Top Rated Moving Companies in Portland, ME (2026 Guide)
Here's the bottom line: We dug deep into Portland movers, and Safeway Moving came out on top for long-distance relocations. For local moves, Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine is our go-to recommendation in Portland. Both shine in key areas like pricing, service quality, and customer ratings.
- đźšš Best Long-Distance Movers
- 🏠Best Local Movers
- đźš› Best Cheap Movers
- 📦 Best Small Load Movers
- đź•“ Best Hourly Movers
- 🏢 Best Office Movers
Your ideal mover depends on where you're headed, how much you're bringing with you, and how much you're looking to spend. We've highlighted the best Portland moving companies based on those exact factors so you can find the right fit without the guesswork:
Top Out-of-State Movers in Portland, ME
Whether you're moving from Portland, Maine to the next state over or relocating across the country, it pays to go with a mover you can trust. These highly rated interstate moving companies are built for long-distance success:
1. Safeway Moving
- Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Superlative: Best for Accurate Quotes
- Availability: 50 states
Safeway Moving helps simplify long-distance moves through flat-rate pricing and comprehensive services across all 50 states. Safeway includes 30 days of free storage with every move, which is a nice perk if you need extra time to settle in. Their focus on cost transparency and customer support means you'll know exactly what to expect from the start, with clear estimates that help you plan your budget. Safeway is a veteran-owned company that applies a military-precision approach to relocations. They also offer military discounts,making them a solid option for service members and their families.
2. American Van Lines
- Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Superlative: Best for Sustainability
- Availability: 48 States (not in AK or HI)
Founded in 1995, American Van Lines (AVL) brings consistency and expertise to long-distance moves with a team of full-time, background-checked movers. They offer service across the continental U.S. and specialize in handling antiques, pianos, and other delicate items, making them a great fit for anyone with valuables that need extra care. With binding estimates, you get a fixed price from the start, so there are no surprises along the way. Since they only use their own crews (not third-party movers), you know exactly who's handling your move from beginning to end.
3. International Van Lines
- Our Rating: 4.45 out of 5 stars
- Best For: International Moves
- Availability: 50 states
Since 2000, International Van Lines (IVL) has provided long-distance and cross-country moves nationwide, offering customizable full-service packing, storage, and specialty moving options like car shipping. They also specialize in international moves to 140+ countries. IVL's team is known for its thorough handling of the moving process and strong communication with customers.
4. Mayzlin Relocation
As a family-owned company, Mayzlin Relocation puts a small-business spin on long-distance moving, backed by a national team of full-time moving crews and customer support staff. They specialize in long-distance moves and offer full packing, storage, and binding estimates to keep pricing straightforward. Mayzlin is perfect for anyone looking for hands-on, personalized service with proactive communication.
5. JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services takes a white-glove approach to long-distance relocations across all 50 states by providing one-on-one customer support and a wide array of add-on options like special handling of antiques and electronics. JK's premium services are made more affordable through financing options with low- to no-interest rates for customers who qualify. GPS tracking and highly trained crews provide added assurance that your belongings will be treated with care.
Top Local Movers in Portland, ME
Are you moving in or around Portland (within a 50-mile radius)? Here are the best local moving companies to choose from:
Most Affordable Movers in Portland, ME
Let's be real, moving can get pricey once you tally up all the relocation expenses in Maine. If you want to keep your wallet happy, take a look at these top affordable moving companies in Portland.
- Safeway Moving: With locked-in pricing and no hidden fees, Safeway makes it easier to plan — and stick to — your moving budget. They'll even match lower quotes from competitors, so you don’t miss out on a better deal. Military discounts and early booking perks only sweeten the offer. Add it all up, and Safeway earns a solid place on any long-distance moving shortlist.
- Mayzlin Relocation: No guesswork here — Mayzlin gives you a binding quote upfront, so the number you see is the number you pay. Whether you want full-service packing or just a hand with the heavy lifting, they let you build the move your way. That level of transparency and control is exactly what puts Mayzlin among our top-rated movers.
- U-Pack: U-Pack lets you pay only for the space you actually fill in their containers or trailers, so you never end up spending more than necessary on your long-distance move. You take care of the packing and loading, which keeps costs much lower than hiring full-service movers, while U-Pack handles all the shipping for you. There’s no deposit required to make a reservation, and you can snag extra discounts if you’re a student, in the military, or planning your move during off-peak times. If you don’t mind a bit of DIY and want to save some serious cash, U-Pack is definitely worth considering.
Top Small Load Movers in Portland, ME
Many moving companies require a minimum load, which isn’t ideal if you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom.
Luckily, some top movers specialize in small moves, making downsizing simple and stress-free.
- MovingYourself: MovingYourself makes moving easier and cheaper if you don’t need a whole moving truck. You only pay for the trailer space you use on their spacious 52-foot freight trailers, so you avoid overpaying. Load and unload at your own pace, then let pro drivers handle the cross-country drive. It’s a smart, budget-friendly solution that combines secure, professional transport with serious savings. We included MovingYourself on our list because it’s ideal for smaller moves and gives you flexibility that most traditional movers can’t match.
- MiniMoves: When you’ve got a smaller move — like a dorm, studio, or just a few key pieces — MiniMoves is built for it. They handle the packing, loading, and transport with the same care as full-service movers, minus the oversized rates or weight minimums. Their commitment to small-scale moves done right is exactly what puts them on our top movers list.
Top Hourly Movers in Portland, ME
Planning a DIY move in Portland doesn’t mean doing it all alone. With hourly movers, you can call in the pros just for the parts you don’t want to handle, whether that’s lifting furniture, loading boxes, or tackling the whole thing.
