Moving from Portland, ME to Colorado
If you're packing up Portland, Maine and heading to Colorado, you're looking at roughly 2,132 miles of road. That's not a cargo van and a weekend — it takes real planning and a realistic budget. Costs on this route vary enough that going in blind can be expensive. Below I've laid out the Portland movers worth calling, what you'll actually pay across service types, and a clear picture of how life in Colorado stacks up against what you're leaving behind.
Local moving companies in Portland
Out of 9 Portland-area movers capable of handling state-to-state moves, here are the 5 I'd look at first for this route:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.52 / 5
- Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine — 4.38 / 5
- Bisson Moving & Storage — 4.44 / 5
- Allen & Coles Moving Systems — 4.34 / 5
- Integrity Movers — 4.22 / 5
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
24 Bridgton Road, Westbrook, ME 04092 96% positive | 5% negative | 4.52 / 5
Yelp (15 reviews) | Google (209 reviews) | BBB: A+
The strongest review profile on this list by a clear margin. Of 244 reviews analyzed, 95.5% are positive — that's a number that's hard to dismiss. The pattern is consistent: crews show up on time, work efficiently, and treat belongings with genuine care. Communication throughout the move earns repeated praise. The negatives — item damage, office staff that doesn't always match the crew's quality, and occasional billing surprises — appear in a small fraction of reviews, but they're worth reading if you're sending anything fragile or irreplaceable across 2,100 miles.
Years in business: 8 | DOT #: 2527384
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes. Accepts credit card.
Phone: (207) 536-3452
Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine
422 1/2 Fore St, Suite #1, Portland, ME 04101 68% positive | 31% negative | 4.38 / 5
Yelp (57 reviews) | Google (147 reviews) | BBB: B-
Liberty Bell has 16 years of experience and one of the longer service menus of any Portland operator — hot tubs, pool tables, antiques, custom crating, full-valuation coverage. That range matters on a long haul. About 68% of 226 reviews are positive, with customers crediting swift service, clear pricing, and crews that communicate well. The flip side: 31% negative is higher than I like to see. Complaints center on damage, late or canceled crews, and a management team that doesn't always handle problems well when they come up. If you go with Liberty Bell, ask specifically about their damage resolution process before signing anything.
Years in business: 16 | DOT #: 1846942
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Accepts cash and credit card. Deposit required.
Phone: (207) 890-7475
Bisson Moving & Storage
85 Eisenhower Drive, Westbrook, ME 04092 71% positive | 25% negative | 4.44 / 5
Yelp (16 reviews) | Google (67 reviews) | BBB: A+
Bisson has been in operation for 105 years, which puts them in a different tier than most local companies. They handle local, interstate, and international moves, and the service list reflects it: crating, antiques, grandfather clocks, full-valuation coverage. About 71% of 87 reviews are positive, with customers citing careful handling, punctual crews, and reliable pricing. The 25% negative feedback covers property damage, communication breakdowns, and unexpected charges. Fewer reviews overall than some competitors, but the A+ BBB rating and century of experience carry real weight on a move this long.
Years in business: 105 | DOT #: 125550
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Accepts credit card.
Phone: (207) 591-1000
Allen & Coles Moving Systems
75 Pinetree Industrial Park, Portland, ME 04102 86% positive | 13% negative | 4.34 / 5
Allen & Coles is an authorized agent for North American Van Lines, which gives you the backing of a major carrier combined with a regional operator who knows the Portland market. Of 194 reviews, 86% are positive — the second-best positive rate on this list. Customers highlight on-time arrivals, careful handling, and crews that communicate proactively. The 13% negative feedback is mostly billing surprises and slow claims resolution. Worth a quote, especially if you want a national carrier's infrastructure behind your local crew.
Years in business: 38 | DOT #: 070851
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, antiques, crating, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Accepts credit card.
Phone: (207) 370-6323
Integrity Movers
95 Pleasant Hill Rd, Unit I, Scarborough, ME 04074 80% positive | 18% negative | 4.22 / 5
Of 234 reviews, 80% are positive — customers consistently mention polite crews, fast work, and belongings arriving intact. The A+ BBB rating supports that picture. The 18% negative feedback covers furniture damage, late arrivals, and charges above the quoted price. The pattern I notice isn't that problems occur — they happen with every mover — it's that Integrity gets flagged for not following through when they do. On a 2,100-mile move, how a company handles problems matters as much as how they handle the furniture.
