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As an active member of the Armed Forces—or a member of a military family—you already know that relocation is a part of your duty. However, moving every couple of years per your permanent change of station (or PCS) orders can be a headache. One way to alleviate some of the stress is to hire a professional moving company.
This guide will help in your search for an efficient mover well-versed in military relocations. We selected the best moving companies for military personnel based on our extensive research of the top moving providers nationwide. Movers included in this guide were evaluated on pricing, military discounts, services, and customer satisfaction.
Best Moving Companies for Military
Below is our list of the best moving companies for military moves, as determined through our research:
- International Van Lines : Best Overall Mover
- American Van Lines : Best for High-Value Goods
- Moving APT: Best for Coordinated Moves
- North American Van Lines: Best Appliance Movers
- Allied Van Lines: Best Customer Experience
- JK Moving Services: Best Mobile App
- 1-800-PACK-RAT: Best for Self-Service Moves
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| International Van Lines |  | B | VISIT SITE | |
| American Van Lines |  | A | VISIT SITE | |
| IMRG |  | B | VISIT SITE | |
| Safeway |  | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| Moving APT |  | B | VISIT SITE | |
| JK Moving |  | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| Allied |  | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| North American |  | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| United Van Lines |  | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| Mayflower |  | A+ | VISIT SITE |
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International Van Lines
- Service Model: Full service
- Specialty Services: Yes
- State Availability: 50 states
What We Like
International Van Lines (IVL) is an experienced full-service mover that stands out for its international military moves. IVL started in 2000 as an international logistics company. Although it has grown to include domestic residential moving, it continues to focus on its global relocation foundation.
IVL can provide service to 180 countries—more than any other company in our guide—and is licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) as a Government Military Relocation Mover. This means that the federal government recognizes IVL as a legitimate interstate mover that is qualified and reputable enough to handle military moves.
Unlike most other full-service providers that outsource international moves, IVL will directly handle your international military shipment via ocean or air freight transport. The company holds an ocean freight forwarder (#021051NF) license with the Federal Maritime Commission and also offers air freight transport for faster shipping.
As a full-service company, IVL provides packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and add-on options such as storage services and vehicle shipping for international, local, and long-distance moves.
Cost
Using IVL’s online moving calculator, we received a quote of $6,000 to $8,700 to move a four-bedroom home from near Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to near Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in early July. Keep in mind, this is just a general price range. You will need to speak with International Van Lines directly to receive a more detailed ballpark quote.
Active and retired military service members receive a 10% to 15% discount on moving costs through IVL. The company requires a 25% deposit to schedule a moving date and accepts cash and credit cards.
Get a Quick Quote: Visit International Van Lines’ site
Read More: International Van Lines Review
American Van Lines
- Service Model: Full service
- Specialty Services: Yes
- State Availability: 48 states (all but Alaska or Hawaii)
What We Like
American Van Lines (AVL) is a great full-service option if your military move includes high-value items like fitness equipment, antiques, or art. The company prides itself on its white-glove treatment of such pieces by highly trained moving crews.
AVL only employs full-time moving crew members and routinely provides its crews training in specific services, such as moving pianos and antiques.
American Van Lines also offers fragile-only packing, add-on options including custom crating for electronics and bulky items, and storage services.
Cost
American Van Lines provides binding estimates for all moves, so you cannot get an instant quote online or by phone. However, the moving cost page on the company’s website may give you a sense of general pricing for AVL. For example, it would cost $10,321 to move a four-bedroom home from Miami to Dallas, roughly the same distance as moving from Fayetteville, North Carolina, to Colorado Springs, Colorado.
American Van Lines will match lower competitors’ quotes and accept credit cards, cash, and checks. The company’s deposit requirement—10% to 50% of your total moving cost—is steeper than most of the other companies in this guide.
Get a Quick Quote: Visit American Van Lines’ site
Read More: American Van Lines Review
Moving APT
- Service Model: Full service
- Specialty Services: Yes
- State Availability: 50 states
What We Like
If you need help picking the right pro mover, Moving APT might be a good fit for planning your cross-country military move. Moving APT is strictly a moving brokerage, unlike the other providers on this list. This means that instead of handling moving requests directly, the company connects customers with appropriate local movers in their areas. You can contact Moving APT with your specific military relocation needs and the company will coordinate your move using one of the more than 2,500 independent agents within its network.
Through its network, Moving APT can provide full-service and partial-packing requests for long-distance and international moves, plus specialty services such as appliance disconnection and reconnection.
Cost
Moving APT will calculate your cost based on the distance, date, and size of your move, measured in total weight. We used the company’s online tool to receive a general price estimate of approximately $9,000 to relocate a four-bedroom home from Fayetteville, North Carolina, to Colorado Springs, Colorado. In most cases, Moving APT can give you a binding estimate after completing a review of your home’s layout and your household goods. A binding estimate is the exact amount you can expect to pay on moving day.
After the review, the company will also determine your deposit amount, which will be due at the time of booking. Moving APT offers military discounts and will reduce charges if you book your move well in advance. The company will accept payments by cash, credit cards, and certified checks.
