Military Move & PCS Resources

Preparing For Your Military Move

Moving is part of military life, but that doesn’t mean it has to be overwhelming. Whether you’re on your first move or your fifth, PCS Pay It Forward® is here to help you feel prepared, supported and even excited about what comes next. Below you’ll find a comprehensive guide that explains the moving process, breaks down your benefits, and offers friendly guidance to make your transition as smooth as possible.

Understanding PCS vs. TDY

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is an assignment that relocates you and your household to a new installation for an extended period—often between one and four years. PCS orders signal a full relocation; they may place you just a few states away or across the globe.

A Temporary Duty (TDY) assignment, by contrast, is like a business trip. You may be sent away for a few days or months, but you typically return to your original duty station. PCS Pay It Forward focuses mainly on PCS moves, but many of the resources here will help TDY travellers, too.

CONUS vs. OCONUS

Understanding whether your PCS orders are CONUS or OCONUS will help you plan for travel time, shipping requirements and possible special allowances.  An added sentence could read: We’ll help you make sense of these acronyms so you know what to expect and how to get the right support for your relocation.

CONUS

CONUS stands for Continental United States—moves that take place within the lower 48 states. In 2023, nearly 1.1 million active-duty service members were stationed within the U.S.

OCONUS

OCONUS means Outside the Continental United States. These moves include overseas assignments and even non‑continental states and territories such as Hawaii and Alaska. In 2023, nearly 1.1 million active-duty service members were stationed within the U.S

Craft Your PCS Plan©

Since 2017, PCS Pay-it-Forward® has supported over 100,000 military moves.

Built by military families for military families, PCS Pay It Forward’s PCS Plan gives you the roadmap, support, and confidence you need for a smoother move. 

Step-by-Step Roadmap
A personalized guide that outlines what to do before, during, and after your PCS so you never feel lost in the process.

A Local Ally
Each family is paired with a PCS Pay It Forward® Ambassador, a military spouse or Veteran who has walked this path before, and is ready to be your friend on the ground at your new duty station.

Trusted Resources
Access to reliable professionals and helpful tools for housing, schools, child care, movers, and more — all tailored to military life and timelines.

Built-In Community
Join a local support group where you can ask questions, share experiences, and get advice in real time from families who understand.

Peace of Mind
Instead of feeling anxious and alone, you’ll arrive prepared, connected, and supported. Knowing someone is there to guide you every step of the way.


PCS Entitlements, Allowances & Reimbursements

Moving Benefits & Military Entitlements

Relocating isn’t cheap, but the Department of Defense provides a number of benefits to offset your expenses. You’re entitled to several allowances—these include per diem for lodging and meals, a dislocation allowance and temporary lodging expenses. The military may also reimburse you for mileage if you drive your car to your new duty station and pay for shipping your household goods, depending on your weight allowance.

Weight Allowances & JTR Rules

Each service member receives a weight allowance based on rank and dependency status. Exceeding that limit can lead to out‑of‑pocket costs, so declutter early and make use of the weight‑estimator tools found on official sites. The Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) outline all entitlements and reimbursement policies; reviewing these rules early will help you avoid surprises.

Choose Your Moving Strategy

Government PCS Move

In a government PCS move, the military arranges packing, loading, transport and unloading of your household goods. Movers known as Transportation Service Providers (TSPs) handle your belongings and are typically liable for damage or loss. This is often the least hands‑on option and may be ideal if you prefer professionals to manage the heavy lifting.

DITY/Personally Procured Move

A Do‑It‑Yourself (DITY) or Personally Procured Move (PPM) gives you more control. You pack, load and transport your items yourself or hire a moving company. You still receive reimbursement up to the same amount the government would spend, but you must keep receipts and weigh your moving truck before and after loading to prove your costs.

If you’re considering a do‑it‑yourself move, our post on how to make money on your PPM move explains how a personally procured move can even put cash back in your pocket.

Partial DITY Move

A partial DITY move blends the two options: you decide what items the TSP will handle and what you’ll transport personally. This approach works well if there are valuables you’d rather move yourself but you still want help with bulky furniture.

Military Moving, PCS Process & Logistics

Defense Personal Property System (DPS)

DPS is the hub for managing your move. It lets you schedule relocations, track shipments and file claims if something goes wrong. Register as soon as you receive orders, upload required documents (such as DD Forms 1299 and 1797), and use DPS to communicate with your TSP.

HHG, UB & POV

Military moves use several acronyms. Here are some important ones to know:

  • HHG (Household Goods) Move – your household items are packed, shipped and delivered by the TSP..
  • UB (Unaccompanied Baggage) – a small shipment (often up to 2,000 lbs.) that is shipped via air so you have essentials waiting for you at an OCONUS location..
  • POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) Shipment and Storage – the government can ship your vehicle if you can’t drive or are moving OCONUS. You may also be eligible for vehicle storage if a car isn’t permitted in your new country.

Non‑Temporary Storage

When your household goods exceed your weight allowance or your new home won’t accommodate everything, you may use non‑temporary storage (NTS). The government sometimes pays for storage if you meet certain criteria, such as moving to an isolated or overseas location. Coordinate with your TSP and complete the required DD Form 1299 to apply for NTS.

Build Your Military Move Checklist

Planning is the best way to reduce PCS stress. Here’s a checklist inspired by the tools from Plan My Move and the step‑by‑step guidance in moving resources. Or for a deep dive on organizing every document and receipt, check out our guide on building the ultimate PCS binder and checklist.

