LA To Portland: Calculating The Price Of A New Start

Caseys movers vector art of our truck driving in california on the coast.

Moving from one city to another can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most significant concerns for most people is the cost involved. If you’re planning a move from Los Angeles to Portland, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost. The answer depends on several factors, including the size of your move, the distance between your old and new homes, and whether you hire professional Portland movers or decide to do it yourself.

The Cost of Hiring Professional Portland Movers

When moving long distances, such as from Los Angeles to Portland, hiring professional movers is often the most convenient option. These professionals have the experience and equipment necessary to ensure that your belongings arrive safely at your new home.

The cost of hiring professional Portland movers can vary widely depending on several factors. These include the size of your move (i.e., how many items you’re moving), the specific services you require (such as packing and unpacking), and whether or not you need storage services.

On average, hiring a full-service moving company for a long-distance move can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 or more. However, this price includes everything from packing and loading your items in Los Angeles to unloading them in Portland.

Do-It-Yourself Moving Costs

If you’re on a tight budget or prefer to handle things yourself, doing a DIY move could be a more affordable option. This involves renting a moving truck or trailer and doing all the packing, loading, driving, unloading yourself.

The cost of renting a moving truck can range from $100 to $200 per day plus mileage fees which can be around $0.70-$1 per mile. Given that the distance between Los Angeles and Portland is approximately 960 miles, this could add up quickly.

Other costs to consider in a DIY move include packing supplies, fuel for the moving truck, and potential lodging and food expenses if the move takes more than a day.

Additional Moving Costs

Regardless of whether you hire professional Portland movers or opt for a DIY move, there are additional costs that you should factor into your moving budget.

Firstly, there’s the cost of packing materials. Boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and other supplies can add up. If you’re hiring professional movers, some companies might include these in their quote. If not, or if you’re doing a DIY move, expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $500 on packing materials depending on how much stuff you have.

Secondly, don’t forget about travel expenses. Whether you’re driving or flying from Los Angeles to Portland, you’ll need to budget for fuel or airfare. If the journey requires an overnight stay somewhere along the way, lodging and food expenses should also be factored in.

Lastly, consider insurance costs. Professional moving companies usually provide basic coverage for your belongings. However, this might not be enough if you have high-value items. You may want to consider purchasing additional coverage for peace of mind.

Photo of portland's skyline across the Wiliamette River
View of Portland, Oregon overlooking the willamette river on a Fall Afternoon

Conclusion

The cost of moving from Los Angeles to Portland can vary greatly depending on many factors such as whether you hire professional movers or do it yourself and the size of your move among others. However, by considering all potential costs and planning accordingly, it’s possible to make your move as stress-free and affordable as possible.

Remember that while doing a DIY move might seem cheaper at first glance when all factors are considered (time spent packing and unpacking, physical effort involved), hiring professional Portland movers could be more cost-effective in the end.

Moving is a significant life event that comes with its own set of challenges but knowing what to expect cost-wise can help make the process smoother and less stressful. Happy moving!