Best Moving Companies for Military Moves (2023)

If you’re one of the many military families called for a permanent change of station (PCS), you may be feeling stressed about relocation and your list of to-dos. You can remove some of the work by hiring a professional moving company equipped to handle some or all of the move for you. 

Plenty of reputable movers handle cross-country or even international moves, so we did the research to see which are best. We looked at cost, service offerings, customer service, reviews, military discounts, and more to narrow down the options to our list below. Find out which moving companies we recommend for military members and why.

7 Best Moving Companies for Military Moves

After in-depth research and review, here is our list of the best moving companies for military moves:

• International Van Lines: Best Service Offerings
• American Van Lines: Best Overall Moving Labor
• Interstate Moving & Relocation Group: Most Efficient
• U-Pack: Most Affordable
• Safeway Moving Inc.: Most Reliable Pricing
• Moving APT: Best Customer Service
• JK Moving Services: Best Specialized Packing

See which moving companies offer military discounts, can help with vehicle moving, are GSA-approved, or provide other services that are valuable for military members.

*BBB ratings are accurate as of October 2023.

International Van Lines

• Our Take: Best Service Offerings
• State Availability: 50

International Van Lines (IVL) is our top pick for a full-service mover. The company offers help for armed forces moves locally, long-distance, and internationally. Full-service options include packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, specialty services for pianos and antiques, and storage solutions.

The company states that it provides a military discount, which is as much as 10%–15% off for most of its military moves. You simply need to ask about a discount when getting a quote.

Pros and Cons

✔ Offers specialty services for fragile items like artwork, antiques, and pianos
✔ Provides both full-service and partial-service moving options
✔ Provides multiple contents protection plans

✘ Doesn’t provide sample pricing online
✘ Has higher pricing than many competitors
✘Requires an up-front deposit

Services

IVL creates a full- or partial-service moving package based on your budget and needs. The company also offers a full-value protection plan if you want comprehensive insurance for high-value items. You can get short- or long-term storage through one of IVL’s third-party providers. The company is a licensed and insured Government Military Relocation Mover and has two insurance coverage options. Specific services include:

• Auto transport
• Custom crafting for high-value or fragile items
• Office relocation
• Packing
• Storage 

Cost

International Van Lines quoted us a general price range of $4,200–$6,150 to move from the U.S. Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia, to the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, South Carolina. This includes loading services and all transportation.

If you want to see what sort of discount International Van Lines may give your personally procured move, we recommend you fill out this short form.

Our Take on International Van Lines

International Van Lines is an excellent option if you want a well-rounded, full-service mover for your military move. The company provides a comprehensive selection of services, such as packing, unpacking, transportation, loading, unloading, and furniture assembly and disassembly. Its specialty services are a great addition to your move if you have difficult items such as antique furniture to transport.

Complete this easy-to-use form to get an accurate idea of what International Van Lines can do for you and your family’s relocation.

Learn More: International Van Lines Review

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

• Our Take: Most Efficient
• State Availability: 50

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is one of the largest moving brokers in the United States. This Florida-based company is a recent entrant into the moving industry; however, it provides moving services to all 50 states and offers a suite of basic and add-on options for all moves it carries out.

Pros & Cons

✔ Offers resources and guides for packing and moving
✔ Has a price-match program
✔ Offers military discounts

✘ Charges a 4% fee for move cancellations
✘ Has no weekend customer support

Services

IMRG offers residential, commercial, and permanent change of station (PCS) moving services. Its partner companies handle all sizes of military equipment relocations, as IMRG has General Services Administration (GSA) approval that carries over to its entire network. 

Your IMRG move can include packing, crating, vehicle shipping, special item moving, storage, and more.

Cost

Your IMRG moving experience will begin when you fill out a contact form online. Then, a move coordinator will contact you to set up a virtual consultation or in-home estimate. This estimate will yield a rate based on your service needs, inventory, move date, and the available moving partners in your area. Once you’ve placed your deposit, you’ll be subject to a 4% cancellation fee if you have to back out of your move.