Get a Quick Quote: Visit Moving APT’s site
Read More: Moving APT Review
JK Moving Services
- Service Model: Full service
- Specialty Services: Yes
- State Availability: 50 states
What We Like
JK Moving made our list for its customer-friendly and customizable approach to military moving services. With the help of an assigned coordinator, JK Moving offers a variety of add-on options that allow you to fully customize your military move, including special handling of antiques and artwork and vehicle relocation.
JK Moving also has a mobile app that you can use throughout the moving process for tasks such as scheduling your move, making payments, and tracking shipments. In addition, the company has adjustable contents protection plans that more accurately reflect the value of your items.
Cost
JK Moving doesn’t provide free moving quotes online or over the phone but will give you a binding estimate after completing a thorough virtual home assessment. However, we called JK Moving to get a ballpark moving estimate of $7,500 to move the contents of a two-bedroom home approximately 750 miles in mid-spring. JK Moving will not give estimates for homes larger than three bedrooms without an assessment.
Through a partnership with Enhancify, JK Moving can provide in-house financing, with rates as low as 0%, same-as-cash, subject to credit approval. The company charges a $250 up-front deposit and accepts cash, checks, and credit cards.
Get a Quick Quote: Visit JK Moving’s site
Read More: JK Moving Services Review
Allied Van Lines
- Service Model: Full service
- Specialty Services: Yes
- State Availability: 50 states
What We Like
Allied Van Lines is an experienced full-service mover that stands out for its customer service. The company provides various tools, services, and resources that can make your military move more seamless, including an online calculator and helpful how-to articles.
The company’s user-friendly app makes it easy to schedule a home assessment and log your moving inventory. Allied Van Lines also assigns a personal moving coordinator to each customer so that you will have one point of contact for any questions or concerns.
The company offers full- and partial-packing services and an á la carte style menu of add-on services, such as vehicle shipping. The company also offers Allied Express, a moving-and-storage container service, for smaller moves. The containers are similar to those offered by self-service companies like 1-800-PACK-RAT. However, unlike 1-800-PACK-RAT, Allied Express provides a moving crew at no additional charge with each container rental.
Cost
We received an online quote of $18,365 to $20,629 to move items from a four-bedroom home in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Fayetteville, North Carolina, in mid-summer. You can schedule and conduct a virtual home survey through Allied Van Lines’ mobile app. Following the assessment and a review of your inventory, Allied Van Lines will give you a binding estimate.
You don’t have to put down a deposit to schedule a move with Allied Van Lines. You can pay with cash, certified checks, and credit cards.
Get a Quick Quote: Visit Allied Van Lines’ site
Read More: Allied Van Lines Review
North American Van Lines
- Service Model: Full service
- Specialty Services: Yes
- State Availability: 50 states
What We Like
North American Van Lines (NAVL) made our list of top military movers for its ability to handle your major appliances. The full-service company offers packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading, as well as a variety of add-on relocation services, such as car shipping and custom crating.
Additionally, NAVL moving crews are trained in disconnecting dishwashers, refrigerators, and other appliances and reconnecting them at your new home, eliminating the need to call in a handyperson.
Cost
It would cost between $16,047 and $18,021 to move a four-bedroom home from Fayetteville, North Carolina, to Colorado Springs, Colorado, in mid-summer, according to NAVL’s online moving calculator. In addition to loading, unloading, and transport, the estimate includes packing and unpacking, online shipment tracking, and a basic contents protection plan. You can get a binding estimate, or flat-rate pricing, through NAVL after completing a virtual home assessment and review of your inventory.
NAVL provides up to 50% off moving costs to American Legion members and their families. American Legion members also qualify for a $100,000 contents coverage plan, deals on storage options, and nonpeak rates year-round.
North American Van Lines does not require an up-front deposit and accepts credit cards, cash, and certified checks.
Get a Quick Quote: Visit North American Van Lines’ site
Read More: North American Van Lines Review
1-800-PACK-RAT
- Service Model: Self-service
- Specialty Services: No
- State Availability: 30 states and Washington, D.C.
What We Like
1-800-PACK-RAT is our pick for the best self-service provider for long-distance military moves. The company rents mobile storage-and-moving containers in 8-, 12-, and 16-foot sizes. Containers are weatherproof and delivered directly to your home for loading. PACK-RAT provides pickup of loaded containers and delivery to your new home.
If your military relocation requires short- or long-term storage, PACK-RAT operates climate-controlled storage facilities in each state it serves.
PACK-RAT is experienced with DITYs (do-it-yourself military moves) and can actually advance your personally procured move (PPM) government reimbursement for moving, eliminating the need for you to pay anything up front.
Cost
A 16-foot container delivered to Fayetteville, North Carolina, and moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, would cost approximately $3,632, according to our quote from 1-800-PACK-RAT. A 16-foot container holds up to 6,000 pounds, or approximately two to three rooms of furniture and belongings. A four-bedroom home, or about 14,000 pounds, would likely require two 16-foot containers.
