Local moving companies in Oakland
- Big Family Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- West Coast Moving Systems, Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Got2Move Moving and Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Pure Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Big Family Movers

DOT #: 2916075
Years in Business: 20
3955 Whittle Ave, Oakland, CA 94602 USMoving made simple: that's the message from customer feedback on Big Family Movers. Of 269 reviews analyzed, 95% praised the company, placing them well above competitors in consistency. Customers highlighted efficient service, careful handling, affordable rates, professionalism, and a helpful, upbeat staff. Feedback repeatedly mentioned how staff turned stressful days into easy experiences through communication and kindness. Many noted that belongings arrived safely and on time, and that prices were fair. A handful of negative reviews cited issues with damaged items, difficulty reaching the company for bookings, or minor delays. Some dissatisfied customers experienced miscommunication or unexpected handling of their property. Still, most found the company's service reliable and courteous, often better than other local movers. Nearly every review underlined trust in Big Family Movers for repeat moves and referrals, making them a standout choice for anyone seeking a dependable moving service in the Bay Area.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2916075
- State license #: 0189403
West Coast Moving Systems, Inc

DOT #: 3071646
Years in Business: 18
745 85th Ave, Oakland, CA 94621 USMoving with West Coast Moving Systems means efficiency meets professionalismโover 96% of customer feedback is positive out of 635 reviews analyzed. Customers consistently highlight fast and organized service, courteous staff, careful handling of belongings, clear communication, and a streamlined moving process. Clients appreciate that movers are prompt, wrap and protect all items, and communicate thoroughly from scheduling to completion. Some feedback suggests opportunities for better handling of high-value items, clearer communication in complex situations, or avoiding unexpected charges, but such issues are rare. With overwhelmingly positive comments about helpful attitudes and reliability, West Coast Moving Systems stands out from competitors who frequently receive lower marks for damaged items or disorganized crews. This feedback points to a company that delivers quality and peace of mind at rates considered very reasonable for the quality of service. Those seeking careful, professional movers with responsive support can expect a top-tier experience here.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3071646
- State license #: 0192456
Alternative Business Names
- West Coast Movers
- West Coast Moving Systems
NorthStar Moving Company

DOT #: 1836576
Years in Business: 30
One Bush Plaza Bush St Suite B-182, San Francisco, CA 94104 USMoving dreams made easier: NorthStar Moving Company impresses with consistent high marks from more than 1,100 customer reviews, and more than 91% of that input is positive. Feedback repeatedly praises NorthStarโs efficient and friendly movers, careful handling of belongings, and prompt, open communication. Customers highlight quick moving processes, responsible care for fragile items, and smooth, stress-free experiences from booking to delivery. The price is regularly described as reasonable, and transparent quotes are common. When compared to other companies, NorthStar stands out for its professionalism and reliability. Some customers report issues such as damage to furniture, delayed arrival or delivery, or difficulties reaching customer service for status updates or claims. The most common negative feedback involves item damage, poor communication during or after moves, and occasional scheduling errors. While these issues are in the minority, prospective clients may want to clarify all details and ask specific questions about protection policies. NorthStar Moving consistently maintains better customer satisfaction rates than most competitors, making it a leading choice for efficient, careful, and responsive moving services.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1836576
- State license #: 0182466
Got2Move Moving and Storage

DOT #: 3070307
Years in Business: 18
1611 Abram Ct, San Leandro, CA 94577 USMoving made easyโGot2Move earns stellar customer feedback for efficient service, professional and friendly movers, careful handling, fast moves, and clear communication. After analyzing 523 reviews, 91.6% of input rated positive. Many highlighted how their moves were quick, belongings protected, and staff courteous. Pricing transparency and responsiveness frequently appeared in customer input. On the downside, some cited damages to TVs or furniture, slow or unreliable timing, or delays. A small number paid more than expected or faced long delays, especially for large moves or underprepared crews. While a handful perceived damage or slow service, these negatives were notably less frequent than with most competitors. Compared to other moving companies, Got2Move stands out with a high rate of customer satisfaction and strong attention to detail, but customers with high-value or fragile items should confirm handling preferences and insurance coverage upfront.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3070307
- State license #: 0191707
Alternative Business Names
- Got2Move
Pure Moving Company

