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Chicago Military Movers

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Moving under military orders can be stressful, no matter how many times you’ve relocated before. If you’re holding your PCS orders and preparing for a move, Federal Companies is here to make the process smooth and stress-free. As a trusted Chicago military moving company with decades of experience, we understand the unique challenges of military relocations. 

We service all of Chicago, all of Cook County, the entire Chicago Metropolitan area (Chicagoland), and the entire Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area and beyond. Whether it’s a PCS move or a personally procured move, our Chicago military movers are honored to assist those who serve our country. Thank you for your service!

What Is a Chicago Military Move?

A military move occurs when service members are relocated with their orders, and the costs are covered or reimbursed by the government. There are three main types of military moves:

PCS Move

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is when service members receive orders to relocate to a new duty station. These moves are government-funded, and the military contracts movers to pack, transport, and deliver belongings. Federal Companies has extensive experience as PCS movers in Chicago, ensuring a seamless relocation for military personnel and families.

PPM Move

A Personally Procured Move (PPM), also known as a personal DITY (Do-It-Yourself) move, allows service members to handle the moving process themselves. You can hire a professional moving company like Federal Companies, and the government reimburses you based on weight or other guidelines. As trusted PPM movers in Chicago, we provide accurate weight tickets, reliable transportation, and a hassle-free moving experience.

Combination of PCS & PPM

Many military families opt for a combination of PCS and PPM moves. This hybrid approach offers flexibility and control while still receiving government reimbursements. Whether you choose a full service move or DIY option, Federal Companies ensures your move is efficient and stress-free.

Cost of a Military Move

Military moves are paid for by the government or reimbursed after the move. Understanding your allowances and reimbursements is essential for a successful relocation. The total cost of a military move depends on factors such as the weight of your personal and household goods, the distance traveled, and the type of move (PCS or PPM). Federal Companies works closely with military families to provide accurate weight measurements and ensure all government guidelines are met.

Here are the top 10 reimbursement programs available to service members:

Dislocation Allowance (DLA)

Covers expenses for setting up your new home during a PCS move for the armed forces. This allowance is designed to offset costs associated with relocating, such as new furniture, cleaning fees, and deposits.

Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT)

Reimburses mileage costs when you begin driving to your new duty station. This allowance is based on the number of miles traveled and helps service members cover fuel and maintenance expenses during the move.

Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA)

This helps cover costs related to housing expenses when using moving services when relocating overseas. Whether it’s security deposits or utility setup fees, MIHA ensures a smoother transition when settling into your new home abroad.

Per Diem Allowance

Daily allowance for meals, lodging, and incidental expenses during the move. This allowance applies to both the service member and eligible family members traveling to the new duty station.

Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA)

Covers short-term housing expenses while waiting for permanent lodging overseas. Service members can be reimbursed for hotel stays or temporary rentals during their transition.

Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)

Reimburses short-term lodging costs during a PCS within the country or U.S. TLE helps offset costs for hotels and temporary accommodations while waiting for permanent housing.

Advance Basic Pay

Service members can request advance pay to cover relocation expenses. This provides many military members additional financial flexibility to manage moving costs before reimbursements are processed.

Advance BAH

Provides an advance on Basic Allowance for Housing for moving-related expenses. This is especially helpful when you begin securing housing at your new location or duty station.

Advance Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA)

Helps service members manage housing costs when relocating overseas. Advance OHA ensures that necessary deposits and upfront rent payments can be handled smoothly.

Weight Allowance Reimbursement

The government reimburses moving expenses based on the weight of your various household items and goods. Exceeding your weight allowance can result in additional out-of-pocket costs, which is why accurate weight estimates are crucial. Federal Companies ensures your belongings are weighed correctly and efficiently transported.

Understanding these programs’ additional services and allowances before hiring local Chicago military movers can help you make the most of your military relocation benefits. At Federal Companies, we’re committed to helping you navigate the financial aspects of your move while delivering top-notch service.

Moving with Different Branches of the Military

Federal Companies proudly supports service members from all branches of the U.S. military:

Army Moves

Federal Companies is a top-rated Chicago Army moving company, specializing in efficient PCS and PPM relocations for Army families. Our skilled team of Chicago military movers understands Army timelines and works hard to ensure a stress-free transition to your military member’s next assignment.

Navy Moves

Whether you’re relocating to a naval base or a new station, our team ensures smooth moves for Navy personnel. We handle every step of the process so you can focus on your mission while we take care of the logistics.

Marines Moves

As experienced Chicago Marine movers, we’re prepared to assist Marines and their families with every detail of their relocation. From packing to transport to storage services, we provide dependable services tailored to the needs and schedules of Marine Corps members.

Air Force Moves

Federal Companies provides seamless military moving and storage services for Air Force members relocating to or from Chicago. We deliver efficient and organized moves, ensuring you arrive at your new destination ready to serve.

Coast Guard Moves

We are proud to support Coast Guard members with reliable, efficient military relocations that meet all government guidelines. Our team ensures every aspect of your move is handled with care, from planning to pricing to delivery.

Nearby Military Bases

  • Naval Station Great Lakes
    Federal Companies proudly serves the military personnel at this major military station in the Chicago metro area.

What Will Chicago Military Movers Not Pack?

Our Chicago military movers at Federal Companies follow strict government guidelines when packing for military relocations. This is even more true when relocating internationally. The following items are typically prohibited:

  • Candles: Movers technically shouldn’t pack them, especially in warmer months.
  • Batteries: Most movers won’t pack batteries and will ask you to remove them from electronics. Lithium-ion batteries may require separate shipping.
  • Some food: Dry, sealed food is typically fine; canned food can depend, as there is a risk of it breaking and/or leaking.
  • Houseplants: Movers won’t pack anything alive.
  • Alcohol: Allowed stateside; faces many restrictions for overseas moves.
  • Cleaning supplies: Likely not, due to the risk of leaks and damage.
  • Fish tanks: These can only be moved if they’re clean and empty. The same rule applies to pet habitats.
  • Breakable items: Movers will pack fragile items like dishes, but consider moving valuable or delicate belongings yourself.
  • Freezers & waterbeds: These can only be moved if they’re empty, defrosted, and drained.
  • Guns: Depends on the type; movers will not pack ammunition.

Military Moving Resources

Here are some essential resources to help with military relocation services:

Federal Companies Is Your Best Chicago Military Mover

At Federal Companies, our Chicago military movers understand the challenges and stress that come with military relocations while serving in the armed forces. The moving process for military personnel can be an easy transition with our move coordinator. Our Chicago military moving company is here to help every step of the way. 

With thousands of successful moves, stellar Google reviews, and a commitment to excellence, we’re the #1 choice for military families in Chicago. We have over 100 years of moving experience, making us the best Chicago military moving company around. Whether it’s a PCS, PPM, or hybrid move, trust Federal Companies to help make your relocation seamless.

We service all of Chicago, Cook County, the Chicago Metropolitan area (Chicagoland), the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area, and beyond. We are skilled with local moves, long distance moves, and even international moving. 

Contact us today at 800-747-4100 to learn more about our armed forces military moving services in Chicago and get a free quote!

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