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Local moving companies in California
When you’re moving from California to Portland, OR, make your move easy with one of the best local movers who know the ins and outs of relocating from the Golden State to the vibrant Bridgetown.
Out of 317 California movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Portland, OR.
- Meathead Movers: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- 680 Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Sterling Van Lines: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Grace Moving Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Movers, Inc. , Princess Packers
Meathead Movers, a reputable moving company serving Fresno, CA since 1998, specializes in local residential moving services with a proven track record reflected by their stellar consumer reviews. With 243 Yelp reviews averaging 4.1 stars and 204 Google My Business reviews averaging 4.4 stars, they have earned an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many local competitors, Meathead Movers also offers packing and unpacking services, accepting both cash and credit cards without requiring a deposit. Their dedication to customer satisfaction and comprehensive service offerings make them a top choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190491
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 3369820
Alternate Names: Lovejoy’s Family Moving , Republic Relocation Services
Republic Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around San Diego, CA, since 1995. With a strong reputation bolstered by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they offer a variety of services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and art. Their consumer reviews reflect a solid reputation, with an average rating of 3.8 on Yelp and 4.0 on Google My Business. Unlike many nearby competitors, they also provide storage solutions and full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring a smooth and secure moving experience.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0191566
Pricing: $125/hr
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 2950711
Since 2017, 680 Movers has been a trusted local moving company serving Walnut Creek, CA, and nearby areas. Known for their comprehensive local residential moving services, they stand out from competitors with their top-rated customer satisfaction, boasting an average rating of 4.4 on Yelp and 4.7 on Google, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Beyond local moves, they offer packing, unpacking, and specialized services such as piano and pool table relocations. At $125 per hour, 680 Movers provides a blend of quality and affordability that makes them a popular choice among Walnut Creek residents.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0189566
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 568254
Alternate Names: Sterling Van Lines, Inc.
Sterling Van Lines, established in 1992, offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Bell Gardens, CA. Renowned for their exceptional service, they boast an average Yelp rating of 4.0 from 145 reviews and a Google rating of 4.6 from 231 reviews, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, they provide comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, fragile-only packing, and the specialized handling of items like pianos, safes, and antiques. Sterling Van Lines accepts various payment methods, including credit cards and cash, with no deposit required, making them a convenient choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
Grace Moving Company, based in Modesto, CA, has been reliably serving local residents since 1999, earning a stellar reputation for their top-notch residential moving services. Unlike many competitors, Grace Moving Company also offers specialized services like piano and art moving, packing, unpacking, and crating, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.7 on Google, plus an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, their customer satisfaction speaks volumes. Notably, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and trusted choice for local relocations.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from California to Portland, OR
This table details typical cost ranges to move from California to Portland, OR, depending on your home size and the moving service selected.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,193 – $3,875 | $737 – $1,895 | $532 – $970 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,258 – $5,546 | $1,367 – $2,554 | $562 – $1,211 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,038 – $7,815 | $1,851 – $3,496 | $726 – $1,426 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 772-mile move from California to Portland, OR using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes the data each month to capture seasonal shifts and market changes. Your actual cost can differ based on shipment size, extra services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers to gauge a fair price.
Cost to hire professional movers from California to Portland, OR
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Portland, OR, typically costs between $1,193 and $3,875. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,258 and $5,546. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from California to Portland, OR, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,038 up to $7,815.
Cost of moving containers from California to Portland, OR
When relocating from California to Portland, OR, you’ll typically spend between $737 and $1,895 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,367 up to $2,554. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,851 and $3,496. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Portland, OR
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck from California to Portland, OR, expect to pay between $532 and $970. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $562 to $1,211. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $726 and $1,426.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Compare local moving companies from California to Portland, OR
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meathead Movers | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Republic Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| 680 Movers | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Sterling Van Lines | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Grace Moving Company | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
After evaluating 3,175 movers, here’s how California movers measure up to the countrywide competition in terms of offered services and discounts:
| California | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 98% | 96% |
| Antiques | 61% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 1% | 3% |
| Senior Discount | 1% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from California to Portland, OR
Before packing your bags, it’s important to understand how life in Portland, OR differs from what you’re used to in California. From the cost of living and cultural vibe to everyday experiences. We’ll walk you through key lifestyle differences and the top local attractions you can explore in your new hometown.
