Expert Advice For Moving to Oregon

Life in Oregon isn’t exactly as depicted in the show Portlandia. Sure, you’ll find slices of eccentricity in Portland, but you may be surprised what else the Beaver State has to offer. From natural wonders and majestic open spaces to outstanding food and craft beer (plus, no sales tax!), this Pacific Northwest gem continues to be a top destination for those looking for a refreshing change of scenery.

Are you moving to Oregon? Great Guys Moving has compiled a comprehensive guide covering what you should know: things to consider before moving here, best places to live, an interstate moving checklist, and a rundown of the moving services our network of reputable Oregon movers provides. We hope this helps you make an informed decision and allows you to move forward with confidence.

---

Living in Oregon: What to Know Before Moving to Oregon

Considering a move to Oregon, the 27th most populous state in the nation? With a state size of 98,466 square miles and a population of 4.19 million, this northwestern state has several pros and cons. Here’s our list of things to consider.

Pros and Cons of Living in Oregon

Pros:

• No Sales Tax: You read that right, no sales tax! Typically, the price you see is the price you pay. The state, however, does have a higher personal income tax rate.
• Outdoor Activities Galore: If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll fall in love with Oregon! From hiking and whitewater rafting to world-class skiing, there are endless adventures to be had.
• Pro-Bicycle: Cities like Portland and Eugene offer miles of bike paths, tours, and club events. Portland specifically is considered the top city for biking in America.
• Decent Weather: Yes, Western Oregon gets a lot of rain. But compared to many other US states, Oregon has many sunny days and relatively low humidity.
• Strong Economy: The state ranks in the Top 10 for fastest growing state economies. This growth is projected to continue with an ever-increasing population and job opportunities.
• Low Carbon Footprint: Home to the most certified environmentally friendly buildings in the country, Oregon has a super low carbon footprint. Portland is one of the world’s greenest cities.

Cons:

• High Cost of Living: Currently ranked 2nd worst state to make a living, Oregon’s cost of living index (129.5) is nearly one third higher than the national average.
• Overall Tax Burden: Income tax ranges from 5 to 9.9 percent, placing the state in the Top 10 for highest income tax. It currently has the nineteenth highest local and state tax burden in the country.
• Test Scores:Oregonian students have lower test scores compared to other states. Regardless, students graduate high school and attain college more than the national average.
• Rain: Pluviophiles (or people who love rain) may not mind, but rain is very much a part of life in Western Oregon. Some western areas get up to 200 inches, while eastern areas see as little as 5–10 inches.
• Lack of Professional Sports:Though home to the Portland Trailblazers (NBA) and Portland Timbers (MLS), Oregon only has one pro basketball team and one pro soccer team.
• Potential Earthquakes: Sharing the same risk as Washington and California, the state is due for a big one (8.0 or higher). Coastal towns would also have to contend with a devastating tsunami.
• Can’t Pump Own Gas: All gas stations in Oregon are either minimum service or full service. Of course, many people might consider this more of a pro than a con.

Is Oregon a Nice Place to Live?

Oregon is a great place to live because it’s one of the most eco-friendly states in the country, has a strong, growing economy, and offers an abundance of job opportunities. Portland takes pride in being one of the greenest cities in the U.S. with environmentally-friendly buildings and miles upon miles of bike paths that make it the premier city in the country for biking. The rest of Oregon isn’t far behind either with many other areas boasting very low carbon footprints. The Beaver State also offers a plethora of opportunities for outdoor recreation, from beautiful Pacific Coast beaches to the peaks of the Cascade Range.

Tax Rates

Property Tax: The state ranks #30 for the lowest property tax rates in America. The effective real-estate tax rate in 2019 is 1.04%.

Sales Tax: 0%. Oregon does not have a general sales tax.

Income Tax: Varies between 5% and 9.9%, depending on your income bracket.

• First $3,350 = 5%
• Between $3,351 and $8,400 = 7%
• Between $8,401 and $125,000 = 9%
• $125,001 and above = 9.9%

Housing Market

Do more people rent or own homes? Rent vs. buy depends on the county and region. In general, the cost of renting versus buying can be very close in cities like Portland. Because in many areas, rents were exceedingly high, Oregon passed rent control legislation in March 2019. Each September, the rent cap will be calculated for the next calendar year.

