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Relocating for work in St. Louis is both exciting and logistically complex. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, one of the most overlooked factors in a successful corporate move is how your relocation package is structured, and how that structure directly impacts which moving company you can choose, how much you’ll pay out of pocket, and how smoothly your transition goes.
Understanding the three most common corporate relocation package types (Lump Sum, Buyer Value Option (BVO), and Direct Reimbursement) can save you thousands of dollars and help you select the right moving companies in St Louis for your situation.
Moving for Work? Let’s Make It Easy. Contact McGuire Moving & Storage today for a free quote tailored to your corporate relocation package. Call us or fill out our quick quote form — no hassle, no surprises.
What Is a Corporate Relocation Package?
A corporate relocation package is the financial and logistical support your employer provides when asking you to move for a new role or transfer. In the St. Louis metro area (a major hub for healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and tech) thousands of employees receive these packages every year.
However, not all packages are created equal. The type of package you receive will determine your flexibility in choosing a mover, how and when you get reimbursed, and even your tax liability at the end of the year.
The 3 Main Types of Corporate Relocation Packages
1.Lump Sum Relocation
With a lump sum package, your employer gives you a fixed dollar amount to cover all relocation expenses. You manage the budget entirely on your own.
Key Facts: Lump Sum
- Full freedom to choose any residential movers St. Louis has to offer
- You keep whatever you don’t spend — and absorb any overages
- Lump sum payments are typically taxable income
- Best for employees with moving experience or simple relocations
- Common amounts in St. Louis range from $2,000–$10,000+ depending on role
How it affects your mover choice: Because you control the budget, you can shop freely among moving companies in St Louis. You’re not locked into a third-party relocation management company (RMC). This gives you the power to choose an experienced local mover like McGuire Moving & Storage, known for transparent pricing and white-glove service — instead of a cheaper national broker that subs out your move to an unknown crew.
2. Buyer Value Option (BVO)
BVO is a home-sale program offered by larger corporations. The employer’s relocation management company (RMC) purchases your current home at appraised market value, then resells it, shielding you from carrying two mortgages and reducing your tax burden.
Key Facts: BVO
- Primarily designed for homeowners, not renters
- The RMC acts as an intermediary buyer — minimizing your capital gains exposure
- Moving services are usually coordinated (and sometimes required) through the RMC’s preferred vendor list
- You may have limited ability to choose your own mover
- Popular among Fortune 500 companies with St. Louis offices
How it affects your mover choice: BVO packages often come with a pre-approved vendor list. However, many RMCs allow employees to request specific movers — especially established long distance movers in St. Louis with proven corporate experience. McGuire Moving & Storage works directly with major RMCs and can often be added to approved lists upon request. Always ask your HR or mobility team whether you can nominate a preferred mover.
3. Direct Reimbursement
Direct reimbursement is the most traditional model. You pay all moving expenses out of pocket, submit itemized receipts, and your employer repays you up to a pre-approved cap.
Key Facts: Direct Reimbursement
- Requires organized documentation: quotes, invoices, and receipts
- Reimbursement timelines vary — some employers pay within 30 days, others take longer
- Pre-approval of expenses may be required before you book
- Some costs (packing materials, storage, travel) may or may not be covered
- Useful for straightforward moves but can create cash-flow pressure
How it affects your mover choice: You have maximum flexibility here (similar to lump sum) but with an added layer of accountability. Your employer will want itemized invoices from your residential movers St. Louis team. McGuire provides detailed, itemized billing that meets corporate compliance standards, making reimbursement smoother and faster.
Not Sure Which Package Type You Have?
Our corporate relocation specialists can help you decode your package and maximize your benefits. Contact us or request a free quote online. We’ll walk you through every step.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Which Package Is Right for You?
Factor |
Lump Sum
|
BVO |
Direct Reimbursement |
| Freedom to Choose Mover | Full ✔ | Limited ⚠ | Full ✔ |
| Homeowner Benefits | No | Yes ✔ | No |
| Tax Implications | Taxable | Reduced ✔ | Varies |
| Receipt/Invoice Needed | No | Partial | Yes ✔ |
| Cash-Flow Risk | Low | Low | High ⚠ |
| Corporate Coordination | Self-Managed | RMC-Managed | Self-Managed |
Moving Tax Tip: What Changed After 2018
Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, employer-paid moving reimbursements are now considered taxable income for most employees (with limited military exceptions). This makes the type of relocation package you receive even more financially significant.
