Top-rated movers to make your Portland to Detroit move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Portland that offers long-distance services to Detroit can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed nine top local movers in Portland who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Portland to Detroit.
- Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Bisson Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Allen & Coles Moving Systems: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Tiny Tim’s Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1846942
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TMT Portland, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Bisson Moving & Storage Company , Bisson I & R Commercial Services , Bisson I & R Document Security , Bisson Transportation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 38
DOT #: 070851
Alternate Names: Agent for North American Van Lines , Allen & Coles Moving System
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 626233
Alternate Names: Tiny Tims Moving & Trucking, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Portland to Detroit?
In Maine, moving services typically cost around $225 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,323 – $4,460 | $746 – $1,938 | $584 – $1,017 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,572 – $6,082 | $1,355 – $2,587 | $612 – $1,283 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,202 – $8,640 | $1,782 – $3,623 | $759 – $1,571 |
Cost to hire movers from Portland to Detroit
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Detroit from Portland, you can expect prices to land between $1,323 and $4,460. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,572 to $6,082 for the trip from Portland to Detroit. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,202 and $8,640.
Cost of moving containers from Portland to Detroit
Moving containers from Portland to Detroit will cost you $746 to $1,938 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,355 to $2,587. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,782 to $3,623. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Maine.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to Detroit
Renting a moving truck from Portland to Detroit typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $584 and $1,017 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $612 to $1,283. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $759 to $1,571.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Portland to Detroit move
The cost of Portland movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,253 for a one-bedroom, or up to $7,419 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Portland.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $584 to $1,440, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Portland to Detroit
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Detroit runs about 0% higher for singles and 10% higher for families than Portland.
Singles spend around $2,500 in Portland versus $2,491 in Portland; families pay $6,687 compared with $6,060.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Portland | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $2,542 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $73,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $37,761 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $2,500 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $6,687 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 9.06% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 4.25% |
- When relocating from Portland to Detroit, expect to find rent about 37% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 87% more affordable in Detroit compared to Portland.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 41% lower in Detroit compared to Portland.
- Since the cost of living for a single person in both Detroit and Portland is within a 5% difference, your expenses will be quite similar.
- If you’re moving your family to Detroit, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Detroit is 10% higher than in Portland.
- Detroit shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Portland by around 74%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Detroit are 9% more than in Portland, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Michigan are 27% below those in Maine. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Portland and Detroit:
| Living Expense | Portland | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $251.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $55.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $3.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $68.50 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $43.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Portland than in Detroit, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Portland than in Detroit.
- Eggs cost more in Portland than in Detroit.
- Bread is more expensive in Portland than in Detroit.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in Detroit.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Detroit.
- Gym memberships cost more in Portland than in Detroit.
How life is different in Portland vs. Detroit
| Portland | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 639,111 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 52 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 72.92 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 27.08 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Detroit’s population is about 834% greater than Portland.
- Detroit’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Portland’s score of 6.
- Detroit is less walkable than Portland with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Portland’s 62 out of 100.
- Detroit has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68.
- Detroit’s crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 72.92 compared to Portland’s 32.16. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- Detroit is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 27.08 vs Portland’s 67.84.
- Air quality in Detroit is Good, and in Portland it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Detroit move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Michigan’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Detroit. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Detroit
Planning your move to America’s Comeback City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Detroit.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Corktown
- Brush Park
- Woodbridge
- Downtown
- Lafayette Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Sherwood Forest
- Palmer Woods
- University District
- Corktown
- Lafayette Park
Things to do in Detroit
After settling into your new Michigan home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Detroit has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Detroit features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, and Detroit Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Belle Isle Park, Beacon Park, Palmer Park, and Balduck Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Detriot Tigers (MLB)Detroit Red Wings (NHL)Detroit Lions (NFL)Detroit Pistons (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Detroit?
Planning your move from Portland to Detroit? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Detroit?
Because most people are moving from Portland to Detroit in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Portland to Detroit take?
The 804-mile journey from Portland, ME to Detroit, , typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Portland offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Detroit.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Portland?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Portland, 9 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Maine has 13 piano movers and 7 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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