5 Best Moving Companies for Military Moves
Here’s the quick answer: Military moves involve a maze of paperwork, deadlines, and high stress. At moveBuddha, we help thousands of military families move each year.
Whether you’re gearing up for your first Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or you’ve done this a dozen times, you deserve a smooth move. This guide breaks down the PCS process, with recommendations for the best military movers and real stories from families in our Better Moves Project to give you honest, firsthand advice.
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Our ratings of the best military movers
Based on moveBuddha’s expertise, verified customer reviews from moveBuddha readers, and the experiences of members of the armed forces, these are our top picks for the best military moving companies in 2025:
- Best overall value: Safeway Moving
- Best industry reputation: American Van Lines
- Best customer service: Mayzlin Relocation
- Best for complex moves: North American Van Lines
- Best for high-end moves: JK Moving Services
Compare the best moving companies for military members
Here’s how each of the top moving companies stacks up in terms of pricing and discounts. Use the table to compare our top picks for military moves and get a quote from each company.
| Company | Our Rating | Price Range | Military Discount | Get a Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.85/ 5 | $$ | 20% | |
| American Van Lines | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | Contact for Information | |
| Mayzlin Relocation | 4.9 / 5 | $$ | Contact for Information | |
| North American Van Lines | 4.5 / 5 | $$$ | Up to 50% | |
| JK Moving Services | 4.6 / 5 | $$$$ | Contact for Information |
Our reviews of the best military moving companies in 2025
Best overall value: Safeway Moving
rating
4.85 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
Safeway Moving offers the best overall value for military families preparing for a long-distance move. Founded by a U.S. Army veteran, this full-service moving company operates on military principles.
We chose Safeway as our overall top pick because it offers 30 days of 100% free storage for every move, which some other military moving companies charge for. Military moves are often unpredictable, so short-term storage options can be crucial.
In addition to offering a 20% moving discount to military members, it also price matches lower offers from other movers.
Pros and cons of Safeway Moving
- 30 days of free storage included
- Founded by a military veteran
- 20% military discount
- 24/7 customer service
- Price matches competitors
- Limited information on website
- Doesn’t service local moves
- No instant online quotes
Services
- Local, interstate, long-distance, and international moving
- Packing and unpacking
- Climate-controlled storage
- Custom crating services
Cost
Safeway Moving offers flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected last-minute charges.
When moveBuddha reader Christian moved a two-bedroom apartment from New York to California, his total costs came out to just over $4,700—when other movers’ quotes were over $8,000.
Read our full Safeway Moving Review
Best industry reputation: American Van Lines
rating
4.5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
With more than 20 years in business, American Van Lines provides a wide array of comprehensive military relocation services.
It also does weekly shuttles between major U.S. cities in the Lower 48, which can keep your timeline on track, even for last-minute moves. Though you’ll have to pay extra for it, you can get guaranteed delivery to ensure you make your new assignment by a certain date.
Based on positive customer reviews across online platforms, we found that American Van Lines is a trusted option for military members and their families.
Pros and cons of American Van Lines
- Offers binding estimates
- Long- and short-term storage options
- Online shipment tracking
- Assists with last-minute moves
- Requires up to 50% deposit upfront with your credit card
- Charges extra for guaranteed delivery
Services
- Local, long-distance moves, and international moves
- Corporate, military, and commercial moving
- Antique and piano moving
- Storage and packing
Cost
While American Van Lines doesn’t advertise any military discounts, its wide network results in some of the best pricing in the industry.
When we interviewed our reader Kathy, who moved from Washington, D.C. to St. Louis, she told us that her total cost for moving a one-bedroom apartment with American Van Lines was $4,074.
Read our full American Van Lines Review
Best customer service: Mayzlin Relocation
rating
4.9 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
Mayzlin Relocation is a family-owned business that earned points in our comparison for being a carrier, which means it handles all moving requests directly.
