Moving can be a stressful experience for anyone, but military members and their families face unique challenges during relocation. As service members are frequently relocated for new assignments, military families move on average every 2-3 years.
Finding a moving company that understands the needs of military members is crucial. The best companies provide flexible scheduling, experience with military moves, and discounted rates. We have researched and reviewed the top-rated moving companies for military families and service members.
What Makes a Good Military Moving Company?
Several factors separate the highest quality moving companies for military relocations from average movers. The best military moving companies:
- Have experience with military moves and bases. They understand protocols and have familiarity with military posts.
- Offer discounts for military members. Many companies provide 10% or more off for active duty service members.
- Provide flexible scheduling for last minute PCS moves. Military members may receive short-notice for reassignment.
- Use trucks designed for military moves. They have the right equipment to move bulky or unusual items like gun safes.
- Offer full replacement value protection plans. This covers the entire value of damaged or lost items.
- Help families with securing temporary housing. The movers assist with lodging before the new home is available.
- Are approved by government transportation authorities. Legitimate movers are screened and authorized.
Selecting movers with these credentials means military families receive quality services for a seamless relocation.
6 Best Moving Companies for Military Moves
After thorough evaluation, these are our top picks for military relocation services:
1. National Van Lines
- 98% recommendation rate from customers
- Over 50% of moves are military related
- Full replacement insurance up to $1 million
National Van Lines tops our list due to high customer praise and specialization in military moves. Their representatives are experts in DOD regulations for moving and storage. They offer discounts for active duty personnel along with professional packing services.
2. North American Van Lines
- AAA certified with over 500 agents
- 50% discount on interstate moves
- Real-time tracking and ETA notifications
North American Van Lines is one of the largest moving networks in the country. Their track record of military moves is outstanding. Agents provide guided walks through homes to determine needed services. The company handles moves of all sizes and has a long history of military partnering.
3. Allied Van Lines
- Over 400 agents with Military One Source approval
- Free rental trucks for DITY moves
- 25% discount for active military
Allied Van Lines has specially designed its household goods relocation services for armed forces members. From sergeant to general, Allied has plans to meet needs and budgets. The booking process is simple and all details can be handled over the phone or internet.
4. Mayflower Transit
- Partnership with the DOD since 1923
- Handles over 100,000 military moves annually
- Storage available at over 150 locations
Mayflower Transit has almost a century of experience with military relocations. Their crew members are expertly trained to handle household goods, including vehicles, boats, and furniture. A dedicated military advisor is assigned to each family for personalized service.
5. Wheaton World Wide Moving
- Offers a debt-free payment plan called Move-EZ Pay
- Over 15% military discount on interstate moves
- Guaranteed pickup and delivery dates
Wheaton is trusted by military members thanks to flexible payment options, discounts, and guaranteed delivery. The movers handle packing, loading, transport, unloading, and unpacking. They also provide special crating options to protect valuable antiques, guns, and other specialty items.
6. Bekins Van Lines
- Partners with SpouseBUZZ to offer Military spouse scholarships
- Full-value protection up to $1 million
- Special provisions for hazardous material moves
Bekins Van Lines has a longstanding relationship with the armed forces, having moved military families for over 100 years. Bekins offers dedicated coordinators for each customer. They also help families find housing through the Bekins Home Connections program.
What Should Military Families Ask When Choosing a Mover?
Military families should consider the following when selecting the best moving company:
Are you a certified DOD carrier? Getting confirmation upfront ensures the company is authorized to handle government moves.
What discounts or rate reductions do you offer? Many movers provide 10-15% discounts. Make sure to inquire about available savings.
Do you have experience with military installations and protocols? Experienced companies will be familiar with base access and regulations.
What is your damage claims process? Understand how replacement value protection and insurance claims work.
How can you help with temporary lodging? Ask if company partners can assist with hotel bookings or housing rentals.
What are your busiest and most flexible times? Understand timeframes to best plan your relocation.
How soon before the move do you require commitment? Get clear on schedules and deadlines from the mover.
Taking the time to thoroughly vet moving companies gives military families confidence during reassignment. Prioritizing movers with military experience helps streamline the process.
Tips for Stress-Free Military Moves
Beyond finding the right mover, military families can take other steps to reduce headaches during relocation:
- Declutter belongings well before the move. This eliminates items that are broken or unneeded.
- Separate important documents like medical records to carry with you.
- Back up digital files online so they can be accessed from anywhere.
- Plan for childcare during packing and moving day.
- Inspect every room with the movers before pickup.
- Take photos of expensive items before they are packed.
- Check references of any storage facilities used.
- Purchase moving insurance to protect valuables.
- Unpack quickly to feel settled sooner at the new home.
- Update the DPS with new address once confirmed.
With the right preparation and moving partner, military members can feel confident their relocation is in good hands.