Our Take

IMRG is a great option for military personnel and their family members. As experienced PCS movers that hold GSA approval, your specialized moving needs will be well-handled by an IMRG partner. This mover offers price-matching for all moves and can provide a wide range of services to any client. However, service offerings will depend on the IMRG partners in your area, so we recommend getting a quote at least six to eight weeks in advance.

Learn More: IMRG Review

American Van Lines

• Our Take: Best Overall Moving Labor
• State Availability: 48 (does not service Alaska and Hawaii)

American Van Lines (AVL) is a company that stands out for its well-trained moving crews and three decades of moving experience. All members of AVL moving crews are full-time employees, not contractors. Crew members must complete ongoing certification courses in a variety of areas, including how to handle fragile items such as antiques and bulky items such as gym equipment. AVL also provides military moving packages aimed at providing an efficient and streamlined relocation experience.

Pros and Cons

✔ Delivers moving shipments seven days a week
✔ Offers the Extraordinary Value Plan to provide more comprehensive coverage of high-value items
✔ Provides private storage and personal storage vaults

✘ Charges an additional fee to guarantee a delivery window
✘ Doesn’t include pricing information on its website
✘ Requires an up-front deposit of up to 50%

Services

American Van Lines provides add-on options to help you create the military moving plan that fits your needs. Optional services include:

• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• GPS shipment tracking
• Packing
• Storage that’s climate-controlled and monitored by 24/7 surveillance cameras

Cost

American Van Lines provides binding estimates—the exact amount you can plan to pay for your move—only after conducting a virtual home assessment. For this reason, you can’t get general pricing information online or over the phone. However, AVL did give us a rough estimate of $2,900 to move a two-bedroom home from Beaufort, South Carolina, to Quantico, Virginia.

Take this quick online questionnaire to find out more about American Van Lines’ military moving packages and prices.

Our Take on American Van Lines

We like American Van Lines for its ability to provide careful attention to fragile and high-value pieces. This can give you some added reassurance that your personal belongings will arrive safely at your new location.

Learn More: American Van Lines Review

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

• Our Take: Most Efficient
• State Availability: 50

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is one of the largest moving brokers in the United States. This Florida-based company is a recent entrant into the moving industry that provides moving services to all 50 states. It also offers a suite of basic and add-on options for all moves it carries out.

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a price-match program
✔ Offers resources and guides for packing and moving
✔ Responds to quote requests quickly

✘ Charges a 4% fee for cancellations
✘ Has no weekend customer support
✘ Has some mixed customer reviews online citing issues with third-party partners

Services

IMRG offers residential, commercial, and permanent change of station (PCS) moving services. Its partner companies handle all sizes of military equipment relocations, as IMRG has General Services Administration (GSA) approval that carries over to its entire network. 

Your IMRG move can include:

• Furniture and appliance disassembly and assembly
• Packing 
• Storage 

Cost

Your IMRG moving experience will begin when you fill out a contact form online. Then, a move coordinator will contact you to set up a virtual consultation or in-home estimate. This estimate is based on your service needs, inventory, move date, and the available moving partners in your area. Note that once you’ve placed your deposit, you’ll be subject to a 4% cancellation fee if you have to back out of your move.

Our Take

As experienced PCS movers who hold GSA approval, your specialized moving needs will be well-handled by an IMRG partner. This mover offers price-matching for all moves. However, service offerings depend on the IMRG partners in your area, so we recommend getting a quote at least six to eight weeks in advance.

Learn More: IMRG Review

U-Pack

• Our Take: Most Affordable
• State Availability: 50

U-Pack is a reputable option if you prefer a more self-service move. Do-it- yourself (DIY) moving is a great way to reduce costs when relocating while still enjoying some of the conveniences of working with a professional. The company will drop off a moving container on your scheduled date. You’ll then have three days to load the container at your own pace before the company returns to pick it up and drive it to your new residence. U-Pack doesn’t offer help with packing or loading, but it can pair you with a partner in your area that provides moving labor. Container options include a ReloCube or moving trailer. 

