Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves are a fact of military life. The average service member moves every 2–3 years, and each move comes with its own set of logistics, paperwork, and decisions. After helping numerous military families navigate PCS moves, here's what you need to know to make yours as smooth as possible.
Understanding Your Options
TMO (Transportation Management Office) Move
The military arranges and pays for your move through a contracted carrier.
Pros:
- •No upfront costs — the military pays the carrier directly
- •Less personal responsibility for logistics
- •Claims process for damaged items goes through the military
Cons:
- •Less control over timing and carrier selection
- •Peak season (summer) can mean long waits
- •Quality varies significantly between assigned carriers
PPM (Personally Procured Move) — Formerly DITY
You arrange and execute the move yourself, and the military reimburses you.
Pros:
- •You choose your carrier and timeline
- •Potential to pocket the difference between actual costs and the government's allowance
- •More control over the entire process
Cons:
- •Upfront costs that are reimbursed later
- •More paperwork and coordination on your end
- •You're responsible for any issues
Partial PPM
A hybrid approach: TMO handles most of your household goods while you personally move some items (often in a trailer or your vehicle).
Best for: Families who want the convenience of TMO for large items but want to personally transport valuables, electronics, or irreplaceable items.
Maximizing Your Allowances
Weight Allowance
Your weight allowance depends on rank and dependency status:
- •E-1 to E-4 (without dependents): 5,000–7,000 lbs
- •E-5 to E-9: 7,000–13,000 lbs
- •O-1 to O-3: 10,000–13,000 lbs
- •O-4 to O-6: 14,000–17,000 lbs
- •O-7+: 18,000 lbs
Pro tip: Weigh your shipment carefully. Going over your allowance means paying the excess out of pocket, and military moving rates are not cheap.
DLA (Dislocation Allowance)
A lump sum to cover miscellaneous moving expenses. The amount varies by rank and dependency status but typically ranges from $1,000–$3,000. Use it wisely — it's meant to cover things like:
- •Temporary lodging deposits
- •Utility connection fees
- •Cleaning supplies for your old and new quarters
TLE (Temporary Lodging Expense)
Covers up to 10 days of lodging and meals while transitioning between duty stations. Keep all receipts.
Timeline for a PCS Move
8+ Weeks Before
- •Visit TMO for counseling and briefing
- •Decide between TMO, PPM, or partial PPM
- •Start decluttering (remember your weight allowance)
- •Begin gathering important documents
6 Weeks Before
- •Schedule your pre-move survey (TMO) or book your carrier (PPM)
- •Arrange temporary housing at your new duty station
- •Start packing non-essential items
4 Weeks Before
- •Confirm all moving arrangements
- •Notify your landlord (if renting)
- •Update your address with USPS, banks, and insurance
- •Schedule utility disconnection/connection
2 Weeks Before
- •Pack most rooms, leaving essentials for last
- •Prepare your "PCS binder" with all important documents
- •Confirm delivery dates and temporary housing
Moving Week
- •Do a final walkthrough and clean
- •Document the condition of your quarters with photos
- •Keep your PCS binder, medications, and valuables with you
Common PCS Mistakes to Avoid
How MoveMatch Pro Helps Military Families
For PPM moves, MoveMatch Pro can save you significant money by comparing guaranteed quotes from multiple carriers. The difference between what you pay and what the military reimburses goes directly into your pocket.
PCS move coming up? If you're doing a PPM, let MoveMatch Pro find you the best rates so you can maximize your reimbursement.