Moving can be a daunting task, and it’s often a frequent necessity for military members and their families. Whether you’re relocating due to a change in duty station, deployment, or retirement, finding a reliable and efficient moving company is crucial.
Military life is marked by its unique challenges, and choosing a moving company that understands and caters to those challenges can make the process significantly smoother.
This article will explore the five best military moving companies that have proven their mettle in assisting military families during these transitions.
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1. International Van Lines
Pros
- Dedicated military relocation services
- Offers both domestic and international moves
- Provides packing and unpacking services
- GPS tracking for your belongings during transit
Cons
- Limited availability in certain regions
When it comes to serving military members, International Van Lines is one of the best moving companies for the military. They recognize the unique demands of military life and tailor their services to accommodate them. Their military discounts for moving trucks range between 10-15 percent for military members.
Whether you’re moving across the country or overseas, International Van Lines offers comprehensive services that can ease relocation stress. One key feature is the GPS tracking that keeps you informed about the status and location of your belongings throughout the journey.
2. 1-800-PACK RAT
Pros
- Flexible loading and unloading
- Convenient storage options
- Wide service area
- No rush packing
Cons
- Limited customer service hours
1-800-Pack Rat stands out as a solid moving company choice for military members due to its tailored solutions. Military life often involves frequent relocations and uncertain timelines. With the flexibility this company provides, you won’t feel rushed during your move. This is crucial, especially when you’re juggling various responsibilities.
Moreover, their convenient storage options align perfectly with military deployments or temporary duty assignments. Having a reliable storage solution can save you from the hassle of arranging alternative storage during sudden moves.
While their customer service hours might be limited, the company’s focus on flexibility and storage convenience can make up for this drawback. The company offers a 10 percent military discount for all active and retired military members.
3. PODS
Pros
- Convenient portable storage containers
- Flexible loading and unloading timelines
- Local and long-distance moving options
- No pressure with delivery and packing timelines
Cons
- Limited customer support hours
- May not be suitable for larger households
PODS is one of the best moving companies for veterans and active-duty military members. They offer a unique approach to moving that can be particularly beneficial for military families, and their portable storage containers give you the flexibility to load and unload your belongings at your own pace.
The PODS military discount is up to 30 percent for all active, retired, and veteran military members. This can be especially advantageous for those undergoing frequent moves or uncertain timelines. The convenience of keeping your container on-site or storing it at a PODS facility can simplify the moving process.
4. U-Pack
Pros
- Pay only for the space you use
- Flexible delivery and pickup options
- Available across the U.S. and parts of Canada
- Military discounts available
Cons
- Limited loading and unloading time
U-Pack offers a unique pricing structure that can be especially attractive for military families looking to manage their budgets effectively. With U-Pack, you pay based on the space you use in the moving trailer or container, which can lead to significant savings.
This moving company offers discounts for active-duty military members and veterans. Active-duty military personnel can receive $100 off their move, and veterans can receive $50 off.
They also offer military discounts, demonstrating their commitment to serving those who serve the nation. While the loading and unloading time might be more restricted compared to other options, their cost-effectiveness and convenience can offset this limitation.
5. SMARTBOX
Pros
- Portable storage solutions for convenience
- Flexible delivery and pickup options
- Suitable for both local and long-distance moves
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Cons
- Limited availability in certain areas
- Customer service response time may vary
SMARTBOX offers portable storage solutions that can be particularly appealing to military families dealing with frequent relocations. The flexibility to load and unload your belongings at your own pace can alleviate some of the stress associated with moving.
They offer local and long-distance moving options, making them versatile for various situations. SMARTBOX offers a military discount for active-duty military members.
The transparent pricing structure, with no hidden fees, ensures you know exactly what you’re paying for. However, their availability might be limited in certain regions, and the responsiveness of their customer service could vary.
Moving Companies For the Military: FAQs
Can my DLA rate help cover some costs associated with moving?
Yes, a DLA rate can help cover some of the costs associated with a military move when you must relocate due to a change in your service assignment. To apply for DLA, you must submit all necessary documentation and include details about your service assignment change or new duty station.
How long do military movers take?
Depending on if you have a local or long-distance move, most moving companies for military personnel can take one day for local moves and several days for long-distance moves. International moves can take weeks.
A military relocation professional can help you find a moving company that will relocate you in a sufficient amount of time and also find the best housing solution to meet your needs.
Are there moving assistance programs available to veterans?
Yes, there are a few moving assistance programs available for veterans. These moving assistance programs include the Special Adaptive Housing Program and the Home Loan Program offered by the VA.
Final Thoughts
Relocating as a military family comes with its challenges, but choosing the right moving company can significantly alleviate the stress associated with these transitions.
From specialized military relocation services to flexible pricing options and convenient storage solutions, these moving companies for the military have proven their ability to cater to the unique needs of military life.
ARC Relocation can help relieve the stress of your military move by planning your move and providing you with a reliable moving company. Contact ARC Relocation today to set up a free consultation call.