DOT #: 2333228
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing. Accepts cash and credit card.
Phone: (207) 233-5545
Local moving services in Portland, ME
Here's a snapshot of which specialty services are available among the 9 Portland movers that handle interstate moves:
| Service | Movers Offering | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 7 | 77.78% |
| Small moves | 3 | 33.33% |
| Antiques | 6 | 66.67% |
| Art | 5 | 55.56% |
| Pianos | 9 | 100.0% |
| Fragile-only packing | 6 | 66.67% |
Cost to move from Portland, ME to Colorado
At roughly 2,132 miles, this is a long-haul move in every sense. Use the MoveFinders moving cost calculator to dial in a tighter number for your specific situation. Here's how the ranges break down by service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,318 – $5,630 | $1,085 – $2,860 | $1,115 – $2,130 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,648 – $8,402 | $1,951 – $4,362 | $1,283 – $2,561 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,843 – $12,033 | $2,844 – $5,841 | $1,555 – $3,433 |
Estimates based on a 2,132-mile move from Portland, ME to Colorado using rate data compiled as of January 2026. Actual costs vary based on move size, added services, access issues, fuel prices, and timing. Get quotes from several movers for the most accurate pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Portland to Colorado
For a studio or one-bedroom, full-service movers run $1,318 to $5,630. That spread is wide — the high end reflects peak-season pricing, full packing services, and specialty handling. Two- to three-bedroom moves typically run $3,648 to $8,402. A four-bedroom-or-larger home lands between $6,843 and $12,033. If you're landing near the top of those ranges, see what full-service movers would actually quote for your inventory — three quotes minimum before you commit.
Cost of moving containers from Portland to Colorado
If you'd rather load on your own schedule and avoid the per-hour clock, moving containers are worth serious consideration. A studio or one-bedroom runs $1,085 to $2,860. Two to three bedrooms lands at $1,951 to $4,362. A four-bedroom-plus move with containers costs $2,844 to $5,841 — roughly half what you'd pay for full-service movers at the high end of the market.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to Colorado
A rental truck is the cheapest option on paper — if you're willing to drive 2,100-plus miles yourself. Studio or one-bedroom: $1,115 to $2,130. Two to three bedrooms: $1,283 to $2,561. Four bedrooms or larger: $1,555 to $3,433. These estimates include average fuel costs. What they don't include is the physical toll of a multi-day cross-country drive and the full responsibility for your belongings if anything goes wrong on the road.
Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to CO
A few variables move the needle more than others on a route this long:
- Move size: Volume and weight drive the final bill more than anything else. More rooms means more cost — full stop.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season in Maine, and prices run higher June through August. Availability tightens too.
- DIY vs. professional: Going DIY cuts the dollar cost but adds physical labor, driving time, and real logistical risk. It's the right call for some moves — not for most four-bedroom households.
What you should know before moving from Portland to CO
Making the move from Portland to Colorado often means trading a higher-cost small city for a state with more financial room to breathe — at least on paper. Here's what the numbers actually look like.
Compare cost of living: Portland vs. Colorado
| Portland, ME | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,991 | $1,594 |
| Average home cost | $542,001 | $541,072 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $87,598 |
| Cost of living index | 112 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 5.49% |
Portland sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation. Colorado sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
- Rent in Colorado is about 20% lower than in Portland. If you're renting, that difference shows up in your bank account every month.
- Home prices are nearly identical — don't expect a dramatic deal if you're buying.
- Per capita income in Colorado runs about 37% above Portland's, which can significantly change your financial picture.
- Colorado's cost of living index sits at 91 versus Portland's 112 — roughly 19% cheaper overall.
- Colorado's unemployment rate is about 21% lower than Portland's, pointing to a tighter, more active job market.
- State income tax is close: 5.49% in Colorado versus 5.8% in Maine. Not a dramatic swing either direction.