With full-service moves in every state except Alaska and Hawaii and 30 days of free storage for long-distance moves, plus the option to coordinate long-term storage, Mayzlin is an excellent fit for the intricacies of a military move.
Mayzlin stands out from larger moving companies because of its focus on customer service, with a personal moving consultant who assists with every step of the process and a 24/7 customer support line.
Pros and cons of Mayzlin
- Personal moving consultant
- Donates a portion of proceeds to charity
- Offers price-matching
- Provides 30 days of free storage with every move
- Can’t get instant quotes on the website
- No advertised military discounts
Services
- Local, long-distance moves, interstate, and international moving
- Professional packing and unpacking
- Storage services
- Corporate and military relocations
Cost
Mayzlin’s pricing tends to be in line with other long-distance movers. For example, our reader, Irena, paid $5,417 to move a six-room home from Ohio to South Carolina with Mayzlin.
While Mayzlin doesn’t advertise a military discount, it’s worth asking a representative when getting your quote. Mayzlin will honor lower quotes from competitors, so make sure you shop around before calling them.
Read our full Mayzlin Relocation Review
Best for complex moves: North American Van Lines
rating
4.5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
North American Van Lines (NAVL) stood out to us for its ability to tackle complex military moves with a suite of customizable services. NAVL offers free in-home estimates to establish your needs, then makes suggestions to make your move to your new base a stress-free one.
We also like that NAVL offers specialty military relocation services to help you settle into life in a new country, where a relocation specialist can help with tasks like finding childcare and gathering customs and immigration documentation.
Pros and cons of North American Van Lines
- Satellite tracking during shipping
- Custom crating for fragile and specialty equipment
- Customizable moving services ensure you only pay for the help you need
- General Service Administration-approved carrier
- Non-peak rates available year-round to active duty and veterans
- Storage options vary
- Some complaints cite difficulty contacting customer service for claims
Services
- Local, long-distance, interstate, and international moving
- Packing and unpacking (including custom crating)
- Vehicle relocation
- Storage
Cost
North American Van Lines tends to be on the pricier side compared to the competition – but its generous military discounts can help even things out.
The company’s average cost for a long-distance move is $3,758, though this can vary based on factors like distance, the size of your home, the time of year, and the scope of services you use.
Just note that some services that are included with other movers (like storage) aren’t free with NAVL. Even with a discount, they could end up being more expensive.
Read our full North American Van Lines Review
Best for high-end moves: JK Moving Services
rating
4.6 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
JK Moving Services offers high-end white-glove moving. Based in the Washington, D.C. area, JK Moving has significant experience with military moves and government relocation.
JK Moving background-checks and regularly trains all its moving crews and offers 24/7 customer support, which is a big plus for international moves. You can even use the mobile app to request quotes and manage your move.
The company has served the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Defense, and other agencies, so you can have confidence in their abilities to navigate the complexities of a military move.
Pros and cons of JK Moving Services
- Only requires a $250 deposit for interstate moves
- Mobile app with AI-driven quote technology
- Significant experience with government and military-related moves
- Participates in programs supporting vets and active military members
- Limited local move availability (Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia only)
- Higher prices than competitors, which the military might not fully reimburse
Services:
- Long-distance and international moves
- Limited local moves
- Climate-controlled storage facilities
- White-glove moving services
Cost
JK Moving offers high-end service, but it comes at a price. The company doesn’t advertise any military discounts, and estimates tend to be higher than competitors.
When customer Jose moved over 20,000 pounds of items from Herriman, Utah, to Lake Mary, Florida, his actual cost came in at $27,453, which was a few thousand dollars more than what others offered.
Read our full JK Moving Review
Summary of the best military movers
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
- White-glove handling of fragile & high-end items
- Guaranteed pickup & delivery
- $250 deposit for interstate moves
- Mobile app with 24/7 customer service
- Financing available
What is a military move? (PCS overview)
Military moves are official relocations ordered by the U.S. Department of Defense or other government agencies. The most common is a Permanent Change of Station (PCS)—a long-term reassignment to a new duty location. But several types of military moves exist, each with its own rules and benefits.
