Moving is an integral part of the military. If you’re in the army, you’ve probably moved quite a few times. Or this could be your first time. In any case, moving in general is quite overwhelming and challenging. Let alone when you’re a military professional, moving to a whole different country on the other side of the world. That is why it is extremely important to choose good military movers. Good military movers can take the burden of the move off your shoulders, making it much more manageable and stress-free. If you’re currently in the process of a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or Temporary Duty (TDY), it is vital to know how to choose good military movers. Here are some tips on how to do just that.
Types of moves in the military
There are basically two options for every military move – the government contract move, or the personally procured move. With the first option, the military movers are in charge of everything. They are even supposed to pack and unpack your belongings. This makes for a much less stressful move on your part. The only thing you should do is schedule the packing and the pick-up date.
With the personally procured move, this puts you in charge more. It is up to you to organize everything. You have to choose the movers and handle all preparations. This option brings more stress. However, just try to listen to some of the tips for a stress-free move and you’ll do just fine. Also, even though this is more time-consuming, you can save some money by doing a personally procured move. Since the government is obligated to reimburse 95 percent of what it would cost for them to organize it, you can keep the price difference.
Tips on how to choose good military movers
There are a few things to consider if you’ve chosen the second option. And the biggest thing among them is choosing good military movers. This is the most important thing, since they will basically be in charge of moving your entire life. Since there are different kinds of moving assistance options to choose from, choosing the right military mover may be the hardest task you will face. Here are some tips to make the task easier.
Do research
If you’ve opted for the personal procurement move, first you should go online. Check the reviews of several military movers. If you want to choose good military movers, you need to find moving companies that are trustworthy. Look for those that have the best reviews. However, it is also necessary to watch out for fake reviews. Even the best moving companies will most likely have a few bad reviews. Don’t count them out simply for having one or two bad reviews. That is an unavoidable part of business.
Another thing you can do is ask around. Ask your friends from work whether they know of a good military mover. You can also widen your search. You don’t have to just ask your military colleagues, since you must know someone who’s moved recently. Ask them about their choice and whether they were satisfied. Many moving companies offer military relocation services.
Make a list
Once you’ve done the initial research, it is time for some organization. Remember, organization is one of the basic elements of a successful military move. A good idea is to make a list of the five companies you are considering. Do some additional research, narrow it down to three and then request a quote. Personal contact is vital when hiring a military mover. You can see through personal interaction whether the company is the right fit for you. You will certainly find the right military mover once you get in touch personally. Sometimes it’s as easy as trusting your gut.
Go with experience
This type of move is one of the trickiest in the business. Regulations concerning military moves change quite a lot. That is why, if you want to choose good military movers, you need to focus on experience. Experienced military movers will keep up to date with the recent regulation. Also, they can provide you with general guidelines regarding packing/unpacking, weight allowances, etc. For instance, the Pasha Group has been in business for more than 70 years, offering various kinds of services. They have been a global leader in the business and they have a global network, so they can help you wherever you need to move.
Ask everything you want to know
If this is your first military move, you may feel a bit lost. Don’t shy from asking what you want to know. A good professional mover will answer any and every question you may have. If you want to choose good military movers, this is an important part of their service. It is always best to go with the company that is willing to answer questions. Professionals will know that you may be feeling overwhelmed and they will try to accommodate you.
Make a budget and try to stick to it
In an effort to be organized for an international move, it is necessary to first make a budget. Why is it important to make a budget? Well, when you get a quote and all the necessary information from the companies, you will know whether or not they fit into your budget. That is, you will know whether to hire the said company. You don’t even have to consider the companies that are greatly out of your price range. However, if they are close to your approximate budget, try to negotiate the price.
Then check whether the companies you’ve selected offer any kind of discounts. Let’s face it, the price is an important part of the entire process of choosing the right mover. Many companies offer discounts to active service members. Also, you can get a discount when moving out of the moving season. You can get a discount even if you’re moving during the work week, instead at the weekend.