Talk to Your Family Early

Once you get your orders, sit down with your spouse and children to discuss the upcoming move. Kids need time to adjust to the idea of leaving friends and familiar surroundings. Include them in small decisions—like picking special tape for their moving boxes—to give them a sense of control.

Coordinate with Your Transportation Office

Make an appointment with your installation’s Transportation Office (TO) right away. These experts help schedule your shipment, explain entitlements and answer local moving questions. Bring a list of questions about weight allowances, claim procedures and local rules to your meeting.

Research Your New Station

Learn about housing, schools and amenities at your next location. Tools like PCS Pay-it-Forward® provide information on base services and local businesses. Check Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates to estimate living costs, and ask your sponsor for insider tips.

Catalog Household Goods

Write down and photograph everything you plan to move—especially fragile or expensive items. A detailed inventory protects you in case something is damaged or missing during transit.

Notify Landlord & Update Documents

If you rent, notify your landlord and provide a copy of your orders. Thanks to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, your lease terminates thirty days after your next rent payment is due, but a courteous heads‑up helps maintain good relationships. Update passports, visas and driver’s licenses to avoid travel headaches.

Budget & Save

Create a moving budget and set aside extra funds for unexpected costs like fuel, lodging or shipping fees. Even with reimbursements, having a financial cushion will ease anxiety.

Gather Medical, School & Pet Records

Request copies of medical and vaccination records for each family member and your pets. If you have children, collect school transcripts so enrollment at the new school is smoother. For pets, research destination‑specific requirements—for example, Hawaii requires vaccinations and quarantine for incoming animals.

Complete Out‑Processing, Vehicle Registration & Travel Arrangements

Finish all out‑processing paperwork at your current installation; register your vehicle and provide information about dependents for access at your new base. Plan lodging for long trips—your Transportation Office can help coordinate hotels or on‑base lodging.

Supporting Family & Pets on Your PCS Move

Supporting Spouses & Children

A PCS isn’t just a logistical move—it’s an emotional one. Talk openly with your spouse about career changes, new opportunities and concerns. Encourage children to write letters or make videos for friends they’re leaving behind, and plan a special celebration before you go.

Resources for Children & EFMP Families

If your family includes children with special needs, the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) can help coordinate medical and educational services at your new location. Military OneSource’s “Changing Schools Guide” and organisations like the Military Child Education Coalition provide tips for school transitions. Sesame Street for Military Families offers videos and activities to help younger kids understand relocation.

Moving with Pets

Pets can sense change and may become stressed. Keep their routines as normal as possible during packing, make sure immunizations are current and pack a pet travel kit with food, water, bowls, leash, toys and medication. If your move is OCONUS, confirm quarantine and health certificate requirements well in advance.

For pet‑friendly moving tips—finding housing, meeting breed restrictions and staying organized—read our 2025 guide to PCSing with pets.

Official Resources & Support Programs

PCS Pay-it-Forward® Personal Support for Your Military Move

Established in 2017, PCS Pay It Forward has supported over 100,000 military moves. This grassroots movement was created by military members for military members to provide better support and resources for PCS moves. Services include customized PCS Plans, verified housing lists, neighborhood breakdowns, school information, local meet‑ups for military spouses and kids, and more. PCS Pay It Forward® has a base support group for each military installation, with over 1,000 active‑duty military personnel—find your base and join today!

Military OneSource & Plan My Move

Military OneSource offers 24/7 support—from relocation assistance and financial counselling to spouse employment resources. Its Plan My Move tool creates custom checklists, calendars and location‑specific guidessbmoving.com. Sign in to build a schedule tailored to your move dates and circumstances.

Local Transportation Office

Your installation’s Transportation Office is a key partner. They can explain your entitlements, clarify responsibilities and provide local guidancesbmoving.com. Book an appointment immediately after receiving your orders and keep them in the loop if anything changes.

Key Agencies: USTRANSCOM & SDDC

Several agencies oversee military relocations. U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) manages the Defense Personal Property Program, while the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) handles the movement of household goods. Knowing these acronyms helps you understand who’s behind the systems you use.

PCS Joint Task Force & 24‑Hour PCS Help Hotline

To improve the moving experience for service members, the Department of Defense established a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Joint Task Force (JTF). In August 2025 the PCS JTF launched a 24/7 call center to provide around‑the‑clock support for PCS issues. Service members and families who need help with a government household‑goods move can:

  • Call the hotline: 833‑MIL‑MOVE (833‑645‑6683); trained military personnel will triage your issue and, if needed, elevate it to the PCS JTF call centerarmy.mil.

  • Get case ownership: A dedicated team tracks each call from start to finish, providing regular, personalised updates until your problem is resolvedarmy.mil.

  • Reach out anytime, anywhere: The call center operates 24 hours a day, ensuring global support regardless of your time zonearmy.mil.

This resource reflects the Department of Defense’s ongoing commitment to smooth and responsive relocations. You can also email PCSCallCenter@mail.mil or visit the PCS JTF webpage via Defense.gov for additional support.

As of 2025, the Joint PCS Task Force is very new, and we have yet to receive feedback or reviews from military members.

More Questions About Planning Your Military Move?

Moving may be part of the military journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. PCS Pay It Forward is more than a resource hub—we’re a community. Share your experiences, ask questions and help fellow service members by contributing to our forums and social channels. Together, we can make every military move a positive step forward.

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