Receiving permanent change of station (PCS) orders is common in the military, but that doesn’t make them any easier. As soon as you receive the orders, you know you’re in for finding a new home, loading up moving boxes, and potentially moving across the country.
While you can’t opt out of PCS orders, you still have some level of control over how it happens. You can either have the government handle the move or manage the scheduling services and labor yourself. If you decide to manage 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.
No matter what type of move you choose, there’s a lot to consider. We’ve compiled all the key information and broken it down into a simple guide to help you save the most money you can on your PCS military move.
Types of Military Moves
Military moves can be complex (and full of acronyms), especially if it’s your first one. You’ll likely hear terms such as:
- PCS: When you receive a PCS order, it means you’re being assigned to a new permanent station. It involves relocating yourself, your family, and all of your belongings to a new place.
- TDY: TDY stands for temporary duty.Despite the name, it sometimes requires relocating for several months at a time. However, your permanent duty station doesn’t change.
- CONUS: This stands for Continental United States and refers to the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. It does not include Alaska or Hawaii.
- OCONUS: This stands for Outside the Continental United States and refers to everywhere else in the world.
If you receive PCS orders, you must move by the time specified in them. Fortunately, you don’t have to cover the cost entirely on your own. The military provides relocation assistance.
You have two options for assistance: Household Goods Moves (HHG) and Personally Procured Moves (PPM). If you choose HHG, you don’t have to put in as much effort making arrangements, and you don’t have to pay upfront. The government arranges for professional movers to pick up, transport, and drop off your belongings for you.
A PPM move (also called DITY) is similar to moving on your own if you weren’t part of the military. You get more flexibility since you handle all logistics yourself. However, it also means you have to do the work yourself and pay upfront for all expenses, including the moving truck, fuel, and any additional services. After your move, you file a claim to get reimbursed. If you spent less than the calculated reimbursement amount, you get to keep the difference.
Regardless of the type of move you choose, you can also apply for DLA reimbursement, which covers food, lodging, and transportation.
Still confused? We break down the process in our infographic below:
Common military move terms explained:
|
Term |
Stands For |
What it Means |
Who it Involves |
| PCS |
Permanent Change of Station |
The move order given when a service member has been reassigned to a new duty station. It covers all types of military-ordered moves. |
All active-duty military members |
| HHG |
Household Goods |
The military coordinates your move for you. The government contracts movers to transport your belongings. Almost all overseas moves fall into this category. |
Managed by the government (DOD contractors) |
| PPM |
Personally Procured Move (sometimes called DITY) |
You handle moving yourself and are reimbursed the amount the government would have paid. It’s more flexible since you control the terms. If you save money compared to government costs, you can pocket the extra. |
Managed by the service member |
| DLA |
Dislocation Allowance |
A cash allowance that offsets the cost of relocating. It’s offered regardless of whether a service member chooses HHG or PPM. |
Paid directly to the service member |
PPM vs. HHG in PCS Military Moves: What’s the Difference?
Your choice between PPM or HHG move determines how your relocation will go. You should carefully consider your circumstances and fully understand your options. Here are some of the differences between HHG and PPM moves you should know to make the best choice:
- You can choose an HHG move for both overseas and in-country moves. However, only CONUS moves are approved for PPM.
- You don’t pay anything for HHG moves, but you’re expected to pay upfront and accept reimbursement for PPM moves.
- You can profit on a PPM/DITY move. The government gives you a set allowance based on weight to cover moving costs, and if you spend less than what is allocated to you, you get to keep the remainder.
HHG vs. PPM Moves
|
HHG |
PPM |
|
|
How finances work |
The government pays the contractors directly for the move upfront. |
You pay upfront and are reimbursed later. |
|
Potential to profit off the move |
No |
Yes |
|
Eligible moving destinations |
CONUS and OCONUS |
CONUS |
PPM or DITY Move FAQs
How long does it take to get reimbursed for a PPM move?
