Military Movers in Santa Barbara

Military service members have two main options when moving to a new station:

• Military-managed move: The government hires approved movers to handle everything from packing to delivery. The military pays these costs directly.
• Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY): “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. Service members who choose this route can then get back up to 100% of what the government would have paid a mover.

Many choose PPM moves to have more control over their belongings and possibly save money.

Lompoc Van & Storage specializes exclusively in PPM/DITY moves in Santa Barbara. We understand that many service members prefer the flexibility and potential cost savings of this option. “Our military customers consistently tell us they appreciate the control and potential for savings that PPM moves offer, especially with our guidance through the reimbursement process,” says Chris DiJulio, Owner of Lompoc Van & Storage. Our services for PPM/DITY moves include:

• Clear estimates that match government payment standards
• All documentation needed for your reimbursement claim, including weigh-scale tickets
• Flexible scheduling to work around military timelines and last-minute changes
• Expert guidance through the entire process
• Support to help you get maximum reimbursement for your PPM move

Call Lompoc Van & Storage today at (805) 736-2351, or fill out our online form to request a free estimate for your military move.

Military weight allowances depend mainly on your rank and whether you have dependents:

• Lower-ranking enlisted members get smaller allowances than officers.
• 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.” 
• Those with families get higher allowances than single service members.
• Allowances can range up to a maximum of 18,000 pounds for senior officers with families.

The Department of Defense may change these limits from time to time. It’s important to get a good weight estimate before moving. If you go over your allowance, you’ll pay extra out of pocket. If you stay too far under, you might leave behind items you could have brought.

Lompoc Van & Storage helps military customers understand and work within their weight allowances for PPM/DITY moves in Santa Barbara. “One of the biggest mistakes we see is service members not getting an accurate weight estimate before their move, which can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket costs,” notes Jason Turner, General Manager. With over 100 years of experience and thousands of military moves completed, we understand the importance of weight limits in military moves. For that reason, our military moving services include:

• Thorough surveys to give accurate weight estimates
• Suggesting ways to stay within your limits
• Certified weighing procedures for accurate documentation
• Help prioritizing items if you exceed your allowance

Have questions about your weight allowance? Our military moving specialists are standing by! Call us at (805) 736-2351 or complete our quick online form for a personalized estimate.

The cost of a military move in Santa Barbara varies based on several factors:

• Distance to your destination
• Weight of your household goods
• Timing (costs are higher during busy PCS season, May-August)
• Extra services needed

While you need to request a free estimate to determine the exact cost of your military move, you can get a ballpark based on whether you are moving locally or across a long distance. According to moveBuddha, “The typical cost for hiring movers in Santa Barbara… rang[es] from $455 to $3,387, on average.” Long-distance moves from Santa Barbara will typically cost more due to the extra distance traveled.

While the government covers standard moving costs up to your weight allowance, special items like pianos or safes may have extra fees that might not be fully covered. However, gun safes are covered by military moving weight limits. “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, not to exceed 18,000 pounds,” states Military One Source.

Lompoc Van & Storage offers fair and clear pricing for PPM/DITY military moves in Santa Barbara. “We provide detailed estimates that help service members understand exactly what their move will cost and how much they can expect in reimbursement from the government,” explains Chris DiJulio, Owner, who has over 55 years of experience in the moving industry. “This transparency is crucial for military families planning their budgets during a PCS.” Our pricing features include:

• Detailed estimates with no obligation
• All documentation needed for maximum government reimbursement
• Weight tickets and inventories that meet military requirements
• Military discounts beyond standard rates
• No hidden fees or last-minute extra costs

Want to know exactly what your military move will cost? Get a detailed, free estimate from Lompoc Van & Storage by calling (805) 736-2351 or submitting our online request form today.

Whether you are moving to a new Permanent Change of Station (PCS) inside (CONUS) or outside the continental United States (OCONUS), choosing a reliable moving company is essential. When choosing a moving company for military relocations in Santa Barbara, it is important to look for these important credentials:

• Department of Transportation (DOT) registration
• A California state moving license (CA PUC)
• Valid Motor Carrier (MC) number
• Understanding of military moving regulations and PPM/DITY procedures
• Membership in professional groups, like being a Pro Mover of the ATA’s Moving & Storage Conference 
• Good reviews from other military families who have done PPM/DITY moves

“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. Always make sure your mover is registered with the FMCSA by checking their registered mover database.

As a certified Pro Mover of the American Trucking Association’s Moving & Storage Conference, Lompoc Van & Storage has all the necessary credentials for PPM/DITY military moves in Santa Barbara. “Our staff undergoes specific training on military moving regulations to ensure we provide the most accurate guidance for service members conducting PPM moves,” says Jason Turner, Lompoc Van & Storage General Manager, who has worked at Lompoc since 2003. “This specialized knowledge, combined with decades of experience completing military moves, makes a significant difference in the military moving process.” Lompoc’s credentials include:

• USDOT License #517055
• MC License #126931
• CA PUC License #71804

Are you looking for a qualified military moving company? Experience the Lompoc difference! Call us at (805) 736-2351 or fill out our online form to see why service members trust us with their PPM moves.