Why Choose a Specialized Military Mover?
Using a mover familiar with military relocations has many advantages:
No delays or frustration over base access – The mover already understands protocols and approvals needed to enter military posts.
Storage between assignments – Some companies can store household goods between moves or deployments.
Understanding of allowances – Experienced companies help maximize weight and item allowances.
Trusted overseas shipping – Moving companies that specialize in military relocations can expertly manage the complex process of overseas moves.
Familiarity with TDY moves – No education is needed on the nuances of Temporary Duty moves when companies have existing military experience.
Efficiency – Moving multiple times creates family stress. Military-focused movers have refined processes to minimize hassles.
Dedicated coordinators – From first quotes to final deliveries, having a single point of contact simplifies moving.
The complications involved in military moves require companies with specialized expertise. Hiring a trusted mover that has demonstrated success with armed forces relocations will alleviate many frustrations active duty families face.
Questions to Ask Your Military Mover
Below are key questions military members should ask when selecting a moving company:
Are you approved by government authorities to handle armed forces moves?
Legitimate companies will be screened and authorized by organizations like the DOD. This validates their reputation and standing.
How many military moves have you completed in the past year?
The most experienced companies will have a proven track record with military relocations rather than just general moving services.
Which bases or posts have you previously serviced?
Familiarity with military sites provides insight into their expertise. Well-versed movers will have extensive examples to share.
Do you offer discounts for active duty members or veterans?
Many movers provide around 10% discounts. Compare pricing and discount options across multiple companies.
What types of customizable protection plans are available?
Understand the replacement value coverage offered in case of damage during transit or storage.
What steps will you take to make my move stress-free?
Look for solutions above and beyond basic services, like home cleanings, vehicle transport, or storage.
What arrangements can you make if housing isn’t ready at my new duty station?
Secure options like furniture rental or temporary lodging should be available from quality movers.
How does your claims process work?
Ask for examples of how past claims were resolved to gauge the responsiveness and fairness you can expect.
Doing due diligence ensures military members choose a mover that eases the burden of frequent relocations.
The Military Moving Process Step-by-Step
Orchestrating a long-distance military move involves following the proper protocol. Here are the standard steps for a military relocation:
Step 1: Get authorized – All military moves must be authorized based on orders received. Confirm the distance to the new duty station and family size to determine weight allowances.
Step 2: Research moving companies – Once authorized, vet and select a mover with military experience. Obtain a quote for services needed.
Step 3: Schedule pre-move survey – The mover will complete a walk-through of belongings and develop a plan for packing/transport.
Step 4: Determine move dates – Nail down arrival timeframe and schedule pack, load, and unload dates with your mover.
**Step 5: Consider storage ** – If housing won’t be ready, decide if items should be stored by the mover off-base.
Step 6: Complete paperwork – Sign your Letter of Authorization, inventory checklist, and other transport documents.
Step 7: Pack and prepare – According to schedule, pack personal items like clothing and paperwork to travel with you separately.
Step 8: Load – Be present during loading to answer questions and sign off on loaded inventory.
Step 9: Transit – Your mover transports and delivers household goods to your new residence or storage.
Step 10: Unload – Inspect all items against your inventory list. Note any missing or damaged goods.
Step 11: File claims – If applicable, file claims on any losses or damage during transit based on valuation protection selected.
Step 12: Unpack – Unload your essential personal items and unpack boxes to settle into your new home.
When military families know what to expect from the moving process, it helps build confidence in the experience.
How Movers Help with Temporary Housing
A frustration of military life is securing housing between assignments. Quality movers have developed solutions to ease this burden on families:
- Hotels and lodging – Some movers partner with hotels to offer reduced military rates for temporary stays.
- Storage – Household items can be held in climate controlled warehouses while housing is arranged.
- Furniture rental – Renting beds, tables, and essentials from the mover bridges the gap.
- Housing assistance – Relocation agents may connect families with realtors to speed military housing searches.
- Home finding services – Moving companies with home finding programs can match families to rental properties.
- Move-in ready homes – Some services provide turnkey homes that are fully furnished and equipped.
Knowing temporary lodging is secured means one less thing to manage during PCS moves. Discuss options for flexible housing when choosing a mover.
Handling Vehicle Transport During PCS
Shipping a household across states or overseas is just one step – relocating vehicles adds another layer of complexity. Military members have a few options:
Drive yourself – For moves within the continental US, driving your own vehicle is possible if planned correctly.
Rent a car – Renting a car allows you flexibility to sell or ship your own later.
Use a government service – Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) shipping can be arranged using the government’s contracted carriers.
Hire a transport company – Private auto transport companies ship vehicles door-to-door. Open and enclosed shipping options are available.
Ask movers about vehicle programs – Many moving companies offer full-service vehicle relocation services domestically and internationally.
