Highly rated local moving companies for Portland to Durham moves
Organizing a move from Portland to Durham 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 Durham.
- 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 Durham?
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 | $1,257 – $4,831 | $792 – $1,772 | $534 – $1,101 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,650 – $6,466 | $1,355 – $2,641 | $630 – $1,184 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,246 – $9,258 | $1,818 – $3,447 | $752 – $1,465 |
Cost to hire movers from Portland to Durham
When planning a move to Durham from Portland, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,257 and $4,831. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,650 and $6,466 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,246 to $9,258.
Cost of moving containers from Portland to Durham
When you’re heading from Portland to Durham, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $792 and $1,772. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,355 and $2,641. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,818 to $3,447. 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 Durham
A moving rental truck from Portland to Durham 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 $534 to $1,101. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $630 to $1,184, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Portland to Durham costs around $752 to $1,465.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Portland to Durham
The cost of Portland movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Portland to Durham may only cost $2,275, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,569.
- 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 ($534–$1,440), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Portland to Durham
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Durham runs about 13% higher for singles and -2% higher for families than Portland.
Singles spend around $2,803 in Portland versus $2,491 in Portland; families pay $5,945 compared with $6,060.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Portland | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $2,573 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $391,719 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $69,117 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $2,803 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $5,945 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 4.5% |
- Rent is about 15% less expensive in Durham than in Portland, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 28% cheaper in Durham than in Portland.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 8% greater in Durham than in Portland, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Durham, with the cost of living for a single person being 13% more than in Portland. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family between Durham and Portland remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won’t dramatically change.
- Durham has a lower unemployment rate than Portland by about 21%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Durham surpass those in Portland by 36%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 22% less in North Carolina compared to Maine, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Portland versus Durham:
| Living Expense | Portland | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $148.21 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $51.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $3.66 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Portland than in Durham.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Durham.
- Eggs are less expensive in Portland than in Durham.
- Bread costs less in Portland than in Durham.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in Durham.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Durham.
- Gym memberships cost more in Portland than in Durham.
How life is different in Portland vs. Durham
| Portland | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 283,506 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 30 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 38 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 54.72 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 45.28 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Durham’s population is about 314% greater than Portland.
- Durham’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Portland’s score of 6.
- Durham is less walkable than Portland with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Portland’s 62 out of 100.
- Durham has a bike-friendliness score of 38 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68.
- Durham’s crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 54.72 compared to Portland’s 32.16. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- Durham is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 45.28 vs Portland’s 67.84.
- Air quality in Durham is Good, and in Portland it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Durham move
- HOA rules: Costs across Portland and Durham 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in North Carolina, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in North Carolina, 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 Durham. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives 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 Durham
With your sights set on City of The Viper, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Durham.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Golden Belt
- Warehouse District
- City Center
- Research Triangle Park
- Central Park
- Chapel Hill
- Northgate Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Treyburn
- American Village/Arrowhead
- Willowhaven
- Fieldstone by the Eno
- Hope Valley Farms
Things to do in Durham
With your move to North Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Durham. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Durham is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Museum of Life + Science, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Museum of Durham History, and V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s West Point on the Eno, RollingView Falls Lake State Park, Durham Central Park, and Historic Durham Athletic Park — 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 Duke University (ACC)Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Durham?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Portland to Durham. 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 Durham?
Want to save on your move from Portland to Durham? 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 Durham take?
The 801-mile move from Portland, ME, to Durham, , takes two to seven 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 Durham.
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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