Cost of living: California vs. Portland, OR
| California | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,530 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $522,596 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $85,876 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 128 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 6.9% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 9.9% |
Portland sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Portland is about 18% cheaper than in California, giving you more flexibility in your budget.
- Buying a home in Portland could be more affordable, with prices averaging 32% less than in California.
- Expect salaries in Portland to be approximately 7% lower than in California. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making your move.
- Even though unemployment in Portland is 28% higher than in California, you’ll still find opportunities if you’re proactive. Start building your network early.
- Income tax rates in Oregon are about 26% lower than in California, which means a lighter tax burden and more take-home pay.
How life is different in Portland from California
| Portland | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 652,503 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 81ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 36ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 43″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 3″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 57.37 | 28.43 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Portland leaned Republican, while California went Democratic.
- In summer, highs in Portland average 81ºF, compared to 87ºF in California. Making the move to a cooler place lets you beat the heat, save on energy bills, and spend more time outdoors.
- Winter in Portland brings colder temperatures, often dropping to 36ºF. That’s noticeably chillier than the 59ºF winters back in California. Get ready for higher heating bills and a few adjustments to your routine. The upside? Portland treats you to fresh air, beautiful winter landscapes, and loads of seasonal activities.
- You can expect about 43 inches of annual rainfall in Portland vs only 22 inches in California. More rainfall equates to lusher landscapes and rainier days, so you’ll want to make a few tweaks to your routine. Grab some waterproof gear before you move.
- In Portland, you can expect about 3 inches of snow each year, while California sees around 7 inches annually. Since snowfall is pretty comparable in both places, your winter should feel pretty similar.
- Crime rates in Portland are higher than in California, with a crime index of 57.37 versus 28.43. This doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, but it’s smart to research local safety insights and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Portland
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Portland.
Museums in Portland
- Portland Art Museum
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
- Oregon Historical Society
- Oregon Maritime Museum
- World Forestry Center – Discovery Museum
Parks in Portland
- Washington Park
- Forest Park
- Hoyt Arboretum
- Mount Tabor Park
- Sauvie Island Wildlife Area
Sports teams in Portland
- Portland Trailblazers (NBA)
- Portland Timbers (MLS)
- Portland Thorns (NWSL)
Universities in Portland
- Portland State University
- Oregon Health & Science University
- Reed College
- University of Portland
- Lewis & Clark College
Other considerations when moving to Portland, OR
- HOA rules: Before your move, double-check any neighborhood or community guidelines to help everything go smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One thing you’ll want to take care of early is reserving your building’s elevator and finding out any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for your moving truck, so check your new neighborhood’s regulations before moving day.
- State licensing: Moving companies headquartered in Oregon must possess an up-to-date USDOT Number as well as a license issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Double-check that your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify a Oregon moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to settle in Oregon, but it’s a smart idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You’ll be able to select your move date so your mail gets forwarded to Oregon on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice as it comes at no extra cost. Movers provide this option without additional charges, but the coverage it offers is minimal. With Released Value Protection, the mover’s liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized is key to a stress-free move. Our moving checklist helps you stay on track, so you don’t miss a single detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from California to Portland take?
The time it takes to move from California to Portland, OR depends on where you’re starting and the kind of moving option you choose. No matter which route you go, packing and loading your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it all on your own.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in California, the longer the drive time to Portland will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
Depending on the company’s schedule and shipping logistics, delivery from California to Portland can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re using professional movers or a moving container. Be sure to ask for an estimated timeline before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Portland?
If you’re planning a 772-mile move from California to Portland, it’s a good idea to schedule your moving date as soon as your plans are confirmed. To get the best rates and secure your preferred date, aim to book your movers two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Portland, OR?
Summer temperatures in Portland can soar to 81°F, while winters can get as chilly as 36°F. That’s why most people making the move from California to Portland prefer the milder weather of spring or fall. But if you’re hoping to dodge the crowds and maybe snag a better deal, consider moving during summer or winter. Sure, you’ll have to handle a bit more heat or cold, but it could be worth it. Want more advice? Check out our tips on peak moving season.
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