Median home price: The current median home value is $346,000. Home values went up nearly 5% in 2019 the past year, and the prediction is that they’ll rise 1.7% in the coming year.

Average rental expense: The median rent in Oregon is $1,785 while rent for a family of four in the Portland metro area comes in at $1,350/month. A family of four pays about $970/month in Eugene.

Cost of Living

Though 30% higher than the national average, Oregon’s cost of living is fairly reasonable when compared to California or New York.

Let’s use the Family Budget Calculator to examine the cost of living in two cities. First, we’ll take a look at Portland. A family of four in the Portland metropolitan area pays the following: $1,348 for housing, $903 for food, $1,233 for childcare, $1,189 for transportation, $1,076 for healthcare, $908 for other necessities, and $1,113 for taxes, adding up to a grand total of $7,771 per month or $93,252 per year.

Now, let’s take a look at Eugene. A family of four living in the Central Oregon city pays the following: $967 for housing, $761 for food, $1,414 for childcare, $1,186 for transportation, $983 for healthcare, $697 for other necessities, and $1,179 for taxes, totaling $7,188 per month or $86,252 per year.

Of course, expenses will vary according to personal needs, region, and family size. If you’re hoping to keep your cost of living expenses down, some of the cheaper places to live are in the eastern part of the state such as Pendleton, Baker City, Hermiston, and Umatilla.

Weather & Natural Disasters

Varied geography creates considerable climate differences in Oregon. The Pacific Ocean modulates coastal temperatures while central and eastern Oregon have more dramatic temperature fluctuations. Summers are typically dry and warm while winters are cool to cold and wet. The average summer highs are 82 degrees F with lows of 53. Average winter highs are 46 degrees F with lows of 34. Portland has almost 150 days of sunshine and about 160 or so rainy days. About 42 inches of rain falls each year compared to the national average rainfall of 37 inches. However, rainfall varies greatly across the state, with eastern areas seeing less than 5 inches and some western pockets getting up to 200 inches!

To live in Oregon is to experience weather…and natural disasters. Here’s a list of potential ones.

1. Tornadoes and hurricanes are very rare but can happen.
2. Wildfires
3. Earthquakes
4. Tsunamis
5. Floods
6. Landslides
7. Volcanic activity

Economy & Job Market

Oregon has one of the strongest job markets and state economies in America and is currently ranked #5 by usnews.com. Currently #2 for growth, #11 for employment, and #19 for business environment, the state has experienced tremendous growth in recent years.

Major Employers:

1. Nike
2. Daimler Trucks North America
3. Precision Castparts
4. State of Oregon
5. Oregon Health & Science University
6. Banfield Pet Hospital
7. American Steel LLC
8. Lithia Motors
9. Saia
10. The Greenbrier Companies

Top Industries:

1. Architecture and Engineering
2. Management
3. Life, Physical, and Social Science
4. Healthcare
5. High Technology
6. Computer and Mathematics
7. Advanced Manufacturing
8. Forestry & Wood Products
9. Food & Beverage
10. Outdoor Gear & Apparel

Here’re some great resources for Oregon newcomers seeking employment:

1. Oregon.gov page: Find a Job in Oregon
2. Job search sites: CareerBuilder, CollegeRecruiter, Indeed, LinkedIn
3. Resume creation and distribution: Monster, ResumeRobin, TopResume

Get Moving Quotes

Traffic and Transportation

Oregon roads have become more congested over the past few years. Between 2015 and 2017, freeway delays went up by approximately 20%. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), traffic congestion is getting worse in Portland. The ODOT is exploring several solutions, including tolling, auxiliary lanes, bike routes, transit options, and intelligent transportation systems.

Transit consists of international & regional airports, train, MAX light rail, streetcars, electric vehicles, bicycles, buses, taxis, Lyft, and Uber. Oregon has about 8,000 miles of state highways. Major thoroughfares include, but are not limited to, Interstate 84, US Route 26, Oregon Route 140, Interstate 5, and Willamette Highway No. 18. Notable bridges and tunnels are the Bridge of the Gods and Robertson Tunnel. The major highways than transect Oregon are Interstate 5 which runs north-south, and Interstate 84, which runs east-west along the Columbia River.

