Whether you’re looking to plan a cross-country or intrastate move, planning a relocation to a new home is sure to be a trying process. If you’re inexperienced in this regard, you’ll face plenty of logistical hurdles and uncertainty while arranging for the safe transportation of your goods. We’ve done all the necessary research to make your upcoming move more manageable. In this article, you’ll learn:
- Who the best moving companies are in the state of Oregon
- What to expect during your Oregon move
- How much your move should cost
The 7 Best Moving Companies in Oregon
Our top recommended moving companies for 2023:
- Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
- Most Transparent Pricing: American Van Lines
- Most Moving Partners: Moving APT
- Most Vehicle Shipping Options: Allied Van Lines
- Most Customizable Moving Experience: JK Moving Services
- Best Overall Container Service: U-Pack
- Best Pricing Options: North American Van Lines
Compare the Best Moving Companies in Oregon
Here, you’ll find a quick comparison of our top moving companies in Oregon. We’ve included BBB rating, our rating, and basic pricing information to consider. Use this information to begin your evaluation of each, and read our provider summaries below to learn more.
| Company | Website | Our Take | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Local Cost | Long-Distance Cost |
| International Van Lines | Site | Best Full-Service Mover | 9.8 | B | $600 – $1,200 | $1,900 – $4,900 |
| American Van Lines | Site | Most Transparent Pricing | 9.7 | N/A | $500 – $1,000 | $2,300 – $5,300 |
| Moving APT | Site | Most Moving Partners | 9.6 | B | $2,500 – $4,800 | |
| JK Moving Services | Site | Most Customizable Moving Experience | 9.5 | A+ | Call for a quote | $2,500 – $5,500 |
| Allied Van Lines | Site | Most Vehicle Shipping Options | 9.4 | A+ | $750 – $1,350 | $1,800 – $4,500 |
| U-Pack | Site | Most Widely-Available Container Service | 9.3 | A+ | N/A | $1,200 – $2,200 |
| North American Van Lines | Site | Best Pricing Options | 9.2 | A+ | $750 – $1,350 | $1,800 – $4,500 |
International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover
International Van Lines (IVL) has provided excellent domestic relocation services since 2004. Now, it handles more than 20,000 moves of varying sizes each year. With an operational territory that includes all 50 states, 180 countries worldwide, and an expansive network of partner companies, IVL is an excellent option for any moving client with unique service requirements or a far-flung destination.
Why We Recommend IVL
International Van Lines has a sterling reputation for providing the best customer service to all clients. This feature consistently shows up in reviews and is the strong point of this mover’s service model. When you book with IVL, you’ll be treated to excellent personalized care and communication, which will make for a smooth move.
Pros and Cons of International Van Lines
Pros
- Available across the U.S. and in 180 other countries
- Their customer service features heavily in positive reviews
- One month of free storage included in moves
Cons
- Limited locations in the U.S.
- Brokers out many of its American moves
Services Offered
International Van Lines works through an expansive network of partner carriers to provide the following:
- Local, long-distance, and international moving
- Packing services
- Unpacking
- Storage services (short-term and long-term)
- Custom crating for fragile items
- Debris removal
- Auto transport
- Piano moving
- Air and ocean freight
- And more
How Much Does International Van Lines Cost
Here are some average costs from recent IVL moves. Use these competitive rates to establish budgetary expectations before getting quotes.
| <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
| 2 BR | $1,400 – $4,400 | $1,900 – $4,900 | $2,100 – $5,100 | $2,400 – $5,400 |
| 4 BR | $3,200 – $6,200 | $5,100 – $8,100 | $5,700 – $8,700 | $6,200 – $9,200 |
Get a quote from IVL here.
American Van Lines: Most Transparent Pricing
American Van Lines provides carrier services directly across the lower 48 states. With more than 25 years of experience in the moving industry, this is one of the country’s largest and most reliable carrier networks. This mover offers a range of excellent services via its hubs in North Carolina, Florida, Texas, and many smaller locations nationwide. Regardless of your actual service requirements, American can render excellent assistance.
Why We Recommend AVL
American Van Lines offers flat-rate pricing for all moves. While this isn’t necessarily a rarity in the moving industry, it is uncommon enough to be worth noting. Most moving misfortune is at least somewhat related to pricing misunderstandings or miscommunication. That American can provide transparent rates upfront is a huge plus for any customer looking to stay on budget.