Storage is an important part of military moves, as service members often face gaps between duty stations or housing availability. Most reliable military movers offer storage options with features like:

• Both short-term and long-term storage options
• Climate-controlled facilities
• Inventory tracking systems
• Regular inspections

According to This Old House, “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.”

For PPM/DITY moves, storage costs can often be included in your reimbursement if properly documented. Military families should ask about security measures, protection against environmental damage, access policies, and whether the company uses its own warehouses or contracts storage to other companies.

Lompoc Van & Storage provides complete storage solutions designed for military members doing PPM/DITY moves through Santa Barbara. “Many service members don’t realize that proper documentation of storage costs can often be included in their PPM reimbursement,” explains Chris DiJulio, Owner. “We help military families navigate this process to maximize their benefits while keeping their belongings safe between duty stations.” Our storage features include:

• Over 31,000 sq ft of warehouse storage facilities under 24/7 surveillance
• Secure, climate-controlled warehouses for both short-term and long-term needs
• Documentation needed to include storage costs in your PPM/DITY reimbursement claim
• Regular inspections and protection against pests and damage
• Flexible access for deployed service members
• Partial delivery options if you need certain items from storage

Need storage between duty stations? Speak with our military storage specialists today! Call us at (805) 736-2351 or submit our online form to learn about our secure storage options with military reimbursement documentation.

Military moving companies typically offer several special services beyond basic transportation to help service members with PPM/DITY moves:

• Full packing and unpacking services
• Custom crating for valuable or fragile items
• Special handling of military equipment and uniforms
• Vehicle shipping coordination
• Trash removal
• Help with reimbursement paperwork
• Flexible scheduling for changing orders and last-minute changes

Lompoc Van & Storage offers more than standard moving services to help military members with PPM/DITY moves in Santa Barbara. “What sets us apart is our understanding of military culture and the unique challenges service members face during relocation,” says Jason Turner, Lompoc General Manager. “We’ve designed our additional services specifically to address these challenges while ensuring maximum reimbursement potential.” Our enhanced services include:

• Proper handling of service uniforms and equipment
• Quick-turnaround options for short-notice orders
• Custom crating for high-value or oversized items.
• Special handling of military equipment and uniforms
• Vehicle shipping coordination
• Junk removal services
• Assistance with reimbursement paperwork
• Special packing for CONUS or OCONUS moves
• Specialty services like moving gun safes, pianos, and antiques
• And more

Do you need special services for your PPM/DITY move? Connect with our military moving team at (805) 736-2351 to discuss your specific needs, or complete our online form for a customized moving plan.

Santa Barbara County is home to Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), previously known as Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) —a major hub for space operations, satellite launches, and missile testing. “Established in 1941, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a space launch base, launching spacecraft from the Western Range, and also performs missile testing. The United States Space Force’s Space Launch Delta 30 serves as the host delta for the base, equivalent to an Air Force air base wing,” Wikipedia states. It’s also one of the region’s largest employers and a common PCS destination for Air Force and Space Force personnel.

If you’re relocating to or from VSFB, here are a few local insights that can make your military move smoother:

• Military Housing Wait Times: Due to limited on-base housing, wait times for family units can range from 2 to 6 months, especially during PCS season (May-August). Many incoming service members initially live off-base in Lompoc, Santa Maria, or even Santa Barbara proper while waiting for availability.
• Local Traffic & Timing: Vandenberg is about 17 miles from downtown Lompoc and nearly an hour from Santa Barbara. When scheduling your move, account for early morning base access hours and Highway 1 traffic delays.
• Base Access Protocols: For PPM or DITY moves, ensure your chosen mover understands DoD security clearance procedures. Lompoc Van & Storage is familiar with VSFB protocols and can assist with access passes and base coordination.
• Weather Considerations: Unlike many SoCal locations, coastal fog and cool mornings are common at Vandenberg. This can impact early-morning loading/unloading, especially during summer.

As Lompoc Moving & Storage is also located in Lompoc, VSFB is right in our backyard. “We’ve helped hundreds, if not thousands, of service members transition into or out of Vandenberg. Our team understands not just the paperwork, but the local realities—from housing delays to gate restrictions,” says Owner Chris DiJulio.

Whether you’re moving on or off base, Lompoc Van & Storage provides tailored PPM/DITY moving support for Vandenberg-bound families, with flexible storage, weight estimate accuracy, and military compliance every step of the way. Call us at (805) 736-2351 or fill out our online form to request your free military moving estimate today.