Military PCS Checklist & Moving Guide

📦 Chronological PCS Timeline — From Orders to In-Processing

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Phase 1: 3–6 Months Out (Orders Pending / RFO / Notification)

Decide your moving method: Full Government Move (HHG), Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY), or Partial PPM (hybrid). Build a PCS cash cushion: Plan for upfront deposits, fuel, hotels, and supplies before travel vouchers and DLA reimburse you. Research new housing & BAH: Compare off-base rental/purchase prices with current BAH rates, and submit base housing applications early. Estimate home sale proceeds: If selling your current home, run accurate net calculations with NetSellerSheet.com. Model home buying scenarios: If purchasing at your new duty station, calculate VA loan payments with HomeBuyerCalcs.com. Initiate EFMP screening: If any dependent is enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program, begin overseas or special medical clearances immediately. School district & childcare research: Contact the School Liaison Officer (SLO) at your gaining base and join MilitaryChildCare.com waitlists. Pet logistics: Schedule vet appointments for updated rabies/health certificates, microchips, and book airline pet space early (or review quarantine laws for Hawaii/OCONUS). Vehicle maintenance: If driving cross-country, schedule routine major service (tires, brakes, cooling, fluids).

Phase 2: 2–3 Months Out (Hard Orders in Hand)

Create/Update DPS Profile: Log into the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil and submit your official move application. Attend TMO / PPSO Counseling: Complete required move counseling (virtual or in-person) with your installation transportation office. Deliver SCRA lease termination notice: Provide landlord 30-day written notice with orders attached under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. § 3955). Request school & medical records: Request hard copies of medical/dental records from MTF and official transcripts/IEPs from schools (always hand-carry). Confirm authorized weight allowances: Review JTR weight allowances for your rank and dependency status to prevent costly overweight charges. Book POV shipping: If authorized to ship a vehicle (OCONUS), book through PCSmyPOV (pcsmypov.com) or arrange private transport. Aggressive decluttering: Sell, donate, or trash unused furniture, clothes, and heavy items before packers weigh your home.

Phase 3: 1 Month Out (Logistics & Notifications)

Locate certified weigh stations: If doing a PPM, find certified public scales (CAT scales) at both origin and destination for empty and full weight tickets. Request Advance DLA or Travel Pay: If you need cash flow assistance, submit advance requests through unit finance. Reserve Temporary Lodging (TLE/TLA): Book on-base lodging or approved commercial hotels (TLE covers up to 14 days CONUS). Schedule utility shut-offs: Set disconnect dates for electricity, natural gas, municipal water, internet, and trash services. Designate & separate Professional Gear (Pro-Gear): Clearly mark M-PRO (member gear up to 2,000 lbs) and S-PRO (spouse gear up to 500 lbs) so it doesn't count against weight limits. USPS Mail Forwarding & Address Updates: Submit official change of address with USPS, banks, credit cards, insurance, and TSP.

Phase 4: Moving Week & Pack Days

Assemble Hand-Carry Binder: Orders (10+ copies), CACs, birth certificates, car titles, marriage licenses, passports, and medical records. Never pack this in HHG! Pack "Open-First / First-Night" Bins: Sheets, pillows, air mattresses, shower curtains, toiletries, basic tool set, pet food, and paper towels for arrival night. Photo/Video Inventory: Take timestamped photos/videos of all television screens powered on, electronics serial numbers, and existing furniture condition. Defrost refrigerator/freezer: Unplug, defrost, clean, and dry at least 24 hours prior to loading to avoid mold. Isolate "DO NOT PACK" room: Lock your luggage, laptops, hand-carry binder, medications, firearms, and pets in an empty bathroom or closet clearly labeled "DO NOT PACK". Monitor packers & audit inventory: Accompany the crew leader, inspect the inventory descriptions (challenge unwarranted "scratched/gouged" tags), and keep your signed copy. Final residence walkthrough: Check every closet, attic space, shed, and dishwasher. Conduct formal move-out inspection with landlord/housing office.

