($1,055+) Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from Portland, ME, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $1,005 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,911 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,622 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,559, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,911 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,506 - $5,505, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,005 - $2,666.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to New Orleans, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,638 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA
Moving options from Portland to New Orleans fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,638 - $8,506 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,622 miles, this route usually takes 4 to 15 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,622-mile route from Portland to New Orleans, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,559 - $6,054, container $1,506 - $2,718, rental truck $1,005 - $1,891, freight trailer $1,301 - $2,497.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,638 - $8,506, container $2,002 - $3,761, rental truck $1,054 - $2,272, freight trailer $1,509 - $3,135.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $6,597 - $11,911, container $2,519 - $5,505, rental truck $1,384 - $2,666, freight trailer $2,141 - $4,111.
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 Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA
For the 1,622-mile move from Portland, Maine, to New Orleans, Louisiana, full-service movers cost between $2,559 and $11,911. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $324 - $2,160 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Portland generally start around $382 plus $135 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Portland to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,559 - $6,054
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,638 - $8,506
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,597 - $11,911
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 Portland to New Orleans.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maine to Louisiana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 78% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In New Orleans, 75% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $540 - $5,400 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready78% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $216 - $1,296/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $324 - $2,592 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage56% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $1,080 - $3,240 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,700 - $10,800 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $809 - $1,537 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items67% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $1,080 - $2,700 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $864 - $3,780 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling89% of local movers | $324 - $1,620 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect78% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $702 - $2,160 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $324 - $16,200+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $324 - $3,780+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to New Orleans?
All three below meet the standards set by the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, the group most Louisiana movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Portland, ME. 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 Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,506 and $5,505. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Portland runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Portland to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,506 - $2,718
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,002 - $3,761
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,519 - $5,505
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Portland, ME, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $756, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $81 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $162 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Portland, ME, and New Orleans, LA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maine to Louisiana 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 $1,506. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,002 - $3,761, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Portland to New Orleans?
- 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 Portland 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 Portland:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 9 years in business
- Tiny Tim's Moving (4.3/5), 33 years in business
- Integrity Movers, 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA
A rental truck for this 1,622-mile move from Portland, Maine, to New Orleans, Louisiana, costs between $1,005 and $2,666. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $557 - $637
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Portland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Portland to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,005 - $1,891
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,054 - $2,272
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,384 - $2,666
Pro tip: A rental truck from Portland to New Orleans looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,005 - $2,666. But once you factor in fuel ($557 - $637) , overnight lodging ($162/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $557 - $637 for the 1,622-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Portland, Maine, for about 5 hours typically costs around $756.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,622-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $162 per night, adding $324 - $486 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $54 and $324.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland to New Orleans?
- 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 Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA
If you're moving a larger household from Portland, Maine, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to New Orleans, Louisiana.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,509 and $3,135.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,301 - $2,497
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,509 - $3,135
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,141 - $4,111
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $81 - $162 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Portland, Maine, typically costs $756.
What are the best freight companies from Portland to New Orleans?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Dubois Livestock (3.96/5 stars): Dubois Livestock is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in New Orleans fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Portland, ME vs New Orleans, LA
Portland and New Orleans land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 112 in Portland and 102 in New Orleans, and rent tracks closely too ($1,991/mo vs. $1,755/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (62 vs 58) and safety scores (67.84 vs 32.69) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Orleans, LA to Portland, ME guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Maine to Louisiana, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 15 movers in Maine, so you have real options to compare for this 1,622-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Portland, ME, to New Orleans, LA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,559 for a studio to $11,911 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,622-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,506 - $5,505. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,005 - $2,666, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,638 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Entergy and Ochsner Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Portland, ME, to New Orleans, LA
What are the best neighborhoods in New Orleans?
For families, Algiers Point, Bayou St. John, and East Carrollton are worth a look in New Orleans. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central Business District, Freret, and Gentilly Terrace tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is New Orleans?
New Orleans has a walkability score of 58 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 66, compared to 62 and 68 in Portland. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is New Orleans a safe place to live?
New Orleans has a safety index of 32.69 out of 100 and a crime index of 67.31, compared to 67.84 and 32.16 in Portland. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Louisiana also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Portland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Portland handle piano moves, and 67% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.