Local moving companies in Portland
- Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- William C. Huff Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Bridges Bros. Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Preferred Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine

DOT #: 1846942
Years in Business: 16
422 1/2 Fore St, Suite #1, Portland, ME 04101 USSpeedy, professional, and genuinely careful are the words customers use most in their feedback on Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine. After examining 226 reviews, about 68% share positive experiencesโmuch higher than is typical for movers in the region. People rave about swift, effective service and consistently polite team members who treat belongings with respect. Many mention efficient booking, clear communication, and how movers save clients time and hassle, sometimes accomplishing in hours what others would take all day. Several positive comments highlight movers arriving on time, providing status updates, and making sure each item is placed carefully. Costs are often seen as fair and up-front, which sets the company apart from others that add surprise charges. Negative feedback, making up 31%, commonly centers on items being damaged, some crews arriving hours late or even canceling at the last minute, and a handful of customers describing confrontations with management and unprofessional interactions. These customers report frustrations with complaint handling and say unpleasant experiences weren't sufficiently resolved. Some mention lost property or property damage, with unsatisfactory follow-through on claims. Neutral comments are rare but generally point to issues with quotes or communication rather than performance. Compared to other moving companies, Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine stands out for its efficiency and consistent professionalism during moves, but recurring complaints about item damage and customer service on difficult days should be weighed carefully when booking.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1846942
William C. Huff Moving & Storage

DOT #: 361089
Years in Business: 117
26 Colonial Way, Barrington, NH 03825 USConsistently rated at the top, William C. Huff Moving & Storage stands out in customer feedback as a reliable and skilled moving partner. Out of 149 reviews, 99% are positiveโa record most competitors cannot match in the moving industry. Clients comment on the companyโs professional and polite staff, thorough care taken with property, efficient and smooth moves, and clear communication at all stages. Many mention repeat positive experiences and note how helpful and respectful the movers are with belongings, organization, and special requests. A small number of reviews mention issues with care when storing or handling items, but this is extremely rare. The overwhelmingly positive feedback, high repeat business, and consistent professionalism position William C. Huff ahead of most moving services for quality and reliability.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 361089
- State license #: 361089
Alternative Business Names
- William C. Huff Trucking Company, Inc.
Bridges Bros. Movers

DOT #: 3152985
Years in Business: 106
29 Garfield St, Exeter, NH 03833 USMoving day feels less stressful with Bridges Bros. Movers, according to nearly all 238 feedback entriesโover 96% rate the company highly. Most input praises their professional and polite staff, efficient moves, careful handling of belongings, quick timelines, and clear communication. Clients mention movers are organized, respectful, and easy to contact. Many say everyone from the office team to the drivers was courteous and dedicated. The strongest positive trend is the staffโs professionalism and care, something that sets them apart from most movers, keeping valuables safe and easing customer anxiety. While nearly everyone reports a smooth transition and friendly service, six reviewers raised issues. The most frequent complaint is about unexpected charges or bills higher than the original quote. A few others cite damage to furniture or describe some staff as abrupt. Two neutral comments mention the final cost exceeding the estimate and awkward policy communication. Compared to other moving companies, Bridges Bros. stands out with reliable, hard-working crews and a reputation for careful handling, but customers advise watching quotes closely to avoid unwelcome surprises.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3152985
- State license #: 3152985
Alternative Business Names
- Bridges Brothers Movers
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 8
24 Bridgton Road, Westbrook, ME 04092 USRaving fans lead the chorus for Two Men and a Truck, with 244 reviews analyzed and 95.5% offering glowing feedback. Customers most often mention the team's efficiency, professionalism, and care when handling belongings. Movers consistently show up on time, work fast, remain friendly, and treat items with respect, setting them apart from many companies in the moving industry. The staff's politeness and strong communication earn repeated praise. A small number of complaints highlight issues such as item damage, rude or unhelpful office staff, and higher final charges than quoted. Even though only 4.5% of the feedback is negative, these reviews describe serious incidents with damaged goods or disappointing customer serviceโconcerns not uncommon in this sector but flagged more harshly by affected customers. Compared to most movers, Two Men and a Truck receive far more high marks for service quality, reliability, and the pleasant attitude of their teams, with only isolated negative experiences amid a sea of positive reports.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
Alternative Business Names
- TMT Portland, LLC
Preferred Movers

DOT #: 1381627
Years in Business: 19
35 Cedar Rd, North Hampton, NH 03862 USCustomers call Preferred Movers one of the most reliable local moving options, with 90 percent of input reflecting positive feedback. Clients frequently highlight careful handling of belongings, efficient service, fast-moving crews, courteous professionals, and clear communication. Affordable and accurate quotes, along with flexibility for scheduling, help set the company apart from many movers. Issues arise in a minority of experiences: some customers report damages to their items, missed or late deliveries, or lost belongings. More serious complaints cite broken heirlooms, mishandled insurance claims, and, occasionally, unprofessional management responses. Compared to competitors, Preferred Movers receives higher praise for careful, friendly, and efficient service but faces similar challenges with damage claims and long-distance deliveries. Out of 272 reviews, nine out of ten reflect a highly satisfied customer base, while under ten percent describe significant setbacks.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1381627
Alternative Business Names
- Preferred Movers, LLC
Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to Columbia
What to know before moving from Portland to Columbia
Moving from Portland to Columbia means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Portland than in Columbia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Portland compares to Columbia so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Portland | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,991 | $1,447 |
Average home value | $542,001 | $220,612 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $64,683 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,491 | $1,956 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,060 | $4,274 |
Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.2% |
Sales tax | 5.5% | 8.0% |
State income tax | 5.8% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in Columbia are 27% lower than in Portland, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
Home prices in Columbia are 59.3% lower than in Portland. - Income is the same in Columbia and Portland. The top employers in Columbia include Pure Fishing, LexiCode, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
- The cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 21.5% lower than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 29.5% lower than in Portland.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia and Portland.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the cityโs sales taxes in Columbia are 45.45% higher than in Portland.
- State income taxes in Columbia are 20.69% higher than in Portland.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,355.68 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.
How life is different in Portland vs. Columbia
Columbia | Portland | |
---|---|---|
Population | 136,632 | 68,408 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 6 |
Walkability score | 35 | 62 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 68 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 32.16 |
Safety Index | 48.39 | 67.84 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia's population is about 100% greater than Portland.
- Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Portland's higher score of 6.
- Columbia is less walkable than Portland with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
- Columbia has a bike-friendliness score 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68 out of 100.
- Columbia's crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 3.0 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- Columbia is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 48.39 vs Portland's 67.84.
- Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Portland it's good.
Other things to consider for your Portland vs. Columbia move
- Weather: If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a South Carolina moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: South Carolina doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Columbia. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.When moving in South Carolina, explore movers' insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Columbia
Ready to relocate to "Soda City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Columbia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cayce
- Lexington
- West Columbia
- St. Andrews
- Woodfield
Best neighborhoods for families
- Irmo
- Forest Acres
- Seven Oaks
- Cayce
- Oak Grove
Things to do in Columbia
Now that you've made the move to South Carolina, itโs the perfect time to explore Columbia. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Columbia, such as the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, EdVenture Children's Museum, and South Carolina Military Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League), South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC), or Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Columbia?
The best time to move from Portland to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Columbia?
Because most people are moving from Portland to Columbia 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 Portland to Columbia take?
The 1,018-mile move from Portland, ME, to Columbia, SC, takes two to eight 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 Columbia.