Pros and Cons

✔ Is cheaper than other companies
✔ Insures each move with liability coverage
✔ Is available nationwide and transports to Canada and Puerto Rico

✘ Some customer reviews reference leaky containers
✘ Doesn’t have an app to track your shipment
✘ Doesn’t handle moves under 50 miles

Services

U-Pack isn’t designed to provide as many services as a full-service mover. In addition to providing and driving your moving container, you can opt for storage at one of U-Pack’s secure service centers. The company states that while its shipping containers aren’t meant for vehicles, it can transport motorcycles and ATVs. Fuel costs are always included when you move with U-Pack to help you stay within budget. 

Cost

We used U-Pack’s online cost estimator to get an estimate for a two-bedroom move from Quantico, Virginia, to Beaufort, South Carolina, and were quoted $2,380. This is an all-inclusive quote for a 13-foot trailer. The company claims its estimates include no hidden fees. 

Our Take

U-Pack is a solid choice if you want to save money and don’t mind handling the packing and heavy lifting yourself. The good news is that once your belongings are loaded into the trailer, you only have to worry about getting to your location. U-Pack will take care of getting all your belongings to your new location for you, and it’s all covered by liability insurance. 

Learn More: U-Pack Review

Safeway Moving Inc.

• Our Take: Most Reliable Pricing
• State Availability: 50

Safeway Moving Inc. is a veteran-owned-and-operated moving broker and carrier that provides moving services in all 50 U.S. states. Its range as a carrier is somewhat limited, but its partner companies are highly rated and offer some of the best available options for long-distance moving assistance in the country.

Pros and Cons

✔ Offers flat-rate pricing for all moves
✔ Provides 30 days of free storage with all moves
✔ Requires moving partners to hold $1 million insurance policies

✘ Has reviews that mention difficulty reaching customer service representatives
✘ Requires phone calls or virtual consultations for quotes
✘ Is a broker, so some parts of your move will be outsourced

Services

Safeway’s services depend on the moving partners that operate in your area. These companies can offer full-service packing, crating, vehicle shipping, and other specialized moving services. Certain movers provide extra insurance protection for antiques, vehicles, and special items if your move requires it.

Cost

Safeway provides flat-rate pricing for all moves, regardless of scope or service requirements. You’ll have to call Safeway or fill out a contact form on its website to get in contact with a moving company representative who will handle your quote and move. Once you’ve submitted your inventory list, you’ll be quoted a flat rate and will be billed a 40% deposit to book your move.

Our Take

Safeway’s pledge of accountability and integrity is evident in its transparent pricing practices. Quoted rates include all services and inventory. However, we recommend inquiring about the moving partners tasked with your move when you get quotes. You should also read each provider’s reviews to ensure a quality military move.

Learn More: Safeway Moving Review

Moving APT

• Our Take: Best Customer Service
• State Availability: 50

Moving APT is a broker that functions as a liaison between customers and prescreened professional movers. Moving APT maintains one of the country’s largest networks of independent moving companies and can match you with one best equipped to handle your military move at your preferred price point.

Moving APT provides customer support even after connecting you to a mover, serving as a touchpoint for any questions or concerns. The company will also check in with your selected mover to make sure the process is moving smoothly and on schedule.

Pros and Cons

✔ Has 24/7 customer service
✔ Utilizes a network of 2,500 independent moving companies across the country
✔ Provides more discounts when you book further in advance

✘ Has frequent pop-up chat boxes on its website, which can make navigation tedious
✘ May give a lower estimate than what the third party actually charges
✘ Won’t refund deposits on cancellations with fewer than seven days’ notice

Services

Since Moving APT operates such a large network of movers, it can provide both traditional full-service moving packages and a long list of add-on options. Customers can choose to customize their relocations with optional services such as:

• Appliance disconnection and reconnection
• Heavy machinery relocation
• Packing
• Storage
• Vehicle relocation

Cost

Moving APT has a moving cost tool on its website for generating an approximate price range for your move. We used the calculator for a two-bedroom move from Quantico, Virginia, to Beaufort, South Carolina, and received an instant quote of $2,772–$5,472.

