($296+) Albany, NY to Portland, ME Movers
Moving from Albany, NY, to Portland, ME, runs anywhere from $296 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,338 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 268 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $833, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,338 or more.
- Moving containers run $813 - $2,510, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $296 - $751.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Albany, NY, to Portland, ME. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,319 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 Albany, NY to Portland, ME
Moving options from Albany to Portland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,319 - $3,783 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 18% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 77% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 268 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 268-mile route from Albany to Portland, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $833 - $3,308 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($813 - $1,491), rental truck ($296 - $513), or freight trailer ($763 - $1,315). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,319 - $3,783 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $5,338.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Albany, NY to Portland, ME
Full-service movers for the 268-mile relocation from Albany, New York, to Portland, Maine, cost between $833 and $5,338. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $313 - $2,084, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Albany typically charge a base rate around $295 plus $115 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Albany to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $833 - $3,308
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,319 - $3,783
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,727 - $5,338
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 Albany to Portland.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Albany, NY to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market: 59% of Albany movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Portland, 50% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing56% of local movers | $521 - $5,210 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready59% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Mabey's Moving & Storage | $208 - $1,250/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $313 - $2,501 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage5% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs27% of local movers | $1,042 - $3,126 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,605 - $10,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $780 - $1,483 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items5% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Arnoff Moving & Storage | $1,042 - $2,605 |
| Piano | Any piano type18% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Don's Moving & Storage | $834 - $3,647 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $313 - $1,563 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: Pioneer Moving Group | $677 - $2,084 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $313 - $15,630+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $313 - $3,647+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Albany to Portland?
Look for Maine Motor Transport Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Maine beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Albany, NY?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Albany to Portland with a local mover averages $1,293 - $3,708. Working with a local mover based in Albany, NY often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Clark Moving & Storage (4.56/5 stars) is a local mover in Albany, based on our analysis of feedback from 150 customers, 89.3% of which is positive.
Address: 198 Morris Road, Schenectady, NY, 12303 | Founded: 1993
Moving container costs from Albany, NY to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Albany, New York, to Portland, Maine, cost between $813 and $2,510. 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 Albany runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Albany to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $813 - $1,491
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,082 - $1,987
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,357 - $2,510
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Albany, NY and Portland, ME. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $729 in Albany, NY, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $78 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $156 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New York to Maine 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 $813. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,082 - $1,987.
What are the best moving containers Albany to Portland?
- 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 Albany 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 Albany:
- Ashline Moving Help, 108 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5)
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc (5.0/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Albany, NY to Portland, ME
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 268 miles from Albany, New York, to Portland, Maine, running $296 - $751. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $89 - $102
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Albany daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Albany to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $296 - $513
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $299 - $638
- 4+ bedrooms: $362 - $751
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $296 - $751 when pricing out a rental truck from Albany to Portland. Fuel alone runs $89 - $102, and overnight lodging ($156/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $156 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 Albany, New York, usually costs about $729 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 268-mile drive falls between $89 and $102, 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 $52 and $313 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Albany to Portland?
- 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 Albany, NY to Portland, ME
If you're moving a larger household from Albany, New York, 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 Portland, Maine.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $892 and $1,589.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Albany to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $763 - $1,315
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $892 - $1,589
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,141 - $2,089
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Albany, New York, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $729.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $78 and $156 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Albany to Portland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Portland quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Albany, NY vs Portland, ME
Albany and Portland land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 99 in Albany and 112 in Portland, and average rent is $1,450/mo vs. $1,991/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 65 vs 62 and safety scores are 49.65 vs 67.84.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Portland, ME to Albany, NY guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from New York to Maine over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 520 movers in our New York network to compare for this 268-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Albany, NY, to Portland, ME, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $833 for a studio to $5,338 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 268-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $813 - $2,510. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $296 - $751, 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 $1,319 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 TD Banknorth Inc and Maine Medical Center.
FAQs: Moving from Albany, NY, to Portland, ME
What is the cheapest way to move from Albany, NY to Portland, ME?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $299 - $638. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Albany, NY to Portland, ME?
Costs on this route range from around $296 to $5,338, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $833 and $5,338, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Albany?
Local movers based in Albany typically start around $295 as a base rate, plus $115/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Portland run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Maine?
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.
What percentage of Albany movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 18% of movers in Albany handle piano moves, and 5% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.