5 Best Moving Companies for Military Moves
Bottom line: Safeway Moving is our top pick for military moves. The veteran-owned company offers military discounts and free short-term storage, with years of experience handling nuanced military moves.
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Finding a quality military mover can be challenging. We’ve reviewed 4,400 moving companies to identify the best moving companies for military moves. In this guide, we’ll help you compare movers and offer tips on how to find the best moving company for your specific situation.
Whether you want to go with a veteran-owned company like Safeway Moving or need the white-glove treatment for your military memorabilia from JK Moving, these military moving companies will treat you and your belongings with respect.
Our ratings of the best military movers
Based on moveBuddha’s expertise, positive reviews from moveBuddha readers, and the experiences of members of the armed forces, these are our top picks for the best military moving companies:
- Best overall value: Safeway Moving
- Best for complex moves: North American Van Lines
- Best customer service: Mayzlin Relocation
- Best industry reputation: 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 | $$ | 20% | |
| North American Van Lines | 4.5 / 5 | $$$ | Up to 50% | |
| Mayzlin Relocation | 4.9 / 5 | $$ | Contact for Information | |
| American Van Lines | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | Contact for Information | |
| JK Moving Services | 4.6 / 5 | $$$$ | Contact for Information |
Our reviews of the best military moving companies
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 provides price matching. If you have a cheaper quote from another company (for similar military moving services), Safeway will match it.
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 matching of 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. Thanks to their 20% military discount and price matching offers, you can expect them to always be able to provide a competitive quote.
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.
Our takeaway
Safeway Moving is an excellent option for long-distance military moves. With 30 days of free storage, a military discount, and price matching, they’re one of the most flexible and affordable full-service moving options.
Read our full Safeway Moving 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 North American Van Lines 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.
While it’s one of the pricier options on this list, NAVL provides as much as a 50% discount for military members, which is higher than most competitors.
Pros and cons of North American Van Lines
- Satellite tracking of your belongings 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.
Our takeaway
North American Van Lines is best for complex moves requiring extra assistance like custom crating for military memorabilia, vehicle shipping, or international relocation services.
Read our full North 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. Many movers partner with third-party companies on some moves, and quality can vary depending on the provider.
Mayzlin can handle full-service moves in every state except Alaska and Hawaii and provides 30 days of free storage for long-distance moves, with the option to coordinate long-term storage.
Mayzlin stands out from larger moving companies because of its focus on customer service. Every military service member works with a personal moving consultant who assists with every step of the process. The company also has a 24/7 customer support line.
Pros and cons of Mayzlin
- Personal moving consultant manages your military move
- Family-owned business that 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
- Does not advertise any 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. Sally, on the other hand, paid $3,663 to move a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Brighton, Massachusetts.
Your move size and where you’re getting deployed will directly influence your costs. 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.
Our takeaway
Mayzlin Relocation offers consistently reliable service, with personal moving coordinators who can help take the stress out of relocating to a new base and thirty days of flexible free storage. However, the lack of a definite military discount means you should also compare quotes from other movers.
Read our full Mayzlin Relocation 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.
While you’ll need to contact American to ask about potential military discounts, we chose this military mover for its 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 to lock in quotes
- Long-term storage and short-term storage options
- Online shipment tracking
- Assists with last-minute moves
- Requires up to 50% deposits upfront with your credit card
- Charges an extra fee 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.
However, keep in mind that American Van Lines’ high deposit requirements could put some temporary strain on your budget when relocating to a new home.
Our takeaway
American Van Lines’ solid reputation makes it a worthwhile pick for military service members. A comprehensive military relocation package that includes packing, furniture disassembly, and storage—all backed by stellar customer service—can streamline your move.
Read our full 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 for corporations, celebrities, and even the U.S. government.
Founded in 1982, JK Moving has decades of moving experience to the table. It 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.
Based in the Washington, D.C. area, JK Moving has significant experience with military moves and government relocation. 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 several programs supporting vets, active military members, and the Army Reserves
- Limited local move availability (Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia only)
- Higher prices than competitors, which the military might not fully reimburse
Services include:
- 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. Despite the higher prices, Jose’s desire for white-glove service—as well as JK Moving’s impressive reputation and reviews — made them the right pick for his move.
Our takeaway
JK Moving’s experience with government and military moves is hard to beat. Having been used for official government departments, you can trust their team to deliver the highest quality service throughout your move.
That being said, the high cost of their services is a potential drawback, but if you have valuables that need to be treated with extra care, this company offers a truly unparalleled level of service.
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
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
- 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
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- 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
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. The good news is that this allowance can offset most of the big expenses associated with moving.
- 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. Decluttering before moving can streamline your move and save you money.
- Distance traveled: Moving within a state is cheaper than a long-distance move, and moving cross-country is cheaper than an international relocation. The good news is that long-distance moves are sometimes eligible for higher PCS allowances.
- 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 where you pack most of your household belongings, and the moving company transports them.
- 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.
Check their booking calendar to see if the company’s moving dates match your timeline for transferring to your new address to avoid any last-minute scheduling hiccups.
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. This is not only a sign that you’re working with a quality company, but it also gives you a few extra protections.
These 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. This way, the moving company can provide a more accurate price for the move.
Reputation
Reputation matters in the moving industry. When you’re entrusting your belongings to a company, you need to know they’re reliable and legitimate.
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.
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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).
Methodology
We've been evaluating moving companies for over 10 years and have developed a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies.
We Look At:
Customer satisfaction (40%):
The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%):
Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%):
The company is well regarded within the moving industry as well as participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (10%):
The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%):
We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, expedited delivery and more.
National availability (5%):
The company offers origin and destination services across the country.
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