What Is the Best Time to Book Movers for a PCS in Hampton Roads?

Book as early as possible. Summer PCS season is the busiest time of year across Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and the surrounding areas. Scheduling as soon as orders become likely gives families more flexibility and better availability.

Can I Use a Local Moving Company for a PPM Move?

Yes. A PPM allows service members to hire their own moving crew. Hiring a licensed, insured local company can keep costs low and increase control over the timeline. Families should confirm the company carries appropriate credentials before signing anything.

What Neighborhoods Are Popular for Military Families Near Naval Station Norfolk?

Ocean View, Larchmont, and Wards Corner are Norfolk neighborhoods many military families consider for their proximity to the base. Virginia Beach neighborhoods near NAS Oceana, such as Bayside and Kempsville, are also popular for families looking for good schools and shorter commutes.

Does the Military Cover Moving Costs for a GTC Move?

In a government-contracted move, the military arranges and pays the carrier directly. In a PPM, the service member is reimbursed based on a government cost calculation and keeps the difference. Families should confirm details with their installation's transportation office, as policies vary by branch and circumstance.

Movers | Norfolk, VA | Bos Enterprises INC

A PCS, or Permanent Change of Station, is an official military relocation order. The timeline is set by the military, and families must coordinate their entire household move around a set report date.

Hampton Roads is one of the most active PCS regions in the country, home to Naval Station Norfolk, NAS Oceana, and JEB Little Creek-Fort Story, along with several supporting commands across the Southside. Thousands of military families move into and out of the region every year, often within the same window.

Peak PCS season runs from mid-May through mid-September, with June through August seeing the heaviest volume. A secondary wave occurs in December and January for mid-year orders. Families moving during summer should expect tighter availability and more competition for housing and moving crews.

The two main ways to move household goods on a PCS are the government-contracted move (GTC) and the Personally Procured Move (PPM), sometimes called a DITY move.

With a GTC, the Department of Defense arranges a carrier to pack, load, transport, and deliver household goods. Professional packers are typically included, but the family has limited control over dates or carriers.

A PPM works differently. The service member arranges the move, and the military reimburses based on a set government cost calculation. Families keep whatever they do not spend, which can result in real savings when the move is managed efficiently. A hybrid option also exists, splitting items between a government carrier and private arrangements.

For families at Naval Station Norfolk or JEB Little Creek, start the process in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) as soon as orders become likely, not after they are official. Contacting the installation's transportation office early and reaching out to local movers while dates are still flexible can prevent last-minute pressure.

Hampton Roads has geographic realities that affect move planning. The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel connects Hampton and Norfolk and is one of the most congested corridors in the region. The Downtown and Midtown Tunnels link Portsmouth and Norfolk and can add significant time during peak commute hours. Factoring tunnel traffic into scheduling is smart planning.

Where a family chooses to live also matters. Norfolk offers proximity to bases and lower housing costs than some neighboring cities. Virginia Beach is popular for families assigned to NAS Oceana or JEB Little Creek, with strong schools and a wide range of rental prices. Chesapeake offers more space per dollar with a slightly longer commute to most bases.

Not all movers are equal, and a PCS move has specific demands. Before booking, families should ask the following questions:

Is the company fully licensed and insured for local and interstate moves?
Can crew members provide a Certificate of Insurance meeting installation access requirements?
Does the company offer dedicated truck service so belongings are not mixed with another customer's load?
Are crew members full-time employees?
Can the company accommodate flexible or last-minute scheduling if orders change?

Getting clear answers upfront can protect a family from missed pickups or damaged items.

What Is the Best Time to Book Movers for a PCS in Hampton Roads?
Book as early as possible. Summer PCS season is the busiest time of year across Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and the surrounding areas. Scheduling as soon as orders become likely gives families more flexibility and better availability.
Can I Use a Local Moving Company for a PPM Move?
Yes. A PPM allows service members to hire their own moving crew. Hiring a licensed, insured local company can keep costs low and increase control over the timeline. Families should confirm the company carries appropriate credentials before signing anything.
What Neighborhoods Are Popular for Military Families Near Naval Station Norfolk?
Ocean View, Larchmont, and Wards Corner are Norfolk neighborhoods many military families consider for their proximity to the base. Virginia Beach neighborhoods near NAS Oceana, such as Bayside and Kempsville, are also popular for families looking for good schools and shorter commutes.
Does the Military Cover Moving Costs for a GTC Move?
In a government-contracted move, the military arranges and pays the carrier directly. In a PPM, the service member is reimbursed based on a government cost calculation and keeps the difference. Families should confirm details with their installation's transportation office, as policies vary by branch and circumstance.

A PCS move does not have to feel impossible. With the right movers and the right information, the logistics become manageable even under a tight military timeline.

Bos Enterprises, INC is a fully licensed and insured moving company serving Norfolk, VA, and the greater Hampton Roads region, with over 40 years of experience. The team offers residential moving, long-distance moving, packing assistance, and specialty moving for high-value items, along with flexible scheduling and dedicated truck service. Military families can ask about available discounts for service members.

To get started, contact the team online or learn more about available moving services in Norfolk. Call (757) 463-6683 today to request a free estimate and get a moving plan built around your PCS timeline.

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Moving Container vs Truck Rental: Which One Is Right for Your Move?

By Freda Nkrumah • September 21, 2026

When planning a move, choosing between a shipping container and a moving truck depends on your budget, timeline, distance, and how much flexibility you need. A moving truck can be a cost-effective choice and gives you the ability to transport your belongings directly to your new home, while hiring professional movers to load and unload the truck can save you significant time, physical effort, and stress. Shipping containers offer added flexibility because they can remain at your home while you pack at your own pace, making them a convenient option for longer moves or situations where your move-in and move-out dates do not line up. However, whether you choose a moving truck or shipping container, professional moving help can make the process easier by handling the heavy lifting, loading, unloading, and careful organization of your belongings. BOS Moving in Virginia Beach serves the entire Hampton Roads area of Virginia and can help you determine which moving option best fits your needs and provide the experienced assistance needed to make your move more efficient, organized, and stress-free from start to finish.