Frequently Asked Questions

How much do movers cost in Portland?The cost of movers in Portland depends on your move because every move is different. The size of your home, number of movers needed, stairs, elevators, distance, packing, heavy items, and other factors can all affect how long your move takes.At Lakeford Moving, we work closely with each client before moving day to understand the details of their move and provide the most accurate estimate possible.How do hourly moving rates work in Oregon?Moving companies in Oregon are regulated by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). For moves within Oregon, authorized household goods movers must follow an applicable tariff that establishes their rates, rules, and services.You can learn more directly from the Oregon Department of Transportation's Household Goods Moving page:https://www.oregon.gov/odot/MCT/Pages/Household-Goods-Moving.aspxFor local Portland moves, there are different approved ways that moving time may be calculated. Two terms you may come across are Origin to Destination and Terminal to Terminal.Origin to Destination — $187.30/hour for 2 movers + truckWith Origin-to-Destination billing, the moving clock starts when the movers arrive at your pickup location and ends when the move is completed at your destination.Terminal to Terminal — $150.35/hour for 2 movers + truckLakeford Moving uses a Terminal-to-Terminal rate for applicable local moves. This means the hourly rate is lower, but billable time includes the travel time from our terminal to your pickup location and the return travel time after your move.In simple terms: $187.30/hour starts at your home, while $150.35/hour includes applicable travel time to and from our terminal.This is one reason Lakeford Moving specializes heavily in Portland and nearby communities. The closer your move is to our local service area, the easier it is for us to keep travel time reasonable while offering the lower Terminal-to-Terminal hourly rate.How can I check if a moving company is authorized in Oregon?Oregon has specific requirements for companies transporting household goods. ODOT explains that moves between two points within Oregon must be performed by an authorized household goods mover.You can read ODOT's household goods mover requirements here:https://www.oregon.gov/odot/MCT/Pages/Household-Goods-Mover-Application-Process.aspxYou can also check whether a moving company is authorized by viewing ODOT's official Authorized Household Goods Movers List:https://www.oregon.gov/odot/MCT/Pages/Household-Goods-Authorized-Movers-List.aspxAt Lakeford Moving, we believe customers should understand what they are paying for before moving day. We explain your hourly rate, estimated moving time, expected travel time, crew size, and any additional charges that may apply to your move.Every move is different. Contact Lakeford Moving for a personalized Portland moving estimate based on your home, locations, inventory, and specific moving needs.

Yes. We are fully licensed and insured to operate in Oregon. We carry liability and cargo insurance to help protect your belongings throughout the moving process, giving you peace of mind from start to finish.

Yes. We move upright and baby grand pianos using specialized equipment and proper techniques to ensure they are transported safely. Let us know the type of piano and any stairs or access challenges when requesting your quote.

Yes. We can move most residential and commercial safes. Because safes vary significantly in size and weight, we'll ask a few questions beforehand to determine the appropriate equipment and crew needed for a safe move.

While our team takes every precaution to protect your belongings, accidents can occasionally happen. If damage occurs, please notify us as soon as possible so we can inspect the item and begin our claims process. We work hard to resolve any issues fairly and promptly.

Yes. We offer high-quality moving boxes, wardrobe boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, stretch wrap, and tape. We can even bring the necessary packing materials on moving day if requested.

For safety and legal reasons, we cannot transport hazardous materials, flammable liquids, propane tanks, explosives, ammunition, or certain chemicals. We also recommend that customers transport important documents, jewelry, medications, cash, and other irreplaceable valuables themselves.

Before moving day, we recommend labeling boxes by room, disconnecting electronics, setting aside valuables and important documents, and ensuring walkways are clear. If you have pets or young children, arranging for someone to watch them can also help the move go more smoothly.Refer to our HELPFUL TIPS page for more info.

We focus on honest pricing, reliable service, careful handling of your belongings, and excellent customer communication. Our experienced movers are committed to making your move as stress-free as possible, whether you're moving across town or across the state.

Who does Lakeford Moving work with?At Lakeford Moving, we move people — not just their belongings. As a local Portland moving company, we’re proud to serve people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, abilities, and living situations throughout Portland and the surrounding areas.We’ve helped young adults, college students, individuals, couples, families, seniors, businesses, people with disabilities, and customers with unique or special moving needs. From a first apartment or family home to a senior living transition, office relocation, or simply moving a few pieces of furniture, every move is worth our time.Proudly LGBTQ+ Friendly & Welcoming to EveryoneLakeford Moving is proudly LGBTQ+ friendly and welcoming to everyone. We believe every customer deserves to feel safe, comfortable, and respected when inviting a moving crew into their home.Who you are, who you love, where you come from, your age, ability, or personal circumstances will never change the level of care and respect you receive from our team. Our doors are open to everyone.Every Move Is Different — And That’s OkayThere is no such thing as a “standard” move. Some customers need a complete residential moving service, while others may only need help with a couch, a few heavy pieces of furniture, or loading a moving container.Our Portland movers regularly help with residential moves, apartment moves, senior moving, office and commercial moves, packing and unpacking, labor-only moving, furniture assembly and disassembly, and loading or unloading PODs and other moving containers.We also understand that some moves require a little more patience, communication, flexibility, or planning. That’s never a problem. We take the time to understand each customer’s situation and adjust whenever we reasonably can to make the moving process easier.Moving can be unpredictable. Plans change, closing dates move, unexpected situations come up, and sometimes a move looks completely different on moving day than it did when it was originally planned. Our approach is to communicate, adapt, and find a solution.'At the end of the day, every move is worth our time. Whether you're moving an entire home or simply need an extra set of hands, Lakeford Moving is committed to providing dependable, respectful, and professional moving services to everyone we have the opportunity to serve.Lakeford Moving is a Portland moving company for everyone.