Military Movers in Tacoma

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move involves specific requirements outlined by the Department of Defense. These include submitting documents through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS), providing certified weight tickets, and complying with entitlements for household goods shipments. “Whether you’re facing your first PCS or you’re a seasoned pro at military relocations, choosing the right moving company can make all the difference in providing a smooth transition to your next duty station,” states This Old House.

We’ve coordinated countless PCS moves in the Tacoma area and are fully familiar with the paperwork and procedures required for both government-contracted and PPM relocations. “If you need help understanding what PCS means in the military, we’re ready to support you every step of the way,” assures Shannon Webb, General Manager of Mountain Moving & Storage.

The cost of military moving services depends on several factors, including the weight of your household goods, the distance between duty stations, and whether you’re completing a government-sponsored relocation or a Personally Procured Move (PPM). In a government-contracted PCS move, the military pays for transportation using approved carriers. For a PPM, service members hire a moving company themselves and can be reimbursed up to the amount the government would have paid. “The going rate for movers in Tacoma is usually $133 per hour. Full move costs average between $512 and $4,421,” moveBuddha.com states. Understanding your rank-based weight entitlement and reviewing the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) can help you estimate expenses.

At Mountain Moving & Storage, we’ve helped countless service members and their families complete PCS moves efficiently and affordably. We provide free, no-obligation estimates and tailor our services to meet your relocation entitlements. Whether you’re choosing a PPM or simply need help understanding your government-covered benefits, our team walks you through the cost breakdown so you’re never caught off guard. “We’re proud to support military families with reliable and transparent military moving services,” says Mountain Moving & Storage General Manager Shannon Webb.

Military relocations often include valuable or irreplaceable items. Professional moving companies use protective materials “from bubble wrap and boxes to packing tape and foam cushioning, your packers will bring the very best moving supplies and equipment to ensure all of your belongings are properly protected and boxed up securely,” Moving.com states. An in-home or virtual survey helps identify high-value goods, and most government moves include basic protection, with options to purchase additional coverage. Inventory checklists are used throughout the process to ensure everything is accounted for.

We treat your belongings with care and attention at every stage of your military move. Our trained movers use top-grade protective materials and equipment to safeguard your items from damage. We also offer additional valuation coverage if you want extra peace of mind. As a military-friendly moving company, we understand the emotional and practical importance of your household goods and go above and beyond to protect them. “When we move a military family, we treat every item like it’s mission-critical. From careful packing to secure transport, our team takes pride in protecting what matters most,” Mountain Moving & Storage General Manager Shannon Webb states.

Each PCS move comes with weight limits based on your rank and dependent status. If your shipment exceeds the authorized weight, you could be responsible for the extra cost. To receive full reimbursement for a Personally Procured Move, service members must provide certified weight tickets before and after loading, along with other documentation outlined in the JTR. “Movers must give you a free written estimate of the cost of your move. While they can give you an informal verbal estimate when you are comparing options, they must provide a written estimate before the move. The estimate should clearly and accurately describe all charges,” says the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. Ensuring accurate records is key to getting reimbursed correctly.

At Mountain Moving & Storage, we provide official weight tickets for all military relocations, whether it’s a PPM or a traditional move. Our experienced team keeps your household goods within allowable limits whenever possible and walks you through each form you’ll need for reimbursement. We specialize in moving services for military families and take pride in offering full support from start to finish. “Our job is to make sure every weight ticket, form, and detail is accurate so our military customers can focus on their transition—not the paperwork,” says Mountain Moving & Storage General Manager Shannon Webb.

During a PCS military move, temporary or long-term storage may be needed if housing isn’t immediately available or you’re transferring to another location ahead of your family. Many moving companies serving military personnel offer secure storage that complies with government standards. “Military-focused movers often provide storage-in-transit (SIT) options, allowing your belongings to be safely stored for weeks or even months, as well as long-term storage for extended deployments,” This Old House says. These services can be part of your entitlements depending on your orders and circumstances.

We offer both short- and long-term storage options in our secure Tacoma facility, designed to support military relocation needs. Whether you’re awaiting on-base housing or deploying overseas, we can safely store your items and deliver them when you’re ready. Our warehouse is monitored and inventory-managed to give you confidence while you’re in transition. “It’s just one of the ways we provide comprehensive moving support for military families,” Mountain Moving & Storage General Manager Shannon Webb says.

PCS orders can come with limited notice, and schedules often shift unexpectedly due to military demands. The best military relocation services are equipped to handle last-minute requests and flexible timelines. “The sooner you start calling packers for quotes, the better your chances of finding pros with room in their schedule for your moving date,” Angi.com explains. Having a responsive and adaptable moving team is essential when you’re under pressure to meet reporting dates or adjust to base housing delays.

We understand that PCS orders don’t always come with much lead time. That’s why we offer short-notice scheduling and flexible availability for military families. If you receive new orders or your move date changes, we’ll do everything we can to accommodate. “Our team is built to respond quickly, adapt fast, and keep your move on track no matter what changes come your way,” says Shannon Webb, General Manager of Mountain Moving & Storage. Our commitment to providing dependable, veteran-friendly moving services means you can count on us—even when the timeline gets tight. “

Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM)

Located just south of Tacoma, JBLM is one of the largest and most active military installations in the Pacific Northwest.

• PCS Coordination: We support relocations for both Army and Air Force personnel at JBLM, including expedited moves and deployments.
• Base-Specific Knowledge: Our crews are familiar with JBLM’s commercial gate entry requirements, on-base delivery procedures, and Move.mil documentation.
• Direct JPPSO Communication: We regularly coordinate with the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office at JBLM to ensure compliance and smooth transitions.
• Proximity and Storage: Our Lakewood-based warehouse is only minutes from JBLM, making it easy to store items securely while you wait for housing.
• Responsive Scheduling: We provide flexible move dates during peak PCS season to accommodate high-volume transitions.

Naval Base Kitsap

Spanning locations in Bangor, Bremerton, and Keyport, Naval Base Kitsap is a strategic hub for submarine, ship, and missile operations.

• OCONUS Relocation Support: We’re experienced in packing and shipping for overseas moves to Guam, Japan, and other duty stations.
• Port Access Expertise: Our team handles international logistics efficiently via the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, streamlining your long-distance relocation.
• Storage Flexibility: Military families can take advantage of our secure storage facility near Tacoma while awaiting assignment or housing availability.

Naval Station Everett

Positioned north of Seattle, Naval Station Everett is home to destroyers and support vessels operating in the Pacific.

• Ship Deployment Moves: We help families relocating due to ship reassignment, deployment, or changes in command.
• Quick Turnaround Readiness: Our local presence allows us to respond quickly to short-notice PCS orders common with sea duty rotations.
• Transit-Ready Storage: We offer storage solutions for temporary holds, long-term relocation prep, or staggered moves.

Fairchild Air Force Base

Located outside Spokane, Fairchild AFB supports aerial refueling missions and is home to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing.

• Cross-State PCS Services: We frequently assist with military moves between Fairchild and JBLM, offering full-service coordination across Washington.
• Weight Ticket Documentation: For PPMs, we provide certified scale weights and support with reimbursement paperwork specific to Air Force standards.

Comprehensive Support: Whether you’re headed to Fairchild or transferring out, we’re equipped to pack, transport, and store your belongings efficiently.