Military PCS Moving Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Military Weight Allowances by Rank (2026)

Your weight allowance determines how much the government will ship for you. Exceeding your weight allowance means paying for excess weight out of pocket — at roughly $0.50–$0.80/lb, this adds up fast.

Tip: Weigh your household goods before your move. If you're over your allowance, sell or donate heavy items (old appliances, weight sets, book collections) before the movers arrive. Excess weight liability can cost $2,000–$5,000 for an over-limit household.

Pro-gear allowance: Service members are typically allowed an additional 2,000 lbs for professional gear (books, instruments, uniforms, tools of the trade) that doesn't count against the weight allowance. Confirm with your transportation office.

DPS Move vs. PPM/DITY Move: Which is Right for You?

DPS (Defense Personal Property System) Move — Government-Arranged:

• The government books and pays a commercial moving company through the DPS system
• The TSP (Transportation Service Provider) handles all packing, loading, shipping, and delivery
• Government liability covers your goods at full replacement value for properly packed items
• Best for: Large households, families with young children, overseas moves, service members who can't take time for a self-move
• Risk: TSP quality varies significantly — some are excellent, others have poor track records. Research your assigned TSP's ratings in DPS before accepting.

PPM (Personally Procured Move) / DITY Move — Self-Arranged:

• You arrange and execute your own move
• The government reimburses you 100% of what it would have cost them (the JTR rate) — and you keep any savings below that amount
• If you come in under the JTR rate, you receive an incentive payment (the difference)
• Best for: Service members who want maximum control, those with connections to free labor (family/friends), and anyone willing to do the work for significant financial gain
• Example: JTR rate for your move = $8,000. You spend $4,000 doing a PPM move. You pocket the $4,000 difference (less 20% tax withholding — you get approximately $3,200 net).

Partial PPM: You can do a partial PPM — move some items yourself and let the government move the rest. This is common for moving pro-gear, vehicles, or items you want to control personally.

PCS Financial Entitlements: Know What You're Owed

Military families are entitled to multiple types of financial assistance during a PCS move. Don't leave money on the table:

Dislocation Allowance (DLA): A one-time payment to help cover moving expenses not otherwise reimbursed. Amount varies by rank and dependency status — approximately $2,000–$5,000+ for most service members. Paid automatically when PCS orders are cut.

Per Diem During Travel: Daily rate for meals and incidental expenses during authorized travel days. In 2026, the CONUS rate is approximately $59/day for meals and $5/day incidentals per family member. Travel days are calculated based on distance (one day per 400 miles typically).

Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) — CONUS: Reimburses hotel/temporary lodging costs at your old or new duty station for up to 10 days combined. Reimburses 65–75% of actual lodging costs, subject to per diem rates.

Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) — OCONUS: For overseas moves, TLA covers temporary lodging for longer periods — up to 60 days at some locations while waiting for permanent quarters.

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): BAH is not a moving entitlement but continues during PCS moves. You receive BAH at your old duty station rate until you report to your new station, then at the new rate. Research the BAH difference in your new location early — it can significantly affect your budget.

Protecting Your Household Goods During DPS Moves

Government-arranged moves have a mixed reputation. Here's how to protect your belongings:

Before the movers arrive:

• Create a detailed inventory with photos/video of all valuables, electronics, and furniture — date-stamped
• Get appraisals for antiques, artwork, jewelry, and collectibles — claims without documentation are harder to win
• Remove all batteries from electronics (battery leakage can cause damage during long-distance moves)
• Separate items you'll transport yourself: medications, jewelry, irreplaceable documents, weapons
• Measure your new home's doorways and note any large items that might not fit

On packing day:

• Be present and engaged — don't leave the movers unsupervised
• Note how items are packed on the inventory sheet — 'packed by owner' vs. 'packed by carrier' affects claims
• Write 'HHG' (household goods) on the inventory next to items you want documented carefully
• Flag fragile items verbally and in writing on the inventory sheet

On delivery day:

• Inspect every item BEFORE signing the delivery receipt
• Note all damage on the DD Form 1840/1840R before the movers leave
• You have 75 days from delivery to file a 'Notice of Loss or Damage' (DD Form 1840R)
• You have 9 months from delivery to file a full claim

Filing claims: Submit claims through the DPS Claims module. The TSP has 60 days to respond and 30 days to pay approved claims. If denied or underpaid, escalate to the Military Claims Office (MCO) at your installation.

PCS Move Checklist by Timeline

Upon receiving orders:

• Contact your gaining installation's housing office about on-base housing waitlists (can be 6–24 months)
• Register at DPS (move.mil) and begin the shipment request process
• Visit the transportation office at your current installation to brief your entitlements
• Research BAH at your gaining duty station and compare to current BAH
• Research schools in the gaining area if you have school-age children

60 days before move:

• Decide DPS vs. PPM for each shipment category
• Schedule pre-move survey with TSP (required for DPS moves)
• Begin decluttering — sell/donate heavy items over your weight allowance
• Research storage options at gaining installation for items not needed immediately

30 days before move:

• Confirm pack and load dates with TSP
• Arrange childcare and pet care for pack and load days
• Notify schools, doctors, and dentists of your move
• Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy near your gaining installation

Moving day:

• Be present entire time — assign one adult per floor/area to monitor movers
• Review and verify every item on the inventory list before the movers leave
• Photograph all loaded items and truck seals before signing