($452+) Arlington, VA to Portland, ME Movers
Moving from Arlington, VA, to Portland, ME, runs anywhere from $429 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,541 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 542 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,241, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,541 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,015 - $3,145, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $429 - $1,175.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to Portland, ME. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,021 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Arlington, VA to Portland, ME
There are 3 main ways to move from Arlington to Portland: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,021 - $5,246. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 542-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 542-mile route from Arlington to Portland, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,241 - $3,765, container $1,015 - $1,876, rental truck $429 - $856, freight trailer $868 - $1,624.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,021 - $5,246, container $1,326 - $2,592, rental truck $468 - $1,024, freight trailer $1,000 - $1,954.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,876 - $7,541, container $1,681 - $3,145, rental truck $619 - $1,175, freight trailer $1,303 - $2,516.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Arlington, VA to Portland, ME
Full-service movers for the 542-mile relocation from Arlington, Virginia, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,241 and $7,541. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $430 - $2,864, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Arlington typically charge a base rate around $200 plus $110 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,241 - $3,765
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,021 - $5,246
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,876 - $7,541
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Arlington to Portland.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Maine. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Arlington, VA to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Arlington movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Portland, 78% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $716 - $7,160 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $286 - $1,718/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $430 - $3,437 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,432 - $4,296 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,580 - $14,320 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,073 - $2,038 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items56% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $1,432 - $3,580 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $1,146 - $5,012 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $430 - $2,148 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $931 - $2,864 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $430 - $21,480+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $430 - $5,012+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Arlington to Portland?
Movers licensed to operate in Maine are typically members of the Maine Motor Transport Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Arlington, VA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Arlington, VA to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,015 and $3,145. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Arlington typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,015 - $1,876
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,326 - $2,592
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,681 - $3,145
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $107 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $215 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Portland, ME, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $1,002 in Arlington, VA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to Maine move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,015. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,326 - $2,592, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Arlington to Portland?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Arlington to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Arlington:
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- My Pro Movers (5.0/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Arlington, VA to Portland, ME
Truck rentals from Arlington, Virginia, to Portland, Maine, range from $429 - $1,175 for the 542-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $247 - $282
- Daily insurance: $43/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $29
- Arlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Arlington to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $429 - $856
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $468 - $1,024
- 4+ bedrooms: $619 - $1,175
Pro tip: A rental truck from Arlington to Portland looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $429 - $1,175. But once you factor in fuel ($247 - $282) , overnight lodging ($215/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $107 and $501.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $215.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $247 and $282 for the 542-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $1,002 for 2 movers in Arlington, Virginia, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington to Portland?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Arlington, VA to Portland, ME
For larger DIY moves from Arlington, Virginia, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Portland, Maine.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,000 and $1,954.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $868 - $1,624
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,000 - $1,954
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,303 - $2,516
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Arlington, Virginia, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,002.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $107 - $215 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Arlington to Portland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Arlington to Portland. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Arlington, VA vs Portland, ME
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Portland, side by side with Arlington on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Arlington, VA | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 164 | 112 |
| Average rent | $2,718/mo | $1,991/mo |
| Median home value | $866,334 | $452,202 |
| Average income | $140,160/yr | $76,174/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 5.8% |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 79.15/100 | 67.84/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Portland, ME to Arlington, VA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Maine in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 104 movers based in Virginia, handy for sizing up options on this 542-mile route.
Our take
A move from Arlington, VA, to Portland, ME, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,241 - $7,541 on the 542-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,015 - $3,145, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $429 - $1,175. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,021 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include TD Banknorth Inc and Maine Medical Center.
FAQs: Moving from Arlington, VA, to Portland, ME
How long does a move from Arlington, VA to Portland, ME take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Arlington?
Local movers based in Arlington typically start around $200 as a base rate, plus $110/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Portland run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Arlington, VA to Portland, ME?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Arlington, VA to Portland, ME?
Costs on this route range from around $1,241 to $7,541, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,241 and $7,541, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Portland?
Portland has a walkability score of 62 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 68, compared to 71 and 72 in Arlington. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Arlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 71% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 56% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