Pros and Cons of American Van Lines
Pros
- Flat rate pricing
- Price matching available
- Frequent moving shuttles between major cities
Cons
- Large deposits (up to 50%) often required at booking
- Reviews mention spotty customer service at times
Services Offered
American Van Lines’ status as a carrier means that it directly provides all services offered. In short, you’ll never have to deal with third-party carriers when you book with American. They offer the following:
- Local, long-distance, and international moving
- Residential and commercial moving
- Full-service or partial packing
- Car shipping
- Storage
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- Antique moving
- And more
How Much Does American Van Lines Cost
We’ve included some average price ranges based on recent American Van Lines moves. Its rates are somewhat higher than industry averages but are always guaranteed.
| <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
| 2 BR | $1,700 – $4,700 | $2,300 – $5,300 | $2,600 – $5,600 | $4,200 – $7,200 |
| 4 BR | $4,800 – $7,800 | $5,600 – $8,600 | $7,400 – $10,400 | $10,800 – $13,800 |
Get a quote from American Van Lines here.
Moving APT: Most Moving Partners
Moving APT was founded more than 20 years ago to make local and long-distance moving help accessible. Since its founding, this broker has grown from a five-person operation to a nationwide network of more than 500 local agents across all 50 states. When you book a move with Moving APT, you’ll be treated to 24/7 customer service, a personal move coordinator, and price matching for all moving services.
Why We Recommend Moving APT
Moving APT’s position as a moving broker makes them incredibly versatile. Brokers work through third-party companies and other carriers to handle numerous unique moving needs. Whether your inventory may include specialty goods or what you may require in add-on services, Moving APT can find a partner in your area to help.
Pros and Cons of Moving APT
Pros
- Their website includes complete profiles of many of their most-used partners
- Price matching and discounts offered
- The number of affiliates equals excellent diversity of service
Cons
- Service quality varies depending on the local partner used for your move
- Some negative reviews and FMCSA complaints report price changing by local agents
Services Offered
Moving APT’s partner carriers can provide you with the following:
- Local and interstate moving
- Residential and corporate relocation
- Commercial and residential moving
- Storage (one free month included with all moves)
- Piano moving
- Car shipping
- Packing services
- Packing supplies (included for some moves)
- Appliance connection services
- Some furniture disassembly and reassembly
- And more
How Much Does Moving APT Cost
This moving broker’s wide service area and many independent partners make nailing down exact price ranges difficult. However, getting quotes for service from this provider is relatively easy. Its website quotes a few standard price ranges for service, including a $3,500 – $4,200 range for a two-bedroom, 1,000-mile move. This mover also provides price matching. This means that if you’re able to secure a competing quote, they will match any price offered.
Get a quote from Moving APT here.
JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Moving Experience
JK Moving Services has been in the industry for over 40 years and has provided moving assistance to more than half a million clients of varying needs and move types. Its malleable service profile can assist when planning any unique move with special service requirements. Though it is only available for long-distance relocations in Oregon, JK can provide reliable moving help in the Pacific Northwest.
Why We Recommend JK
JK provides its services on an a la carte basis, making it easier for clients of all needs to craft their own moving experience. If your move involves some antiques or fragile items, this flexibility will allow you to provide for their safe transport.
Pros and Cons of JK Moving Services
Pros
- 24/7 customer support
- Financing options through Enhancify
- Excellent value protection and coverage options
Cons
- Reviews vary across different regions
- Their limited range for local moves
Services Offered
JK can provide the following services via its partner network:
- Local moving in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.
- Long-distance and international moving
- Residential and commercial services
- Packing (full-service or fragile-only)
- Climate-controlled storage options
- Furniture wrapping
- GPS shipment tracking
- Financing assistance
- And more
How Much Does JK Moving Services Cost
Despite its expansive service area, JK can provide accurate virtual estimates via an AI-assisted quote interface. Rates are pretty reliable wherever you’re located. With an average cost of $4,300 for a two-bedroom, 500-mile move, prices are around industry averages.
Get a quote from JK Moving Services here.
Allied Van Lines: Most Vehicle Shipping Options
Allied Van Lines provides local and long-distance moving services to all 50 states and has been in the industry for 88 years. In that time, it has built up one of the best reputations in the business. With a 96% customer satisfaction rating and more than 750,000 moves taken on in the last 15 years, few movers can match Allied’s work rate and quality combination.
Why We Recommend Allied
Allied offers an unprecedented number of vehicle transportation options. This mover can provide such services by virtue of its large moving vans and vast carrier network. Whether you’re moving a family vehicle or a boat, Allied will be able to provide direct assistance without contracting work out to another mover.
