Military Moving

A PCS is a permanent change of station that gives the servicemember directives to permanently move to a different base. There are certain entitlements under a PCS when it comes to moving your household (commonly known as a household goods move or HHG):

• Weight allowances: With a PCS, service members are given moving and non-termporary storage weight allowances depending upon rank and dependents.
• Dislocation allowance: While the government will not fully reimburse the cost of moving, the dislocation allowance is setup to offset the cost of the PCS. The amount of reimbursement depends on one’s rank and whether the servicemember has dependents. At January 1, 2015, the disallowance allowance ranges anywhere from $700 to $4500.
• Travel expenses: The government will pay for the travel of you and your dependents to your new base. This includes a per diem for food and expenses and transportation via either your own vehicle or other means, i.e. airline, train, etc.
• Professional Books, Papers, & Equipment Allowance: This is a 2000 lb. weight allowance for shipping any gear needed for performing official duties. These should be carefully inventoried and weighed separately from the rest of your personal belongings so they do not count against your household’s weight allowance.
• Non-temporary storage: There are some situations in which non-temporary storage (long-term storage) is authorized. Check with your TO upon receiving orders.
• Temporary Duty: Members are given a 10-day leave that does not count against normal leave time as part of their PCS orders. This enables service members to have time to help their family relocate and find housing in their new station of duty.

Exceeding weight limitations can have a major impact on your wallet ranging anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Make sure you’ve done your best to cut the excess baggage so you aren’t moving or paying for unnecessary items.

• If you haven’t opened the box since your last move, it’s probably time to get rid of it. As soon as you find out you are being restationed, start thinning out your house. Go through closets, drawers, and attic space, pulling out items that have been outgrown, broken, or unused.
• Closer to moving day, pack a first day box that you take with you (don’t put on the moving truck). This should include the essentials you need upon arriving at your new station like toilet paper, some extra clothing, etc.
• Take pictures and/or video of your home to inventory your goods prior to moving. It’s also wise to have valuables appraised to ensure that you can be reimbursed in the event of loss or damage.
• Make sure that you are within your weight allowance so that you aren’t charge extra! That means get rid of all those belongings you’ve been hanging on to for way too long.

• If you haven’t opened the box since your last move, it’s probably time to get rid of it. As soon as you find out you are being restationed, start thinning out your house. Go through closets, drawers, and attic space, pulling out items that have been outgrown, broken, or unused.
• Closer to moving day, pack a first day box that you take with you (don’t put on the moving truck). This should include the essentials you need upon arriving at your new station like toilet paper, some extra clothing, etc.
• Take pictures and/or video of your home to inventory your goods prior to moving. It’s also wise to have valuables appraised to ensure that you can be reimbursed in the event of loss or damage.
• Make sure that you are within your weight allowance so that you aren’t charge extra! That means get rid of all those belongings you’ve been hanging on to for way too long.