Moving in the military is often a fact of life. From temporary deployments to longer-term permanent changes of station (PCS), most service members undergo at least one significant relocation during their career, if not more.
Moving as a military member is very different from other types of moves. There are additional deadlines, budget concerns, and rules. This guide covers the basics of military moves and how service members and their families can more easily navigate them.
Understanding Military Moves
One of the most significant differences between military and civilian moves is the logistical challenges of the former. Civilians typically pay for everything up front, even if employer relocation bonuses are an option after the fact. There are no restrictions or rules around what civilians can and cannot move.
Military members have a different situation. In many cases, the military will cover a significant portion of moving costs, but individuals may not be able to move all their belongings, such as boats, RVs, or other household goods. Military service members and their families may be required by necessity to outsource their relocation to military moving services, or they might try to handle some (or all) of it by themselves.
Some military moves are not permanent. They are temporary assignments that don’t involve uprooting your entire family or home. The following breakdown shows the differences between them.
Types of Military Moves: PCS, TAD, and TDY
Military personnel often experience one of three main categories of military moves:
- Permanent Change of Station (PCS): A permanent change of station is a long-term relocation to a new duty station, typically lasting two to four years. PCS moves often involve the service member’s family. Permanent housing is usually provided. The military characterizes PCS moves as either within the contiguous United States (CONUS) or outside of it (OCONUS).
- Temporary Additional Duty (TAD): Temporary additional duty assignments are short-term. They usually last less than six months. During a TAD, a service member travels to a different location but maintains their current duty station. In these cases, temporary care for pets or belongings is often necessary. The military also provides temporary lodging.
- Temporary Duty (TDY): TDY moves are like TAD ones, but are specifically used by the Air Force and Army for short-term assignments.
Overview of the Military Moving Process
Regardless of its term length, most military moves typically follow a series of critical milestones:
- Receive orders. This is always the first step for military moves.
- Schedule a move counseling session. Depending on the circumstances, service members may attend a counseling session to help their family work through issues related to PCS or new orders.
- Plan logistics for the move. Conducting an inventory of belongings and arranging transportation for the move is the next step. During this time, necessary hotels and lodging should also be booked.
- Pack and load belongings. Service members and their family can either pack on their own or utilize professional military moving services to load everything for transport.
- Travel to the new location. Military members and those moving with them can often choose to travel by car, plane or other means.
- Check in at the new duty station. Once at their destination, service members must report to their new command and complete any necessary paperwork to start their new assignment.
- Unpack and settle in. Unpacking belongings and settling into new surroundings can take just as long as other parts of a military move.
Each step in the military moving process is critical for smooth transitions, regardless of move type. No matter what, service members should stay in close communication with the chain of command and transportation office throughout to ensure all requirements are met.
Planning Your Military Move
Planning is essential for any kind of long-distance move, but military moves may require additional steps. If you find yourself here, you likely have a thousand questions, especially if you’re new to the military (or PCS moves). Take a deep breath. You’ve got this.
Creating a Moving Checklist
Creating a moving checklist at the start of your move keeps you organized. It’s a way to reduce stress as you plan and pack for your move, and it helps you avoid any last-minute mistakes. That’s especially important with military moving, as you’ll likely need to accomplish everything before a hard deadline. Each moving checklist looks different, but the following inclusions are commonplace no matter how far away you’re going.
Before the Move
- Notify your current landlord or housing office.
- Schedule move counseling session.
- Create a detailed inventory of belongings.
- Obtain necessary medical and school records.
- Arrange for pet transportation or boarding.
- Cancel local services and subscriptions.
- Begin decluttering and organizing.
During the Move
- Supervise packing and loading.
- Keep essential items, including documents and valuables, with you.
- Perform a final house cleaning.
- Conduct move-out inspection.
After the Move
- Check in at the new duty station.
- Inspect delivered belongings and report damages.
- Update your address with the post office and essential contacts.
- Register vehicles and obtain new licenses if necessary.
- Enroll children in school.
- Set up utilities and services.
- Explore and familiarize yourself with your new area.
Setting a Timeline for Your Move
Moving in the military often involves adhering to a strict timeline, usually dictated by your unit or post. Once big decisions are made about dates, there’s some individual flexibility to plan more minor details. That’s especially true if moving with your family.
The good news about military moving timelines is that they may not be as rushed as civilian ones. That means there’s some additional runway to understand and plan for the move.
Understanding Military Orders
Understanding your military orders is vital to moving because it facilitates a smooth relocation. These orders serve as the basis for all moving entitlements and reimbursements.
Orders include the following essential information:
- Servicemember’s name and rank
- Current and new duty stations
- Reporting dates
- Type of move (PCS, TAD, or TDY)
- Authorization for travel and transportation allowances
Carefully review your orders and seek clarification from the chain of command or personnel office on anything that doesn’t make sense. You’ll also need to keep multiple copies of them on hand throughout the moving process to present them at various stages of the relocation.
Budgeting for Your Military Move
Budgeting for the move requires making decisions about the type of move you want to undergo, as well as additional benefits that may apply to said move.
Understanding Military Reimbursements and Allowances
Service members might be eligible for several reimbursements and allowances to offset relocation costs and aim to ease the burden of frequent locations for families. They often include the following:
- Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT): Covers mileage for driving to your new duty station.
