Johnson Storage & Moving is a United Van Lines agent with RSMO-certified storage and ProMover certification, providing white-glove military moving support for domestic and international PCS relocations.
Written by Nicholas Coleman, Director of Marketing, Johnson Storage & Moving
Getting Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders can trigger a familiar wave of stress for military households. A PCS comes with a strict timeline you don't control, an entitled weight allowance you must manage carefully, and a level of logistical scrutiny most civilian moves never see. Whether you are executing military family relocations across the country or prepping for an overseas posting, you need a partner who understands the defense transportation system inside and out.
Johnson Storage & Moving has been moving families since 1900 and proudly supports military and government relocations as a trusted agent for United Van Lines. Backed by RSMO-certified storage locations, ProMover certification through the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA), and elite memberships in FIDI and IAM for complex international moves, Johnson removes the guesswork from your next transition. From comprehensive residential moving and office relocations to seamless cross-country moving, international moving, and professional packing and storage, discover how our white-glove moving services deliver the precision your family deserves.
Credentials That Actually Mean Something
Many move companies describe themselves as "military-friendly." Here's what backs that up for Johnson specifically:
- United Van Lines agent. United is one of the country's major national carriers with a long history of supporting military and government relocations, and Johnson operates under that authority and network for interstate and long-distance PCS moves.
- RSMO-certified storage locations. Regional Storage Management Office certification is specific to facilities meeting DOD standards for military household goods storage not a general commercial storage credential.
- ProMover certified, AMSA member. ProMover certification through the American Moving & Storage Association requires movers to meet specific standards around licensing, insurance, and ethical business practices.
- FIDI and IAM membership. These are international moving federation memberships relevant to OCONUS PCS moves and government relocations crossing borders.
If you're comparing movers and storage services for a PCS relocation, credentials like these are the first thing worth confirming directly, not just whether a company says "we support military families," but what's actually backing that statement.
What a Military Move Requires That a Standard Move Doesn't
- Weight allowance accuracy. Entitled weight allowance is tied to rank and dependency status, and exceeding it means paying the difference personally. An accurate pre-move survey before packing day protects against that surprise.
- PPM (Personally Procured Move) support. Families doing a full or partial PPM need documentation that their finance office will accept for reimbursement.
- Storage-in-transit coordination. Gaps between report dates and housing availability are common on PCS timelines and require storage to be authorized correctly under military orders.
- Claims documentation. Military claims follow a process specific to each service branch, and inventory documentation needs to support that process.
How Far in Advance Should You Plan a Premium PCS Move?
| Timeline | Phase Focus | Key Action Items & Logistics |
| 90 Days Out | The Prep Phase (Initial orders received) | • Receive & Verify Orders: Double-check all details and entitlements. • Secure Housing: Research on-base or off-base housing options. • Declutter & Inventory: Begin sorting items to manage your weight allowance. • Weigh Options: Plan your budget and compare PPM (Personally Procured Move) vs. HHG (Household Goods). • Research Schools: Look into local education and childcare options for dependents. |
| 60 Days Out | The Action Phase (Scheduling major services) | • Book Your Movers: Confirm with your moving company and schedule packing dates. • Notify Landlord: Provide notice if renting and schedule your pre-inspection. • Request Records: Gather school transcripts, medical records, and pet documents. • Vehicle Prep: Arrange for POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) shipping if doing an OCONUS move. |
| 30 Days Out | The Packing Phase (Finalizing logistics) | • Confirm Dates: Re-verify packing and loading dates with your movers. • Start Packing Non-Essentials: Clear out guest rooms, storage areas, and seasonal items. • Finalize Destination Housing: Secure your lease or closing paperwork. • Transfer Utilities: Cancel current utilities and set up services at your next location. • Plan Travel: Book temporary lodging and en-route travel arrangements. |
| 14 Days Out | The Final Countdown (Moving day prep) | • Finish Essentials Packing: Pack your last remaining boxes. • Prepare "First Night" Kits: Set aside toiletries, bedding, and a change of clothes. • Deep Clean: Clean your current home for final inspection. • Confirm Details: Touch base with your movers for final instructions. • Secure Documents: Back up critical physical and digital records (orders, inventories). |
What Johnson Provides for Military and Government Moves
Based on Johnson's published service list, military and government moving support includes:
- In-state, interstate, and international capabilities
- Certified, professional moving staff, with packers certified through United's Quality Labor Certification
- Flexible scheduling, including last-minute capability
- Intermodal services during peak season
- Safe, efficient packing and unpacking
- Careful van loading and setup at your new home
- RSMO-certified storage locations for origin or destination storage
- Moving boxes and supplies
Domestic and International PCS Moves
Domestic PCS moves are handled under United Van Lines' interstate network, with Johnson storage services managing local coordination, packing, and delivery.
International/OCONUS moves route through Johnson International, which can transport household goods to 200+ countries via a global partner network, with a choice between air freight and ocean freight depending on your timeline and budget. Johnson International handles packing, loading, transportation arrangements, and the documentation required for shipping, customs, and valuation.
Frequently Answered Questions
Do you handle military moves within the state and across state line moves?
Yes, comprehensive in-state and interstate capabilities are fully integrated into Johnson's military and government moving support network.
Can you support handling international PCS or government moves?
Yes, international OCONUS moves are coordinated through Johnson International to over 200 countries, offering a choice between air and ocean freight based on your operational timeline and priorities.
Do you offer move packing and unpacking?
Yes, you get expert service, including professional packers certified through United Van Lines' Quality Labor Certification. If you prefer a partial Personally Procured Move (PPM), we also provide guidance and high-grade packing supplies.
What if I need storage handling during the move?
Secure origin or destination storage is readily available through our specialized, DOD-compliant RSMO-certified locations.
Does Johnson handle full and partial PPM moves, and what move documentation is provided for reimbursement?
Yes, we provide certified weight tickets, detailed inventories, and complete service documentation formatted precisely to satisfy your finance office and transportation office reimbursement criteria.
What's the actual process for estimating the moves weight allowance before packing day?
We conduct a thorough in-home or virtual pre-move survey, meticulously reviewing household items against your rank and dependency status to protect you against unexpected out-of-pocket weight overages.
How is move storage-in-transit specifically coordinated under military orders, and what's the process if a family's timeline changes?
Our coordinators work directly with your destination parameters and military orders to authorize and extend storage-in-transit, adjusting seamlessly when report dates or housing availability shift.
What does Johnson's movers claims documentation process look like, and how does it align with each service branch's move requirements?
We generate itemized, condition-noted inventory forms on moving day that align smoothly with Defense Personal Property System (DPS) guidelines and individual service branch claims procedures.
Move Conclusion
Your next duty station shouldn't be overshadowed by moving day chaos. Navigating complex weight allowances, strict reporting timelines, and intricate government paperwork demands more than just a standard moving truck—it requires proven expertise, rigorous credentials, and unyielding reliability. By pairing century-old moving heritage with elite United Van Lines backing, RSMO-certified facilities, and white-glove attention to detail, Johnson Storage & Moving ensures your transition is handled with the honor and precision your service earns.
Ready to Plan Your PCS Move?
Don't leave your next relocation to chance. Contact Johnson Storage & Moving today to schedule your in-home or virtual pre-survey and experience a truly stress-free military move!
