Highly rated local moving companies for Portland to Milwaukee moves
Organizing a move from Portland to Milwaukee can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating nine local movers in Portland known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Portland to Milwaukee.
- 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 Milwaukee?
On average, moving companies in Maine charge about $225 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,316 – $5,411 | $837 – $2,176 | $747 – $1,438 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,041 – $7,358 | $1,657 – $3,131 | $831 – $1,593 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,295 – $9,349 | $2,157 – $4,271 | $965 – $2,084 |
Cost to hire movers from Portland to Milwaukee
When planning a move to Milwaukee from Portland, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,316 and $5,411. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,041 and $7,358 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $5,295 to $9,349.
Cost of moving containers from Portland to Milwaukee
When you’re heading from Portland to Milwaukee, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $837 and $2,176. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,657 and $3,131. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,157 to $4,271. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Maine easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to Milwaukee
A moving rental truck from Portland to Milwaukee is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $747 to $1,438. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $831 to $1,593, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Portland to Milwaukee costs around $965 to $2,084.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Portland to Milwaukee
The cost of Portland movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Portland to Milwaukee may only cost $2,577, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $8,667.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Portland.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($747–$1,851), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Portland to Milwaukee
Many movers find Milwaukee easier on the wallet than Portland – roughly 19% less for singles and 18% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,022 for one person in Milwaukee versus $2,491 in Portland. For a family of four, it’s $4,963 compared with $6,060.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Portland | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $1,612 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $2,880 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $200,685 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $49,733 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $2,022 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $4,963 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.4% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 4.9% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 7.65% |
- Rent is about 37% less expensive in Milwaukee than in Portland, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 63% cheaper in Milwaukee than in Portland.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 22% less in Milwaukee than in Portland.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Milwaukee. The cost of living for a single person there is 19% below that of Portland.
- A move to Milwaukee can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 18% lower compared to Portland.
- Milwaukee has a higher unemployment rate than Portland by about 42%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are 11% cheaper in Milwaukee compared to Portland. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 32% more in Wisconsin than in Maine. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Portland versus Milwaukee:
| Living Expense | Portland | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $167.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $43.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $4.23 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $3.40 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $53.38 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Portland than in Milwaukee.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Milwaukee.
- Eggs cost more in Portland than in Milwaukee.
- Bread is more expensive in Portland than in Milwaukee.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in Milwaukee.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Milwaukee.
- Gym memberships cost more in Portland than in Milwaukee.
How life is different in Portland vs. Milwaukee
| Portland | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 577,222 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 58 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 66.76 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 33.24 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Milwaukee’s population is about 744% greater than Portland.
- Milwaukee’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Portland’s score of 6.
- Milwaukee and Portland are similarly walkable.
- Milwaukee has a bike-friendliness score of 58 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68.
- Milwaukee’s crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 66.76 compared to Portland’s 32.16. This means that Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- Milwaukee is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 33.24 vs Portland’s 67.84.
- Air quality in Milwaukee is Good, and in Portland it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Milwaukee move
- HOA rules: Costs across Portland and Milwaukee are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Wisconsin, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Wisconsin, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Milwaukee. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. For a secure move in Wisconsin, explore movers’ insurance options to safeguard your belongings. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection with discussions on Full Value Protection or explore customized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wisconsin state moving insurance. Ensure a smooth and protected relocation experience with the right insurance coverage.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Milwaukee
With your sights set on Cream City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Milwaukee.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Bay View
- Brewer’s Hill
- Historic Third Ward
- Lower East Side
- Riverwest
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bay View
- Historic Third Ward
- Juneau Town
- Lower East Side
- Northpoint
Things to do in Milwaukee
With your move to Wisconsin complete, you can dive right into experiencing Milwaukee. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Milwaukee is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum, and Discovery World.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Henry Maier Festival Park, Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (The Domes), Veteran’s Park, and Lake Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)Milwaukee Brewers (MLB)Marquette Golden Eagles (NCAA)Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Milwaukee?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Portland to Milwaukee. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Milwaukee?
Want to save on your move from Portland to Milwaukee? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Portland to Milwaukee take?
The 1,181-mile move from Portland, ME, to Milwaukee, , takes two to eight days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Milwaukee.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Portland?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 9 movers in Portland provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 13 piano movers and 7 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Portland moving services
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