These are our top picks for reliable hourly moving help in Portland:
- HireAHelper: HireAHelper makes finding local movers a breeze. Since 2007, this user-friendly platform has let you quickly compare prices, read honest reviews, and book reliable help that works with your timing and budget. Whether you just need a couple of hands to load a truck or want full-service packing and unloading, you only pay for what you actually use—no extras, no fuss. We included HireAHelper on our list because it takes all the stress out of moving and puts you in total control.
- U-Haul Moving Help: With U-Haul’s Moving Help program, you can book hourly movers for anything from loading and unloading to packing and cleaning—no truck rental required. Just hop on their user-friendly website, browse services, compare rates, and pick what fits your needs. You only pay for the time you use, so there are no hidden fees. Plus, it’s available nationwide, making it a simple, budget-friendly way to get a hand with your move wherever you are.
Top Office Movers in Portland, ME
Picking an experienced commercial mover is the secret to relocating your Portland office without disrupting your day-to-day operations.
These leading movers make office relocations a breeze, letting you settle in and return to business as usual without any hassle:
- Mayzlin Relocation: Mayzlin Relocation takes the stress out of office moves by managing every detail, from packing and taking apart furniture to ensuring everything arrives safely. With a dedicated move coordinator and clear, upfront pricing, you’ll avoid hidden fees and unexpected delays. Their efficient team keeps your downtime to a minimum, so you can stay focused on your business. That commitment to smooth, on-schedule moves is why they earn a spot on our list of top business movers.
- North American Van Lines (NAVL): North American Van Lines stands out for its extensive network and team of seasoned commercial movers who can tackle office relocations across town or across the country. They handle every aspect of your move—including sensitive IT equipment and complex logistics—so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Their cutting-edge tracking technology and custom moving strategies mean you’ll stay informed and organized every step of the way, helping your business stay up and running during the transition. It’s that commitment to efficiency and minimal downtime that lands North American Van Lines a spot on our best movers list.
How We Chose the Best Movers in Portland, ME
We've put our decades of moving industry knowledge and experience into our mover scoring system, which helps us determing the best local and long-distance movers nationwide. Here's what we look at:
- Cost and pricing structure: In addition to making apples-to-apples comparisons of average costs, we look at a company's efforts to promote transparent pricing through binding estimates, multiple payment options, and discounts.
- Customer satisfaction: We dig deep into online consumer reviews on sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, Google, and Trustpilot to identify the most commonly cited positive and negative feedback and identify any potential red flags.
- Reputation: In addition to analyzing customer feedback, we check a company's reputation within the moving industry itself. We also verify that each company is properly licensed and meets all state and federal regulations.
- Standard and add-on services: We look at what a company offers and — maybe more importantly — what they don't offer in comparison to competitors. We also evaluate the services that are included in a basic moving plan and those that come at an extra cost. We reward companies that provide perks like free short-term storage and have a wide array of useful optional services like fragile-only packing and car shipping.
- Availability: Companies that can serve all 50 states score higher than those with more limited service areas. We also give more points to movers that have an easy booking process and flexible scheduling policies like no-fee cancellations and last-minute reservations.
Choosing the Right Moving Company in Portland, ME
Before booking a mover in Portland, it’s worth reviewing a few key details to avoid stress and surprises on moving day:
- Verified credentials: Make sure the company is licensed and insured to operate in Portland — it’s the most basic protection for your belongings.
- Flexible scheduling options: If your timeline is tight or may shift, go with movers who can roll with last-minute changes without adding to your bill.
- Comprehensive service offerings: Some companies handle everything from packing to unloading, while others leave the heavy lifting to you — choose what fits your needs.
- Modern equipment and experienced staff: Well-maintained trucks and trained teams are signs of a mover that takes its work seriously.
- Transparent pricing: Watch out for vague quotes. You want itemized estimates and a clear understanding of what’s included.
- Strong local reputation: Prioritize movers in Portland with consistently solid reviews and a track record of dependable service.
Tips for a Smooth Move in Portland, ME
- Pack seasonally smart. Toss in layers or sunscreen depending on the time of year — it’s easier than digging through boxes later.
- Know your town’s rules. Some cities in Maine require special permits for parking or unloading. It’s worth calling ahead.
- Have essentials within reach. Don’t bury valuables or important papers in the truck — keep them in your car or on you.
- Watch the weather. Portland’s weather can slow down movers or cause delays, so leaving extra time in your schedule helps avoid added stress.
- Avoid rush hour gridlock. If you're moving through Portland, plan around traffic windows to stay on schedule.
- Hydrate like it’s your job. Especially during summer months in Maine, staying cool and taking breaks is essential.
- Make yourself at home. Introduce yourself around the block — a few friendly faces go a long way in settling in.
FAQs
How much does it cost to hire professional movers in Portland?
In Portland, ME, expect to pay about $135 per hour for professional movers. Your total cost will depend on how much you’re moving and how far you’re going.
What should I know about Portland's peak moving season?
Moving in Portland gets hectic during summer. Everyone’s taking advantage of school breaks and nice weather. That means prices go up and moving slots fill fast. If you can, opt for an off-season move to snag better deals and more scheduling options.
Are there any items moving companies in Portland won't transport?
Most movers in Portland, ME have a list of things they can’t take, like hazardous materials, perishable food, or sometimes even plants. To keep your move running smoothly, check with your moving company in advance so you know exactly what can and can’t go on the truck.
Which Portland mover is the best for apartment moves?
The best moving company for apartment moves in Portland is Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine due to their local expertise and their 4.36 out of 5 stars rating (67.7% of which are positive).