Things to Do

Oregon is known for being an artsy, creative, and outdoorsy state. But you’ll find just about every kind of entertainment option you could wish for in the Beaver State.

• Amusement Parks: Enchanted Forest, Family Fun Center (Willamette Valley), High Life Adventures (zip lines), Sand Master Park, Topgolf, Camp Putt Adventure Golf, Amazon Center, Milwaukie Cinema & Wunderland, Glowing Greens Mini Golf, and Molalla Train Park.
• Aquariums & Zoos: Seaside Aquarium, Oregon Zoo, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Sea Lion Caves, Silver Falls Alpacas, Oregon Undersea Gardens, Wildlife Safari, Oregon Coast Aquarium, Charleston Marine Life Center, The Great Cats World Park, and Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.
• Art Galleries & Studios: Portland Art Museum, Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, McKenzie River Chainsaw & Arts Festival, Liquid Lights Glassworks, Currents Gallery, Willamette Art Center, Shaffer Fine Art Gallery, The Firehouse Gallery, The Dalles Art Center, and Ryan Gallery.
• Casinos: The Mill Casino, Seven Feathers Casino Resort, Chinook Casino Resort, Old Camp Casino, Three Rivers Casino Resort, Indian Head Casino, Kla-Mo-Ya Casino, Wildhorse Resort & Casino, Kah-Nee-Ta High Desert Resort & Casino, and Spirit Mountain Casino.
• Museums: Seaside Historical Society Museum, Albany Carousel Museum, Columbia River Maritime Museum, World of Speed, Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum, Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum, and National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.
• Pools & Aquatic Centers: Wings & Waves Waterpark, Hood River Waterplay, Mcminnville Aquatic Center, Splash! Lively Park Swim Center, Madras Aquatic Center, Oregon City Pool, Ella Redkey Pool, Echo Hollow Pool / Fitness Center, and North Clackamas Aquatic Park.
• Theater & Performing Arts: Elsinore Theatre, Liberty Theater, Camelot Theatre, Miracle Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Elgin Opera House, Oregon Coast Music Festival, Oregon Symphony, Hult Center for the Performing arts, Britt Music Festival, and White Bird.
• Shopping: Seaside Antique Mall, Columbia Gorge Outlets, Washington Square, Woodburn Premium Outlets, The Old Mill District, The Sand Bucket, Donna Kupp’s Bookstore, Bernards Farm, Escape Fiction Books, Beanstalk, US Outdoor Store, The Wy’East Store, The Merri Artist.
• Food & Drink: Voodoo Doughnut and Wedding Chapel, Rimsky-Korsakoffee House, Pok Pok, Horse Brass Pub, Pelican Pub & Brewery, Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge, The Abyss, Tasty n Sons, Le Pigeon, New Seasons Market, Otis Café, Ariana, Phillips Candies, The Joel Palmer House.
• Outdoor Adventures: Thor’s Well, Washington Park, Anthony Lake, Multnomah Falls, Crater Lake, Painted Hills, Tillamook Head, Goonie Trails, Lost Lake, Lava River Cave, Haystack Rock, Mount Hood, Hole in the Ground, Metolius Balancing Rocks, Fort Rock, and Oneonta Gorge.
• Tours & Architecture:Inn at Seaside, Butterfield Cottage, Wanderlust Tours, Lan Su Chinese Gardens, Willamette Valley, South Coast Tours, Pearl District, Whale Research EcoExcursions, Portland’s Shanghai Tunnels, Vista House, Heceta Head Lighthouse, and The Witch’s Castle.
• Quirky: Starks Vacuum Museum, Mill Ends Park (world’s smallest park), Brewpub Movie Theater, “Keep Portland Weird” sign, Witches Castle at Forest Park, Jetliner in the Woods, roller derby bout at Rose City Rollers, Paul Bunyan statue, Naked Bike Ride, and Freakybutrue Pecularium.

