8 Tips for Hiring Military Movers for Your PCS

Your Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders are in, and it’s time to start planning your move. While relocating can feel like a big task, hiring the right movers can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience. 

But you don’t want to hire just any moving company—it’s crucial to look for PCS movers who understand the timelines, weight allowances and other factors that make military moves unique. Use these 8 practical tips to find and hire movers who’ll take great care of your belongings and make your transition as easy as possible.

1. Check your mover’s license, insurance and credentials

Before hiring any moving company, make sure they’re licensed, credentialed and insured. This step can help protect you from scams and ensure you’re working with legitimate professionals. 

• Start by checking that your mover has a valid USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Every interstate moving company must have this registration. You can verify their status and safety record on the FMCSA website.
• For moves within a single state, check that the company has proper state licensing, too. Each state has different requirements, so make sure your mover meets the standards.
• Look for movers who also have military-specific credentials. Some companies are certified as military relocation professionals or have special contracts with the Department of Defense. These credentials show they understand the unique requirements of PCS moves.

Don’t skip this step! A few minutes of research now may save you major headaches later. Legitimate movers will be happy to provide their licensing information upfront.

2. Look for military moving experience

You want movers who understand PCS life. Military relocation differs from civilian moves, and experienced military movers know what is involved. Look for companies that advertise military moving services or have worked with Servicemembers before. Ask the following questions about their military experience as well:

• How many PCS moves do you handle each year? 
• Do you work with my branch of service? 
• Can you provide references from other Servicemembers? 

Companies with real military experience will be happy to share this information. They understand your timeline constraints—like when you need to clear housing or report to your new duty station. They also know about weight allowances, so they can help you stay within your limits and avoid unexpected charges.

Experienced military movers are familiar with base housing requirements, too. They know how to navigate security checkpoints, understand the paperwork and work around military schedules. The right movers will speak your language and understand that flexibility is key when orders or timelines shift.

3. Ask for recommendations and read reviews

The best way to find quality PCS movers is by getting recommendations from people who’ve been in your shoes. Start by asking fellow Servicemembers, friends and family members about their moving experiences. They can give you honest feedback about which companies delivered great service and which ones to avoid.

Check with your base transportation office, too. They often keep lists of recommended movers and can share insights about companies that work well with military families. Spouse groups, unit social media pages and military forums are also great places to ask for recommendations.

Once you have some names, dive into online reviews. Look at Google, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau to see what other customers are saying. Pay special attention to reviews from other military families—they’ll mention things like punctuality, handling of military paperwork, navigating pet relocation and flexibility with changing timelines.

4. Understand exactly what moving services you’re getting

Not all moving companies offer the same services, so you need to know exactly what’s included before you sign any contract. 

• Ask whether they provide full-service packing or if you’ll need to pack some items yourself. Full-service means they pack everything and cover loading, transporting and unpacking. Partial service might mean you pack personal items while they handle furniture and appliances.
• Find out about storage options. If there’s a gap between when you move out and when you can move into your new home, you’ll need temporary storage. Some companies include short-term storage in their pricing, while others may charge extra.
• Ask about special items like cars, boats or delicate belongings. Some movers can handle vehicle transport while others may work with partner companies. If you have valuable or fragile items, make sure they have experience moving those safely.

Getting clear on moving services upfront can help you get the level of service you need for your PCS move—and it can help prevent confusion and extra costs later.

5. Get clear, transparent estimates and costs 

Getting accurate estimates is crucial when budgeting your move. The best moving companies will provide detailed, written estimates that break down all costs, so you know exactly how to budget.

Ask for in-person or virtual estimates whenever possible. Companies that give quotes over the phone without seeing your belongings are more likely to include surprise charges later. A good estimator will walk through your home, ask about special items and give you a realistic understanding of the cost.

Make sure you understand the pricing structure, too. Some companies charge by weight, others by hours and some use a flat rate. Ask about fees for things like stairs, long carries to the truck, heavy furniture or packing materials.

6. Make sure the movers fit your schedule

PCS moves come with non-negotiable deadlines, so you need local movers that can work within your specific timeframe. Your report date isn’t flexible, which means your moving schedule isn’t, either.

• Book your movers as early as possible, especially during peak PCS season (summer months). Popular military moving companies fill up fast, and waiting too long might leave you scrambling for last-minute options.
• When you contact movers, be upfront about your timeline. Tell them your pack-out dates, when you need to clear housing and your report date at the new duty station. Good military movers will work backward from your deadlines to create a realistic schedule.

Ask about the company’s flexibility, too. Military life means plans can change, and you want movers that can adapt if your timeline shifts. Some companies charge fees for date changes, while others offer built-in flexibility for military customers.

7. Understand your insurance coverage options

Your belongings are important, and you want to make sure they’re protected during your move. That’s one reason why insurance is worth exploring. Most moving companies offer one of two types of coverage:

• Released value protection: This is the basic option and covers up to 60 cents per pound if something gets damaged. For example, your 2-pound laptop would be covered for $1.20.
• Full value protection: With this option, the mover repairs, replaces or reimburses you for damaged items based on their current market value. This is usually worth the extra cost.

Check if your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers items during a move. Some policies include moving coverage, which could save you money and provide additional protection.

8. Have clear communication and document everything

Good communication with your movers starts before they even arrive and continues until your move is complete. Clear expectations and proper documentation can help everyone involved.

• Before moving day: Confirm all details in writing. This includes pickup and delivery dates, moving services included, total cost and any special instructions for fragile or valuable items. If anything changes, put those updates in writing.
• During the move: Be present for the inventory walkthrough and make sure everything gets documented. Take photos of valuable items before they’re packed, and don’t be afraid to point out existing damage so it’s noted on the inventory sheet.

Keep all your moving paperwork organized in one place. This includes your contract, inventory lists, receipts and any correspondence with the company. Documenting everything can help the process go much smoother if you need to file a claim later.

Navy Federal Credit Union provides support for your PCS moves

Beyond finding and hiring quality movers, managing your finances is a key part of planning a successful PCS move. Navy Federal is here to help. Our PCS resources can help you budget for moving expenses, understand your entitlements and make the most of your relocation benefits. Check out our comprehensive PCS checklist to make sure you don’t miss any important steps.

With the right financial plan and experienced movers, your PCS can be a smooth transition to your next chapter.