No matter the method, planning vehicle transport well ahead of time ensures it arrives on schedule. Communicate with your mover to coordinate timelines across household goods and vehicles.
Why Military Moves Require Flexible Scheduling
Unlike civilian moves that can be planned months in advance, military members are often left with short notice from commanders on reassignment. Movers supporting military customers must accommodate uncertain timeframes.
Last minute notice – Orders may allow as little as a few weeks to relocate across the country or oversees. Movers must be able to mobilize quickly.
Mission needs – Departure dates can shift due to needs of a unit or command. Movers must adjust along with military members.
Housing delays – Home or apartment rents may start weeks after arrival at the new base. Storage helps between transition.
Seasonal challenges – Summer and holidays are peak moving times. Military families may need to be flexible on dates.
Training schedules – Certain required trainings or drills can revise moving timelines. Movers able to shift help reduce stress.
Experienced military movers are familiar with the need for agility. Look for companies able to accommodate short notices and date changes.
Paying for a Military Move
Relocating comes with costs, so military branches provide financial assistance for moves. Understanding how moving is paid for helps families plan.
Advance pay – Service members can request advance pay to cover moving expenses like gas and lodging in transit.
Dislocation Allowance (DLA) – This allowance helps defray costs like lease termination fees or necessary furniture replacements.
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) – TLE helps cover lodging, food, and incidentals for stays before housing is secured.
Move-in Housing Allowance (MIHA) – MIHA gives financial support to pay deposits, fees, and initial expenses at the new residence.
Government movers – When using a DOD contracted mover, costs are directly billed to the government up to weight allowances.
Personally procured moves (PPM) – For DIY moves, the government issues payment based on weight after the fact.
Understanding military benefits helps families choose the right moving method with the least out-of-pocket costs.
Choosing Between Government Movers vs Private Movers
Service members have options when selecting a moving company. The right choice depends on specific needs and circumstances.
Government Movers
Pros:
- Direct billing to the government
- May fit with full weight allowance
- Trusted service providers already vetted
Cons:
- Less flexibility than private movers
- Limited options on dates
Private Movers
Pros:
- More flexibility on dates, temporary housing, vehicles
- Potentially discounted services through DOD partnerships
Cons:
- May incur out-of-pocket costs over allowances
- Additional screening needed on companies
Discuss priorities with private movers to see if they can provide personalization lacking from government counterparts. Many private movers offer chasing paperwork free experiences by working directly with commands on authorization and reimbursement.
How Movers Provide Valuation Protection
A top concern during a military move is potential loss or damage to household goods. Proper valuation coverage brings peace of mind.
Full Value Protection (FVP) – This option reimburses the full replacement value for lost or damaged items. It’s the most complete coverage.
Replacement Value Protection (RVP) – Similar to FVP, RVP also provides reimbursement for the current cost to replace items.
Depreciated Value Protection – This coverage only pays depreciated value, or the original value minus age and use. It offers less coverage.
Lump Sum Liability – Rather than cover each item’s value, a lump sum like $5 per pound is paid out regardless of losses.
Always select full value protection when offered. Also inventory expensive items like antiques, instruments, or valuables separately. Discuss options to add extra protection where needed.
How Movers Set Military Moving Quotes
Since the government pays for many military moves, costs are calculated based on set criteria:
- Weight estimate – An approximate weight for household goods is multiplied by a rate per pound for transportation.
- Distance – The farther the move, the higher the rate. Short distance moves have lower rates.
- Timing – Peak season moves in summer cost more.
- Services – Packing, crating valuables, vehicle shipping, or storage add to costs.
- Government contracts – Agreed pricing with DOD regulates maximum charges.
- Discounts – Look for military discounts of 10% or more when using private movers.
Quotes between companies should be similar based on these factors. Seeking quotes from multiple movers ensures families don’t overpay.
Hidden Fees to Watch for From Military Movers
While most costs should be straightforward for government-arranged moves, some questionable fees can come up:
- Weight overages – Make sure weights are re-confirmed so you don’t get charged extra without warning.
- Waiting time – Charging excessive hourly rates for mover wait time due to delays outside your control.
- Fuel surcharges – Some try passing higher gas prices to consumers.
- Zeroed-out scales – Truck weight should be confirmed empty on site, not off-site.
- Padding – Movers may add phantom weight with padding to increase costs.
- Junk removal – Removing extra debris shouldn’t mean inflated dump fees.
Scrutinize all charges on your quote versus final invoice. Reasonable rates and explanations should be provided by reputable movers.
How to File Claims for Loss or Damage
Despite best efforts, possessions sometimes get lost or damaged during military moves. Knowing how to file claims ensures fair reimbursement:
- Note any missing or damaged goods on paperwork during unloading.
- Take pictures of damages as evidence for