Schools and Universities

Oregon offers several highly-rated public school districts. The state is also home to top colleges and universities, typically ranging from small to midsize.

Top 5 School Districts:

1. Lake Oswego School District (Lake Oswego)
2. West Linn-Wilsonville School District (Tualatin)
3. Corvallis School District (Corvallis)
4. Ashland School District (Ashland)
5. Beaverton School District (Beaverton)

Top 5 Colleges:

1. Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT)
2. University of Portland
3. Lewis & Clark College
4. University of Oregon
5. Oregon State University

How to Become an Oregon Resident

Becoming an official Oregonian is as simple as establishing residency for at least 12 months. This requirement also extends to college students who want to take advantage of resident tuition rates. You must surrender your out-of-state driver’s license, obtain an Oregon license or ID, and register your vehicle (see below).

Hire Trusted Movers

Moving to Oregon DMV

You’ll need to secure an Oregon driver’s license within 30 days of moving to the state. Here are the requirements for doing so:

Under 18

1. Must be 16 or 17 years old
2. Prepare for Safe Practices knowledge test
3. Instruction permit for six months
4. Complete 100 hours of supervised driving (50 hours if passed an approved driver ed course)
5. Schedule drive test (call local DMV)
6. On test day, have proof of physical address and ID and be able to pass a vision test
7. If you pass the driving test, be ready to pay a fee
8. Take a picture for a new license

Over 18

1. Study Oregon Driver Manual
2. Fill out the application and submit local DMV office
3. Show proof of residence and ID
4. Pass vision test
5. Take practice knowledge test and get driver training (optional)
6. Schedule a driving test (call local DMV)
7. Pass drive test
8. Pay fees and get a picture taken

Qualifications for voter’s registration

1. Must be a US citizen
2. Must be an Oregon Resident
3. Must be at least 16 years old (must be 18 by election day)
4. 21-day deadline before election day

Process for vehicle registration

As a new resident, you must title and register your out-of-state vehicle within 30 days. Check out the Tilting and Registering Your Vehicle page for more info.

Best Movers in Oregon

---

Best Places to Live in Oregon

Not sure where you want to put down roots? Check out some of the top places to call home across the state:

Ashland

Population: 21,100
Median Home Value: $461,800
Region: Western Oregon

Situated in Jackson County, Ashland is only 16 miles away from California’s northern border. The small city is surrounded by natural wonders and has a sociable, culturally rich vibe due to its acclaimed Oregon Shakespeare Festival. This festival has made it the cultural center of southern Oregon. Families, retirees, and young professionals alike call this small-town home, and most residents are homeowners.

Attractions include the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Lithia Park, Ashland Springs Hotel, and Schneider Museum of Art. For foodies, there’s Hither Coffee & Goods, Caldera Brewing, New Sammy’s Cowboy Bistro, Morning Glory (breakfast spot), and Alchemy, a bar known for its cocktails). Outdoor activities are at your fingertips via Mt. Ashland Ski Resort, Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, Oredson-Todd Woods, Ashland Watershed Trail (aka Alice’s Hiking Trails in Wonderland), and Emigrant Lake. The 1 ½ hour drive northeast to Crater Lake National Park is definitely worth your time.

Top public schools include Ashland High School, John Muir Elementary School, Ashland Middle School, Bellview Elementary School, and Walker Elementary School. Ashland is also home to Southern Oregon University (SOU).

Though there can be a bias against Californians, you can understand why residents want to keep this place to themselves. Nonetheless, folks here are extremely friendly. Those wanting the perfect balance of culture, breathtaking scenery, creative cuisine, and year-round outdoor activities will surely be impressed by what this charming town has to offer.

Beaverton

Population: 98,000
Median Home Value: $389,100
Region: Western Oregon

Consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in America, Beaverton is in Washington County near Portland. Younger professionals and families live here, and most residents are homeowners with moderate political leanings. As a suburb of Portland, this community of about 100,000 maintains a friendly, cozy feel.

