Highly rated local moving companies for Portland to Missoula moves
Organizing a move from Portland to Missoula can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating nine local movers in Portland known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Portland to Missoula.
- 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 Missoula?
On average, moving companies in Maine charge about $225 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,496 – $6,152 | $1,416 – $3,322 | $1,414 – $2,771 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $4,162 – $8,683 | $2,368 – $4,837 | $1,565 – $3,264 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,474 – $12,778 | $3,464 – $6,590 | $1,937 – $4,048 |
Cost to hire movers from Portland to Missoula
When planning a move to Missoula from Portland, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,496 and $6,152. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,162 and $8,683 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $8,474 to $12,778.
Cost of moving containers from Portland to Missoula
When you’re heading from Portland to Missoula, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,416 and $3,322. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,368 and $4,837. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,464 to $6,590. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Maine easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to Missoula
A moving rental truck from Portland to Missoula is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,414 to $2,771. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,565 to $3,264, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Portland to Missoula costs around $1,937 to $4,048.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Portland to Missoula
The cost of Portland movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Portland to Missoula may only cost $3,105, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $11,958.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Portland.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,414–$3,656), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Portland to Missoula
Many movers find Missoula easier on the wallet than Portland – roughly 19% less for singles and 4% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,011 for one person in Missoula versus $2,491 in Portland. For a family of four, it’s $5,832 compared with $6,060.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Portland | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $1,542 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $2,983 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $544,475 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $59,180 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $2,011 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $5,832 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 4.4% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 6.75% |
- Rent is about 34% less expensive in Missoula than in Portland, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- With home prices differing by less than 5% between Missoula and Portland, you probably don’t need to adjust your mortgage planning unless there’s a change in your housing needs.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 8% less in Missoula than in Portland.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Missoula. The cost of living for a single person there is 19% below that of Portland.
- The cost of living for a family between Missoula and Portland remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won’t dramatically change.
- Missoula has a lower unemployment rate than Portland by about 15%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Missoula has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Portland. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 16% more in Montana than in Maine. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Portland versus Missoula:
| Living Expense | Portland | Missoula |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $132.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $59.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $4.50 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $2.91 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $63.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Portland than in Missoula.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Portland than in Missoula.
- Eggs are less expensive in Portland than in Missoula.
- Bread is more expensive in Portland than in Missoula.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in Missoula.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Missoula.
- Gym memberships cost more in Portland than in Missoula.
How life is different in Portland vs. Missoula
| Portland | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 77,757 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 60 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 33.27 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 66.73 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Missoula’s population is about 14% greater than Portland.
- Missoula’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Portland’s score of 6.
- Missoula is less walkable than Portland with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Portland’s 62 out of 100.
- Missoula has a bike-friendliness score of 60 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68.
- Missoula and Portland have a similar crime rate with scores of 33.27 and 32.16, respectively.
- Missoula and Portland have a similar safety level, with scores of 66.73 and 67.84.
- Air quality in Missoula is Good, and in Portland it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Missoula move
- HOA rules: Costs across Portland and Missoula are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Montana, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Montana, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Missoula. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Missoula
With your sights set on The Garden City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Missoula.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Heart Of Missoula
- Lewis And Clark
- Farviews And Pattee
- Canyon River
- Front Lower
- Rattlesnake
Best neighborhoods for families
- Lewis And Clark
- Rose Park
- Miller Creek
- Riverfront Lower
- Rattlesnake
Things to do in Missoula
With your move to Montana complete, you can dive right into experiencing Missoula. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Missoula is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Fort Missoula Museum, Missoula Art Museum, Montana Natural History Center, and Museum of Mountain Flying.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, Caras Park, and Blue Mountain Recreational Area — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Montana Grizzlies (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Missoula?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Portland to Missoula. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Missoula?
Want to save on your move from Portland to Missoula? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Portland to Missoula take?
The 2,677-mile move from Portland, ME, to Missoula, , takes seven to 21 days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Missoula.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Portland?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 9 movers in Portland provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 13 piano movers and 7 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
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