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My husband is getting out of the Marine Corps at the end of the year so we will be relocating from NC to MO. The military will pay for our relocation obviously- but my husband and I are debating on whether we should allow the Military- selected Movers to do it for us, or whether we should just rent a couple of U Hauls and get the money from the military for the move.
I have a substantial amount of valuable antique furniture, which is why my husband wants to UHaul it ourselves... and it's why I personally want professionals to do it for us.
We are looking at about a 1000 mile move. I have had friends who have had the military move them from CA to NC and swear that letting the professionals do it is the best option, as you're insured for any damages to contents, but my husband doesn't trust them to take good care of it.
What are your experiences with moving and PCSing or getting out of the Military?
What option would you choose? What would be better value for us in the long run?
Thanks for your input in advance
-Amber
P.S. If we do move ourselves, we won't have anyone on the other end to help us unload. Even though we've moved ourselves twice before (within town with just a UHaul as we only moved a couple of miles) we have accumulated a *lot* since then which is why I find the prospect overwhelming.
I grew up in the military in the days when they would move you every 2-3 years. Even as a kid I was impressed with the military movers ... except that they moved EVERYTHING, including garbage you forgot to mark "garbage" or otherwise put aside.
I would definitely have the military guys move you, unless you can save a substantial amount by U-Hauling everything yourselves? BTW U-Haul also has links to moving helpers now -- I have used them with good results, and they weren't too expensive. Might be a good option for unloading.
except that they moved EVERYTHING, including garbage you forgot to mark "garbage" or otherwise put aside.
Hehehe..... We bought a bucket of KFC to eat on the moving day. We thought the movers had ate it... 40 months later, there it was, in all it molded glory, the KFC bucket and dinner, well wrapped and not damaged...
My husband is getting out of the Marine Corps at the end of the year so we will be relocating from NC to MO. The military will pay for our relocation obviously- but my husband and I are debating on whether we should allow the Military- selected Movers to do it for us, or whether we should just rent a couple of U Hauls and get the money from the military for the move.
My inlaws owned moving companies, I worked part time moving household goods on occasion...
It is a no brainer for us. We let the military contractors do all the work on all our moves (when authorized) in our 22 years in the military. I have packed and moved a few select items when able to.
if you do it yourself, you should be able to pocket a GOOD chunk of change....BUT its SUCH A PAIN! I'm debating the same thing right now. Separating here in 3 months and moving back to Arizona
I would let the military move your things. Make sure your furniture is insured for full value, not just basic insurance. Also check on length of storage at your destination. Some antiques are glued with a fish based glue which may come apart during transportation vibration. If you do do it yourself I think Penske has better trucks.
I would have to agree, let the military do it. The contractors are constantly being evaluated and they seem to do a better job. You can ask, at the briefing, but I'm not sure if they differentiate between "old" and "antique" as far as insurance. Keeping receipts or appraisals may help if you need to file a claim - the important thing is to let them unpack and NOTE any damage. We had stuff scratched during one move and they paid to have it restored. I'm not sure if you get actual or replacement value but almost anything can be fixed these days (but don't concentrate on that). Take photos to support your claim, if necessary. I think the rule is the same, if you pack it then you are responsible for it.
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