It may rain a lot, but there’s a ton of character and things to do here. Activities and attractions include Beaverton Farmers Market, Columbia River Gorge, The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District which oversees 90+ parks, and a huge foodie scene. It also has a thriving job market, with major employers such as IBM, Intel, Nike, Maxim Integrated, and Columbia Sportswear.

The public school system is exceptional in Beaverton. Top public schools include School of Science & Technology, Westview High School, International School of Beaverton (high school), Hope Chinese Charter School, and Sunset High School. Public transportation is highly rated, with TriMet as the crowning jewel that serves the Portland metro area.

If you’re in search of a family-friendly place with a relatively affordable cost of living and great cultural, business, and recreational opportunities, then Beaverton offers a trifecta that’s hard to beat.

Eugene

Population: 169,000
Median Home Value: $313,200
Region: Western Oregon

Eugene’s slogan says it clearly: “A great city for the arts and outdoors.” It’s easy to see why. Located in the southern part of Willamette Valley, Eugene is the third largest city in Oregon. Offering stellar education, growing job opportunities, and less congestion, The Emerald City is appreciated by residents for its clean and greenways.

Known for the University of Oregon (UO), Eugene is a bike-friendly town filled with culture (Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and Museum of Natural & Cultural History), a vibrant downtown, parks (Skinner Butte), bridges and trails (The Autzen Foot Bridge and Ruth Bascom Riverbank Trail), beverages (First National Taphouse, The Bier Stein carries 1,000+ kinds of beer, and Townshend’s Eugene Teahouse), public transportation (Eugene Station / EmX), rivers (Willamette River and McKenzie River), college sports (UO’s Autzen Stadium), and peak hiking (Mount Pisgah).

Though it has many pros, there are downsides to living here, too. These include a slightly higher cost of living compared to state and national averages and a limited number of higher paying jobs. Overall, Eugene offers high-quality green-living with beautiful scenery, smaller crowds, and little traffic.

If you’re a nature lover looking for a friendly, peaceful, and unpretentious place to live, this Pacific Northwest city will not disappoint.

Get Started

Lake Oswego

Population: 39,200
Median Home Value: $654,300
Region: Western Oregon

Ideal for families, Lake Oswego, situated primarily in Clackamas County, is not your typical suburb. Close to Portland, this vibrant yet laid-back community has engaged citizens and a host of resources, from recreational opportunities and bike paths to a booming downtown and exceptional education.

Popular attractions include the inactive volcano, Mount Sylvania, Lakewood Center for Fine Arts, and a plethora of Victorian houses. Downtown offers myriad cultural, entertainment, and retail experiences. And if you’re looking for leisurely pursuits and culinary delights, there’s Oswego Lake Country Club, Oswego Public Golf Course, 24 parks (including Waluga Park), Chuckie Pies, Riccardo’s Ristorante, Tucci Restaurant, and Oswego Grill. Annual events include the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market, Star Spangled Parade and Celebration, Movies in the Park, and Summer Concerts.

With a median home value well north of $600K, this lake community is among the most expensive in Oregon, but you get what you pay for. The public-school system is highly rated and includes schools such as Lake Oswego Senior High School, West Linn High School, Oak Creek Elementary School, and Three Rivers Charter School. The top private school is Westside Christian High School.

If you have the wherewithal, Lake Oswego offers lovely homes, stunning lake living, and an affluent community wrapped up in small-town charm.

Portland

Population: 647,800
Median Home Value: $422,500
Region: Western Oregon

While quirky and artsy may be your wheelhouse (and Portland has this in spades), this celebrated Northeastern city has even more to offer. As Oregon’s largest city, Portland is considered a Top 10 city to live in the United States. Though its unofficial slogan is “keep Portland weird,” the city has a thriving job market, distinct four seasons, next-level culinary scene, and endless recreational opportunities.

As one of the most creative cities in America, Portland embraces the inventive and ingenious like no other. This creativity has translated not only to unfettered freedom of expression and a booming art scene, but also an abundance of maverick businesses and leading-edge startups. The tech industry is also big here, with major employers such as Intel, Tektronix, InFocus, Pixelworks, Hewlett-Packard, Planar, Epson, and Xerox.