Phase 5: Transit, Delivery & In-Processing (Days 1–14)

Save all itemized receipts: Lodging folios with $0 balance, fuel receipts, toll statements, and certified weight tickets (PPM). Delivery walkthrough: Check each item off the inventory sheet as it comes off the truck. Note missing or damaged items on the Joint Statement of Loss form before the driver departs. In-process unit admin & CSS: Check into your gaining unit in duty uniform to start your formal in-processing checklist. Submit Finance Travel Voucher: File SmartVoucher / DD Form 1351-2 for DLA, mileage (MALT), per diem, and TLE reimbursement. Submit PPM Settlement with TMO: If you performed a full or partial PPM, submit weight tickets and expense receipts to TMO for calculation and payout. Update DEERS: Log into milConnect and update residential addresses for all family members. Transfer TRICARE region: Contact TRICARE East (Humana) or TRICARE West (TriWest) to switch enrollment and select new primary care managers. Vehicle registration & licenses: Register vehicles with the new state DMV or utilize military non-resident exemptions under the SCRA. File DPS damage claims within 180 days: If any household items were broken or lost, initiate your full replacement value claim on DPS.

💰 Key PCS Entitlements & Allowances Demystified

Dislocation Allowance (DLA)

A non-taxable lump-sum payment meant to help cover miscellaneous moving expenses (security deposits, utility hookups). Paid once per PCS move; amounts vary by paygrade and dependent status.

Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)

Reimburses up to 14 days of temporary lodging and meal expenses within CONUS. Can be split between your departing and arriving stations. Itemized, zero-balance hotel folios required.

MALT & Travel Per Diem

Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (mileage rate) paid for driving authorized vehicles, plus daily meals & incidentals per diem for authorized travel days calculated based on official mileage.

Professional Gear (Pro-Gear)

Uniforms, specialized equipment, reference books, and technical gear up to 2,000 lbs for service members (and 500 lbs for spouses) do NOT count toward weight caps if clearly inventoried as Pro-Gear.

🔗 Official Military Moving Portals & Essential Calculators

DPS / Move.mil →

Official DoD portal for booking moves, tracking shipments, and filing household claims.

SmartVoucher (DFAS) →

Interactive guide for filing your DD Form 1351-2 PCS travel settlement voucher.

DTMO Travel Allowances →

Current official tables for DLA amounts, per diem rates, and mileage allowances.

NetSellerSheet.com →

Calculate estimated net proceeds before listing your current home during orders.

HomeBuyerCalcs.com →

Estimate monthly mortgage payments, down payment options, and VA loan entitlement.

Military OneSource Moving Hub →

Plan My Move tool, installation overviews, sponsorship details, and moving checklists.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About PCS Moves

What is the difference between a PPM (DITY) and a Government Move?

A Government Move (HHG) means government-contracted movers pack, load, transport, and unpack your household goods at no out-of-pocket cost up to your authorized weight limit. A Personally Procured Move (PPM, formerly known as DITY) allows you to move your own belongings (using your vehicle, rental truck, or moving pods) and receive 100% of the Government Constructed Cost based on certified weight tickets, keeping any leftover funds as taxable profit. A Partial PPM allows you to ship the bulk of your goods via government movers while personally moving essential items for reimbursement.

How does Dislocation Allowance (DLA) work?

Dislocation Allowance (DLA) is a non-taxable lump-sum payment provided by the DoD to help offset miscellaneous relocation expenses (such as deposits, utility reconnections, and household setup). DLA rates depend on your rank and whether you have dependents. You can request an advance of DLA through your local finance office before moving, or claim it on your final travel settlement voucher (DD 1351-2).

How much weight can I move without paying excess weight fees?

Your authorized weight allowance is strictly based on your military paygrade and dependency status as outlined in Chapter 5 of the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Allowances range from 5,000 lbs for an unrepresented junior enlisted member up to 18,000 lbs for senior officers with dependents. Any weight exceeding your maximum allowance will be billed directly to you.

Can my landlord penalize me for breaking my lease early on military orders?

No. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA, 50 U.S.C. § 3955), active duty servicemembers who receive PCS orders or deployment orders for 90+ days have the legal right to terminate a residential lease without penalty. You must provide written notice with a copy of your orders; the lease officially terminates 30 days after the date your next monthly rent payment is due.

How long do I have to file a claim for damaged household goods?

Under the Defense Personal Property Program rules, you must submit written notice of loss or damage to your Transportation Service Provider (carrier) within 180 days from the date of delivery. Formal claims for full replacement value should be filed through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil as early as possible.

The Practical PCS Checklist & Moving Guide