Let’s be honest—relocating for a government job or military orders isn’t exactly a picnic. It’s a lot to manage between sorting out the paperwork, packing up your life, and navigating the logistics of moving into (or out of) a place like Reston, VA. And if you’ve been through it before, you probably know that even small mistakes can snowball into big headaches.
The good news? You’re not in this alone.
At Town & Country Movers, we’ve helped thousands of families and professionals relocate under government and military orders. We’ve seen it all—the good, the bad, and the chaotic—and we’re here to ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible. So, before you box up another thing or sign off on your paperwork, here are the Top 5 mistakes to avoid during a government relocation—and how you can dodge them like a pro.
1. Assuming All Movers Are “Government-Approved”
Here’s a little secret: not every moving company is authorized or equipped to handle government relocations. There’s a big difference between your average moving crew and a team that knows how to navigate GSA regulations, PCS orders, weight limits, and documentation.
Hiring the wrong team could lead to delays, unexpected expenses, or even jeopardize your reimbursement.
What to look for? You want a GSA-approved mover, experienced in DP3 (Defense Personal Property Program), and has a solid grasp of government paperwork. Spoiler alert: that’s us. We’ve got decades of experience helping government families move in, out, and around Northern Virginia—especially Reston.
2. Waiting Too Long to Schedule Your Move
We get it. With so many moving pieces—housing, schools, orders—you may feel like you’ve got time. But when it comes to scheduling your move, the earlier, the better.
The summer months? They’re like rush hour on the Beltway. Movers book up fast, especially in high-demand areas like Reston. If you wait too long, you may be stuck with dates that don’t work, or worse, no available movers.
Reach out to your moving company as soon as you receive your orders. Or better yet, contact us. We’ll help you lock in dates that work with your timeline and reduce that last-minute scramble.
3. Skipping the Fine Print in Your Move Orders
Let’s be real—reading through government relocation documents isn’t exactly thrilling. But those orders? They’re packed with crucial info: what’s covered, weight allowances, storage timeframes, and reimbursement limits.
Overlooking the details could mean unexpected out-of-pocket costs. And nobody wants to argue over receipts after a long move.
Need help decoding the fine print? We’re happy to walk you through it. We’ll help you understand what’s covered, what’s not, and how to stay within your allowance, without sacrificing peace of mind.
4. Underestimating the Need for Storage
Maybe your new place isn’t quite ready. Or you’re still house hunting. Or the dates just don’t line up. Storage happens—a lot. But what trips folks up is waiting until the last minute to figure out where all their stuff will go.
Here’s where we come in: Town & Country Movers offers secure, climate-controlled storage with detailed inventory tracking. We coordinate your SIT through the proper government channels so there are no surprises, and we keep your things safe until you’re ready for delivery.
5. Trying to Do It All Yourself
Look, we admire the DIY spirit. But government relocations are complex, and trying to juggle it all can leave you exhausted and overwhelmed.
From filling out DD forms and coordinating logistics to managing pets, kids, and school transfers, it’s a lot to manage. You don’t have to do it alone.
Our team is trained specifically for government and military moves. We offer full-service packing and unpacking, custom crating for high-value items, and help with your timeline based on your orders. We’re not just movers—we’re your partners in this process.
Trusted Government Moving Company Serving Reston, VA, and Surrounding Areas
If you’re moving to or from Reston, VA, under government or military orders, let us take one thing off your full plate. At Town & Country Movers, we’ve been handling government relocations for over four decades. We know the routes. We know the rules. And most importantly, we know how to take care of people. Whether it’s your first PCS or your tenth cross-country transfer, we’re here to make the journey smoother. Because yes—it’s a big move, but it doesn’t have to be a big mess. Contact us today to get a free estimate.
