Top local movers for Portland to Ann Arbor moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Portland that also provides long-distance services to Ann Arbor can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed nine local movers in Portland who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Portland to Ann Arbor.
- Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Bisson Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Allen & Coles Moving Systems: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Tiny Tim’s Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1846942
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TMT Portland, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Bisson Moving & Storage Company , Bisson I & R Commercial Services , Bisson I & R Document Security , Bisson Transportation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 38
DOT #: 070851
Alternate Names: Agent for North American Van Lines , Allen & Coles Moving System
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 626233
Alternate Names: Tiny Tims Moving & Trucking, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Portland to Ann Arbor?
Movers in Maine generally charge an average of $225 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,365 – $4,835 | $784 – $1,811 | $586 – $1,029 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,756 – $6,188 | $1,437 – $2,699 | $620 – $1,338 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,491 – $8,379 | $1,838 – $3,705 | $753 – $1,562 |
Cost to hire movers from Portland to Ann Arbor
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Portland to Ann Arbor typically costs between $1,365 and $4,835. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,756 and $6,188 when moving from Portland to Ann Arbor. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Portland to Ann Arbor, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,491 up to $8,379.
Cost of moving containers from Portland to Ann Arbor
If you’re relocating from Portland to Ann Arbor, you’ll typically spend between $784 and $1,811 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,437 up to $2,699. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,838 and $3,705. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Maine.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to Ann Arbor
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Portland to Ann Arbor move, 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, expect to pay between $586 and $1,029. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $620 to $1,338. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $753 and $1,562.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Portland to Ann Arbor
The cost of Portland movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Portland to Ann Arbor might be as low as $2,385, while a four-bedroom could reach $7,500.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Portland.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $586 to $1,333 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Portland to Ann Arbor
Many movers find Ann Arbor easier on the wallet than Portland – roughly 13% less for singles and 12% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,176 for one person in Ann Arbor versus $2,491 in Portland. For a family of four, it’s $5,344 compared with $6,060.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Portland | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $1,831 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $3,763 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $474,909 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $66,964 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $2,176 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $5,344 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 4.25% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 14% higher in Ann Arbor than in Portland, which may impact your monthly finances.
- With home prices being nearly 12% cheaper in Ann Arbor, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Ann Arbor and Portland, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Ann Arbor. The cost of living for a single person is 13% less compared to Portland.
- Relocating to Ann Arbor could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 12% lower than in Portland.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 33% lower than Portland, Ann Arbor boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes in Ann Arbor exceed those in Portland by 9%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 27% lower in Michigan than in Maine. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Portland and Ann Arbor, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Portland | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $158.05 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $48.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $2.70 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $3.60 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $44.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Portland than in Ann Arbor.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Ann Arbor.
- Eggs cost more in Portland than in Ann Arbor.
- Bread is more expensive in Portland than in Ann Arbor.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in Ann Arbor.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Ann Arbor.
- Gym memberships cost more in Portland than in Ann Arbor.
How life is different in Portland vs. Ann Arbor
| Portland | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 123,851 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 52 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 71 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 31.0 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 79.18 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Ann Arbor’s population is about 81% greater than Portland.
- Ann Arbor’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Portland’s score of 6.
- Ann Arbor is less walkable than Portland with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Portland’s 62 out of 100.
- Both Ann Arbor and Portland have similar bike-friendliness scores (68 vs 71), meaning Ann Arbor is about as safe for cyclists as Portland. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Ann Arbor and Portland have a similar crime rate with scores of 31.0 and 32.16, respectively.
- Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than Portland with a safety index of 79.18 vs Portland’s 67.84.
- Air quality in Ann Arbor is Moderate, and in Portland it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Ann Arbor move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Michigan moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Michigan, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Ann Arbor without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Ann Arbor
Ready to relocate to Tree Town? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Ann Arbor.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Kerrytown
- Lower Burns Park
- Old West Side
- Northside/Lower Town
- Allen Creek/Old West Side
Best neighborhoods for families
- Burns Park
- Eberwhite
- Water Hill
- Ann Arbor Hills
- Dicken
Things to do in Ann Arbor
Now that you’ve made the move to Michigan, it’s the perfect time to explore Ann Arbor. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Ann Arbor include museums and art centers like the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, University of Michigan Museum of Art, University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, and Kelsey Museum of Archaeology.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Gallup Park, Hudson Mills Metropark, County Farm Park, and Buhr Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Ann Arbor?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Portland to Ann Arbor. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Ann Arbor?
With many people choosing to move from Portland to Ann Arbor 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 Portland to Ann Arbor take?
Covering 847 miles, the move from Portland, ME to Ann Arbor, typically takes two to seven days. Some Portland movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Ann Arbor can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Portland can handle specialty items for my move to Ann Arbor?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Portland, 9 movers can handle pianos. 6 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of ME, there are 13 piano movers and 7 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
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