It depends on how long the government takes to process your request, and there’s no set timeline. Some people receive reimbursement within 4 to 5 weeks, while others wait 2 to 3 months. Either way, the clock doesn’t start ticking until you submit all required paperwork, and you have just 45 days after moving to complete this.
How can I calculate my PPM reimbursement?
Your PPM move reimburses up to 95% of the cost of an HHG move. The amount allotted to you depends on your rank, how many dependents you have, and how far you’re moving.
You can try running a PPM calculator for a general estimate, but the best way to get an accurate estimate is to contact your local transportation office.
How do I get reimbursed for a PPM/DITY move?
Ensure you start by getting counseling and approval from your Transportation Office to DITY your move. If you skip this step and handle the move yourself, you may not be eligible for reimbursement.
“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.”
During your move, track the weight of your shipment. This means getting an empty truck weight ticket at your origin and full truck weights at both your origin and final destination.
Then, submit your claim to the transportation office at your new duty station within 45 days. Ensure your application includes the DD Form 2278, DD Form 1351-2, certified weight tickets, receipts for all moving expenses, and your most current PCS orders.
How can I save the most money with a PPM/DITY move?
Handling as much of the labor as possible for your move reduces costs. However, this isn’t always practical, and you can often find good deals on moving labor to help you load and unload your truck. Shop around for local labor-only movers at your old and new homes to get the best deals.
What is DD Form 2278, and how do I fill it out for my PPM/DITY move?
DD Form 2278 is the Application for Do It Yourself Move and Counseling Checklist. It must be completed correctly and submitted if you want to be reimbursed for your move.
You fill this form out with your designated counselor from your assigned Transportation Office or Personal Property Office before moving. Doing so confirms that you understand the rules for the PPM program.
PPM Checklist
The PPM checklist covers your PCS entitlements, including what the military will and won’t cover as part of your relocation. It includes details about your moving allowance and any special entitlements. This list addresses larger or specialty items, like utility trailers, appliances, consumables, and firearms.Sometimes these change, so check with your local transportation office for the most up-to-date information.
Saving Money With a PPM Move
Since you get to keep the difference between your moving allowance and the actual cost of your move, cutting costs is a practical approach. Fortunately, several simple steps can help you save on your out-of-pocket expenses.
Be flexible with timing
There’s not a lot of wiggle room when it comes to PCS orders sometimes, but staying flexible with the dates and times you choose to move can help reduce costs. In most cases, you can take up to 30 days of leave between duty stations to manage your move. Start shopping for moving truck rentals and labor as early as you can to get the best deals. Moving companies and truck rentals typically have dynamic pricing, so you can get the best prices by booking early and choosing less busy days of the week.
Consider labor-only movers
Full-service moves are convenient, but they also cost more since they include transportation as well as loading/unloading services. Unless you can get a really good deal, you may end up paying more than the military-contracted movers could have offered. If you want a full-service move, choosing HHG could save you a lot of trouble organizing it. Considering that military moves can be frequent and frustrating to deal with, opting for HHG can save you time and stress.
Labor-only movers, on the other hand, take care of heavy lifting by loading and unloading your belongings. You’ll still get some help with your move, but they cost less than the full-service alternative.
Try moving containers
If you don’t want to drive a moving truck across the country, consider renting a PODS or other shipping container. They’re a convenient, more affordable alternative to a full-service move. You rent a container that’s delivered to your current home and load up all your belongings into it. Then, once it’s all packed, the storage company picks it up and ships it to your new destination. You’ll still have to handle unloading it at your new home.
Use your DLA to the fullest
Keep track of your moving expenses and save all related receipts as you travel for your Dislocation Allowance (DLA) reimbursement. While it doesn’t fully reimburse relocation costs, it generally covers:
- Security deposits
- Deposits to establish utilities
- Replacing food
- New household items as needed
- Temporary lodging
- Cleaning supplies
You can request up to 80% of the estimated payment in advance of your move by visiting your local finance office. However, it’s usually disbursed around 30 days after filing all paperwork and providing receipts for your costs.
