Does your family have to relocate to another part of the country because of a new assignment or a PCS (permanent change of station)? If yes, you are likely feeling overwhelmed. One way to make the relocation process seamless and less stressful is by employing the service of a professional moving company.
Presently, many companies can help with military-move within the country and internationally. Choosing between them may be challenging, as you don't know the one that best suits your unique needs.
To help you make an informed decision, the NearbyMovers team reviewed five of the most reliable and professional military moving companies in the United States.
PODS
PODS is a reputable moving company that has been around since 1998. It offers a 10% discount for military moves.
To reduce the workload of their clients, PODS provides weight tickets when they pick up a container.
PODS stand out from the crowd because they can do much more than help military families move. They also provide on-site storage at an affordable price. Even more, they can refer you to a third-party company that can help load and unload your property.
While PODS doesn't have a physical location in every state, it can help military families in 46 states move. Note that they aren't available in Alaska, Wyoming, NorthDakota, and Montana.
Mayflower
Mayflower is an excellent option for military families who don't want to go through the trouble of packing and cleaning. Mayflower offers customizable packages that include everything from setting up multimedia connections and unpacking to home cleaning.
Since Mayflower is GSA-approved, you can be confident that it will deliver on its promise.
Military families on a tight budget will benefit from the flexible and customizable moving packages offered by Mayflower. Keep in mind that Mayflower doesn't provide an estimate for moving over the phone or online.
United Van Lines
United Van Lines is a top-rated moving company that can help military families move within the country or internationally.
Since the company's inception in 1928, it has completed over 260,000 military moves.
Besides helping you move to your new state or country of assignment, United Van Lines can help you set up your computer network and unpack. They can also help you store all the boxes you just can't find a place for in your new home.
To make the relocation process easier for military families moving to foreign countries, United Van Lines has a special team that helps them coordinate with customs, complete important paperwork, and address the countless issues associated with international travel. Note that the United Van Lines customer support service isn't 100% reliable.
North American Moving Service
North American Moving Service is one of the best moving companies for military families with expensive or delicate belongings. They offer customizable plans and online resources that will make things easier for moving families.
The company is GSA approved and offers Industry-standard services like loading, unloading, and transporting. They also provide online resources like a mover checklist.
North American Moving Service can help with military-move in every state in the US. They can also help with international-move into over 130 countries.
The drawback of this company is limited storage options.
International Van Lines
International Van Lines is a stand-out military moving company with an excellent reputation. It can help military families with international, local, and long-distance moves, and boasts of over 10,000 successful moves yearly.
International Van Lines has a list of additional services that can improve customers' experience. Their customer support team is reliable and can quickly address customers' needs. They offer specialty services for delicate items like antiques, artwork, and pianos. Military families that need a place to store some of their properties can leverage their storage services.
The company offers a 10-15% discount for military families looking to move to a new state. Be sure to ask about the discount when getting a quote from them.
Basic Information About Military Moving
There are two main ways military families can move to a new area of assignment. The first, which is popularly known as Household Goods Move (HHG), is handled by the government. If you choose this option, a government-approved mover will help you relocate to your new area of assignment.
The second way, which is known as Personally Procured Move (PPM), involves the use of a third-party company to relocate to a new state or country. The government reimburses military families who choose PPM.
HHG is an excellent option for singles and small families looking to relocate. Large families with delicate items will benefit more from PPM.
How to Make My Military Move Smooth
Below are some tips that can make your move to a new city or country smooth and hassle-free.
Important paperwork
Keep important paperwork away from your other belongings. It is wise you don't put them in boxes so that they don't get packed away with your other items.
Pack a bag
Ensure that your spouse, children, and pets have a sizeable bag that contains some basic things they will need while traveling. Make sure you add medications, snacks, and a few other key things to the bag.
Storage
If your new home or apartment isn't ready or you are still hunting for a suitable place to stay in the state you are relocating to, you should consider making plans to store your properties.
Many moving companies offer storage services for military families. If the moving company you opted for doesn't offer this service, you should find a third-party company that can address your storage needs. You may check the best storage companies for more information about your storage options.
Appreciate the efforts of the movers
A simple way to show the movers that you appreciate their hard work is to buy lunch or drinks for them. This will make them more diligent and hardworking.