The Best Military Moving Companies of 2022

Moving to a new military base for a permanent or temporary change of station can be stressful–and even a bit scary if this is your first time away from home. Thankfully, the United States armed forces understand that moving even locally can be an intimidating process, which is why they provide allocations for you to hire a moving company to help with your relocation. While there are tons of moving companies located across the country, only a few have the familiarity with the military moving process that you need.

At House Method, we understand that no one wants to book a moving date without as much information as possible. This is especially true when it comes to a move as important as one to a new military base. We’ve created a comprehensive moving guide to the best military moving companies to help you rest easy before your stationing. 

The 7 Best Military Moving Companies 

Our top recommended military moving companies for 2022:

• Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
• Most Transparent Pricing: American Van Lines
• Most Moving Partners: Moving APT
• Most Customizable Moving Experience: JK Moving Services
• Most Vehicle Shipping Options: Allied Van Lines
• Best Overall Container Service: U-Pack
• Best Pricing Options: North American Van Lines

Compare The Best Military  Moving Companies

International Van Lines

Why We Recommend International Van Lines

International Van Lines is a full-service mover that has been in the moving industry for two decades. They have been awarded Newsweek’s Best Customer Service Award for several years, including 2022. You can get a free quote online by calling International Van Lines’ toll-free phone number or by using their MoveOne software. The MoveOne software allows you to do a virtual walkthrough with an IVL representative, all through your phone.

IVL is licensed and insured with the FMCSA as a Government Military Relocation Mover. Because IVL facilitates moves in every state of the country as well as in over 150 countries, they’re an excellent choice for your next military relocation. They can pack, load, and ship all your household goods by land, air, or sea.

Pros & Cons of International Van Lines

Services Offered

International Van Lines is a full-service moving company, which means that they offer an enhanced range of services over what you might typically expect from a moving company. You can currently book the following moving services and specialties when you move with International Van Lines: 

• Packing services 
• Unpacking services
• Loading and unloading services
• Fragile-only packing
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Crating
• Short-term and long-term storage solutions
• Packing supplies
• Auto transportation services
• Military moving services
• Corporate relocation services

How Much Does International Van Lines Cost?

Like most moving companies, International Van Lines uses the distance you’re traveling and the size of your property as the two primary factors in determining how much you’ll pay for your move. To help you estimate what you’ll pay for service, we’ve rounded up information on pricing from past International Van Lines customers and summarized it in the table below.

State Availability: All 50 states

Get a quote from IVL here.

American Van Lines

Why We Recommend American Van Lines

American Van Lines background checks all its employees, and all employees are drug tested as well to ensure that your things are in the best hands. They also receive annual training in new techniques and developments in the moving industry so that each employee can stay on the top of their game and limit the possibility of breakage during your move as much as possible American Van Lines employs a flat-rate pricing system, which means that you should receive more expedient and efficient service than you would with other movers. This is because American only gets paid a flat rate, so the more happy customers they have, the more business they will get. It’s a win for them and especially a win for you.

Military relocation plans include packing materials, appliance disassembly, reassembly, and reinstallation, full-service packing, and short-term or long-term storage. American Van Lines packers and movers make an itemized list of your belongings and which boxes they’re packed in, and they individually wrap each item so that your belongings are kept safe during the moving process to your new home. This streamlined process allows you to relax during the oftentimes stressful military relocation process. 

Pros & Cons of American Van Lines

Services Offered

American Van Lines currently offers the following services and unique moving processes:

• Packing and unpacking services
• Storage unit arrangement
• Specialty packing services for items like pianos and antiques
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Crating for large items (like pianos)
• Moving supplies
• Corporate moves
• Military moves
• International moves
• Commercial moves

How Much Does American Van Lines Cost?

Browse the table below to learn more about pricing from American Van Lines.

State Availability: 48 States

Get a quote from American Van Lines here.

Moving APT

Why We Recommend Moving APT

Moving APT is a broker that connects you with military movers all over the country. In fact, they specialize in setting up cross-country moves for their clients, especially those with specialty moving needs like a permanent change of station. Because they’re a broker, they can search through their immense database of partner companies and compare them to find the best deal for your needs and budget. Services that Moving APT offers to connect you with include full-service moves like the ones mentioned above, fragile-only moves, single-item packing and shipping, a moving checklist, packing materials, and overnight storage.

If you’re moving long-distance and trying to find the best services for your budget, you can use Moving APT and their list of more than 2,500 partners. If you do discover a moving plan with a different company that is cheaper than the one Moving APT found for you, they have price matching in place to be sure that you’re getting the best possible pricing on your upcoming move. 

Pros & Cons of Moving APT

Services Offered

Some of the services that Moving APT can schedule on your behalf can include: 

• Piano moving and crating
• Car and truck shipping
• Packing services
• Packing supplies
• Appliance reconnection services
• Furniture assembly and disassembly

The specific add-ons that you’ll be able to book alongside your moving process might vary depending on where you’re located and the carrier you’re partnered with.  If you’re looking for a specific specialty service you need for your upcoming military move, be sure to ask your Moving APT representative about it. Chances are, if Moving APT cannot book the service on your behalf, they’ll be able to find someone who can. 