A highly educated city, Portland is home to numerous museums, art galleries, eccentric shops, and the West Coast’s oldest public library. Portlandians also like their sports. Beloved teams include the Portland Trailer Blazers (NBA), the Portland Timbers (MLS), and the Portland Winterhawks (junior ice hockey).

If weird is your thing, Portland’s got your back. But if you’re in the market for a friendly metropolis with genuinely nice people, The City of Roses offers a unique blend of well-rounded, offbeat, suburban, and outdoorsy living.

Bend

Population: 95,000
Median Home Value: $440,400
Region: Central Oregon

There’s a reason Oregon is one of the Top 3 states people are moving to, and Bend is one of the top reasons why. Located along the Deschutes River and the eastern edge of the Cascade Range in the high desert of Deschutes County, Bend is Central Oregon’s biggest city. It has a decidedly suburban vibe, and residents tend to lean toward the liberal side of politics even though Deschutes County is largely conservative.

Known for its outdoor splendor and craft beer, Bend has seen an uptick in tourism and population. “Work hard, play hard” is the prevailing philosophy here. Jobs in healthcare, hospitality, tourism, and retail are plentiful, along with popular weekly activities such as mountain biking, rocking climbing, whitewater rafting, and more. Everything is within a 15-minute drive, and the city has made it extremely easy to get around by bicycle with a bevy of bike paths and lanes.

The cost of living is higher than the national average, but compared to other parts of the state, it’s more than reasonable. Top public schools include Summit High School, Highland Magnet School at Kenwood, Realms Middle School, William E. Miller Elementary School. Local colleges include Oregon State University-Cascades (OSU-Cascades) and Central Oregon Community College (COCC).

As one of the sunniest cities in Oregon – it has nearly 160 of cloudless days plus 105 that are slightly cloudy – Bend offers a breath of literal and figurative fresh air, outdoor adventures, and active living ideal for the young and young at heart.

Sisters

Population: 2,700
Median Home Value: $450,300
Region: Central Oregon

As the smaller sibling of Bend, Sisters, named after the Three Sisters mountains, is a quaint town with a mixture of artsy and small-town vibes. Even though the population doubled between 2000 and 2010, the rustic city is home to less than 3,000 people. Most residents own their homes, and the public schools are above average. With big charm in a small package, Sisters offers rich culture and limitless nature.

Free of neon signs and filled with wood-paneled stores, the area has a 19th-century Western town aesthetic. The Wild West lives on in the area’s affinity for quilting, craftsmanship, and all things horses. Local schools include Sisters Elementary, Sisters Middle School, and Sisters High School.

Known for its festivals and numerous traditions, Sisters has events which include Sisters Rodeo, Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, and Sisters Folk Festival. Nearby Suttle Lake offers great camping and fishing, while Hoodoo Ski Area is a skier’s paradise with 800 acres of ski terrain. Other popular attractions include Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway, Sisters Coffee Company, Metolius River, McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway, Five Pine Lodge, Three Creeks Brewing, Aspen Lakes Golf Course, and Peterson Ridge Trail.

If you yearn for a friendly, outdoorsy small town with a vibrant community of artists, writers, musicians, artisans, and the like, Sisters offers boundless pursuits and a wonderful place to raise a family.

Find Local Movers

Baker City

Population: 9,800
Median Home Value: $121,600
Region: Eastern Oregon

Looking for small town living in far Eastern Oregon? Baker City may be the ticket. Perfect for retirees and families alike, this town of less than 10,000 is nestled in a valley between the Elkhorn Mountains and the Wallowa Mountains. The town is a treasure trove of outdoor activities, family friendly, and has above average public schools. Diversity is low (95% white), and residents are predominantly conservative.

Known for its hiking, camping, sightseeing, boating, skiing, fishing, and hunting, you’ll find no end to fantastic outdoor living. Nightlife is limited, however, and most places close early. As for work, there are plenty of job opportunities in the healthcare industry. Baker City developed as a service center for big eastern Oregon ranches and today maintains some of its cowboy culture.

The town is fairly isolated, but most of the town’s conveniences are just a 10-minute drive away. Baker City, located on Interstate 84, also serves as a meal and rest stop for folks traveling to and from Idaho. Top public schools in the Baker School District include Baker All Prep Early College, Brooklyn Primary School, Baker Middle School, and Baker High School.

