The best local movers for Columbus to Portland moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Columbus that also handles long-distance moves to Portland. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 29 local movers in Columbus who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Columbus to Portland.
- MVM Moving & Storage: 4.92 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- Integrity Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 156647
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1444491
Alternate Names: MVM Columbus , MVM Columbus Incorporated.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: Leaders Moving , Leaders Moving & Storage Co. , L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co. , Leaders Moving And Storage Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00151315
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1343775
Alternate Names: Integrity Moving, LLC , Integrity Moving , Columbus Piano Moving , Integrity Moving & Mobile Storage LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 604141
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2407712
Alternate Names: Black Tie Moving Columbus LLC , Black Tie Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 11470
Years in Business: 143
DOT #: 1222904
Alternate Names: E E Ward Moving & Storage Co LLC , E.E.Ward Moving & Storage Co., LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Columbus to Portland?
The average hourly rate for movers in Ohio is $153. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,226 – $4,320 | $793 – $1,965 | $570 – $1,143 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,519 – $5,725 | $1,424 – $2,928 | $653 – $1,265 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,265 – $7,656 | $1,878 – $3,542 | $811 – $1,553 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbus to Portland
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Columbus to Portland will cost between $1,226 and $4,320. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Columbus to Columbus will range from $2,519 to $5,725, and a large move from Columbus to Portland will cost from $4,265 to $7,656.
Cost of moving containers from Columbus to Portland
If you’re moving from Columbus to Portland, expect to pay between $793 and $1,965 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,424 up to $2,928. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,878 and $3,542. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbus to Portland
Renting a moving truck from Columbus to Portland is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $570 and $1,143. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $653 and $1,265. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $811 up to $1,553 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Columbus to Portland
The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,193, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $7,063.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($570–$1,393) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Columbus to Portland
Many movers find Portland easier on the wallet than Columbus – roughly 11% less for singles and 16% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,491 for one person in Portland versus $2,784 in Columbus. For a family of four, it’s $6,060 compared with $7,249.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Columbus | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $1,925 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,957 | $3,500 |
| Average home value | $238,832 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,075 | $64,171 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,784 | $2,491 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,249 | $6,060 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 5.8% |
- Rent is estimated to be 38% higher in Portland compared to Columbus; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 127% greater in Portland than in Columbus.
- Fortunately, the average income in Portland and Columbus is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Portland. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 11% lower than in Columbus.
- Choosing to move to Portland can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 16% less than in Columbus.
- Portland enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 9% lower compared to Columbus, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 27% in Portland compared to Columbus, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 66% higher in Maine than in Ohio, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Columbus and Portland:
| Living Expense | Columbus | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $263.89 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $54.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.21 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.98 | $3.62 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $46.25 | $65.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbus than in Portland.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbus than in Portland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbus than in Portland.
- Bread costs less in Columbus than in Portland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbus than in Portland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbus than in Portland.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbus than in Portland.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Portland
| Columbus | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 68,408 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 68 |
| Crime index | 49.65 | 32.16 |
| Safety index | 50.35 | 67.84 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland’s population is about 92% less than Columbus.
- Portland’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Columbus’s score of 5.
- Portland is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Columbus’s 41 out of 100.
- With a score of 68 out of 100, Portland is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Portland’s crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 32.16 compared to Columbus’s 49.65. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
- Portland is considered to be safer than Columbus with a safety index of 67.84 vs Columbus’s 50.35.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Columbus it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus to Portland move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maine, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Maine moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Maine doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Portland. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Consider cost-free Released Value Protection from movers in Maine, offering basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. If you seek full-value protection, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Portland
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to The Forest City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Portland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East End
- West End
- West Bayside
- Parkside
- Downtown
- Oakdale
- Back Cove
- Valley Street
Best neighborhoods for families
- Deering Center
- East End
- Rosemont
- West End
- Valley Street
- North Deering
- Back Cove
- East Deering
- Oakdale
Things to do in Portland
Once you’re settled into your new home in Maine, it’s time to get out and discover what Portland has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Portland, such as the Portland Museum of Art, Victoria Mansion, 5th Maine Museum, and The Wadsworth-Longfellow House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Eastern Promenade Trail, Back Cove Trail, Deering Oaks Park, and Quarry Run Dog Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Maine Celtics (G League)Maine Mariners (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Portland?
The best time to move from Columbus to Portland is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Portland?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Columbus to Portland, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Columbus to Portland take?
Moving from Columbus, OH to Portland, covers 875 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Columbus movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Portland.
Which movers in Columbus give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers here honor AAA discounts. 4 movers give special rates to military members. 6 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Columbus?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 16 movers in Columbus advertise piano moving expertise. 11 movers in Columbus provide antique moving services. State totals show 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Columbus moving services
Popular Ohio routes
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