Don’t forget about your PCS move when tax time comes around. Those moving expensesmay also be eligible for a federal tax deduction.
PCS Moves 101
All PCS moves, whether you choose to DITY or HHG, start and end the same way: you receive orders and arrive at your new home. They also generally follow the same process regardless of branch, so an Army DITY move shouldn’t differ much from a Navy or Marine relocation.
However, the journey to get there can vary based on your decision. Before diving into the details, familiarize yourself with some common terms used when discussing PCS moves:
- 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, like hotels and Airbnbs, 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. The current rate is $0.22 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 storage long-term. 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.
The official moving process begins when you receive your PCS orders. If you’re moving CONUS, you get to choose between HHG and PPM moves.
If you want an HHG move, let your transportation office know. They’ll get you on the schedule and inform you of the time and date to be ready. If you’re arranging a DITY move, start shopping around for movers and a rental truck as soon as possible. Don’t forget to work on your DD Form 2278 and meet with your counselor to get permission early on.
“After your [PPM] move, you file a claim to get reimbursed. If you spent less than the calculated reimbursement amount, you get to keep the difference.”
Regardless of the move type, the next few weeks look the same. You pack, plan, and send any unaccompanied baggage ahead. During the active moving process, keep track of all your expenses, including food, gas, lodging, and other costs.
Once you arrive at your new duty station, HHG movers deliver your items for you. If you choose a DITY move, you either unload yourself or pay for movers to handle the heavy lifting. You also need to complete your DD Form 2278 and submit it within 45 days.
You finish by filing for any additional reimbursements, including DLA, TLE/TLA, and POC. As long as you filed all your paperwork correctly, you’ll eventually get paid accordingly.
Still confused? Here’s a handy graphic that shows you the differences:
Is There Anything the Military Won’t Pay to Move?
The military will move most household items you’d expect. This includes furniture, clothing, bedding, and kitchen items. They’ll also move some items that ordinary movers wouldn’t. With that said, you’ll still have to arrange transportation at your own cost for some restricted items.
What Will the Military Move?
- Firearms: Provided that you have the required documentation and follow the local laws at all points in transit, the military will pay to ship personal firearms. The firearm must be inoperable and unloaded during transportation. You also can’t ship privately owned ammunition with it.
- Unopened liquids: Bottles of unopened liquids, including alcohol, are usually allowed in the shipment. However, if you’re moving OCONUS, it’s your job to ensure the alcohol complies with all legal requirements.
- Bicycles: Bicycles are allowed and included in the overall shipment. The same applies to larger house maintenance items, such as lawnmowers and weed eaters.
- (Some) boats: Recreational boats under 14 feet may be shipped, but they count against the overall allowed weight. If your boat exceeds the weight limit, you will be responsible for shipping it at your own expense.
- Recreational vehicles: Motorcycles and dirt bikes are allowed as part of the shipment within the U.S. When moving overseas, motorcycles and dirt bikes follow the same guidelines as cars. RVs are authorized on a case-by-case basis.
What Won’t the Military Move?
- Cars: In general, the military will pay to ship one vehicle overseas, but expects members to transport their own vehicle to their new home within the continental U.S. If you choose to drive your vehicle to your new duty station, you can get monetary allowance in lieu of transportation (MALT), a mileage reimbursement, for up to two vehicles. They may also reimburse you for lodging during your drive.
- Consumable items: Items that are meant to be eaten are generally not allowed. The only exception to this is if you’re PCSed to a remote location.
- Pets: Transportation of pets is done at the member’s expense. Check local regulations in your new home state, as they may require proof of vaccination or a quarantine period.
- Flammable items: Batteries and other flammable items pose a safety risk, and most moving companies don’t allow them in their trucks. Any fuel tanks must be drained, and batteries must be removed before transport.