Oregon's population is over 4 million, and roughly 600,000 people moved in the state last year. We recommend International Van Lines if you’re moving to Oregon from another state. It’s our pick for the best long-distance moving company thanks to its transparent pricing and excellent packing services. We’ve also identified the best cheap movers and local movers, whether you’re in Oregon City, the Portland area, or Willamette Valley.
The best moving companies in Oregon
We researched over 20 professional services to find the best Portland movers and the top Eugene moving companies.
Best Movers in Oregon
International Van Lines—Best long-distance moving company
International Van Lines is our pick for the best long-distance moving company. It can move you anywhere in the country and is upfront about its prices (most moving companies aren’t). IVL also offers substantial discounts if you’re a senior or need to ship a car. Plus, the moving company provides 30 days of free storage to provide a buffer when moving into your new home. On the downside, it has below-average customer reviews and annoying website pop-up ads.
First National Van Lines—Best local moving company
First National Van Lines is our pick for the best local moving company. While most moving brokers focus on helping you move between states, FNVL’s expertise enables you to move within the same state. It has a network of movers in nearly all US cities and receives above-average customer reviews. First National Van Lines can also give you a quote virtually or in person and provides attractive storage options. For example, it offers all customers a free month of storage and a remote video stream of their storage space. On the downside, FNVL’s website isn’t always up-to-date.
PODS—Best moving container company
PODS is one of your best moving options. Think of the company’s containers as storage units that you can hang onto until you've set a date with a driver to pick up and hook onto the back of a specialized truck. A PODS truck drops off a moving container at your home. Once you load it, PODS picks the container up and transports it to your new home, where you unload it. The container company has top-notch customer reviews, excellent storage options, and nationwide availability. And despite confusing invoices, PODS has some of the lowest rates for moving containers in the United States. In some cases, it's even more convenient and cheaper than rental trucks.
Penske—Best moving truck company
Penske Truck Rental is our pick for the best moving truck company. Renting a truck is the cheapest way to move, and Penske brings a lot to the table. It offers local and long-distance moving services everywhere in the country (except Alaska), provides reliable reservations, and has moving discounts. In addition, Penske has the highest customer satisfaction rating of any rental truck company. So if you’re able to pack, load, and drive, there’s no better option than Penske Truck Rental.
HireAHelper—Best hourly moving labor company
HireAHelper is an excellent solution if you need help with only a few parts of the moving process. The company’s professional contractors can help you with everything from packing and loading to furniture assembly and junk removal. It’s also easy to find, with nearly 5,000 locations in all 50 states. Plus, HireAHelper movers get excellent customer reviews. Just be aware that you must hire your workers for at least two hours. It’s not cheap compared to other hourly moving labor companies, but customer reviews suggest the premium price is worth it.
Move.org's top pick
International Van Lines is our pick for the best long-distance moving service. It has a vast network of cross-country movers, provides one month of free storage, and offers military and senior discounts. Want to move with Move.org's #1 pick?
What type of moving company is right for you?
Professional movers load your stuff, ship it to your new home, and unload it all for you. It’s the easiest—but most expensive—option. Learn more.
You load up all your belongings, but the movers transport your container to your new home. It’s the middle road for effort and cost. Learn more.
Worried about costs? Rent a truck, load it yourself, drive it to your new home, and unload all your things. You do it all—and save a lot. Learn more.