1-800-PACK-RAT offers a 10% discount on storage and services for active-duty and retired military, and an additional 10% off long-distance relocations. The company accepts credit card payments.
Get a Quick Quote: Visit 1-800-PACK-RAT’s site
Read More: 1-800-PACK-RAT Review
How to Pick a Military Moving Company
Selecting the right moving company for your military relocation depends on your circumstances. For example, if you are moving from a four-bedroom home with several children, a full-service provider will take care of every step of the moving process, helping to ensure efficiency. On the other hand, if you are a single soldier relocating from a studio apartment, a DIY approach with a self-service company might be more than adequate to cover your needs.
Most professional moving companies offer ongoing military discounts, but you may also want to inquire about a company’s experience overseeing PCS moves or processing PPM paperwork. A company that highlights military moves as a specialty may be best equipped to deliver a streamlined and stress-free relocation. You’ll also want to make sure that the moving company you select is approved by the General Services Administration (GSA).
What Factors Influence Your Military Move’s Cost?
The following factors can affect the cost of your military move:
- Your current location
- Your new destination
- The size of your move (typically measured in total weight)
- The day of the week and time of year you are moving
- Your home’s layout, including any difficult areas such as steep staircases or low ceilings
- Military discounts and other applicable deals
- Add-on services
- Mileage
- Gas
- Any applicable toll charges
Is a Military Moving Company Worth It?
Since you will be reimbursed by the U.S. government for all pre-approved relocations and selected moving companies, hiring a professional may be the most efficient way to coordinate your PPM. In our recent survey of 1,000 consumers, 60%, or 606 individuals, purchased a full- or partial-service package from a professional moving company. More than half—58.25%—of those 606 consumers said they paid between $1,000 and $4,000 for their move.
Most moving companies offer an active-duty or retired military discount, so it’s important to check with potential providers to see what deals may be available to you. If you’re willing to handle packing and loading, companies like 1-800-PACK-RAT can handle your PPM paperwork and may even be able to defer your payment, so you have no out-of-pocket expense.
If you need assistance selecting a moving company for your military relocation, ask your installation’s transportation department for guidance.
Our Recommendation
In terms of military moving experience, pricing, and services, we think JK Moving and International Van Lines are good fits for your relocation. JK Moving has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of State as a choice moving partner. IVL is a Government Military Relocation Mover through the U.S. Department of Transportation. Both companies offer full- and partial-service moves that can be complemented by a variety of helpful add-on services.
If a self-service move seems like a better option for you, we recommend 1-800-PACK-RAT. The company can process your PPM paperwork and may also be able to provide you with moving services for free and process your government reimbursement as payment.
While these recommendations are good places to start your search, it’s important that you contact at least three moving companies and request moving quotes. Be sure to carefully read each company’s policies and review their services to ensure you get the best move that fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Military Pay for Movers?
Yes, the military will pay for movers in certain circumstances. Military members and their families are eligible for government-funded moving services, known as a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move, when they receive orders to relocate to a new duty station. The government will pay for a professional moving company to pack, transport, and unpack household goods and personal belongings. Additionally, the military may provide reimbursement for moving-related expenses, such as temporary lodging and meals during the move. However, there are limits to what the military will pay for, and service members should check with their installation’s transportation office for specific details and requirements.
Do Movers Offer a Military Discount?
Yes, many moving companies offer military discounts to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. These discounts can vary in terms of the percentage off or the specific services they apply to, so it’s important to research and compare different moving companies to find the best deal. Some moving companies may also offer additional benefits or services specifically for military families, such as flexible scheduling or specialized packing for sensitive military equipment. To take advantage of these discounts, military members should be prepared to show proof of their military affiliation, such as a military ID or DD Form 214.
What Will Military Movers Not Pack?
Military movers, like any professional moving company, have restrictions on what they can pack and transport due to safety and liability reasons. Some examples of items that military movers typically will not pack or transport include hazardous materials, such as chemicals or explosives, perishable food items, firearms and ammunition, and personal items such as cash, jewelry, and important documents. Service members are responsible for packing and transporting these items themselves, or making other arrangements for their transport. It’s important to check with your installation’s transportation office for a complete list of prohibited items and any other packing or transport guidelines.
How We Chose the Top Military Moving Companies
We researched and analyzed dozens of full- and self-service moving companies and formulated a moving review methodology based on a number of factors, including package options, pricing, and reputation. We also identified customer pain points based on customer-review analysis, proprietary consumer surveys, and interviews with former and current moving professionals.
Speaking directly to a representative at each company, we determined the number of package options available, the coverage provided, the types of moves available (long-distance, local, and international), and any extra perks offered, such as mobile apps, moving checklists, and 24/7 customer service.
We also gathered pricing data from each of the companies and determined whether they provide ballpark estimates or binding quotes. To determine reputation, we evaluated companies based on their rating with the Better Business Bureau as well as their overall score on Yelp.
