The Best Long-Distance Movers in Portland, ME
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The best long-distance mover in Portland, ME is TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5 stars) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) for moves out of Maine, per moveBuddha's analysis of 15 Maine movers and 1,689 verified customer reviews. Full-service movers in Portland average $225/hour for local long-distance work. Interstate costs across Maine range from $779 for a 1-bedroom to $2,994 for a 4-bedroom home.
Planning a long-distance move from Portland right now: Peak summer moving season. The 4th of July is one of the busiest interstate moving weekends of the year; rates spike and carrier capacity tightens sharply. If your move is scheduled around the holiday, you should already have a binding estimate locked in. If not, act quickly and be prepared to be flexible on exact dates.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Portland, ME?
National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry active FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations. moveBuddha reviewed 20 full-service interstate movers serving Portland, drawing on 1,689 verified customer reviews across Portland.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Portland based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Portland, ME for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 9 local movers serving Portland licensed for long-distance moves within Maine, drawing on 1,689 verified customer reviews across Portland. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5) was named the top-rated Portland-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 9 of the 9 movers offer full packing services, which can reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move.
Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Portland are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Portland but stay within Maine:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Allen & Coles Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Bisson Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Friendly and approachable staff
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for 9 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 96% positive reviews across roughly 244 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.0.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Matt and his crew at Two Men and a Truck moving service were STELLAR! Highly recommend...professional in terms of skills/knowledge and they maintained such a friendly attitude...They arrived promptly, got the job done perfectly, and quickly!...belongings were well protected/taken care of."
"I have used this company in 3 different states. I don’t know how they do it but every time my experience has been outstanding! Prompt, careful and pleasant...My sister was the client, moving her son. She is somewhat disabled, and they set a comfortable chair aside for her to sit in while they worked!"
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Good communication
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Allen & Coles Moving Systems has been in business for 40 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Allen & Coles Moving Systems has about 86% positive reviews across roughly 194 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.0.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Allen & Coles Moving Systems.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Allen & Coles Moving Systems emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"We used Allen & Coles for a local move recently and they were fantastic. We got a competitive quote right away. The movers were on time, professional and efficient. We were very happy with them and would highly recommend them."
"The crew showed up on time, and they were very professional and efficient. Everything that could get scratched or dirty was carefully wrapped. Everything arrived in great condition, and I would recommend this company to anyone making a move!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Careful handling
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine has been in business for 17 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine has about 68% positive reviews across roughly 226 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.5.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine, and Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Liberty Bell moved my furniture/belongings and I couldn’t have been more pleased and satisfied. The two young men were extremely polite, hard working and efficient. I would recommend Liberty Bell to anyone that needs a reasonably priced and stress-free move."
"We had a wonderful experience with Cade and Michael P. They were polite, courteous and professional helping me move my mother."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc has been in business for 17 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc has about 90% positive reviews across roughly 77 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.2.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Liberty Bell was incredibly responsive, kind, and fairly priced. Booking took 5 minutes. Movers were prompt, calm, and extremely careful bringing items in. No scratches or dings. 100% recommend!"
"They moved my apartment so quickly and nothing was missing or damaged. Crew worked hard and had great customer service. Highly recommend for your next move!"
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Good communication
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Bisson Moving & Storage has been in business for 107 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and international moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Bisson Moving & Storage has about 71% positive reviews across roughly 87 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.8.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Bisson Moving & Storage.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Bisson Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"I had to move urgently...Samantha was very efficient...the movers...were professional, quick and kind. What was a very stressful situation for me was made less so by the efficient care to detail from everyone."
"The crew showed up on time and were hard working, careful and polite. Everything was delivered on time, and nothing was lost or damaged. Very impressed with their service!"
How moveBuddha rates movers: Every company on this page is scored against 5 criteria: USDOT/FMCSA licensing status, review quality (weighted by recency and volume), quote accuracy verified through submitted moves, pricing transparency (binding vs. non-binding estimates), and customer service responsiveness. No mover pays to appear in these rankings. This reflects moveBuddha's independent analysis of 15 Maine moving companies.
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes out of Maine. Find your exact moving route →
What add-on services do Portland, ME movers offer?
Not every mover in Portland offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 9 Portland movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 56% of Portland movers, compared to 40% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine.
- Junk removal: offered by 33% of Portland movers, compared to 27% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 67% of Portland movers, compared to 53% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: Allen & Coles Moving Systems.
- Storage: offered by 78% of Portland movers, compared to 80% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 78% of Portland movers, compared to 47% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine.