What to know about moving in Oregon
Population
Oregon has a population of about 4.2 million. The state’s average annual growth rate is approximately 0.2%,1 and the median age is 40.2 Oregon’s largest ethnic groups are White, Latino, and Asian. The average household has 2.5 people, and more than 15% of the population lives in a different home than one year ago.1 For example, more than 600,000 people moved within the state last year, including around 130,000 from other states.3
Employment
Oregon's median annual household income is approximately $65,670, and roughly 63% of residents participate in the labor force.1 The Beaver State added just under 81,000 new payroll jobs last year, and its unemployment rate fell by more than 1%.4 Oregon’s most popular industries include restaurants, construction, and education, while its highest-paying non-medical occupations are cosmetics manufacturing, utilities, and computer manufacturing. The state’s wealthiest counties are Washington County, Clackamas County, and Hood River County, while its poorest geographic areas include Gilliam County, Harney County, and Lake County.2
Cost of living
It’s pricey to live in Oregon. An analysis of the nation’s most expensive states ranks Oregon near the top of the list, preceded by Maryland, Alaska, New York, California, Massachusetts, and Hawaii. The state has especially high comparative rates for housing and transportation costs,5 with a median property value of approximately $337,000.1 Not surprisingly, Oregon’s homeownership rate is below the national average.2
Politics
Oregon is a deep blue state. One in every two residents favors the Democratic Party, while only one in three prefers the GOP.6 Joe Biden received 57% support in the 2020 presidential election, compared to 40% for Donald Trump. Similarly, six of the state’s Congressional delegates are Democrats. Oregon’s bluest regions are Multnomah County, Benton County, and Hood River County, while its reddest areas include Lake County, Harney County, and Grant County.2
Best Oregon movers FAQ
Who are the best Oregon-to-Washington movers?
PODS and International Van Lines are the best companies to use for moving from Oregon to Washington. While PODS is ideal if you want to save money, IVL specializes in moving assistance like packing and loading.
How much do movers cost in Oregon?
The best movers cost anywhere from $100 to $10,000 in Oregon. Moving costs vary depending on whether you’re doing a local or long-distance move. The number of belongings in your home also impacts the bottom line.
What is the best Oregon moving company?
International Van Lines is the best Oregon moving company, regardless of which Oregon City you’re moving to. This professional mover specializes in long-distance moving and has decades of experience providing high-quality packing, storage, and moving services.
How much will it cost to hire your Oregon long-distance movers?
The average cost of long-distance movers to Oregon is approximately $9,000. Most moving companies include services like packing and loading in your quote. The biggest cost factors are how many belongings you have, how much they weigh, and how far it is to your new home.
How much do utilities cost in Oregon?
The average resident pays around $380 monthly for Oregon utility bills. That total includes spending on items like water bills, gas, and electricity.
Methodology
We conducted intensive research to identify the best moving companies for long-distance moves and local moves, in addition to container moves, truck rentals, and hourly moving labor. During our searches, we:
- Compare pricing transparency. We gather quotes, check for binding estimates, and read customer reviews about pricing to ensure each moving company’s prices are trustworthy.
- Review accreditation. We check every company’s records in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database to confirm companies are properly authorized to transport household goods.
- Go mystery shopping. We review every company’s website, pose as customers in calls to companies, and read customer reviews to analyze every company’s moving services, transit protection, and customer service. We also interview actual customers to learn how their moves went from start to finish.
- Perform site visits. We invite moving companies to our headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT, to share data and expertise. We verify the information they provide by comparing it to data gathered through independent research and interviews with other movers.
- Set up regular reviews. We routinely repeat this process to update our recommendations to reflect current data and trends. We also revise each review annually and make updates throughout the year.
Recommended resources
People also asked . . .
Sources
- United States Census Bureau. “Quick Facts: Oregon,” Accessed October 15, 2022.
- Deloitte. “Data USA: Oregon,” Accessed October 15, 2022.
- United States Census Bureau, December 15, 2020. “Census Bureau Releases 2020 CPS ASEC Geographic Mobility Data,” Accessed October 15, 2022.
- United States Congress Joint Economic Committee, September 16, 2022. “Oregon Employment Report,” Accessed October 15, 2022.
- Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. “Cost of Living Data Series,” Accessed October 15, 2022.
- Pew Research Center. “Religious Landscape Study: Party Affiliation among Adults in Oregon,” Accessed October 15, 2022.