Military Movers in the Upper Peninsula

For military moves, service members have two main options:

• Military-managed move: The government hires approved movers and pays costs directly.
• PPM/DITY move: “PPM, or a personally procured move, is a do-it-yourself move within the military. You will be responsible for either packing/unpacking and transporting your belongings to your new location yourself or hiring your own commercial moving company,” states Military One Source. You can get reimbursed up to 100% of what the government would have paid their approved mover.

Many service members prefer PPM moves for the potential cost savings and the ability to have more of a say in the process.

“Our military clients consistently express appreciation for the control and flexibility that our PPM moves provide, particularly with our reimbursement process assistance,” says Scott Jensen, co-owner of Guindon Moving & Storage.

Guindon Moving & Storage offers military personnel:

• Clear estimates matching government standards
• All reimbursement documentation
• Flexible scheduling for military timelines
• Expert guidance throughout the process
• Help maximizing your reimbursement

Weight allowances depend on a few factors:

• Enlisted vs. Officers: Junior enlisted get smaller allowances than officers
• Family Status: Personnel with families get higher allowances than single members
• Maximum Limits: Up to 18,000 pounds for senior officers with dependents

According to the VA Mortgage Center, “The weight limit for military moves is usually between 350 to 1800 pounds. Allowances range significantly depending on your military rank and dependent status.”

“Getting an accurate weight estimate before moving allows you to take as much as you can without paying out of pocket for weight overages,” suggests the vice president of Guindon Moving & Storage, Scott Jensen. Our PPM/DITY moving services include a thorough survey of your belongings with certified weighing procedures, which verifies compliance with military guidelines so you’re not caught off guard by overages or other complications.

Cost factors to consider include distance, weight of shipment, season, and additional services.

As a reference for Upper Peninsula moving costs, MoveBuddha states, “Moving within Marquette, Michigan will typically cost you from $563 to $4,773, or about $133 per hour.” UP moves may vary based on distance and weather.

The government covers standard costs up to your weight allowance. While gun safes are included, other special items like pianos or safes may have extra fees. “Effective May 2, 2022, you are now allowed to ship empty gun safes, not to exceed 500 pounds, in addition to your prescribed household goods weight allowance,” informs Military One Source.

“At Guindon Moving & Storage, we deliver itemized estimates that help service members understand precisely what their move will cost and how much they can expect to be reimbursed,” explains Scott Jensen, company co-owner.

Our pricing includes:

• Complete reimbursement documentation
• Military-compliant weight tickets
• Military discounts beyond standard rates
• No hidden fees or surprise charges
• Free estimates with no obligation

Essential credentials for military movers include a combination of relevant experience and legal requirements. All movers should be registered with the Department of Transportation (USDOT), hold a Michigan state moving license (CVED), and possess a valid Motor Carrier (MC) number.

While not required for PPM/DITY moves, it is highly recommended to choose a mover with:

• Military moving regulation knowledge
• Professional organization membership
• Positive military family reviews

“The Army recommends using a commercial mover who is registered with the federal government at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website, and to check the mover’s reviews on the Better Business Bureau website,” states the U.S. Army official website.

Guindon has extensive military moving experience, serving the personnel at KI Sawyer Air Force Base up until its closure. We are a certified Pro Mover of the American Trucking Association’s Moving & Storage Conference, and we maintain all necessary licenses and insurance.

“Our team receives specialized training on military moving regulations to ensure we deliver the most accurate guidance for service members conducting PPM moves,” says Scott Jensen, Guindon’s vice president.

Our licenses:

• USDOT 70719
• MC 87113
• CVED 18884

Service members often face gaps between duty stations or housing availability, making it important to have access to storage facilities. If properly documented, these can often be included in your reimbursement. Storage features typically include:

• Short-term and long-term options
• Climate-controlled facilities
• Inventory tracking systems
• Regular inspections

“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,” according to This Old House.

“As a part of our reimbursement assistance, we help to properly document all services to get you the maximum refund possible,” explains Scott Jensen, vice president of Guindon Moving & Storage.

Guindon’s 45,000 sq. ft. warehouse storage features:

• 24/7 surveillance 
• Climate-control
• Documentation for PPM/DITY reimbursement
• Pest and damage protection
• Flexible access for deployed members
• Partial delivery options

To take extra strain off your military relocation, additional services include:

• Full packing and unpacking
• Custom crating for valuables
• Military equipment handling
• Vehicle shipping coordination
• Debris removal
• Reimbursement paperwork assistance
• Flexible scheduling for order changes

“Our understanding of military culture and the unique challenges service members encounter during relocation is what sets us apart from other movers in the Upper Peninsula,” claims Guindon co-owner Scott Jensen.

Our wide range of additional services includes:

• Reimbursement assistance
• Flexible scheduling for short-notice orders
• Custom crating for oversized items
• Vehicle shipping coordination
• CONUS and OCONUS packing
• Special item handling, including military uniforms and equipment 
• Junk removal services
• And more