- Piano moving: offered by 100% of Portland movers, compared to 87% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
Does Portland have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 5 of 9 Portland movers (55.56%), compared to 40.0% statewide and 45.9% nationally. Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine (4.5/5) and Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc (4.48/5) rate highest for art handling in Portland.
| Art handling in Portland | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Portland providers |
Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine
Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc |
| Per-piece handling fee | $56 to $560 |
| Custom crating per item | $168 to $224 |
| What to ask | Confirm experience with your specific medium (oil, sculpture, photography, etc.); general fine art credentials vary widely |
Before booking an art mover: Custom crates and archival materials are the baseline, not an upgrade. Standard blankets cannot protect against UV exposure or humidity shifts. Confirm the mover has handled pieces in the same medium before committing.
Does Portland have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 3 of 9 Portland movers (33.33%). TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5) and Midwest Moving Company (4.3/5) rate highest in Portland.
| Junk removal in Portland | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Portland providers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Midwest Moving Company |
| Typical cost per load | $168 to $560 |
| Single large item | $84 to $168 |
| What to ask | Confirm the service covers electronics and appliances; some movers exclude them from standard junk removal pricing |
Removing items before your weight-based quote is finalized lowers the shipment total and the move cost. Bundling junk removal with your move eliminates a separate scheduling step.
Does Portland have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 6 of 9 Portland movers (66.67%). Allen & Coles Moving Systems (4.5/5) and Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine (4.5/5) rate highest in Portland.
| Fragile-only packing in Portland | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Portland providers | Allen & Coles Moving Systems Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
| What to ask | Confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items; some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack |
Fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service contract. Limiting crew packing to breakables is the most direct way to reduce packing costs while protecting the items with the highest in-transit breakage risk. moveBuddha's how to pack breakables guide covers what professional packers do differently.
Does Portland have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 7 of 9 Portland movers (77.78%). TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5) and Allen & Coles Moving Systems (4.5/5) rate highest in Portland.
| Storage in Portland | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Portland providers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Allen & Coles Moving Systems |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $288 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $560 |
| What to ask | Confirm the billing start date and whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period |
Storage-in-transit holds belongings in the mover's warehouse between pickup and delivery at about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, roughly $288/month for a 1-bedroom load. Confirm whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period.
Does Portland have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 7 of 9 Portland movers (77.78%). Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine (4.5/5) and Bisson Moving & Storage (4.42/5) rate highest in Portland.
| Hot tub relocation in Portland | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Portland providers | Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine Bisson Moving & Storage |
| Bundled with full-service move | $168 to $448 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $336 to $896 |
| What to ask | Confirm full drainage is required before pickup and whether tight backyard access may add a crane or shuttle relay fee |
Hot tubs weigh 500 to 1,000 lbs empty and must be fully drained before loading. Narrow access can add a crane or shuttle relay fee. Get a site-specific quote that accounts for access conditions before committing to a price. moveBuddha's how to move a hot tub guide covers what to verify before the crew arrives.
Does Portland have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 9 of 9 Portland movers (100.0%). TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5) and Allen & Coles Moving Systems (4.5/5) rate highest in Portland.
| Piano moving in Portland | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Portland providers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Allen & Coles Moving Systems |
| Upright piano | $896 to $1,680 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,344 to $2,800 |
| Grand piano | $2,016 to $3,920 |
| What to ask | Confirm the crew carries piano boards and rigging straps, and request full valuation coverage; standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb |
Uprights weigh 400 to 800 lbs; grands top 1,200 lbs. Standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb, so request full valuation coverage for the instrument. moveBuddha's best piano movers guide covers specialists worth considering.
Who are the best movers in Portland, ME for small long-distance moves?
Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc leads Portland's small-move providers with a 4.48/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Midwest Moving Company at 4.3/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
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DIY options for your Portland, ME long-distance move
Labor-only movers and rental trucks are the 2 most cost-effective alternatives to full-service moving, reducing total cost by roughly 30% for Portland residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in Portland?
6 of 9 Portland movers (66.67%) offer labor-only services, compared to 60.0% statewide and 54.51% nationally. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Portland, followed by Tiny Tim's Moving (4.2/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Portland residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Portland moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Portland. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose.
Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Portland, ME?
PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and U-Pack (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Portland. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Portland residents who can handle their own loading and unloading.
Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What to know before booking a long-distance mover in Portland, ME
- Peak season pricing: Summer (May–September) is peak season; prices run 15% to 25% higher and availability is tighter. Book early to avoid last-minute rate spikes.
- Winter moves: Portland's winter lows average 11°F. Winter moves avoid peak-season costs but may require weather contingency planning.
- Building access: Multi-unit buildings in Portland often require elevator reservations and a COI from the moving company before crews can enter. Confirm requirements with your building manager at least 2 weeks out.