- PCS (Permanent Change of Station): Long-term move to a new duty station, typically a year or more.
- TDY (Temporary Duty): Short-term assignments, usually under six months, with a return to your original station.
- DITY/PPM (Personally Procured Move): You manage your own move and get reimbursed by the government.
- HHG (Household Goods Move): The government contracts an approved mover to ship your belongings.
The type of move you’re assigned affects how much control you have, what’s covered, and how you’re reimbursed.
How much do military moves cost?
According to Military.com, a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs an average of $5,000. While you’ll generally receive some type of reimbursement for your moving expenses, you’ll likely have some out-of-pocket costs for your move.
Several factors affect the cost of your military move, including:
- Military moving allowances: The amount you receive from the military might cover everything, but more often than not, you’ll likely still have some out-of-pocket expenses.
- Military discounts: Many moving companies offer military discounts to active duty military and veterans. Even a 10% discount can have a big effect on the final bill.
- Amount moved: The amount of stuff you need to move has a direct impact on pricing. The less you move, the cheaper it is, and vice versa.
- Distance traveled: Moving within a state is cheaper than a long-distance move, and moving cross-country is cheaper than an international relocation.
- Type of move: Personally procured moves (PPM) allow you to hire a full-service mover or rent a moving truck to do it yourself. If you’re on a tighter budget but want some help moving, try a partial DIY move.
- Additional services: If you choose to pay for extra services such as packing, post-move cleanup, or packing materials, it will impact the cost of your move.
Factors to consider when hiring a military moving company
Moving is a necessary part of military life, but it’s much easier with the right mover. Weigh these factors to choose the best moving company for your situation.
- Availability: First of all, determine if a mover is available in your area and on your timeline. Verify that the company operates in your current state or country and in the place you’re moving.
- Type of move: Be sure to choose the right type of moving company. Moving locally, long-distance, across state lines, or internationally comes with different requirements. For example, interstate movers need proper licensing to cross state lines, and the best interstate moving companies will meet those requirements.
- Insurance: Movers must offer moving insurance plans like full-value protection to comply with federal regulations, which is a big perk for military movers.
- Specialty items: We all have prized possessions, like art or pianos, that need extra TLC. As military personnel, you may also need a company that will pick up and handle firearms and other specialized household goods with care. Mention your specialty items during the quoting process for the most accurate quote.
- Reputation: Reputation matters in the moving industry. Check the moving company’s reputation by reading customer reviews and ratings, checking their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, and looking for industry awards.
- Cost and discounts: Moving costs can add up, so it’s important to consider discounts and the final cost of your move. Fortunately, many moving companies offer discounts for active military, while others are willing to price match their top competitors. Request free quotes from at least three military moving companies to get a fair idea of your moving costs.
How to prepare for a military move
Preparing for a military move can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following a few key moving tips, you can make this process more manageable for you and your family:
- Decide how you want to move. If you want to outsource everything, you can do a traditional military move, where the government chooses your moving company. For more control over your moving experience, opt for a personally procured move (PPM).
- Be mindful of your per diem. Military members are generally provided a per diem to cover food, lodging, and transportation costs for the move. Be aware of the amount so you don’t have to put extra spending on your own credit card.
- Declutter. Even if you haven’t been stationed in an area for long, you’d be surprised how quickly clutter can pile up. Declutter items you no longer want or need to lower moving costs and help packing and unpacking go more smoothly.
- Inventory your items. Take a photo inventory and make a complete list of everything you’re moving in case you need to file a claim for lost or damaged items with the moving company.
- Block off items you’re taking with you. Whether you’re traveling by car or plane to your new base, you don’t want the movers to pack up your traveling essentials. Put your essentials in a single room or closet that you can mark with a “do not pack” sign so the movers know what to leave behind.