Pros and Cons of Allied Van Lines
Pros
- Transparent pricing
- Doesn’t outsource vehicle shipping
- GPS tracking offered for all moves
Cons
- Reviews report negative experiences during the claims process
- Elevated costs for longer moves
Services Offered
Allied can provide clients across all 50 states with the following:
- Local and long-distance moving
- International moving
- Packing (full-service or partial)
- Unpacking
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- Auto-shipping
- Boat and specialty vehicle shipping
- Storage
- Debris removal
- GPS shipment tracking
- Packing supplies
- And more
How Much Does Allied Cost
Allied’s average price points are slightly higher than industry averages, but not prohibitively so. Here are some sample averages for moves of varying sizes:
| <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
| 2 BR | $1,800 – $4,500 | $2,400 – $5,400 | $2,700 – $5,700 | $4,400 – $7,400 |
| 4 BR | $3,300 – $6,000 | $5,700 – $8,700 | $7,500 – $10,500 | $10,900 – $13,900 |
Get a quote from Allied Van Lines here.
U-Pack: Best Overall Container Mover
If you’re planning a DIY or semi-DIY move of any size, U-Pack may be the container service you need. Along with its carrier partner ABF, U-Pack can render long-distance moving assistance for all at some of the most competitive rates in the country. It is relatively unique among container providers in that it can serve all home sizes equally well. U-Pack can provide similarly practical assistance whether you’re moving to a three-bedroom house or a studio apartment.
Why We Recommend U-Pack
U-Pack’s trailer option allows it to move large homes at far more effective rates than its competitors, such as PODS or 1-800-PACK-RAT. This is under its “pay-for-what-you-use” pricing structure. When you rent a trailer from this provider, you’ll only be billed for the space you use rather than paying a flat rate for the entire vessel.
Pros and Cons of U-Pack
Pros
- 240 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada
- Only pay for what you use
- Three-day windows for loading and unloading
Cons
- Finding parking accommodations for units and trailers can be difficult
- No local moving services (under 150 miles)
Services Offered
U-Pack provides long-distance moving assistance with the following options:
- Your choice of an 8-foot ReloCube or 27-foot trailer
- Short-term and long-term storage solutions at U-Pack shipping and storage locations
- Moving help can be hired if needed through the U-Pack site
How Much Does U-Pack Cost
U-Pack’s rates consistently beat out its competitors in the container space. Here are some average price points from recent moves by this provider:
| <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
| 2 BR | $600 – $1,600 | $1,200 – $2,200 | $1,600 – $2,600 | $2,100 – $3,100 |
| 4 BR | $800 – $1,800 | $1,800 – $2,800 | $2,800 – $3,800 | $4,100 – $5,100 |
Get a quote from U-Pack here.
North American Van Lines: Best Pricing Options
North American Van Lines employs one of the largest moving networks in all 50 states. With over 500 local agents spread across the U.S., NAVL can provide quality assistance with trained crews and excellent customer service. Whether you’re moving to Hawaii or the East Coast or simply down the road, this mover can help.
Why We Recommend NAVL
North American provides a couple of different pricing options, which may interest clients wary of going over their set budget. With both “not-to-exceed” and “bottom line” pricing options, NAVL ensures all who book moves with them won’t be stuck with unexpected fees at the end of the job.
Pros and Cons of North American Van Lines
Pros
- GPS tracking available for all moves and shipments
- Dedicated customer service via a personal move coordinator for all relocations
- Variable pricing structure helps clients on-budget
Cons
- Many reviews report complicated claims processes for damage
- Specialty services can be based on local agent ability
Services Offered
North American’s extensive partner network can provide the following services:
- Local and long-distance moving
- International moving
- Packing and unpacking (full-service or partial)
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- Debris removal
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Appliance installation
- Storage
- Excellent insurance options
- And more
How Much Does NAVL Cost
As with most providers who offer bottom-line pricing options, NAVL’s costs are slightly higher than the industry average. Your exact costs will largely depend on your unique service requirements and inventory.
| <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
| 2 BR | $1,800 – $4,500 | $2,400 – $5,400 | $2,700 – $5,700 | $4,400 – $7,400 |
| 4 BR | $3,300 – $6,000 | $5,700 – $8,700 | $7,500 – $10,500 | $10,900 – $13,900 |
Get a quote from North American Van Lines here.
How to Choose a Moving Company
Going into the quote process for your upcoming move can be nerve-wracking. If you’ve never planned a full-service long-distance or local move, it can be tough to know where to begin. Luckily, getting free moving quotes and evaluating your options is relatively straightforward. Here, we’ve outlined a few key points to touch on before choosing your professional movers for your upcoming relocation.
