Top-rated local movers that handle Seattle to Portland moves
When planning a move from Seattle to Portland, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 63 local movers in Seattle who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Seattle to Portland.
- Eco Movers Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- On The Go Moving and Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Seattle Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Hansen Bros Moving and Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 3227005
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3227005
Alternate Names: GS Moving Services LLC , Eco-Movers , The Big Guys , The Big Guys Home Delivery , Eco Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: HG064180
Pricing: $180/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2120054
Alternate Names: On The Go Moving and Storage , On The Go Moving & Storage Bellevue , On The Go Moving & Storage Redmond , On The Go Moving & Storage Seattle
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Offices
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 19251
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: CHHJ Seattle, LLC. , College Hunks Hauling Junk Seattle
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: HG063388
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1731101
Alternate Names: Express Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 1782
Years in Business: 134
DOT #: 8257
Alternate Names: Peasley Transfer & Storage , Hansen Bros Moving and Storage , Peasley Transfer and Storage , Hansen Bros Transfer and Storage Co , PortaBox Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
How much does it cost to move from Seattle to Portland?
Movers in Washington charge $143 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $720 – $2,844 | $520 – $1,253 | $195 – $316 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,360 – $4,356 | $912 – $1,810 | $213 – $372 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,034 – $5,225 | $1,239 – $2,157 | $246 – $432 |
Cost to hire movers from Seattle to Portland
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Seattle to Portland, you can expect to spend between $720 and $2,844. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,360 to $4,356 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Seattle to Portland typically runs between $2,034 and $5,225.
Cost of moving containers from Seattle to Portland
When moving from Seattle to Portland, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $520 and $1,253. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $912 to $1,810. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,239 up to $2,157. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Washington.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Seattle to Portland
Renting a moving truck in Seattle is usually your cheapest option to get to Portland. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $195 and $316. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $213 and $372. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $246 and $432.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Seattle to Portland
The cost of Seattle movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,031, but larger homes can run up to $4,809.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Seattle.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($195–$399) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Seattle to Portland
Many movers find Portland easier on the wallet than Seattle – roughly 31% less for singles and 38% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,572 for one person in Portland versus $3,740 in Seattle. For a family of four, it’s $6,077 compared with $9,801.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Seattle | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,306 | $1,825 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,655 | $3,410 |
| Average home value | $842,068 | $522,596 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,845 | $85,876 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,740 | $2,572 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,801 | $6,077 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 6.9% |
| Sales tax | 10.35% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 9.9% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 23% lower in Portland than in Seattle, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 38% lower in Portland than in Seattle.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 10% higher in Portland compared to Seattle, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Portland, where the cost of living for a single person is 31% less than in Seattle.
- Moving to Portland could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 38% less than in Seattle.
- The unemployment rate in Portland is 44% higher compared to Seattle, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Portland has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Seattle. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Oregon has a state income tax, while Washington does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Seattle with Portland:
| Living Expense | Seattle | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $250.22 | $211.77 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.15 | $66.74 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.07 | $4.64 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.84 | $4.11 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $95.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.35 | $37.76 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Seattle than in Portland.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Seattle than in Portland.
- Eggs cost more in Seattle than in Portland.
- Bread is more expensive in Seattle than in Portland.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Seattle than in Portland.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Seattle than in Portland.
- Gym memberships cost more in Seattle than in Portland.
How life is different in Seattle vs. Portland
| Seattle | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 652,503 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 74 | 81 |
| Bike friendliness score | 71 | 92 |
| Crime index | 58.88 | 57.37 |
| Safety index | 49.23 | 42.63 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland’s population is about 11% less than Seattle.
- Portland’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Seattle, making them very similar.
- Portland is more walkable than Seattle with a score of 81 out of 100 vs Seattle’s 74 out of 100.
- With a score of 92 out of 100, Portland is more bike-friendly than Seattle, which has a score of 71 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Portland and Seattle have a similar crime rate with scores of 57.37 and 58.88, respectively.
- Portland is considered to be less safe than Seattle with a score of 42.63 vs Seattle’s 49.23.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Seattle it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Seattle to Portland move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Moving companies headquartered in Oregon must possess an up-to-date USDOT Number as well as a license issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Oregon moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Oregon doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Portland smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice as it comes at no extra cost. Movers provide this option without additional charges, but the coverage it offers is minimal. With Released Value Protection, the mover’s liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Portland
Now that you’ve chosen Bridgetown as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Portland to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Northwest
- Buckman
- Goose Hollow
- Eliot
- Richmond
- Pearl
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forest Park
- Hillsdale
- Irvington
- Sellwood-Moreland
- Southwest Hills
Things to do in Portland
After getting comfortable in your new Oregon home, it’s time to see what Portland is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Portland offers cultural landmarks like the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Oregon Historical Society, and Oregon Maritime Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Washington Park, Forest Park, Hoyt Arboretum, and Mount Tabor Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Portland Trailblazers (NBA)Portland Timbers (MLS)Portland Thorns (NWSL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Seattle to Portland?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Seattle to Portland are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Seattle are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to Portland?
Because spring and fall moves from Seattle to Portland are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Seattle to Portland take?
A move of 174 miles from Seattle, WA to Portland, generally takes one to two days. Movers in Seattle sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Portland is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Seattle?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 3 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Seattle offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 48 movers in Seattle have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 36 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across WA, there are 73 piano movers and 46 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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