Each year, thousands of military families pack up and move to new duty stations. Even more service members are given orders to temporarily relocate for a period of weeks or months. While these orders are usually expected, a military move can shake up your routine. With a little planning, you can become a PCS pro.
There are two types of orders that a servicemember may receive:
- PCS: A permanent change of station lasting for at least 20 weeks, but typically lasting between two and four years. Dependents typically accompany a servicemember on PCS moves.
- TDY: A temporary duty assignment that takes a servicemember away from their duty station for a period of time. Dependents may not need or be able to accompany a servicemember on TDY moves.
Furthermore, moves may be either:
- CONUS: Within the continental United States, or
- OCONUS: Outside of the continental United States.
Once you know where you are going and for how long, you need to determine your method of moving. There are several options, but basically, your move comes down to having the military do it for you or doing it yourself.
If you select a household goods move, the government will schedule and pay for a moving company to pack and transport your belongings to your new duty station. It is a hands-off way to move, with little coordination required beyond ensuring that you keep with you the items you will need while in transition.
If you choose a personally procured move, you will move your belongings on your own using a method of your choosing; the government will reimburse the cost of an equivalent household goods move. Personally procured moves offer the benefit of organizing your own move, knowing when your goods will arrive, and having control – but they may come with added stress.
Depending on your orders, you may also be authorized one of the following:
- Unaccompanied Baggage: A portion of your weight allowance may be shipped to your new location at an expedited rate so as to arrive before the majority of your household goods.
- Privately Owned Vehicle: The government may pay to ship your personal vehicle to your new location or pay to store it for the duration of your stay. This typically applies to OCONUS moves; if you are moving within the United States, you may be reimbursed for gas, mileage, and tolls encountered along your drive.
- Non-Temporary Storage: Storage of your belongings during your move in lieu of shipping them to your new duty station.
When you receive orders to move, you are given a moving allowance. This allowance is the maximum weight of authorized household goods. It is determined by your rank, whether you have dependents, and your move type (CONUS vs. OCONUS). If you exceed your moving allowance, you are liable for the additional charges.
- When you PCS, you are typically allowed a full household goods move.
- When you are assigned TDY, you may only be allowed a partial household goods move.
Note that while almost all household goods are permissible to move, consumable items are not able to be moved unless you are assigned to a remote location – and then they must be packed and weighed separately. Alcoholic beverages are permissible, subject to customs and border patrol laws, but you may be required to pay an import tax. Firearms may also be transported, subject to customs and border patrol laws, and must be declared.
The Transportation Office can answer any questions you have about permissible items and weight allowances and United States Transportation Command’s Weight Estimator can help you estimate the weight of your household goods to ensure you stay within your limit. Moves are typically scheduled online through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) or in person at your local Transportation Office.
Moving is a big life change, and it signals a need to evaluate your life insurance. If you are selling or purchasing a home as a result of your move or moving as a result of separating from the military, your coverage needs may change. Navy Mutual’s representatives can help ensure you have enough insurance to protect your family and their way of life.
