Receiving a permanent change of station (PCS) order is common in the military, but that doesn’t make it any easier. And while you can’t opt out of PCS orders, you do have control over how your move happens.
Whether you’re moving across the state or across the country, you have options for how your belongings get there. You can choose to let the government handle your relocation or manage the scheduling services and labor yourself. If you choose to handle the move yourself, you also have the chance to make some extra money. You just have to get your move to cost less than what the government is willing to reimburse you.
To help you compare your moving options and save the most money on your PCS move, we’ve compiled all the key information and broken it down into a simple-to-use guide.
Thomas O'Sullivan is the Senior Manager of Service Operations at Porch Moving Group, where he oversees the post-booking customer experience for HireAHelper. His expertise is the part of a move most people never see — the logistics, coordination, and accountability that turn a booking into a finished move.
Thomas has spent six years in the moving and relocation industry, starting in corporate relocation and long-distance logistics before stepping into his current role. He's supported more than 130,000 moves across local labor, full-service, commercial, and long-distance work — experience he draws on to make sure HireAHelper content reflects how moves actually go.
A permanent change of station (PCS) is when service members relocate to a new duty station for an extended period. It’s different from a temporary duty assignment (TDY), which is short-term travel for training or special missions. While deployments can involve overseas operations in specific regions, a PCS means you are relocating your life and home to a new duty station for a longer assignment.
“Most PCS moves follow an 8 to 12 week timeline. As soon as you receive orders, schedule your counseling session and register in DPS. This system is where you’ll arrange government shipments or declare a PPM.”
Most active-duty members can expect a PCS every 2 to 4 years, but timelines vary by branch and assignment. Orders typically arrive with a few months’ notice, giving families time to plan housing, schools, and transportation. Because PCS moves are routine, the military provides allowances and options to help offset costs.
Eligibility for a PCS move includes active-duty members, certain federal employees, and their authorized dependents. Moves can be within the continental United States (CONUS) or outside the continental United States (OCONUS). CONUS moves often mean relocating to another state or base. OCONUS moves involve international relocation, which adds extra steps like passports, customs, and shipping household goods overseas.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| PCS | A permanent change of station means you’re being assigned to a new duty station. It involves relocating yourself, your family, and all of your belongings to a new place. |
| TDY | Despite the name, a temporary duty assignment sometimes requires relocating for several months at a time. However, your permanent duty station doesn’t change. |
| CONUS | Continental United States refers to the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. It does not include Alaska or Hawaii. |
| OCONUS | Outside the continental United States refers to everywhere else in the world. |
If you receive PCS orders, you have a deadline to move. Fortunately, you don’t have to cover the cost entirely on your own. The military provides several relocation assistance options.
In a Household Goods (HHG) move, the military takes the lead. A Transportation Service Provider (TSP) handles the loading and transport of your household goods. Your weight allowance for this option depends on your rank and whether you have dependents. It’s important to stay within these limits, as you may have to pay out of pocket if your shipment is over the allowed weight.
The biggest benefit of an HHG move is that it requires very little upfront cost or physical labor from you. However, you do give up a lot of control. You can’t choose the specific moving company or the exact delivery date. While it’s the most hands-off option, many families find the lack of flexibility and the risk of damaged items to be a drawback.
A Personally Procured Move (PPM), often called a DITY move, allows you to handle the move yourself. The government compensates you for 100% of what it would have cost them to move you, which can often result in extra cash in your pocket if you stay under budget.
This option is perfect for those who want total control over their timeline and belongings. You can even choose a Full PPM or a Partial PPM depending on your needs. Just remember that you must keep every receipt and document. While you can save money, the downside is the added responsibility. You’re in charge of every detail, from booking the truck to organizing all the paperwork. Thankfully, you can use tools like our platform to find labor-only movers who can load your rental truck, helping streamline some of the moving process.
A Partial PPM is often the sweet spot for military families. In this scenario, the government moves the bulk of your furniture, but you move a portion of your belongings yourself in your own car. This is useful for transporting high-value items, professional gear, or things you’ll need right away.
