Top-rated movers to make your Des Moines to Portland move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Des Moines that offers long-distance services to Portland can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 13 top local movers in Des Moines who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Des Moines to Portland.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $130/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2468266
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $100/hr
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1471037
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Portland?
In Iowa, moving services typically cost around $128 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,257 – $4,665 | $908 – $2,203 | $821 – $1,587 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,732 – $6,871 | $1,724 – $3,414 | $924 – $1,945 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,112 – $8,713 | $2,387 – $4,317 | $1,140 – $2,211 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Portland
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Portland from Des Moines, you can expect prices to land between $1,257 and $4,665. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,732 to $6,871 for the trip from Des Moines to Portland. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $5,112 and $8,713.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Portland
Moving containers from Des Moines to Portland will cost you $908 to $2,203 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,724 to $3,414. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,387 to $4,317. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Portland
Renting a moving truck from Des Moines to Portland typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $821 and $1,587 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $924 to $1,945. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,140 to $2,211.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Portland move
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,572 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,127 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Des Moines.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $821 to $2,085, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Portland
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Portland runs about 32% higher for singles and 38% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,491 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $6,060 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,925 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,500 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $64,171 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,491 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $6,060 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 5.8% |
- Planning a move to Portland? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 73% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Portland are about 182% higher than those in Des Moines.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 10% higher in Portland compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Portland, as living costs for a single person are 32% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Portland, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Portland is 38% higher than in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Portland is about 12% lower than in Des Moines. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 21% less in Portland relative to Des Moines. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Maine are 32% above those in Iowa. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Portland:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $54.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.62 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $65.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Portland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Portland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Portland.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Portland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Portland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Portland.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Portland.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Portland
| Des Moines | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 68,408 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 68 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 32.16 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 67.84 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland’s population is about 90% less than Des Moines.
- Portland’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- Portland is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 68 out of 100, Portland is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Portland’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 32.16 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Portland is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 67.84 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Portland move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Maine’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Maine does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Portland. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Consider cost-free Released Value Protection from movers in Maine, offering basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. If you seek full-value protection, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Portland
Planning your move to The Forest City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Portland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East End
- West End
- West Bayside
- Parkside
- Downtown
- Oakdale
- Back Cove
- Valley Street
Best neighborhoods for families
- Deering Center
- East End
- Rosemont
- West End
- Valley Street
- North Deering
- Back Cove
- East Deering
- Oakdale
Things to do in Portland
After settling into your new Maine home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Portland has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Portland features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Portland Museum of Art, Victoria Mansion, 5th Maine Museum, and The Wadsworth-Longfellow House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Eastern Promenade Trail, Back Cove Trail, Deering Oaks Park, and Quarry Run Dog Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Maine Celtics (G League)Maine Mariners (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Portland?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Portland? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Portland?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Portland in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Portland take?
The 1,399-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Portland, , typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Portland.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Des Moines?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Des Moines, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Iowa has 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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