- Lump sum: Often grossed up by employers to offset taxes — ask your HR team
- BVO: Structured to reduce taxable events related to home sales
- Direct reimbursement: Reimbursed amounts count as W-2 income
Working with a mover who provides clear, categorized invoices helps your tax professional allocate and document moving-related expenses properly.
Why Your Mover Choice Matters in Corporate Relocations
Not every moving company is equipped to handle the demands of a corporate relocation. From timeline coordination to invoicing standards and insurance documentation, corporate moves require a higher level of professionalism and communication.
Here’s what to look for when selecting from the moving companies in St Louis, especially under a corporate package:
- Itemized, corporate-compliant invoicing for reimbursement submissions
- Experience working with RMC-managed packages (BVO, managed programs)
- Flexible scheduling that aligns with employer start dates
- Full-value replacement protection and insurance documentation
- Long-distance and interstate licensing for transfers out of St. Louis
- Storage options if your new home isn’t ready at move-in
Why Choose McGuire Moving & Storage for Your St. Louis Corporate Move?
McGuire Moving & Storage has served the St. Louis region for over 80 years as residential movers St. Louis services and facilitating complex corporate relocations. We understand the nuances of all three package types and work proactively with HR teams, RMCs, and individual employees to ensure a seamless experience.
Whether you’re relocating from the Central West End to Clayton, or moving from St. Louis to Chicago, Dallas, or beyond, our team of experienced long distance movers in St. Louis delivers the reliability and documentation you need to satisfy your employer’s requirements and protect your belongings from door to door.
Your St. Louis Corporate Move Deserves the Best
No matter which relocation package your employer offers, the moving company you choose will define your experience. At McGuire Moving & Storage, we combine over eight decades of St. Louis moving expertise with the corporate professionalism your employer expects. From lump sum flexibility to RMC-coordinated BVO programs and itemized reimbursement billing, we’re built to work with your package, not against it. Reach out today for a free quote and let our team handle the logistics while you focus on your next big career move.
Ready to Move? Your Corporate Relocation Starts Here
Get a free. no-obligation quote from McGuire Moving & Storage — St. Louis’s trusted corporate relocation partner.Fill out our quote form or call our team directly. We’ll match your move to your package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my own mover with a BVO relocation package?
In many cases, yes, but you’ll need to check with your HR or mobility team. BVO packages are often managed by a Relocation Management Company (RMC) that maintains a vendor list. However, established movers like McGuire Moving & Storage are frequently approved or can be added upon request. Always ask before assuming you’re limited.
What moving expenses are typically covered under a lump sum package?
A lump sum is meant to cover all relocation costs: packing, transportation, unpacking, storage, and sometimes temporary housing or travel. Since the amount is fixed, you decide how to allocate it. Choosing a cost-effective but reputable local St. Louis mover ensures your money goes further.
How do I submit moving expenses for direct reimbursement?
Most employers require itemized invoices from your moving company, along with any receipts for packing supplies, travel, or temporary storage. McGuire Moving & Storage provides professionally formatted, itemized billing that meets standard corporate compliance requirements, making your reimbursement submission straightforward
Should I tip my movers in St. Louis?
Tipping is not required but is customary for a job well done. A standard tip ranges from $20–$50 per mover for a local move, depending on the complexity and duration. For all-day or long-distance moves, $50–$100 per mover is appropriate.
Are long-distance moves covered under corporate relocation packages?
Yes. Whether you’re relocating within Missouri or moving out of state, most corporate packages cover long-distance moves. It’s important to select licensed long distance movers in St. Louis with interstate authority (USDOT/MC number). McGuire Moving & Storage is fully licensed for interstate relocations.
What if my new home isn’t ready when my lease or old home closes?
Timing gaps are common in corporate relocations. McGuire Moving & Storage offers secure short- and long-term storage solutions, so your belongings are safe while you wait for your new home to be ready. Many relocation packages also cover short-term storage costs — ask your employer.
Does McGuire Moving & Storage work with corporate relocation management companies (RMCs)?
Yes. McGuire has extensive experience coordinating with RMCs on managed relocation programs including BVO and third-party managed packages. We understand their documentation requirements and timelines, making us a preferred choice for both employees and HR teams.
