelines, even with short notice. We also offer weekend availability and flexible scheduling, including for building move-in/out restrictions. If you’re not sure when to book, give us a call and we’ll help you find the best time. “Every move is different, but our goal is always the same: deliver dependable service and peace of mind from start to finish,” says Owner of O’Neill Transfer & Storage Bradley Boland.
Yes, many moving companies in Portland offer professional packing services for apartments. “…if there is space in your budget, we definitely recommend hiring professional packers to help your relocation move along a bit faster,” says Move.org. These services can include full packing of every item in your home, partial packing for fragile or specialty items, or even unpacking once you arrive at your new place. Professional packers use quality materials and proven techniques to protect your belongings and save you time. This service is especially valuable for busy professionals, students, or anyone facing a tight move-in timeline.
At O’Neill Transfer & Storage, our packing services are designed to reduce stress and safeguard your belongings. We offer full or partial packing options depending on your needs, and our trained team uses top-grade materials to ensure each item is properly secured. We also provide a white-glove service that includes careful labeling, inventory tracking, and organized unpacking at your destination. “We’re here to make moving easier, whether that means packing everything or just lending a hand where it’s needed,” Bradley Boland, O’Neill Transfer & Storage President says.
O'Neill Transfer and Storage
Yes, storage solutions are a common part of apartment moves, especially if there’s a gap between leases, a delay in move-in, or a need to downsize temporarily. “Storage units also tend to be very affordable, with most facilities offering contracts on a month-to-month basis,” Moving.com says. These services provide a safe place to keep your belongings until you’re ready to complete your move.
Features of our storage facility include:
O’Neill Transfer & Storage offers secure storage in our Tualatin warehouse to make your apartment move more flexible. Whether you need a few days or several months of storage, we’ll keep your items safe in a professional environment. Our team also coordinates transportation into and out of storage, ensuring your transition is as seamless and convenient as possible. “Sometimes timing doesn’t line up perfectly — our storage options give customers the flexibility to move on their own schedule,” says Owner of O’Neill Transfer & Storage Bradley Boland.