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA): Helps with miscellaneous moving expenses not covered by other allowances.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM): Reimburses members who choose to move themselves, often at a percentage of what it would cost the government.
- Family Separation Allowance (FSA): Provides additional compensation when orders require extended separation from dependents.
Estimating Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Despite generous allowances, military moves can include unforeseen costs. Budgeting effectively includes estimating your out-of-pocket expenses, including temporary lodging, security deposits and utility setup fees, pet relocation costs, new furniture or appliances, vehicle maintenance or registration fees, and household essentials.
Start saving early and track all expenses during your move. Some costs might be tax-deductible, so keep detailed records.
Working with Military Movers
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make — from a budget and move planning perspective — is whether to opt for a full-service move or a PPM. The PPM gives you greater control (including which long-distance moving services provider to use), but it might negatively impact your budget. No matter which one you choose, the following steps will make your life (and that of your movers) much easier:
- Ask questions every step of the way, including about weight limits, restricted items, and required paperwork.
- Empty your cabinets and fridge. Most movers won’t take perishable goods, so avoid food waste and cook everything you can in advance.
- Photograph your belongings to document everything, including prior damage. Include the date in your photos as much as possible, especially with electronics.
- Clean out closets. Get rid of the stuff you no longer use.
- Reach out to experienced military families. The best way to navigate your move is to have help from those who’ve done it before.
Understanding Your Responsibilities and Expectations
When you hire moving services providers — either through a moving broker or on your own — there are clear responsibilities you’ll need to discuss with the movers. Read the contents of your contract carefully and if you have any questions about your rights and responsibilities when you move, ask them before a single box is packed or loaded onto the truck.
Choosing Between Military Movers and Personally Procured Move (PPM)
We’ve touched on it elsewhere, but choosing between military movers and a PPM is an important step. Using military movers takes a significant concern off your plate, but it does remove some freedom to choose who and how your items are packed, transported, and more. A PPM offers more flexibility, but it can make your military move more expensive.
Tips for Coordinating with Military-Contracted Movers
No matter what kind of move you pursue, coordination with military-contracted movers is critical. Consider the following tips to work effectively with them and make your move go smoothly:
- Start planning as early as possible.
- Create your inventory.
- Clearly label all boxes and furniture with room destinations.
- Communicate any special handling needs for fragile items.
- Inspect items carefully before signing off on delivery.
- Keep important valuables and documents in your possession.
- File claims promptly for missing or damaged items.
Moving Overseas in the Military
Moving abroad requires special attention to some details, including passport and visa requirements for your family members. You’ll also want to ensure you follow all customs regulations and restrictions for your destination country.
Special Considerations for International Military Moves
As part of your move, remember to look at shipping timelines for the household goods you’re taking and storage for the items you can’t. Because of the differences in voltage, electrical adapters may be necessary for your small appliances and electronics. Medical clearances and vaccination requirements can vary, so ensure everyone is up to date on necessary shots.
Finally, moving abroad is a significant cultural change. You’ll likely encounter different norms and language barriers during your stay. Being flexible goes a long way in reducing the stress of the move.
Shipping Your Vehicle and Belongings
Shipping your vehicle is a typical part of military moves, but there is a process for it that you’ll need to follow. The military has strict guidelines for shipping your personal belongings, both within the United States and overseas. Carefully read all documentation to ensure your belongings end up where they need to and when. For additional help, contact us for more information about shipping best practices during a PCS.
Managing Paperwork and Admin Tasks
Moving as part of the military (or as a family) involves lots of paperwork and administrative tasks, but it’s not as daunting as it sounds. Just stay organized and pull essential documents as soon as you can to ensure no last-minute mistakes.
Important Documents to Keep Handy
The following essential documents should stay in your possession — or be easily referenced — throughout your move.
- Military orders
- Government ID and passports
- Birth certificates
- Marriage license
- Medical and dental records
- School transcripts
- Power of Attorney
- Vehicle registration and insurance
- Housing documents
- Inventory of shipped items
Updating Your Records and Address
In addition to standard address updates that come with civilian moves — the post office, banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, DMV, and other accounts — you’ll also need to update your address with the military personnel office. Use your new physical address whenever possible.
Conclusion
Moving in the military is a process, but it’s not insurmountable. The biggest hurdle is staying organized and ensuring you follow the proper procedures. Whether hiring a moving broker to help organize your move or relying on the military to facilitate everything, know that you’re not alone and have several resources available to ensure it goes smoothly.
Our commitment to service helps you find licensed cross-country movers within our carrier network at fair, competitive prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the military pay for your first move?
The military will typically cover the cost of your first PCS move, including transportation for household goods, personal effects, and your vehicle. Weight limits and restrictions apply.
Can I pack my own stuff for a military move?
You can pack your own belongings as part of a PPM, and the military may reimburse you for your expenses. However, if you choose this option, you’ll be responsible for any damages during the move.
Do military movers unpack for you?
Military movers often provide basic unpacking services. They’ll place boxes and furniture in the appropriate rooms and reassemble any furniture they disassembled. They usually don’t unpack individual boxes or put items away. You may request full unpacking services, but it can come at an additional cost or require special approval.