The official PCS process: Step-by-step guide
Here’s how a typical PCS move unfolds, so you know what to expect at each stage:
- Receive orders: You get official PCS orders from your command.
- Contact your Transportation Office (TO): Schedule a required counseling session to start the process.
- Register and initiate your move in DPS/DP3: Use the Defense Personal Property Program system to set up your move.
- Choose your move type: Decide between a government-managed move, DITY/PPM, or a hybrid (partial PPM).
- Book your move: The TO (or you, for PPM) books the moving company, container, or rental truck.
- Packing and pickup: Movers pack and load your belongings, or you do it yourself for DITY/PPM.
- Shipment/travel to new duty station: Coordinate your travel and arrival dates.
- Delivery and unpacking: Receive and inspect your goods at your new location.
- File claims for lost/damaged items: Use DPS/DP3 to start claims within the required window.
- Submit for reimbursement: Turn in all required documentation to finalize payment or reimbursement.
Pro tip: Start the process early. The sooner you schedule with your TO, the better your chances of locking in your preferred dates and avoiding last-minute headaches. Moving can feel like an obstacle course, but you don’t have to do it alone—we help thousands of military families move every year.
Official military moving resources
Bookmark these links for official rules, checklists, and troubleshooting:
- Military OneSource: Moving & Housing – Central hub for PCS, DITY/PPM, and resources.
- DPS/DP3 – Register, schedule, and track your move.
- GSA Approved Movers by region – List of government-approved moving companies.
- USTRANSCOM DP3 – DoD’s official program page.
Eligibility and how to get started
Not sure if you qualify for military move benefits? Here’s who is eligible:
- Active duty military members
- Dependents (spouses, children)
- Certain DoD civilians and contractors (check your orders for details)
To kick off the process, contact your local Transportation Office (TO) or Personal Property Office. Bring your official orders, know your preferred move dates, and be ready to choose between a government-managed move, DITY/PPM, or a hybrid option. They’ll help you register.
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FAQ
How much does a military move cost?
Military service members can generally expect to pay $5,000 on average for a Permanent Change of Station move. However, exact costs will vary based on factors like distance, time of year, and how much stuff you need to transport.
Is a military discount the best discount for moving?
Military discounts are often more substantial than other discounts, but they aren’t the only promotions available to you. Some moving companies offer bigger discounts for choosing delivery dates during the off-season or even on off-peak days of the week or times of the month.
Chat with your mover about all potential discounts and compare moving quotes to find the best deal.
How much does the military give you to move?
The military’s Personally Procured Move Program allows you to potentially get reimbursed for up to 100% of your moving costs. You are responsible for renting a moving truck or hiring professional movers yourself, and after the move is complete, the government will reimburse you.
Moves for Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Temporary Duty (TDY), and Temporary Additional Duty (TAD) qualify for this program. Most service members are also provided a per diem to cover the cost of food, lodging, and transportation associated with the move.
What will military moving companies not pack?
Military moving companies won’t pack certain items for safety reasons. This usually includes:
- Gasoline or propane
- Perishables
- Sentimental items like jewelry or important documents
- Cash
- Plants
If you have a question about any prohibited items, get in touch with your mover to ask about their policies.
Can I use a moving container for military moves?
Yes, moving container companies like PODS are great for self-service moves. Moving container companies give you more flexibility because you can pack at your own pace and have the option to store your belongings before delivery.
If you’re okay with packing, loading, and unloading everything yourself and just need help with transportation, this is a flexible and cost-efficient option.
Does the military have a preferred moving company to use?
No, the military doesn’t have a preferred moving company.
You’re free to hire whoever you want, but the Defense Personal Property Program (DP3) has a network of moving companies vetted by the military to speed up your search. You can also check for approved movers with the General Services Administration (GSA).
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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