($1,926+) Portland, ME to Fontana, CA Movers
Moving from Portland, ME, to Fontana, CA, runs anywhere from $1,795 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $16,367 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 3,035 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $3,703, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $16,367 or more.
- Moving containers run $2,337 - $8,692, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,795 - $5,517.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to Fontana, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $5,535 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Portland, ME to Fontana, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Portland to Fontana: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $5,535 - $11,223. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 3,035-mile route from Portland to Fontana, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $3,703 - $8,763 with full-service movers, $2,337 - $4,295 with a container, $1,795 - $3,664 with a rental truck, or $2,062 - $3,905 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $5,535 - $11,223 full-service, $3,033 - $6,295 by container, $1,984 - $4,276 by rental truck, or $2,260 - $4,986 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $9,795 - $16,367 full-service, $4,027 - $8,692 by container, $2,432 - $5,517 by rental truck, or $3,254 - $7,090 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 18, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Portland, ME to Fontana, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Portland, Maine, to Fontana, California, costs between $3,703 and $16,367. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 3,035-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $344 - $2,296, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Portland and Fontana.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Portland to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $3,703 - $8,763
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $5,535 - $11,223
- 4+ bedrooms: $9,795 - $16,367
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 Fontana.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maine to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
Add-ons and specialty services from Portland, ME to Fontana, CA
Most moves come with a few extras on top of the base price, and some items need a specialist instead of a standard crew. The table below lists what each add-on and specialty service runs from Portland to Fontana. Prices are localized to Portland costs.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Portland to Fontana) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $574 - $5,740 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $230 - $1,378/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $344 - $2,755 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $1,148 - $3,444 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,870 - $11,480 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $860 - $1,634 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $1,148 - $2,870 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $918 - $4,018 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $344 - $1,722 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $746 - $2,296 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $344 - $17,220+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $344 - $4,018+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Fontana?
- 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Portland, ME. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Portland, ME to Fontana, CA
Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to Fontana, California, cost between $2,337 and $8,692. 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.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Portland to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,337 - $4,295
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,033 - $6,295
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,027 - $8,692
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $86 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $172 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $804 in Portland, ME, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Fontana, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maine to California 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 $2,337. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $3,033 - $6,295, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Portland to Fontana?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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
- Midwest Moving Company (4.8/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Portland, ME to Fontana, CA
Truck rentals from Portland, Maine, to Fontana, California, range from $1,795 - $5,517, depending on truck size. With a rental truck, you're getting the vehicle and nothing else. That means loading up all your boxes and furniture yourself, driving the truck the full 3,035 miles to Fontana, and unloading everything there. Additional costs include fuel ($1,109 - $1,267 for the drive), insurance ($34/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top of the base rate.
Rental moving trucks come in sizes ranging from 10 - 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck is the most popular choice for an average 2-bedroom move. If you're moving out of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment, a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck will typically do the job. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck. Trucks in that larger size class generally run on diesel fuel, which can push up your overall cost.
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Portland to Fontana based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,795 - $3,664
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,984 - $4,276
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,432 - $5,517
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Portland to Fontana starts at $1,795 - $5,517, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($1,109 - $1,267) , overnight lodging ($172/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $172 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Portland, Maine, usually costs about $804 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 3,035-mile drive falls between $1,109 and $1,267, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $57 and $344 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland to Fontana?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is our pick for best value rental. Their base rates are typically the lowest among national truck rental companies, and Budget regularly offers discounts for online bookings, AAA members, and military.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable on this list. Penske maintains a newer fleet (averaging under 2 years old) and includes unlimited mileage and 24/7 roadside assistance on every one-way move.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental is the best availability option. With more than 23,000 locations and 7 truck sizes ranging from 8 to 26 feet, U-Haul covers nearly every U.S. zip code and accommodates same-day pickups in most markets.
Freight trailer costs from Portland, ME to Fontana, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Portland, Maine, to Fontana, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $2,260 and $4,986.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,062 - $3,905
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,260 - $4,986
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,254 - $7,090
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Portland, Maine, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $804.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $86 - $172 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 Portland to Fontana?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Dubois Livestock (3.96/5 stars): Dubois Livestock is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Portland to Fontana, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Portland, ME vs Fontana, CA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Portland and Fontana to plan around. Cost of living index: 112 vs. 119. Average rent: $1,991/mo vs. $3,000/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fontana, CA to Portland, ME guide.
Our take
A move from Portland, ME, to Fontana, CA, 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 $3,703 - $16,367 on the 3,035-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $2,337 - $8,692, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,795 - $5,517. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $5,535 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
How to plan your move from Portland, ME to Fontana, CA
- Compare your moving service options: Decide which service fits your Portland, ME to Fontana, CA move by comparing hands-off full-service pricing ($3,703 - $16,367) with lower-cost DIY container and truck options.
- Estimate your cost with the moving calculator: Get a tailored estimate for your move from Portland to Fontana using the moving cost calculator before you start contacting movers.
- Review the top-rated movers for this route: Shortlist a few movers from our recommended picks for this route, weighing their moveBuddha ratings and the strengths called out in each review.
- Request free quotes: Reach out for free estimates from your top choices so you can compare actual costs, not just averages, before booking.
- Verify licensing with the FMCSA: Protect yourself by looking up the mover's registration and complaint history with the FMCSA before you sign anything.
- Book early and time your move: Schedule your move for the fall or winter when demand drops, and book ahead to secure the best price and date for this route.
FAQ
What are some tips for a move from Portland, ME to Fontana, CA?
Decluttering one bedroom's worth of items before your move reduces your shipment by around 500 pounds and saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route.
From there, having a clear plan makes everything easier. Use a moving checklist to stay on top of key tasks and deadlines so nothing slips through the cracks as moving day gets closer.
When is the best time of year to move from Portland, ME to Fontana, CA?
The fall and winter months, roughly October through March, are generally the most affordable time to move from Portland, Maine, to Fontana, California. Demand is lower, movers have more availability, and you'll often find more competitive pricing across all service types.
If you have to move during peak season (mid-May through mid-September), try to book as early as possible and avoid weekends and month-end dates, when demand is highest and prices reflect it.
How long will it take to move from Portland, ME to Fontana, CA?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete moves from Portland to Fontana in 5 - 7 days. That timeline is driven by how carriers consolidate multiple shipments on a single truck heading the same direction.
Freight trailers are usually the fastest option (other than driving a rental truck yourself), with deliveries typically in 3 - 5 days. That said, freight is best-suited for moves where you know exactly when and where you'll be receiving your items. Renting a truck and driving from Portland, Maine, to Fontana, California, means the schedule is completely yours to set.
What does it cost to move from Portland, ME to Fontana, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $3,703 on the low end to $16,367 on the high end. Where you land depends on your home size, the service you choose, and when you move.
Full-service movers typically fall between $3,703 and $16,367, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during off-season months (October - March) can also make a meaningful difference in your final total for a move from Portland, Maine, to Fontana, California.
What is the most affordable way to move from Portland, ME to Fontana, CA?
A rental truck is typically the cheapest way to move from Portland to Fontana, since the base rate covers only the vehicle and you handle everything else. A 2-bedroom truck rental on this route averages $1,984 - $4,276. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Those extra costs are broken out in the truck rental section above. It's worth totaling them before you book, since a moving container can sometimes land close to the same final price once a truck rental's add-ons are factored in, with less of the loading and driving on you.