Fully Registered
The easiest way to avoid fly-by-night operators is to check their registration status. Be sure to ask for proof of the following ahead of any move. Long-distance moving companies and local movers will have different standards to follow. In the state of Oregon, these are as follows:
- FMCSA Registration: Long-distance and interstate movers must carry federal registration through the FMCSA. This group also requires active USDOT and MC numbers of all companies. You can use these to research a mover’s complaint history and registration status via this link.
- ODOT: Movers primarily based in Oregon have to carry an ODOT number to be displayed on all company vehicles, estimates, and contracts.
- OMSA: While it isn’t a requirement, many prominent Oregon movers are the Oregon Moving & Storage Association members. This body regulates tariffs for its member companies, which is an essential resource for you to check your quoted rates’ fairness.
Fully Insured
All movers have to carry multiple insurance policies to operate legally. These include the following:
- Workers’ compensation: This all-important policy protects your interests in the unfortunate event of a work-related injury during your move. Without such coverage, you could be held liable for any damages incurred.
- Released liability: This provides an industry-minimum amount of compensation for lost or damaged goods during your move. The rate of $0.60 per pound per item specified won’t cover the value of most goods but is included in your base price. You can ask most movers about valuation coverage if your move has more valuable goods.
Well-Reviewed
Customer reviews are vital for any high-quality mover’s business profile. Any company can make a solid impression during a quote. However, the real trustworthy pros will have many reviews on multiple platforms, including Google, Yelp, BBB, and social media, to back their claims of good service.
Adequate Service Profile
The importance of getting your moving quotes cannot be overstated regarding service requirements. You should have a list of add-ons you could need during your move when you get quotes. Present this to your customer service representative when getting quotes for moves to ensure that a given company can provide you with adequate assistance.
Full-Service Moving
Full-service moves are the most costly option for relocations of any size. Such moves will often entail packing, crating, car shipping, debris removal, or other services. If you’re looking to avoid heavy lifting and excess work during your move, this will be your best choice.
Self-Service
Self-service moves are, by contrast, the least expensive option for most moves. You’ll rent either a moving truck or moving container and handle all of the labor on your own. Of course, hiring labor independently is also an option. Most companies will charge between two and four-hour minimums for such assistance. Keep this in mind if you’re looking into hiring movers for such help.
Moving To Oregon
Oregon is more than just Portland, Eugene, and lush woodlands. It has become a popular moving destination in recent years for many reasons. A booming economy, beautiful coastline, thriving craft beer and nightlife scenes within the cities, and far more are among the reasons for this. We’ve outlined the pluses and minuses of moving here, as well as what you can expect during the actual planning process. Read on to learn more.
Oregon Moving Costs
Here, we’ve put together a table of average full-service moving costs. Using these should help you establish your budgetary expectations before getting your quotes. The prices below reflect various moving circumstances and include relocations with a variety of add-on service requirements. You’ll have to obtain a personal quote from an Oregon moving company to get your optimized pricing figure.
| 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR | |
| Local | $1,200 | $1,500 | $2,000 | $2,750 |
| 250 mi | $2,750 | $3,800 | $5,100 | $6,000 |
| 500 mi | $3,100 | $4,100 | $6,000 | $6,700 |
| 1000 mi | $3,500 | $4,500 | $6,400 | $8,400 |
| 2000 mi | $4,300 | $4,900 | $6,800 | $9,000 |
| 2500 mi | $4,800 | $5,100 | $7,100 | $10,000 |
| 3000 mi | $5,100 | $6,000 | $8,750 | $11,250 |
Best Cities in the Beaver State
It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that most of the best locales within Oregon are spread throughout the Portland metro area. Plentiful jobs (Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and many more large businesses have headquarters here), many parks and green spaces, and a young population add a sense of vitality and energy to the greater Portland area and make the communities around it among the state’s most popular. These include the following:
- Bethany: Bethany consistently ranks as one of Oregon’s best places to live. Its proximity to Portland, small-town feel, and safety rating make it a popular destination for families and young professionals alike. If you move to this town of 24,000-plus, you’ll find relatively high housing costs, with a median of $665,000. Around 70% of people own their homes here, and, with a median household income of well over $100,000, it’s easy to see why.
- Healy Heights: This neighborhood within Portland feels more like a village than it does a part of a bigger city. Though it’s well within the city limits, it provides its 1,500 residents with easy access to nature and plenty of urban amenities. If you can pay the elevated housing costs, you’ll be treated to large lots and stunning views. Median home values here tip the scales at $862,000, while you’ll pay around $1,900 per month for rent.
