Once you receive military orders, you’ll coordinate with your installation’s transportation office or an approved mover. If you choose to do a Personal Procurement Move (PPM), formerly known as a Do It Yourself or DITY move, request a few estimates from reliable moving companies. After selecting a mover, you’ll receive an Order of Service detailing costs, dates, and your weight allowance—often based on rank and family size. A pre-move inspection confirms the volume of goods and any special packing needs (e.g., uniforms or professional gear). On your moving day, the team loads your items and then weighs the shipment to meet official requirements. At your new duty station, they unload and place each box where it belongs. You’ll receive a Bill of Lading, along with certified scale tickets, confirming dates, weights, and any special instructions. Finally, you’ll verify your items against the Bill of Lading, inspect for damages, and sign off once satisfied, completing a compliant military move.Moving for the First Time?
We can carefully pack and label your uniforms, military gear, and household items. Our packers wrap everything to meet weight limits and follow Department of Defense rules so your move goes smoothly.
Whether you're moving to a nearby base or across the country, we plan everything based on your rank, weight allowance, and military schedule. This helps make sure your move is on time and within weight limits.
We manage customs documents, military regulations, and special packaging to ship your belongings safely overseas—giving you peace of mind during OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) assignments.
Our secure, climate-controlled facilities provide flexible storage solutions for delayed orders, temporary duty assignments, or extended deployments. We keep your items protected until you're ready for delivery.
According to Veteran PCS, “Every year, over 400,000 service members undergo a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move, relocating to a new duty station.” With that many moves a year, there are many professional military movers in Albuquerque who understand the unique demands of a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). These movers know the ins and outs of the specific rules and timelines associated with moving service members, such as:
However, not all moving companies are well versed in the ins and outs of PCS moves, so make sure your chosen moving company has experience with military moving. According to This Old House, “You want a provider that has plenty of experience with PCS and all the ins and outs of the paperwork and compliance requirements.” These movers typically offer a range of services that cater to military moves, including:
At APACA Moving & Storage, we take pride in our comprehensive approach to PCS relocations. Our team frequently supports PCS relocations to and from Kirtland Air Force Base, located just southeast of downtown Albuquerque. “We’ve built a reliable system to handle all aspects of PCS moves. This way, we can make sure you get to your next assignment on time,” says Chris DiJulio, Owner of APACA Moving & Storage. Whether you’re stationed at Kirtland or transferring to another base across the country, APACA is equipped to handle every phase of your military move.
The cost of a military move in Albuquerque can vary widely, depending on factors such as:
Movers typically offer estimates based on the weight or volume of your items, fuel surcharges, and any additional specialty services. This is why in-home surveys are essential for military movers to provide accurate estimates.
According to moveBuddha, “The average cost of hiring movers in New Mexico is… between $297 and $2,641.” It’s recommended that service members compare quotes from different movers to find a reputable moving company offering a fair price.
However, the military will typically reimburse you for your moving expenses. According to Military.com, “The Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly known as a do-it-yourself, or DITY, move, allows military members to be reimbursed for up to 100% of what your moving job would have cost the government.”
When you reach out to APACA Moving & Storage for a quote, we come to your home and complete an in-home survey. This includes:
“We are transparent about our pricing. This way, our customers feel confident about every aspect of their military move,” notes Albuquerque General Manager Michael Olmi. Our goal is to help you budget effectively, ensuring you receive top-tier service at a competitive rate. Request your free military moving estimate today by calling us at (505) 262-1531 or filling out our free estimate form.
APACA Moving & Storage
Many professional moving companies in Albuquerque claim to be familiar with military regulations—but few have firsthand experience with the complex procedures associated with PCS moves out of Kirtland Air Force Base, or for contractors at Sandia National Labs and Los Alamos National Laboratory. From required documentation to submission deadlines, experienced military movers have processes in place that facilitate a seamless experience. They often coordinate with government agencies, ensuring that all rules are properly followed, especially the rules related to:
This way, service members can avoid any unnecessary stress or financial setbacks.