Moving APT provides moving discounts to members of the armed forces, military veterans, and senior citizens. The company also has special pricing offers for moves booked well in advance.

Use this online calculator to get your free instant moving quote from Moving APT.

Our Take on Moving APT

Although Moving APT doesn’t actually do any of the heavy lifting for military moves, the company helps reduce the amount of time you spend researching movers by taking your information and sending you potential matches and pricing information. Since the company remains your sole point of contact throughout the process, you don’t have to worry about staying in touch with both Moving APT and your moving provider.

To find out if Moving APT can match you with the right military mover, answer this quick online survey.

Learn More: Moving APT Review

JK Moving Services

• Our Take: Best Specialized Packing
• State Availability: 50

JK Moving Services is a full-service mover that focuses on tailoring your moving package according to your budget and moving needs. The company has been a choice moving partner for the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Defense. It’s committed to providing career opportunities to veterans, active military members, and those with the National Guard and Reserve.

JK Moving also allows customers the unique option to finance their moves. Some customers can get rates as low as 0% same-as-cash.

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a user-friendly mobile app for GPS tracking and virtual surveys
✔ Offers financing through Enhancify
✔ Provides 24/7 customer service

✘ Doesn’t have online sample pricing
✘ Has a longer quote process than many competitors
✘ Only provides local moves in Maryland and Virginia

Services

JK Moving offers industry-standard service options, such as:

• Full-service packing
• Storage
• Vehicle relocation

Cost

Because JK Moving customizes each of its moving packages to each customer’s needs, it doesn’t share much pricing information online.

The following factors will influence the overall cost of JK Moving’s services for your move:

• Your point of origin
• The total distance of your move
• The total size and weight of your move
• The date and time of year of your move
• Additional services you purchase

If you want to begin a virtual survey with JK Moving for an accurate quote, we recommend you complete this simple survey.

Our Take on JK Moving

JK Moving is another great full-service option for military families due to the company’s long history of dealing with government relations, including those involving the armed forces. We like how the company customizes each of its moving packages around the customer. The company’s partnership with Enhancify to provide financing is another standout perk.

To see what sort of moving package JK Moving can create for you, fill out this online form.

Learn More: JK Moving Services Review

How To Prepare for a Military Move

Moving companies often provide materials and tools to help you remember important steps to accomplish during a move. Some moving companies offer personal moving coaches, and others provide a moving checklist online.

Even with these resources, there are some important steps that you might miss when you are preparing for your move.

Read over some major steps to take below to make sure your move occurs with ease:

• Condense Your Belongings: We recommend you make two piles as moving day draws near. In one of the piles, place items you can donate. In the other pile, place items you want to throw away. A few days before the movers arrive, you can spend some time taking each pile to its respective drop-off location.
• Notify Important People: Be sure to notify your internet provider, your electricity and water companies, insurance companies, tax agencies, utility companies, the post office, and the Social Security administration.
• Create an Inventory: An important step to take when making your inventory is to take note of the condition of your items and take pictures of them. These photos and notes will come in handy if you have to file a loss or damage claim for reimbursement.

Each provider on our list has advantages, but we recommend International Van Lines as our top military mover. The company can be more expensive than some competitors, but we believe the value you get is worth it. You get a full-service moving partner so you don’t have to lift a finger, as well as insurance coverage, outstanding customer service, GPS shipment tracking, and years of experience handling military moves. 

We recommend reading customer reviews before deciding on a moving partner and getting quotes from at least three companies to compare pricing.

FAQ About Military Moves

Other Moving Resources

We’ve done extensive research on the best moving companies across the country and have compiled easy to digest comparisons:

• Best Interstate Moving Companies
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• Best Cheap Moving Companies
• Best Moving Companies for Small Moves

Our Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling options, additional benefits and custom service options, and reputation among customers to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.