- Southwest Hills: Southwest Hills is another neighborhood within Portland that offers excellent views of the city skyline, with plenty of parks and open spaces. You’ll have easy access to downtown. The proximity to the city center means that you’ll have plenty of nightlife options, which makes it popular among younger prospective residents.
- Salem: The state capital offers many features that Oregon is known for. Despite a population of over 170,000, it provides more of a rural feel. It’s quickly growing and is one of the most popular destinations in the Pacific Northwest. If nightlife is a huge factor for you, you may want to look elsewhere. Many other cities in the state will offer far more in this department. However, with a median home price of $425,000, you’ll find more affordable accommodations than you would in many other similar locales.
Living in Oregon
Here, we’ve assembled a few basic facts about living in Oregon. When moving anywhere, it serves to be fully informed about your decision. We think the following facts and figures should help you in that regard.
- Cost of living: As a whole, living in Oregon is 13% more expensive than in the U.S. across the board. This is mainly due to elevated housing costs (48% more expensive). Healthcare (12% cheaper) and utilities (19% cheaper) help balance expenses.
- Cost of housing: As mentioned above, housing is the single most significant living expense relative to national averages. Median home costs are $438,100 statewide. Rent is far cheaper, at $1,030 for a 900-square-foot apartment across the state. Whether renting or buying, your exact location will significantly influence your costs.
- Jobs: As is the case in many states throughout the country, the unemployment rate is steadily declining from the highs experienced at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. At 3.8% and falling, you’ll find plentiful jobs in agriculture and forestry across the state. More niche job sources include commercial fishing, software, computer design, finance, and tourism.
- Weather: Many stereotypes about Pacific Northwestern weather hold true. Oregon gets 156 days of rain each year, while winters are relatively mild. January highs reach 42 degrees Fahrenheit, while July highs are 74 degrees.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to have the most stress-free moving process you could have, then getting the ball rolling early is definitely in your best interests. Around eight weeks ahead of your Oregon move, you should begin contacting movers in your area to set up quotes and estimates. Have these booked around six weeks ahead of your scheduled moving day. Be sure to inform your customer service representative of all of your moving needs.
Once you have several offers from movers laid out in front of you, you’ll be able to make an informed decision. To avoid the hassles associated with last-minute booking, you should try to schedule your move around a month before moving day.
FAQs About Moving Companies in Oregon
Where is the best place to get packing supplies?
As a general rule, you should avoid buying supplies from your moving company if you’re looking to save money. Retailers such as Home Depot and U-Haul provide far better rates for high-quality supplies.
What happens if my stuff gets damaged?
Most of the time, you’ll be reimbursed as dictated by your mover’s released liability coverage — at a rate of $0.60 per pound per item. This can be supplemented with valuation coverage if need be.
What is considered a long-distance move?
In Oregon, a long-distance move is considered to be any relocation over state lines or a move of more than 100 miles.
Today's Homeowner Rating Methodology
At Today's Homeowner, our primary goals are to be a reliable source of information and to be totally transparent to our readers. With that in mind, we’ve developed the following formula to render objective ratings – on a scale of 10 points – for the moving companies we review.
- Transparency (3.0): Communication and being fully straightforward regarding company policies and licensing are incredibly important. A given mover’s willingness to display these, to supply quick quotes, and to provide clearly-worded moving contracts all factor into the three points within this single rating criteria.
- Cost (2.5): A mover’s cost relative to industry averages, as well as accessibility to cost data play a role in the customer experience as much as anything else. We know that being sure of what you’re paying – and being confident that you’re not overpaying – will ultimately make for a positive move. We’ve weighted cost factors accordingly in our ratings.
- Customer Service (2.0): Establishing an easy line of contact with your movers during the booking process or during the move itself is a huge asset for any moving client. The stress of moving, in general, can be greatly eased by knowing you can talk to a licensed professional whenever you need to, which is why we’ve listed this as a key rating category. This is where customer reviews come into play; since the majority of complaints stem from poor customer service, feedback from BBB, Yelp, Google, and other review platforms factor into this criteria.
- Services Offered (1.5): This rates lower on our priority list than many would think, simply due to the fact that many movers provide a similar line of services. However, breadth of service offerings does still vary to a degree.
- Customization Options (1.0): Having the autonomy to fully customize your move should rate highly on any moving checklist. Here, we’ve taken moving package customization ability, as well as pricing for more involved add-ons. Steep pricing for such services can provide something of a soft barrier for clients looking to add to their move, and we’ve taken this into consideration.
