($803+) Columbus, GA to Portland, ME Movers
Moving from Columbus, GA, to Portland, ME, runs anywhere from $837 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,573 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,282 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 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 $2,387, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,573 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,411 - $4,397, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $837 - $2,363.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, GA, to Portland, ME. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,834 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 Columbus, GA to Portland, ME
Moving options from Columbus to Portland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,834 - $6,931 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 1,282 miles, this route usually takes 3 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,282-mile route from Columbus to Portland, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,387 - $5,259, container $1,411 - $2,525, rental truck $837 - $1,580, freight trailer $1,233 - $2,363.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,834 - $6,931, container $1,646 - $3,591, rental truck $896 - $1,900, freight trailer $1,317 - $2,845.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $5,226 - $9,573, container $2,278 - $4,397, rental truck $1,091 - $2,363, freight trailer $1,785 - $3,851.
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 Columbus, GA to Portland, ME
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,282-mile move from Columbus, Georgia, to Portland, Maine, with costs ranging from $2,387 - $9,573. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $275 - $1,832. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Columbus and Portland. Local movers in Columbus typically start around $315 as a base rate plus $140/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,387 - $5,259
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,834 - $6,931
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,226 - $9,573
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 Columbus to Portland.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Georgia to Maine. 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 Columbus, GA to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Columbus movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Portland, 78% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $458 - $4,580 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $183 - $1,099/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $275 - $2,198 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage22% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $916 - $2,748 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,290 - $9,160 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $686 - $1,303 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items33% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: American International Movers Inc. | $916 - $2,290 |
| Piano | Any piano type56% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $733 - $3,206 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling56% of local movers | $275 - $1,374 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $595 - $1,832 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $275 - $13,740+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $275 - $3,206+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbus 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Columbus, GA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Columbus, GA to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Columbus, Georgia, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,411 and $4,397. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Portland. If you go over that window, storage in Columbus adds around $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,411 - $2,525
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,646 - $3,591
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,278 - $4,397
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 Columbus, GA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $641, 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 $69 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $137 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Columbus, GA, and Portland, ME, 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 Georgia 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 $1,411. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,646 - $3,591, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.1/5), 19 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- JIT Movers Inc. (4.1/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, GA to Portland, ME
Plan on $837 - $2,363 for a rental moving truck on the 1,282-mile route from Columbus, Georgia, to Portland, Maine. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $374 - $427
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Columbus daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Columbus to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $837 - $1,580
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $896 - $1,900
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,091 - $2,363
Pro tip: A rental truck from Columbus to Portland looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $837 - $2,363. But once you factor in fuel ($374 - $427) , overnight lodging ($137/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Columbus, Georgia, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $641.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $374 - $427 for the 1,282-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $55 and $298, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $137 per night for hotel stops on the 1,282-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $275 - $412.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus 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 Columbus, GA to Portland, ME
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Columbus, Georgia, to Portland, Maine. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $824 and $2,845.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,233 - $2,363
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,317 - $2,845
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,785 - $3,851
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 pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $69 and $137.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Columbus, Georgia, for roughly five hours typically average $641.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus to Portland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Collins Trucking Co (4.3/5 stars): Collins Trucking Co is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
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: Columbus, GA vs Portland, ME
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Portland, side by side with Columbus on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Columbus, GA | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 78 | 112 |
| Average rent | $1,100/mo | $1,991/mo |
| Median home value | $179,307 | $452,202 |
| Average income | $56,622/yr | $76,174/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.49% | Up to 5.8% |
| Walkability score | 25/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 27.82/100 | 67.84/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Portland, ME to Columbus, GA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Georgia to Maine, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 89 movers licensed in Georgia, useful context for sizing up this 1,282-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Columbus, GA, to Portland, ME, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,387 for a studio to $9,573 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,282-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,411 - $4,397. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $837 - $2,363, 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 $2,834 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 Columbus, GA, to Portland, ME
How walkable is Portland?
Portland has a walkability score of 62 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 68, compared to 25 and 31 in Columbus. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($374 - $427), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $137/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 is the best time of year to move from Columbus, GA to Portland, ME?
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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 56% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 33% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