DOT #: 3207734
Years in Business: 11
401 Terry A Francois Blvd #110, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA standout among moving companies, Pure Moving Company consistently earns praise for efficiency, professionalism, and attention to detail. Input from 1,008 customers shows 97.6% positive feedback, making it one of the highest-rated moving services in the Bay Area. Clients highlight the teamโs quick, organized approach and their careful handling of belongings, often noting that nothing was damaged and furniture was wrapped thoroughly. Customers also appreciate clear communication before and during moves, as well as polite staff and easy booking. Some mention affordable, transparent rates compared to local competitors. Feedback reveals a small number of negative experiences, mainly focused on item damage, slow arrival, or inexperienced staff, although management often responds and resolves complaints promptly. Compared to other moving services, Pure Moving stands out for combining efficient work with care and professional service. Most report smooth, stress-free moves, with only rare setbacks. For those seeking a reliable Bay Area mover, Pure Moving Company sets a benchmark for quality.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3207734
- State license #: 0191103
Alternative Business Names
- Pure Moving & Storage, Inc.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Oakland to Portland move
What to know before moving from Oakland to Portland
Moving from Oakland to Portland means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Oakland than in Portland, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Oakland compares to Portland so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Oakland | Portland | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,200 | $1,530 |
Average home value | $736,156 | $522,596 |
Average income (per capita) | $94,389 | $85,876 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,146 | $2,572 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,584 | $6,077 |
Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 6.9% |
Sales tax | 10.25% | 0.0% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 9.9% |
- Rent prices in Portland are 31% lower than in Oakland, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Portland.
Home prices in Portland are 29.0% lower than in Oakland. - Income in Portland is 9.0% lower than in Oakland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Portland include KinderCare Learning Centers, Daimler Trucks North America, and Precision Castparts.
- The cost of living for a single person in Portland is 18.2% lower than in Oakland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Portland is 29.2% lower than in Oakland.
- The unemployment rate in Portland is 53.33% higher than in Oakland.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Portland, since the cityโs sales taxes in Portland are 100.00% lower than in Oakland.
- One perk of moving to Portland is paying less in state income taxes, which are 25.56% lower than in Oakland.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,452.64 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Oakland.
How life is different in Oakland vs. Portland
Portland | Oakland | |
---|---|---|
Population | 652,503 | 440,646 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 8 |
Walkability score | 81 | 75 |
Bike friendliness score | 92 | 65 |
Crime Index | 57.37 | 68.62 |
Safety Index | 42.63 | 31.38 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Portland is about 48% greater than Oakland, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Portland will be about the same as it currently is in Oakland. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- Living in Portland means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Oakland. Portland is considered more walkable than Oakland, with a score of 81 out of 100 versus 75 out of 100 in Oakland. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Portland is considered more bike-friendly than Oakland in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Portland has a bike-friendliness score of 92 out of 100, while Oakland is rated as 65 out of 100.
- Portland has a lower crime rate than Oakland based on scores of 57.37 and Oakland's 68.62, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Portland than in Oakland, based on Portlandโs safety index of 42.63 versus 31.38 for Oakland. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Portland and Oakland is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Oakland vs. Portland move
- Weather: Portland has cool and rainy winters and warm and dry summers. Portland also has overcast, wet, and changing weather conditions in fall, winter, and spring, Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rainy days,
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Oregon moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Oregon does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Portland. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Portland
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Bridgetown", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Portland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Northwest
- Eliot
- Richmond
- Pearl
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forest Park
- Hillsdale
- Irvington
- Sellwood-Moreland
- Southwest Hills
Things to do in Portland
Now that you've made the move to Oregon, itโs the perfect time to explore Portland. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Portland, such as the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Maritime Museum, and World Forestry Center - Discovery Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Washington Park, Forest Park, Hoyt Arboretum, and Mount Tabor Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Portland Trailblazers (NBA), Portland Timbers (MLS), or Portland Thorns (NWSL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Oakland to Portland?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Oakland to Portland are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Oakland are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Oakland to Portland?
With many people choosing to move from Oakland to Portland in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Oakland to Portland take?
Moving from Oakland, CA to Portland, OR covers 628 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Oakland movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Portland.