The main advantage is flexibility. You get the convenience of a government move for the heavy stuff while ensuring your most important items stay with you. Plus, you still receive a government payment for the weight you transport yourself. The only real drawback is that you have to manage two separate moving processes at once.
Dislocation Allowance (DLA) is a specific payment intended to help cover the miscellaneous expenses of relocating. Think of it as a buffer for those hidden/extra costs, like deposits and utility hookup fees. It’s not tied to the weight of your household goods but rather to the fact that you’re moving your household to a new duty station.
DLA is especially helpful during the first few weeks at a new station when expenses tend to pile up quickly. Most service members are eligible, but you usually have to apply for it through your finance office.
Still confused? Here’s a handy graphic that shows you the differences:
The right PCS moving option often depends on time, control, complexity, and family size. If you have a large household, you can benefit from an HHG move because all the logistics of packing and shipping are handled for you. Smaller families or individuals may prefer the flexibility of a PPM, especially if they want to keep essentials close or move on their own schedule.
HHG moves reduce upfront costs and simplify planning, but they can mean less control over timing and delivery. PPMs, on the other hand, give you full control and the chance to save money if you spend less than the reimbursement. However, you’ll have to take care of most of the logistics, like tracking receipts and managing transportation.
That’s where outside help comes in. Hiring labor-only movers through our platform makes sense if you’re already renting a truck or getting a container for your move. They’ll load and unload while you handle the driving and other transportation, allowing you to enjoy the cost benefits of a PPM without the extra effort.
| Move Option | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| HHG (Government) | No upfront cost, shipping handled by TSP | Less control over your schedule, possible delays, and limited flexibility | Larger households or those who want a “hands-off” move |
| PPM (Full DIY) | Full control, flexible timing, potential to earn money if costs are lower than reimbursement | Requires receipts, weight tickets, and planning | Service members looking to save money or those with fewer belongings |
| Partial PPM (Hybrid) | Balance of control and convenience, quick access to essentials, flexibility | Extra paperwork, coordination with both TSP and self-move | Families with high-value items or professional gear they want to keep close |
A PCS move takes planning, but breaking it into steps makes it easier. Start early, stay organized, and you’ll avoid last-minute surprises.
Before diving into the details, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some common terms used when discussing PCS moves:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Unaccompanied baggage | The Department of Defense allows you to send a small shipment of your goods ahead, which is referred to as unaccompanied baggage. It usually consists of clothes, bedding, and basic household essentials. |
| TLE reimbursement | TLE reimbursement covers your temporary lodging expenses, such as hotel bills, while you travel to your PCS destination. |
| POC reimbursement | If you’re traveling in your own car, you may qualify for privately owned conveyance (POC) reimbursement to cover gas expenses. As of 2025, the rate is $0.21 per mile of PCS travel. |
| DLA reimbursement | Dislocation allowance (DLA) reimbursement helps offset other relocation expenses not specified in other categories. |
| Professional gear | Your uniforms, medals, and other professional gear don’t count against your overall weight allowance. This includes any ceremonial uniform items, any job-specific equipment, or training manuals. |
| Non-temporary storage | Sometimes, you need to leave your items in long-term storage. This is most common if you’re moving overseas and will have limited room for your items, or it’s impractical to ship all of them. |
| Privately owned vehicle | This refers to your personal car. |
Your PCS orders are the foundation of your move. Read them carefully to confirm dates, entitlements, and your new duty station. Double-check details like dependents listed and authorized weight limits. If something looks off, contact your personnel office right away.
Most PCS moves follow an 8 to 12 week timeline. As soon as you receive orders, schedule your counseling session and register in DPS. This system is where you’ll arrange government shipments or declare a PPM.
Housing is another key step. Whether you’re moving on base or off, start researching availability as soon as possible. Factor in school zones, commute times, and local rules. If you’re renting, budget for deposits and utility setup. This is also the time to compare prices for rental trucks and labor if you choose a PPM.
