Full Service Movers
Full Service Movers are typically the most expensive way to perform a DITY move. The government can get better rates from these companies because they buy in volume. HUGE volume. Consider the number of moves the government contracts every year and you'll quickly see why the individual might have trouble getting comparable rates. If you want a full service move, you're most likely better off letting the government do the work to hire and pay them. On the plus side, you get a lot for your money with full-service movers.
 Full Service Movers do pretty much everything. They will send out a team to pack everything in your house in boxes. They will disassemble beds and other items as required. They will load the truck at origin and unload it at destination. You can even ask them to unpack and take the boxes away at your new home! Ask about all of these services when dealing with a moving company. Some of them may come with extra cost.
Don't even think about using a full-service mover for a DITY Move unless they guarantee (preferably in writing) that they will supply the certified weight tickets required for you to claim reimbursement. These tickets must be annotated in accordance with the rules as laid out by your JPPSO/TMO/Personal Property Office. This typically includes having the weight tickets stamped and signed by the weighmaster. A receipt indicating the amount of weight moved will not be accepted by the government and will likely leave you paying for the entire move without any reimbursement.
 There are two basic methods used by full service movers:
- First, they can load all of your goods into a big truck. After it leaves your home, it may go directly to your new home, or it may go to a central facility where everything is unloaded into their warehouse. Later, it will be reloaded into a truck and driven to either your new home, or possibly to another warehouse to go through another unloading/reloading cycle.
- Second, they can load all of your goods into very large crates. Many people prefer this method as it avoids unloading and reloading at warehouses. If they do transfer your goods between trucks, the entire crate is typically moved without handling your belongings directly. This should reduce the possibility for damage. Mostly, it gives customers a feeling of security.
We've compiled a short list of some of the better-known movers below to enable you to contact them and get a quote for your move.
Other DITY options:
 Helpful Hints:
- Full service movers are good at estimating weight. If you're considering using a full service mover, ask them if they are willing to send somebody out to give you an estimate of the amount of weight you have. They should be able to do this fairly quickly and the quote should come along with it.
- Always ask for a military discount. Sometimes this will work and sometimes it will not. It never hurts to ask.
- Make sure you understand Bills of Lading and the other documents you may be asked to sign
- Read everything and triple-check the insurance issues.
- Contact your local legal office and ask them if they will be willing to help you in the event you need to file claims for damage with the moving company you select.
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