If you’re looking for a nature lover’s playground, Baker City is a great place to raise a family or retire.

---

How to Move to Oregon

The moving process can be intimidating, especially if you’re moving to Oregon from another state. Below, you’ll find an interstate moving checklist to help you successfully plan and carry out your upcoming relocation.

Start on the right foot:

• Give yourself at least 2–3 months to arrange your Oregon move.
• Compare several moving companies. Make sure they’re fully licensed and insured to handle your specific type of relocation.
• Create a list of things to do. Place it somewhere highly visible — like the fridge. Assign work to family members when applicable.
• Hire movers ASAP. Great Guys Moving takes all the guesswork out of the equation. Request free moving quotes from our vetted moving companies today!

Purge & downsize:

• This process helps save both space and money.
• Start by taking inventory of your stuff. Tour your home, noting what each room contains.
• Once you’ve completed your tour, begin purging. Create piles and bag items you want to discard, sell, donate, or recycle.
• Properly dispose of any hazardous materials: gasoline, paint, aerosol cans, chemicals, etc.

Begin packing process:

• Get your hands on quality packing materials: sturdy cardboard boxes, tape, packing peanuts, bubble wrap, etc.
• After you’ve grabbed everything, start packing several boxes a day.
• Start by filling the box bottom with heavier items. Once you’ve packed a box, use packing peanuts or other packing materials to fill spaces.
• Don’t forget to securely tape and label moving boxes.
• Continue to pack at a manageable pace (over a few weeks). Don’t procrastinate!

Hire Trusted Movers

Change address:

• Visit your local post office or go to the USPS site to change your address online.
• While you’re at it, update your address for any online services or subscriptions that are delivered to your home. These can include Amazon, subscription boxes, and Netflix.

Consider storage options:

• Whether you have to stash a few valuable possessions or an entire household, you need clean and secure storage.
• Many moving companies also offer affordable long term or storage-in-transit solutions. Contact us today to learn more!

Provide ample notice:

• If you rent, notify your landlord well ahead of time. You’ll want to leave on good terms and make sure you don’t incur additional charges or jeopardize your security deposit.
• Give employees and services (gardener, housekeeper, etc.) at least one month’s notice so they can find new work. Write a letter or card showing your appreciation.
• Tell friends, neighbors, and family about your upcoming move. You can either do this in person or via email. Don’t forget to include contact info.

Cancel & activate services:

• Schedule to have current services such as internet, cable, and utilities turned off promptly. Coordinate with new renter or homeowner, so they’ll have services when moving in.
• Make a list of services you’ll need and want at your new Oregon home or business.
• One month or so before moving, schedule new services to be turned on.

Compare Movers Now

Prep kids, pets, and yourself:

• If you have children, prepare them for this hectic time. Be clear and kind. Use a story to discuss the move. Avoid big changes to routine. If possible, explore your new area with them.
• Don’t forget about furry friends! Schedule a vet visit. Be aware that you’ll need to obtain a health certificate from an Oregon veterinarian within 30 days of moving to the state.
• Moving day can be extremely stressful for kids. Plus, pets can easily escape due to distracted owners and open doors. Schedule a play date, babysitting, or pet daycare.
• Last but not least, take care of yourself. Visit your physician, eye doctor, etc. Refill medications and prescriptions. Transfer any vital medical and school records.

Arrange travel:

• Flying to Oregon? Purchase airline tickets well in advance for best availability and rates.
• Are you driving to Oregon? If you’re taking a personal vehicle, schedule an inspection, and service (oil change, tires, etc.) your car at least two or three weeks before moving.
• Take time to plan your trip carefully. You’ll want to arrive before your movers do.
• Remember to register your vehicle within 30 days of moving to Oregon.

Deal with food and appliances:

• Have a bunch of food in your freezer, cupboards, and pantry? Eat it up to save on grocery shopping, offer it to neighbors, or donate it to charity.
• When ready, empty, and clean all appliances. This prep will ensure fridges and other bulky items won’t develop mold and will be lighter, resulting in cheaper moving costs.