Keep in mind that military schedules can change, and shipments may be delayed, so build buffer time into your plan and keep backup options ready. You can also follow this simple checklist to stay on schedule:
Having a plan makes the whole process feel much smaller. Even if your dates shift, you will have your paperwork and boxes ready to go. You can also use this graphic to see the overview of all the steps you need to take for a PCS move:
PCS moves come with unique costs, but the military provides allowances to help offset them. Knowing what’s covered and what isn’t can save you stress and money.
The military aims to cover the most essential parts of your move. If you choose a government move, they pay the moving company directly. If you choose a PPM, they reimburse you based on the weight of your goods. However, you are responsible for any costs that go over your weight limit or aren’t on the “approved” list, like deposits, utility setup fees, or pet travel expenses.
Commonly covered items include:
Dislocation Allowance (DLA) is a flat payment meant to help with the “hidden” costs of moving. It helps pay for things like utility deposits or new items for your home. You usually receive this after you file your final travel claim.
Travel pay includes “MALT,” which is a set rate per mile for driving your own car. You also get a daily allowance for food and lodging during your trip.
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) applies to moves within the continental U.S. It reimburses short-term lodging and meals while waiting for housing.
TLA is for overseas moves and can last much longer. It helps cover hotel stays and meals until you find a permanent place to live. Always keep your itemized hotel receipts to make sure you get paid back.
Many people forget about the small costs that add up quickly. You might need to buy new cleaning supplies, curtains, or food to restock your pantry. If you are moving a pet, you will have to pay for their travel and vet fees out of pocket.
“HHG moves reduce upfront costs and simplify planning, but they can mean less control over timing and delivery. PPMs, on the other hand, give you full control and the chance to save money if you spend less than the reimbursement.”
Another common cost is wear and tear on your car during a long drive. While the military pays for gas through mileage rates, they don’t cover oil changes or new tires. Setting aside a small “move fund” can help you handle these surprises without stress.
Smart packing and preparation make your PCS smoother, protect your belongings, and help you stay within weight limits. Here are the steps to take to make sure everything goes well from the start.
Government movers follow strict rules about what they can put on their trucks. While they handle most furniture and household goods, they will not touch hazardous or live items. Use the table below to see what you should plan to move yourself.
| The Military Will Pack | The Military Will NOT Pack |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles and dirt bikes (CONUS) | Cars and trucks (for moves within the U.S.) |
| Large maintenance items such as lawn mowers (but make sure they’re drained of fuel beforehand) | Propane tanks, fertilizers, and fuel cans |
| Pots, pans, and unopened liquids | Perishable food and open cleaning supplies |
| Unloaded firearms (with proper paperwork) | Ammunition and explosives |
| Furniture and household appliances | Pets, plants, and hazardous chemicals |
Your rank determines your weight allowance, and going over that limit can lead to expensive fees. You can confirm your authorized weight in your PCS orders or through your transportation office before moving day.
This weight limit makes downsizing the secret to a smooth move. As you’re packing, look at every room and decide what to keep and what to sell or donate instead. Typically, items you haven’t used in a year are good candidates for getting rid of, or anything you know won’t fit in your new home. Getting rid of heavy, unneeded furniture now can save you a lot of money and stress during delivery.
While good movers typically create their own inventories, you shouldn’t rely on their list alone. Create your own by taking photos or videos of every room and high-value items. This makes filing a claim much easier if something breaks or gets lost. Also, keep your most important documents, like birth certificates and medical records, in a separate folder that stays with you.
PCS moves can get expensive fast, but a smart budget helps you stay in control. With a little planning, you can avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your allowances.
Building a solid budget helps you focus on your family instead of your bank account. With clear records and smart planning, you’ll stretch your PCS allowances further and reduce stress along the way.
Even the most organized military families can run into trouble during a PCS move. Avoiding these mistakes will save you time and money.
Every PCS move comes with challenges, but you don’t have to handle them alone. With clear planning and the right support, your transition can be smoother and less stressful.
We’ve gathered more tips, guides, and resources to help you through every stage of your PCS. Explore our additional military move articles and resources to find practical advice designed to make your move easier.
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