- USDOT verification: Every interstate carrier must hold a valid USDOT number. Check any mover's status at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before booking.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Portland, ME?
Moving costs across Maine range from $590 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $189/hour) to $4,550 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Maine mover quotes. The table below shows Maine statewide averages by home size. For city-specific data, see moving costs in Portland. Your actual cost will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from Maine* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $590 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $779 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,195 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,624 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,994 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $4,550 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Maine. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Maine statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Portland?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Portland move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Portland, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
Final Verdict: Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Portland, ME
| Mover | MB Score | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.9/5 | Interstate moves out of Maine | National carrier |
| American Van Lines | 4.9/5 | Interstate, value option | National carrier |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | 4.5/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| Allen & Coles Moving Systems | 4.5/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc | 4.48/5 | Small loads under 3,000 lbs | Local mover |
| Units Moving and Portable Storage | 4.3/5 | Self-pack, ~30% savings vs. full-service | Moving container |
| Budget Truck Rental | 4.3/5 | DIY driving, lowest cost option | Rental truck |
How to book a long-distance mover from Portland, ME
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Portland, ME.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 9 movers moveBuddha tracks in Portland, 7 hold active FMCSA interstate authorization.
- Confirm binding vs non-binding estimate. Ask whether your estimate is binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed. A binding or not-to-exceed estimate locks your price; non-binding estimates can increase at delivery based on actual weight or services added.
- Request a COI if your building requires it. If your building requires a certificate of insurance (COI), request one from your mover at least 2 weeks before move day. Most licensed interstate carriers provide COIs at no extra charge when given building requirements upfront.
- Compare national carriers vs in-state movers. Compare national carriers serving Portland against in-state long-distance movers. National carriers suit cross-state routes; local carriers often cost less for moves within Maine.
- Book 4–6 weeks ahead during peak season. Book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for peak-season moves (May through September). Summer calendars fill fast and rates run 15% to 25% higher than off-peak months.
- Get a route-specific cost estimate. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a route-specific long-distance estimate for your Portland, ME move. Interstate costs from Maine range from $590 for a studio to $4,550 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Common questions about moving from Portland, ME
What licensing requirements apply to long-distance movers in Portland?
Any moving company transporting goods from Portland to another state must hold a valid USDOT number and active FMCSA registration. 7 of the 9 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Portland meet that standard, and every mover on this page is among them. Verify any company's status in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move explains what to expect and what protections apply throughout your interstate move.
Should I choose a local or national mover for my Portland relocation?
For moves within Maine, a local mover in Portland is the more cost-effective choice. moveBuddha has reviewed 9 movers in the area, averaging $225/hour, with 9 licensed for intrastate routes and 7 authorized for cross-state moves.
For relocations leaving Maine, national carriers bring more logistics infrastructure for long hauls, which can reduce delays and coordination failures on complex routes, even if the price tag is higher.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Portland?
November and December are the cheapest months to hire movers in Portland; winter lows average 11°F, demand drops sharply from the summer peak, and movers have more open schedule capacity, which creates real leverage to negotiate on price. Off-season timing also comes with faster quote turnaround and more predictable availability.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Portland?
Budget-friendly moves from the The Forest City almost always come down to a DIY approach, especially within 50 miles. Rental trucks and moving containers cut costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing research. The two most affordable routes are a rental truck from companies like U-Haul or a moving container from PODS. Additional strategies for longer moves are in our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.
How do I get a COI for my Portland move?
Ask your moving company for a certificate of insurance (COI) naming your Portland building as an additional insured. Most licensed movers handle this routinely. Just provide the building legal name and required coverage limits (usually $1 million general liability) when you book. Allow at least 2 weeks for processing.
Can long-distance movers handle difficult property access in Portland?
Yes, but you need to disclose access constraints upfront. Hillside driveways, narrow streets, high-rise elevators, gated communities, and properties without adequate truck parking all affect crew size, equipment, and pricing. Full-size moving trucks cannot navigate tight or steep approaches. Movers will use a shuttle truck for the final leg, which adds a fee typically ranging from $168 to $560. Describe your property conditions in detail when requesting quotes so estimates are accurate from the start.
How to choose the right long-distance mover in Portland, ME
Start with moveBuddha's top-rated picks: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK for in-state moves and Safeway Moving for moves out of Maine. Get 3 or more quotes, check each company's USDOT number in the FMCSA database, and request a binding or not-to-exceed estimate rather than a non-binding one. For a move from Portland, 4 to 6 weeks' lead time is the target. moveBuddha has vetted 9 movers in the area so you don't have to start from scratch.
