The Complete Military Moving Guide

Quick answer: Military Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves can be exciting but also daunting. With frequent relocations being a reality for many service members, a structured approach can significantly reduce stress and streamline the process

At moveBuddha, we’ve helped thousands of military families navigate PCS moves, and we know exactly where the headaches (and hidden savings) tend to pop up.

Want a clear look at your costs? Use our moving cost calculator to estimate expenses and start planning your PCS move with confidence.

Set a timeline

Early prep reduces stress. Most military families begin preparing 3–6 months before their report date. Here’s a simplified PCS timeline:

Build a PCS binder and moving budget

Organization helps you stay calm and ensures you’ll be reimbursed. Start with:

• Moving binder: Store orders, receipts, checklists, and contact info.
• PCS fund: Budget $1,000–$2,000 for out-of-pocket costs like gas, pet boarding, meals, and hotels.

Pack and organize like a pro

PCS moves often involve strict weight limits and tight deadlines. Planning is everything.

• Declutter before you pack: Sort items into keep, donate, sell, or toss. Lightening your load can save money and stress.
• Take inventory and protect your stuff: Log each box and large item in a spreadsheet or inventory app, photograph high-value items, and save everything.
• Label and separate essentials: Clear labels help you stay organized on the other end. Color-code boxes by room, and create a “first night” box with toiletries, bedding, snacks, and pet supplies.

• A Household Goods Move (HHG) handles your relocation needs for you, which eliminates much of the stress and worry.
• A Do It Yourself Move (DITY) also known as a PPM (personally procured move) gives you the responsibility of coordinating the move yourself.
• A Partial PPM means you move some of your belongings yourself and let the government handle the rest.

If you choose a PPM, you don’t actually have to do it yourself. If you’re interested in hiring a professional moving company, especially for a long-distance move, compare our top picks.

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Make the most of your move financially

PCS moves involve reimbursements, entitlements, and strict rules. Here’s what you need to know to make a smart financial move:

Use your Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) wisely

Only use it for authorized expenses like gas and hotels. Track your balance carefully, because misuse can result in non-reimbursement or penalties.

Understand your monetary entitlements

• Advanced Travel Payment: You can apply for the advanced travel payment before your PPM to offset upfront expenses.
• Dislocation Allowance (DLA): Apply for DLA before your move to cover the costs of relocation. It covers transfer of utilities, forwarding of packages and mail, and other expenses precipitated by the move but that aren’t covered by other allowances or reimbursements.
• Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT): The MALT is a mileage reimbursement that you can claim for one or two cars if you’re traveling with dependents.
• Transportation of POC: If you’re moving overseas, you can ship one car to your new station and back if it’s explicitly included in your orders. You must deliver the car to an approved shipping location and pick up at your destination at an approved receiving location.
• Per Diem: You’ll receive per diem for food and miscellaneous daily costs while traveling to your new station.
• Lodging: If you move more than 500 miles and require a multi-day trip, you’re entitled to reimbursement of lodging expenses, usually enough for a night at a mid-range hotel. Be sure to ask for military discounts, too.
• Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE): TLE pays for up to 10 days of temporary lodging for accommodation and food. TLE and per diem are mutually exclusive—i.e. you can’t claim TLE on the same days you claim per diem.
• Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA): You’re entitled to as much as 60 days of TLA on your arrival at your new station as you wait for your housing to be ready. You can use 10 days of TLA at your current station as you wait to leave for the new base.
• Basic Housing Allowance (BHA): If you will be living off-base, you may qualify for a BHA which are non-taxable monies to cover your rent and utilities.
• Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA): You are eligible for the monthly non-taxable OHA to cover rent and utilities if you won’t be living in government quarters when you are transferred overseas.
• Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA): If you receive OHA and must live on rented or privately-owned housing overseas, the MIHA covers one-off miscellaneous costs like non-refundable deposits, essential appliances, installation of security and improvements for comfortable. safe living.

Consider family and emotional support

PCS moves are hard on kids and partners too. Here’s how to help:

Don’t forget moving day essentials

When moving day rolls around, you want to have all your ducks in a row. Here’s what to have handy to avoid any surprises:

Tips for working with movers

If you hire a professional moving company, here are a few tips for working with them on the day of your move:

Bring official procedures and documentation

Make sure you check all the boxes for your military move. Keep all of these essential documents in your binder or a digital folder:

Plan wisely for OCONUS (international) PCS moves

International moves come with added paperwork and shipping timelines. If you’re moving overseas, keep these tips in mind:

Know the key agencies for your military move

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)

You’ll contact the DLA to request your PCS Orders. You need the orders to process your move and carry out many other aspects of your PCS, so you should get in touch as soon as you receive word about your move and keep checking until you have your orders.

Housing Office

Contact the Housing Office at your new base as soon as you learn about your impending move. If you plan to live on-base, they’ll place you on the housing waiting list.

If you intend to live off-base, the Housing Office is still important as they can recommend good affordable neighborhoods, real estate agents and landlords.

Military and Family Support Center

Once you’re notified of your PCS, contact your Military and Family Support Center to schedule a meeting with a relocation assistance specialist.

The specialist will provide tips on budgeting for your move, the types of moves available to you, childcare, and resources you could tap into to find work at or near your next duty station.

Note that the Military and Family Support Center goes by different names in different branches of service.

Travel Management Office (TMO)

The TMO deals with everything pertaining to your relocation as well as facilitating housing allowances. The TMO won’t touch your PCS before you have your official paperwork in order so it’s essential that you expedite your documentation to get your move scheduled.

That’s especially important during the summer. The TMO will invite you for a meeting, enter your PCS details in their system and advise you on when to expect a phone call from a contracted carrier.

Defense Military Pay Office (DMPO)

The DMPO arranges travel reimbursements. They’ll assist you with completing all requisite forms and process your reimbursements. You should receive your reimbursements within 4 weeks though it sometimes happens much faster than you expect it.

You can fill out the reimbursement claim form (known as a Travel Voucher) online or you could download it and submit it.

Resources worth checking out for your military move

• Quick and easy moving cost calulator
• List of best military moving companies
• List of best interstate moving companies
• List of best car shipping companies
• The official government site for military moves
• Military OneSource Branch of Service portal
• Resource for moving with kids in the military

Frequently asked questions