How Much Does Moving APT Cost?

Detailing exact pricing for Moving APT’s customers can be difficult, as many customers take advantage of the price matching policy offered by the broker.  As a general statement on pricing, movers can usually expect to pay around $7,800 for a 1,000-mile move of a four-bedroom home. Click on the link below to claim your free quote from Moving APT’s team. 

State Availability: All 50 States

Get a quote from Moving APT here.

JK Moving Services

Why We Recommend JK Moving Services

JK Moving Services has been working with government agencies like the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Census Bureau, and U.S. Agency for International Development, and more for years. They are a trusted military mover and an excellent choice for military members to use for their next move. JK Moving Services may have a lengthier and more intense quoting process than competitors, but you are assigned your own personal moving coordinator to help you through the hassle of moving, every step of the way.

Your personal moving coordinator will be in touch through each step of your move: scheduling, planning, packing, loading, moving, and unloading. You can reach JK’s 24/7 customer service with any questions or concerns about your move through JK’s mobile app. The mobile app also allows you to track your shipment. You can make your move as customized and detailed or as simple as you need — JK provides any moving service you could think of, and if they don’t, they have contractors who do.

Pros & Cons of JK Moving Services

Services Offered

JK Moving Services currently offers the following services and unique moving processes:

• Packing and unpacking
• Loading and unloading
• Residential and commercial services
• Packing (full-service or fragile-only)
• Climate-controlled storage 
• Furniture wrapping
• GPS shipment tracking
• Financing assistance
• Archival services
• Crating
• Car and truck relocation services

JK Moving Services does provide long-distance travel across the entire country, but their team currently does not offer local moves outside of a few states, listed above. 

How Much Does JK Moving Services Cost?

Unfortunately, like Moving APT, JK Moving Services does not currently provide online estimates for its services. As a general rule, when you’re moving a two-bedroom home a distance of about 500 miles, you can usually expect to pay between $2,500 to $5,500 for service. While this figure is a bit higher than competitors, be sure to click on the link below to get your free quote before you choose a moving company. 

State Availability: All lower 48 states.

Get a quote from JK Moving Services here.

Allied Van Lines

Why We Recommend Allied Van Lines

On their website, Allied Van Lines states that they have the largest moving network in the world. They have close to 50 years of experience in the moving game, and they can move you anywhere in the country as well as to more than 130 stations abroad. You don’t have to worry about tricky customs declarations or overseas shipping — your Allied move coordinator will handle all of those details of your moving experience so you can have as stress-free a move as possible.

Allied Van Lines is a full-service mover specializing in interstate moving and long-distance moving, but they can move you locally or internationally efficiently and professionally. They offer custom crating services for things like motorcycles, large electronics, or anything else that needs extra protection during transportation that doesn’t fit into traditional moving boxes. Allied does not outsource vehicle shipping to other companies — it handles all services in-house.

Pros & Cons of Allied Van Lines

Services Offered

Allied Van Lines currently offers the following services on its moves: 

• Packing services and unpacking services
• Fragile-only packing
• Storage for in-transit items
• Arrangement of long-term storage units
• Shipment tracking
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Auto and boat transport
• Basic liability coverage
• Full-value coverage
• Online moving resources

How Much Does Allied Van Lines Cost?

Browse the table below to learn more about pricing from Allied Van Lines. 

State Availability: All 50 states

Get a quote from Allied Van Lines here.

U-Pack

Why We Recommend U-Pack

U-Pack is a moving container company. You can use them for your DIY move, but U-Pack drivers do the pick-up and drop-off of your items. The way it works is that you first figure out how much space you will need to pack up all your stuff. You then select the appropriate moving containers (and number, if you need more than one), and a U-Pack driver will bring the container to your home. You then pack everything and load it up yourself. The driver returns and your belongings are now on their way to your new home.

Because you are doing the packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking, the only thing you’re paying for is the square footage your stuff occupies and the transportation. You have no hassle of driving a large moving vehicle that you may not feel comfortable driving, especially on unfamiliar roads. If you need assistance with anything, you can use U-Pack’s Moving Staffers network to find people to hire for a specific job, like appliance installation or piano moving.

Pros & Cons of U-Pack

Services Offered

U-Pack currently offers the following services to its customers: 

• Long-distance moving services 
• Storage services 

You must be moving at least 200 miles with a U-Pack move. 

How Much Does U-Pack Cost?

One of the biggest benefits that come with working with U-Pack is the company’s instant online pricing. If you’d like to explore pricing estimates from previous customers before claiming your free quote, check out the table below. 

State Availability: All 50 States

Get a quote from U-Pack here.

North American Van Lines

Why We Recommend North American Van Lines

North American Van Lines is a full-service mover that not only provides services to all 50 states but can also help you move to 175 countries all over the world. They have been in the moving business since the 1930s, and North American is a company of firsts. They were the first long-haul movers to traverse the Alaska Highway. They are also the first moving company to create a simulator for their drivers so that they can be trained on how to handle inclement weather conditions and all types of terrain.