For instance, each branch of the Armed Forces establishes maximum weight allowances for household goods based on rank and dependent status, and exceeding these limits can lead to additional fees. “The weight limit for military moves is usually between 350 to 1800 pounds. Allowances range significantly depending on your military rank and dependent status,” states the VA Mortgage Center. Likewise, certain items—such as professional gear, personal vehicles, or specialized equipment—may require extra approval or unique shipping methods, making your chosen mover’s familiarity with these regulations crucial.
At APACA Moving & Storage, we make it a priority to stay updated on all the latest military guidelines and paperwork. We frequently move service members, military-related civilians, and government employees from:
Our familiarity with the unique transportation needs of these locations means you get expert support that aligns with both security and DoD timing regulations.
With over 100 years of experience, the APACA team simplifies the process for active-duty members by helping prepare necessary documents and reviewing each requirement. “We understand that precise documentation is critical for a smooth military move, and we’re here to guide our customers every step of the way,” says Chris DiJulio, owner of APACA Moving & Storage. We offer personalized support, allowing you to focus on your transition rather than the administrative details. Want to get started? Request your free estimate now by calling us at (505) 262-1531 or filling out our free estimate form.
Whether you need to store your items for a few weeks or several months, military moving companies often maintain secure, climate-controlled facilities to protect personal items. Flexible contract terms for short-term or long-term storage are designed to help military personnel avoid the stress of finding alternate solutions during unexpected schedule changes.
According to the Military Times, there are two types of storage options covered by the government:
APACA Moving & Storage understands that unpredictable timetables can be part of military life, which is why we offer both temporary and non-temporary storage options in our climate-controlled facilities. We maintain clean, secure facilities where we can store your belongings for as long as you need. “Having reliable storage solutions available for service members facing sudden changes is a top priority for us,” says General Manager of the APACA Albuquerque location, Michael Olmi. APACA will work with your schedule, so as long as we have the storage space available, we can accommodate last-minute storage requests.
In the moving industry, particularly with military relocations, last-minute schedule shifts are common. Reputable professional movers anticipate these potential changes by:
This responsiveness helps ensure service members stay on track, even if their original timeline or destination changes on short notice.
According to Veteran PCS, “PCS moves happen year-round, but over 65% of all military moves occur between May and August.” While it’s best to get your move scheduled as soon as possible, a reliable military mover should be able to accommodate a last-minute move.
APACA has helped countless military families at the last minute when their designated moving company doesn’t show up on a moving day or cancels with a day or two’s notice. If you find yourself in a similar situation, do not hesitate to give us a call at (505) 262-1531. We will do whatever we can to accommodate you.
Our moving and customer service teams prioritize consistent communication and are prepared to make adjustments quickly when needed. “Staying flexible and responsive is key when dealing with military orders that can change at any moment. That is exactly what APACA aims to do,” explains Chris DiJulio, owner of APACA Moving & Storage. Whether you’re dealing with an unexpected extension or an accelerated timetable, we focus on minimizing disruptions to keep your move as smooth as possible.
APACA Moving & Storage
Most established military movers in Albuquerque hold the necessary licensing and insurance to transport government-funded or reimbursed shipments. This includes:
Moving companies with a proven track record also invest in reliable equipment and vehicles, ensuring that valuable household items remain secure throughout the journey.
Regardless of whether they offer military moves, all moving companies are required to hold an NMPRC state moving license to complete local moves within state lines. In order to complete long-distance moves, all moving companies are legally obligated to carry a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) license. “Companies that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT Number,” emphasizes the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). In addition, reliable moving companies carry both workers’ compensation and general liability insurance policies.
APACA Moving & Storage goes beyond basic compliance to deliver a fully certified and secure moving experience. We meet all licensing and insurance requirements to handle government-funded relocations and take extra care in maintaining our fleet of trucks and specialized equipment. Our licenses include:
“Adhering to strict regulatory standards is just part of our commitment to quality and security,” says Albuquerque General Manager Michael Olmi. By choosing APACA Moving & Storage, you can be confident that your move meets government standards and that your household goods are in professional hands.
APACA Moving & Storage