($425+) Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Portland, ME, runs anywhere from $460 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,855 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 536 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,254, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,855 or more.
- Moving containers run $975 - $3,113, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $460 - $1,199.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Portland, ME. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,233 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 Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME
Moving options from Washington DC to Portland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,233 - $5,629 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 536 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 536-mile route from Washington DC to Portland, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,254 - $3,962, container $975 - $1,894, rental truck $460 - $839, freight trailer $878 - $1,673.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,233 - $5,629, container $1,300 - $2,542, rental truck $506 - $985, freight trailer $1,010 - $1,914.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,038 - $7,855, container $1,749 - $3,113, rental truck $607 - $1,199, freight trailer $1,399 - $2,593.
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 Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME
For the 536-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Portland, Maine, full-service movers cost between $1,254 and $7,855. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $406 - $2,708 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Washington DC generally start around $180 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,254 - $3,962
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,233 - $5,629
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,038 - $7,855
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 Washington DC to Portland.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maryland to Maine. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Washington DC 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 | $677 - $6,770 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $271 - $1,625/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $406 - $3,250 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,354 - $4,062 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,385 - $13,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,014 - $1,927 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items53% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,354 - $3,385 |
| Piano | Any piano type70% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,083 - $4,739 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $406 - $2,031 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $880 - $2,708 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $406 - $20,310+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $406 - $4,739+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Washington DC, MD. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Portland, Maine, cost between $975 and $3,113. 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 Washington DC runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $975 - $1,894
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,300 - $2,542
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,749 - $3,113
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 Washington DC, MD, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $948, 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 $102 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $203 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Washington DC, MD, 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 Maryland 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 $975. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,300 - $2,542, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC:
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bookstore Movers, LLC (4.8/5), 20 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME
A rental truck for this 536-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Portland, Maine, costs between $460 and $1,199. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $231 - $264
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Washington DC daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 Washington DC to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $460 - $839
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $506 - $985
- 4+ bedrooms: $607 - $1,199
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $460 - $1,199 when pricing out a rental truck from Washington DC to Portland. Fuel alone runs ($231 - $264) , and overnight lodging ($203/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $102 and $474.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $203.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $231 and $264 for the 536-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $948 for 2 movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC 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 Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Washington DC, Maryland, to Portland, Maine. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,010 and $1,914.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $878 - $1,673
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,010 - $1,914
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,399 - $2,593
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Washington DC, Maryland, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $948.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $102 - $203 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Portland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Washington DC to Portland, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Washington DC, MD 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 Washington DC on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Washington DC, MD | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 151 | 112 |
| Average rent | $2,400/mo | $1,991/mo |
| Median home value | $594,337 | $452,202 |
| Average income | $101,027/yr | $76,174/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 5.8% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 39.63/100 | 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 Washington DC, MD guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Maryland to Maine in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 52 movers based in Maryland, handy for sizing up options on this 536-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Washington DC, MD, to Portland, ME, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,254 for a studio to $7,855 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 536-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $975 - $3,113. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $460 - $1,199, 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 $2,233 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 Washington DC, MD, 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 77 and 70 in Washington DC. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME?
Costs on this route range from around $1,254 to $7,855, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,254 and $7,855, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Washington DC?
Local movers based in Washington DC typically start around $180 as a base rate, plus $85/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 long does a move from Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Washington DC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 70% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 53% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