North American Van Lines offers appliance disconnection and reinstallation, fragile-only packing, crating, and they have predictable pricing so that you don’t have any surprises when it’s time to pay for your move. They also offer “not to exceed” pricing, which can be particularly beneficial for men and women who are planning a DIY military move and who need strict control over their bottom line before reimbursement. 

Pros & Cons of North American Van Lines

Services Offered

North American Van Lines currently offers the following services and specialty moving processes to its customers. 

• Full-service packing
• Fragile-only packing
• Boxes and moving supplies
• Appliance disconnection and reconnection
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Custom crates
• Loading and unloading
• Crane vans for large items
• Storage services (short-term and long-term)
• Satellite tracking
• Auto transport
• Full-valuation coverage

How Much Does North American Van Lines Cost?

Browse the table below to learn more about pricing from North American Van Lines. 

State Availability: All 50 States

Get a quote from North American Van Lines here.

What To Look for In Military Moving Companies

What should you look for when checking out military moving services? The General Services Administration (GSA) is a government department that supports the basic functions of other government agencies. However, they also manage federal properties like duty stations, and they work with companies that have contracts with the government. You can look to see if a mover is connected with the GSA to ensure that you’ll be getting a quality moving service. You can also consider the following when searching for companies to help.

• Personally procured moving services: If you choose to pay for your move upfront rather than waiting on a military relocation planned and provided by the Armed Forces, you should make sure that you and the company you’re using are eligible for a personally procured move (“PPM”). The company may work with you to provide some services under the PPM, so you can pay before the move and get your reimbursement later. You may not be able to swing all your moving needs through a PPM, but you can pay for some of the expenses and rely on your service provider through the military to cover the rest of the moving expenses.
• Military approved: Check to see which movers are approved by your branch of the United States armed forces before booking your move date. Many moving companies may give military discounts, but you should also make sure that they are associated with the military officially. You can check this by asking for different registrations from the moving company you’re considering, such as approval with the Department of Defense.
• Customer reviews: It’s best to look at third-party websites that are unbiased when comparing customer reviews because moving companies will only show the glowing reviews on their homepages. You can ask around to see if any friends or acquaintances have used the moving company that you’re interested in, and you can also check out what the Better Business Bureau has to say about the company to get a full idea of the type of service you can expect. 

What Costs Are Involved with Military Moving Companies?

When you get a PCS, or permanent change of station, the military typically provides a dislocation allowance (DLA) that covers miscellaneous moving costs. Usually, not all of the expenses you’ll incur are covered by this DLA, but it does help to cover some of the expenses associated with moving, like fuel costs and some insurance plans. Here are some other costs that you may encounter during your military move.

• Additional services:  There are plenty of services that are not included in a cross-country or international move; household items in the house are included, but bulky items like appliances and pianos cost extra to move. Other costs you may see on your move invoice are things like fees for each flight of stairs the movers have to traverse, fees for tight spaces and awkward corners, charges for reinstallation of appliances, and crating services for specialty items like antiques or fine art. The more services you schedule, the more costs you’ll incur on your move. 
• Transportation: A DLA will pay for some expenses of the move, and you may also get a MALT, a monetary allowance in lieu of transportation if you and your family transport yourselves to a new PCS. However, depending on the mileage of your trip, the fuel costs, and how many vehicles you’re moving with, the MALT may only cover part of your transportation, so you must chip in for the rest.
• Last-minute services: If you’re on a tight schedule but you really need to hire moving help, many relocation services will charge extra for expedited moves. You can avoid this by doing a DIY move or moving with U-Pack, but it’s understandable if you face unexpected changes or difficulties.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never been stationed away from home, it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed by the moving process. However, understand that the Department of Defense aims to make moving services for the men and women who serve as easy and affordable as possible. Still, even with your moving allocation, it’s important to know that you’re getting the best possible deal on your upcoming services — especially if you have specialty moving needs. We recommend getting a quote from each one of our recommended moving services listed above before booking your move date to be sure that you’re getting the best deal possible for you and your family.

House Method Rating Methodology

At House Method, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. We’ve done the homework for you and have researched several dozen moving companies so you can have the information you need to make the best choice for your move. 

To make the most of our research, we developed a formula to objectively determine the best moving companies on a 10-point scale based on the following criteria:

• Moving Services (3.0): Does the company offer international, interstate, or local moving services? Or all three?
• Additional Services (3.0): Does the company offer additional services such as packing/unpacking or loading/unloading?
• Insurance Coverage (1.0): What kind of moving insurance coverage does the company offer, such as released value protection or full-value protection?
• Trailers and Containers (1.0): How many trailer or container sizes does the company offer to customers?
• Benefits (1.0): What additional perks does the company offer? Some examples: storage, packing, free boxes, moving truck rentals, financing, etc.
• Scheduling (.5): How are customers able to schedule their move, online, through the phone, or both? What is the ease of the scheduling process?
• Reputation (.5): What kind of ratings does the company have on popular review sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot?