At Oregon Trail Moving, two movers with equipment cost $125 per hour with a two hour minimum. Each extra mover adds $60 per hour, and a flat $45 service fee covers jobs within 10 miles of central Portland. Most small moves land somewhere between $300 and $800 in labor, depending on crew size and how long the job takes. The truck or container is the part you choose, so you control that cost too.
Search for Portland moving costs and you get a lot of “it depends.” It does depend, but not on mystery. Time, crew size and a few add-ons set the price. Here is the math, using the rates on our rates and services page (effective April 2026).
What Portland movers charge: our rates
- Two movers and equipment: $125 per hour, two hour minimum
- Each additional mover: $60 per hour
- Service fee: flat $45 within 10 miles of central Portland, covering scheduling, fuel and travel
- Billing: the clock starts and stops at your location, and time after two hours is pro-rated in 15 minute increments
Our crews bring a hand truck, a four wheel piano dolly, hand tools for taking furniture apart and putting it back together, lifting straps, shrink wrap, moving blankets and neoprene floor runners. None of that is an extra line item.
Portland moving cost examples
These are illustrations built from the rates above, not quotes. Your hours depend on your stairs, your inventory and how ready everything is.
| Example job | Crew and time | Labor | Service fee | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Load a studio or small one bedroom | 2 movers, 2 hours | $250 | $45 | $295 |
| Load a one or two bedroom truck | 2 movers, 3 hours | $375 | $45 | $420 |
| Load a three bedroom home | 3 movers, 4 hours | $740 | $45 | $785 |
| Unload and place a four bedroom home | 4 movers, 5 hours | $1,225 | $45 | $1,270 |
Larger crews, extra stops and longer distances can add fuel and travel fees. If you need loading at one address and unloading at another, ask the office how the second stop is priced before you budget.
What makes a Portland move take longer
When a bill comes in higher than expected, the cause is almost always time. These are the usual culprits:
- Stairs and long carries. A third floor walk-up or a truck parked a block away means more trips for every box.
- Unpacked belongings. Loose items, open boxes and half-packed closets slow a crew down. Packed and taped boxes move fast.
- Heavy and oversized items. Pianos, safes, hot tubs and similar pieces are welcome. Items over 300 lbs carry a fee of $0 to $100, and items over 500 lbs carry $50 to $150, based on size, weight and location. Some need an extra crew member for safety.
- Packing. Labor and materials run about $0.25 to $1.50 or more per square foot, depending on how much there is and how fragile it is. Scheduling packing the day before your move keeps move day shorter.
The truck or container is your call
Because you pick the truck, trailer or container, you decide how much to spend on that half of the move. Pricing changes with size, dates and mileage, so get a few quotes. Penske Truck Rental, U-Haul, Budget, PODS and U-Box all publish their own rates. We work with every one of them, and our crews can help you gauge how much will fit before you commit to a size.
How this compares with full-service movers
Full-service companies that bring their own trucks can charge about twice our hourly rate. For many local moves, renting your own truck and hiring us for the heavy lifting cuts the total by up to 50%. The best way to compare is to ask each company for the same four things in writing: the hourly rate, the minimum, any service or travel fees, and any heavy item charges. Then compare the whole job, not just the headline number.
Five ways to keep your Portland moving bill down
- Pack and tape boxes before the crew arrives.
- Clear a path from every room to the door.
- Park the truck as close to the entrance as you legally can.
- Tell us about heavy items when you book so we can plan the right crew size.
- Book packing for the day before your move instead of the same day.
For more on getting ready, see our guide to preparing for your move.
Get your Portland moving number
Since 2011 we have helped more than 20,000 customers move, and we have over 1,200 five star reviews. Tell us what you are moving and where, and we will give you a clear estimate. Our crews work 8 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week.
Schedule your move or call (503) 922-2225 for a free estimate. You can also read moving help in Portland or see what customers say.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Portland movers charge per hour?
At Oregon Trail Moving, two movers with equipment are $125 per hour, with a two hour minimum. Each additional mover is $60 per hour. A flat $45 service fee covers scheduling, fuel and travel for jobs within 10 miles of central Portland.
What is the minimum charge for a move?
The minimum is two movers for two hours, which is $250 in labor before the service fee. After the first two hours, time is billed at the same hourly rate in 15 minute increments.
When does the clock start and stop?
Billing time starts and stops at your location. Our crews stay until the job is complete.
Are there fees on top of the hourly rate?
There is a one time service fee, which is $45 within 10 miles of central Portland. Additional stops, longer distances and larger crews can add fuel and travel fees. Items over 300 lbs or 500 lbs carry a heavy item fee, and packing is quoted by square footage. The office can walk you through every line before you book.
How do I get an exact quote for my move?
Call (503) 922-2225 or use the schedule page. Tell the office your addresses, what needs to be loaded or unloaded, any stairs, and any heavy items, and you will get a clear estimate.
