Trusted Family-Owned Moving Company in Gresham, Oregon
At The Move Makers, we’re grateful to partner with moving companies that truly align with our mission: making every move as smooth and stress-free as possible. One of our most trusted partners is Priestley and Sons, a family-owned moving company based in Gresham, Oregon, with a reputation built on nearly 100 years of experience.
Recently, I spoke with managers Chris Brown and Jonathan Clayton to learn more about what sets Priestley and Sons Moving and Storage apart from other Portland-area movers.
A Legacy of Trust Since 1929
Priestley and Sons was founded in 1929 by Carroll and Clara Priestley and remains family-owned to this day. The company has operated from its current Gresham location since 1980 and employs around 20 team members—many of whom have been with the company for decades, translating experience into exceptional service.
Honest Estimates and No-Pressure Service
When a potential customer reaches out, Chris conducts a no-pressure in-person walk-through to provide a detailed moving estimate—completely free of charge. Smaller moves can often be estimated over the phone.
Priestley and Sons strictly follows all Oregon state regulations for licensed moving companies, including standardized pricing. Like all licensed movers, they are audited annually by the state to ensure everything is compliant.
Jonathan also shared helpful advice for anyone searching for a reliable moving company in Oregon: be wary of movers with little history or those unwilling to do an in-person estimate. He recommends checking Oregon’s official website to verify that a moving company is properly licensed and reputable.
Careful Handling and Insurance Peace of Mind
According to Chris, most customers choose not to purchase additional moving insurance—and for good reason. He estimates that almost all jobs result in no damage, thanks to the care and professionalism of their team. For those who want added peace of mind, he suggests checking with their personal insurance provider to see what coverage may already apply during a move.
White Glove Moving Services with a Human Touch
Priestley and Sons is known for their “white glove” moving service. While every client receives the same high level of professionalism, the team brings added compassion when helping seniors relocate. They understand that moving out of a long-time home can be emotional, and they take extra care to support clients through that transition.
Serving Portland, Bend, Seattle, and Beyond
About 90 percent of Priestley and Sons’ work takes place in the Portland metro area, as well as Bend and Seattle. However, they also offer long-distance and cross-country moving services when needed. No matter the distance, their goal remains the same: to remove stress and make the moving experience as seamless as possible.
Giving Back: A Cat Sanctuary in Gresham
Priestley and Sons also operates a cat sanctuary next to their Gresham warehouse. The team humanely traps feral cats in the area, ensures they are spayed or neutered, and provides ongoing medical care. Not only are they the utmost professionals, they are caring and give back to the community as well. It’s this dedication that makes Priestley and Sons one of The Move Makers’ preferred moving companies.
Michael Gettel-Gilmartin is an organizer for The Move Makers and a writer and blogger. He was educated in an English boarding school (no, not Hogwarts!) and has lived in eight countries. He’s been paid money for the following: writing and blogging, teaching ESL, carrying suitcases as a hotel porter, cleaning carpets, being the refined English telephone voice behind a friend’s attempt to be a literary agent, editing a Japanese dictionary, being an in-home caregiver, and singing at weddings.