Central Illinois Military Movers
If you’re one of the 400,000 individuals who relocate under PCS order annually, you likely know the drill. Moving you and your family’s entire life with little notice is stressful and overwhelming. Being an active member of the US Armed Forces is taxing enough—you shouldn’t have to worry about moving alone, too. Luckily, Federal Companies have skilled Central Illinois military movers to handle your next big transition. Whether you’re hopping a few states over to another city in the Heart of Illinois (like Addison or Barrington) or are stationed overseas, we’re the Central Illinois military moving company for you.
We’re top Central Illinois movers who have served Central Illinois, all of Champaign, DeWitt, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, LaSalle, Livingston, McLean, and Shelby counties, and the Central Illinois area for over 105 years.
What Is a Central Illinois Military Move?
PCS Move - Permanent Change of Station
PCS stands for “Permanent Change of Station.” You will be assigned a PCS if your new duty station is more than 50 miles away from your current duty station, but distance isn’t the only factor. Sometimes, people move to a new station within 50 miles of their current station due to duty or rank changes. Since you must accept the orders, the government pays for 100% of this relocation. The government will outsource its own professional mover as they typically have companies with which they work continuously.
PPM Move - Personally Procured Moves
Can You Have the Best of Both Worlds?
Yes, many service members opt for a combination of the two. This allows the government to hire commercial movers while they hire their own Central Illinois military movers to handle certain items.
Cost of a Military Move - How Much Does a Military Move Cost?
The US government pays for or will reimburse you after the military move is complete. Here are the various reimbursement programs you can go through.
Dislocation Allowance (DLA)
Discoloration Allowance is a great resource for anyone taking on an army, navy, or air force move; it covers expenses that generally aren’t reimbursed through other programs, like setting up a new home. Service members typically receive this allowance automatically when moving to a new duty station.
Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT)
If you drive your own vehicle during a PCS move, you will be reimbursed by the MALT program. The amount you receive will depend on the distance (miles) from your current base to your new station.
Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA)
If your PCS requires you to move abroad, the MIHA helps with costs related to security deposits, utility connections, and initial repairs that other housing allowances don’t cover.
Per Diem Allowance
The per diem allowance helps offset the costs of long trips that require multiple meals on the road, lodging etc.
Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA)
If you or your family must utilize temporary lodging while traveling overseas, the TLA will help pay for costs related to food and lodging.
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)
TLE reimburses the cost of temporary lodging and meals within the US during a PCS. It is available for a limited number of days and is meant to help while you work on securing permanent housing.
Advance Basic Pay
If needed, some service members can receive a paycheck advancement to help cover relocation costs. This advancement is paid back with small deductions in future paychecks.
Advance BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing)
If you need financial assistance to help cover housing costs, such as deposits or the first month’s rent during your PCS, an Advance BAH program can be helpful. This is the best example of a temporary loan repaid through future paychecks.
Advance Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA)
Advance OHA provides service members stationed out of the country with an upfront portion of their housing allowance to help cover initial expenses, like rent and deposits, that other allowances don’t address.
Now that you’re familiar with the various reimbursement programs, you can choose the one that best suits your family and circumstances.
What About Moving Internationally?
International moves are far more tedious, time-consuming, and expensive. Getting an accurate estimate on your overseas relocation is difficult unless you ask a professional Central Illinois military moving company. Still, there are a few ways to get a good idea of the costs.
Here are factors that affect the cost of your international movers:
- Your chosen Central Illinois military movers
- Volume and cubic feet of your goods
- The distance from the origin to the destination
- Transport method, with land being the cheapest and air being the most expensive
- Additional services you request
- Applying for a visa
- Which moving date you choose will affect the price.
Regardless of your needs, affordable Central Illinois military movers will give you an affordable rate. Plus, you’ll be reimbursed once the move is complete.
Moving with Different Branches of The Military
Each military branch is unique and necessary, and we can help each of them relocate.
Central Illinois Army Moves
Central Illinois Army Movers help the ground forces of the armed forces relocate seamlessly to their new base.
Central Illinois Navy Moves
Members of the Navy are on, below, and above the water, keeping the US secure. Our Central Illinois Navy movers are ready to get any Navy members to their new station hassle-free.
Central Illinois Marines Moves
Marines are the nation’s ground forces, and they’re making things happen! If you’re in the Marines and have recently been told it’s time to relocate, our Central Illinois Marines movers are the team for you! We’ve helped many families transition over the years and will gladly assist you.
Central Illinois Air Force Moves
Air Force members keep the sky clear and safe for all US citizens, and our Central Illinois Air Force movers are ready to provide any relocation services they need.
Central Illinois Coast Guard Moves
While Coast Guard members have a mission to protect our country’s maritime interests, we aim to help them transition to their new station hassle-free. If you need Central Illinois Coast Guard movers to assist you, just call Federal Companies.
What Will Central Illinois Military Movers Not Pack?
One handy relocation service you gain access to when working with professionals is packing services. While a dedicated crew will do their best to meet your needs, some items aren’t packable/transportable per their and the US government’s rules and regulations.
- Candles – Typically, a Central Illinois military moving company will not pack and transport candles, but this can vary depending on the time of the year.
- Batteries – You will likely have to ship your batteries separately as limitations on the transportation of lithium batteries have been in place since May 2023.
- Food – Transporting secured, sealed, dry food is no issue. Canned foods may cause issues as they can break open and cause damage.
- Cat – Unless it’s done so by accident, Central Illinois military movers do not transport animals.
- House Plants – Houseplants are not items movers typically pack.
- Lotion – Due to the possibility of leakage, most movers don’t transport lotions or other liquids.
- Cosmetics – Dry cosmetics in a small bag are typically okay for Central Illinois military movers to transport.
- Alcohol – Yes, movers can relocate alcohol and high-end wine collections.
- Cleaning supplies – Probably not if your cleaning supplies include liquids. Scrubbers, sponges, clothes, and empty bottles are packable.
- Hot tub – If you communicate your needs in advance and have it disassembled, most likely, yes.
Common Questions People Ask Central Illinois Military Movers
What Company Does the Military Use for Moving?
The Military does not work with just one moving company for their PCS moves. However, companies that hire GSA are approved by the General Services Administration. They opt for teams that offer specialized services, ensuring an easy transition for the service members.
Do Military Movers Unpack?
Depending on the services you requested, Central Illinois military movers will unpack. Keep in mind that this usually costs extra.
Do You Need a Moving Checklist?
A moving checklist can be very helpful during a PCS move. You can typically find examples online that you can download that are very easy to use.
Is Moving Storage Necessary?
You want to work with a company that offers full services storage, to ensure your goods always have a safe place to live, regardless of any moving day hiccups.
Federal Companies Is Your Best Central Illinois Military Mover
No matter which branch oyou’re in, Federal Companies has the top Central Illinois military movers to serve you. We’ve served Central Illinois, all of Champaign, DeWitt, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, LaSalle, Livingston, McLean, and Shelby counties, and the Central Illinois area for over 105 years and boast countless positive reviews. If you’re ready to receive great service and experience a stress-free moving process, contact us today at (800) 747-4100 so we can handle your upcoming PCS move.