How life is different in Portland, ME from Colorado
| Portland, ME | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 5,877,610 |
| Political leaning | Republican 50-48 | Democrat 54-46 |
| Summer high | 79°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 11°F | 13°F |
| Annual rain | 49" | 16" |
| Annual snow | 61" | 63" |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 36.4 |
Portland sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces. Colorado sources: Wikipedia, Walk Score, AirNow, NeighborhoodScout.
- In the last presidential election, Colorado leaned Democrat 54-46; Portland went Republican 50-48.
- Summer heat in Colorado reaches about 86°F versus Portland's 79°F. That's a noticeable difference outdoors — and in your cooling bills.
- Winter lows are nearly identical at 13°F in Colorado and 11°F in Portland. Your cold-weather gear makes the trip.
- Rainfall drops dramatically — 16 inches a year in Colorado versus 49 in Portland. If you're worn down by gray and wet, this is a real lifestyle shift.
- Snowfall is comparable at 63 inches versus 61 inches, but Colorado's tends to be drier and at higher elevations. Different character, similar volume.
- Colorado's crime index (36.4) is modestly higher than Portland's (32.16). Research specific neighborhoods before you commit to one.
Other considerations when moving to Colorado
Before the truck pulls away, cover the logistics that tend to trip people up:
- HOA rules: Check community regulations before moving day. Some have specific restrictions on move-in windows and equipment.
- Elevator reservation: If you're moving into a multi-story building, reserve the elevator in advance — many require it.
- Truck parking permits: Some Colorado cities require permits for moving trucks on the street. Check local rules before you arrive.
- State licensing: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates intrastate movers in Colorado. Verify any company you hire is properly licensed before signing anything.
- Moving permits: Colorado doesn't require a general moving permit, but check local parking rules for your specific destination.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move date so mail starts forwarding on time.
- Moving insurance: Movers are required to offer Released Value Protection at no charge — but that only covers 60 cents per pound per item. On a 2,100-mile move, that's not meaningful coverage for anything valuable. Ask about full-value protection or look into a third-party policy before you sign.
- Moving checklist: Use the MoveFinders moving checklist to track everything from utility transfers to account updates. The details stack up fast on a long-distance move.
Things to do in Colorado
Once you're settled, Colorado gives you a lot to explore.
Museums in Colorado
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Argo Mill and Tunnel
- Rosemount Museum
- Benson Park Sculpture Garden
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Parks in Colorado
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Sports teams in Colorado
- Denver Broncos (NFL)
- Denver Barbarians (RSL)
- Denver Nuggets (NBA)
- Colorado Rockies (MLB)
- Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
Universities in Colorado
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Colorado State University
- University of Denver
- United States Air Force Academy
- University of Colorado Denver
FAQ
How long does a move from Portland to Colorado take?
Most moves on this route take six to seventeen days, depending on the company and service level. Summer moves are more prone to delays — demand is high and crews are stretched thin. Before you book, ask for a specific delivery window rather than a rough estimate. That window matters when you're planning around work, leases, and utilities.
How many movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
Seven Portland-area movers offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items, including artwork, antiques, and electronics. If you have pieces that need specialized handling, confirm the crating capabilities with any company before booking — not all operations have the same level of expertise.
What is the best way to get a car from Portland to Colorado?
Auto transport is the practical choice for a move of this distance. Look for a carrier that's properly licensed, carries adequate insurance, and has a track record on long routes. Our guide to auto transport and car shipping companies covers what to look for and how to compare quotes.
Why are people moving from Portland to Colorado?
The combination of a lower cost of living, a stronger job market, and access to serious outdoor recreation — skiing, hiking, climbing — draws a lot of Northeasterners. The income gap helps too. Colorado's per capita income running 37% higher than Portland's makes it easier to build financial stability while also paying less for housing and day-to-day expenses.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Portland?
The five companies profiled above are your strongest options for this specific route. For a broader look at vetted long-distance movers that service Maine, run your move details through the MoveFinders calculator to see which companies actually cover your origin and destination.
Can I pay for my move from Portland, ME, with cash?
Three Portland movers accept cash, but it's not the industry standard. Most companies prefer traceable payments, and credit card is the norm. Expect to pay a deposit upfront to lock your date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm accepted payment methods and timing directly with your mover before signing.