Hire professional cleaners:

• If you rent, remember that a landlord can deduct cleaning services from your security deposit.
• If you own, it pays to have your old place professionally cleaned for a great showing.
• The best time for cleaners to perform their magic is right after your home has been emptied.
• New residents will greatly appreciate a clean home.

Say your goodbyes:

• This time can be emotional for both parties. Set aside enough time to spend with loved ones.
• You can either spread it across a month, a week or during a single day.
• Hang out with people individually, plan a group outing, or throw a party at your old place to celebrate your new chapter!

The week before moving:

• Touch base with your moving company. Confirm arrangements and exchange phone numbers with the truck driver in case of an emergency during transit.
• Pack a box with any essentials you’ll need at your new home. Include meds, snacks, clothing, bedding, hand tools, etc. Make sure your ‘first night’ box is easily accessible.
• The night before moving day, keep things mellow. Eat a healthy dinner, relax, and get enough sleep. You need to be sharp tomorrow.

Moving day:

• If doable, be present when the movers arrive to answer questions and give any last-minute instructions.
• Offer your movers water and snacks. It’s a nice gesture for all their hard work, and it will give them an extra boost of energy.
• Finally, it’s time to move! Before you take off, perform one last walkthrough. Make sure everything is tidy. Don’t leave any important items behind.

---

Quality Moving Services from Oregon Movers

Count on Great Guys to connect you with affordable, quality services.

Interstate Moves

Moving to Oregon soon? Congrats! This transition is a time to celebrate, not stress out. Enjoy a smooth transition to your new state with our interstate moving partners. We only work with fully licensed and insured professionals so that you can have the best experience possible.

Intrastate & Local Moves

Whether you’re relocating to another street or town in Oregon, you want to experience an intrastate move with no drama. Our local movers know Oregon like the back of their hands. Feel confident and relaxed as they take care of your packing, loading, unboxing, and everything in between.

Small Load Moves

Have a less demanding move coming up? No problem. Even though it may require less work, small load moves can still be a huge headache. Cut down on costs and stress by having us track down a licensed mover for your smaller relocation needs.

Furniture Shipments

Manhandling couches and other unwieldy furniture can lead to damages and back injuries. Why take the risk? Instead, leave it to pro furniture movers. From a handful of items to an entire household, we can help you find a furniture moving company to suit your budget.

Piano Transport

Need to transport a treasured instrument safely? Our network of highly skilled piano movers pays close attention to the details. This precision ensures that every piano, from upright to concert grand, arrives at its new destination in the same condition that it left in.

Art & Antiques

Contrary to popular belief, moving fine art and antiques doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. From personal collections to public museums, our fine art handlers come equipped with specialized skills and experience. Protect your precious pieces with our art shipping services.

Storage-in-Transit

Need a storage solution? There can be several reasons you may need temporary storage: residential or commercial relocations, renovation, travel, etc. Whatever your temporary storage needs, we can help you enjoy a seamless transition by hooking you up with inexpensive, safe, and secure storage-in-transit.

Car Shipping

Whether you’re moving cross country or just bought your dream car, you need a reliable car transport service. We’ve got you covered. Within minutes, you’ll receive quotes from top auto transport companies. Quick, easy, and affordable!

Packing Services

If you’re like most people, you probably can’t stand packing. Properly organizing, wrapping, boxing, crating, and protecting your belongings is tough work. From custom packaging to full-service solutions, our packing pros can save you oodles of time and greatly minimize the risk of damage or loss.

Residential Moves

There are so many logistics involved when moving from an apartment or house: packing, cleaning, loading, transporting, unboxing, the list goes on. You don’t have to go it alone when facing a challenging move. Click ‘Get Quote’ today to see how we can lighten your load.

Commercial Moves

Moving a business is complicated. If you hire the wrong movers, it can cost you a ton of time and money. Great Guys simplifies the process by connecting you with highly qualified office moving specialists. Focus on your business while our professional commercial relocation experts execute your move with ease.

* * *

Ready to move to the Beaver State? Request a free moving quote today!

---