Complete Guide to a Smooth PCS Move

Military moving is a unique experience that looks very different from a typical civilian move. Between tight timelines, government processes, and frequent relocations, moving in the military requires a level of organization and flexibility most people never have to deal with. On average, military families move every two to three years, which makes it all the more important to set up a reliable moving strategy.

That’s where these military moving tips come in. If you’re preparing for a PCS (Permanent Change of Station), this guide will provide you with everything you need to know, including planning advice, packing tips, and practical tools to help you stay organized, save money, and feel ready for your next move. 

What Is a PCS Move?

A PCS move (Permanent Change of Station) is the official relocation of a service member and their family to a new duty station — aka home — either within the U.S. or overseas. These moves are authorized and coordinated by the Department of Defense and can be either government-managed or personally managed.

You might hear terms like:

• PPM (Personally Procured Move): This is a move you manage yourself. This was formerly called a DITY (Do-It-Yourself) move.

• Partial PPM: You move some items yourself while the military handles the rest.

Keep in mind that if you opt for a PPM, you will be eligible for reimbursement on authorized moving expenses like packing and moving services. 

Military Moving Tips: First Things First

Before diving into the specifics, here are some key military moving tips you should know — and start working on as soon as possible:

• Start planning the move immediately after receiving your official PCS orders.

• Contact your transportation office and use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS).

• Schedule movers as early as possible.

• Begin decluttering your home.

• Attend PCS briefings on base.

• Use the Military OneSource “Plan My Move” tool.

• Create a dedicated PCS binder.

• Build a personalized moving checklist.

• Budget for the move.

We’ll break most of these down in more detail below.

Military Pre-Move Planning Tips

Military moving requires detailed planning. Follow these step-by-step military moving tips to help you stay organized and avoid last-minute stress before your move.

1. Create a PCS binder

You’ll thank yourself later for creating an organized PCS binder now. This will keep all your important documents in one place and make it much easier to handle the logistics of your move and file reimbursement claims later. 

Include items like:

• PCS orders and amendments

• IDs and passports

• Medical, dental, and vision records

• School records, if you have children

• Housing paperwork, like insurance paperwork and lease agreements

• Moving checklist

2. Build a PCS checklist

A personal moving checklist is always a good idea, and as a service member, you have additional tools catered to you to help you stay on track. 

• Use the “Plan My Move” tool on Military OneSource.

• Break your moving tasks into weekly goals.

• Include deadlines for scheduling movers, packing, and traveling.

3. Budget for your military move

Budgeting is often overlooked in military moving tips & advice, but it can make a big difference financially. Even though many costs are covered during a PCS move, out-of-pocket expenses still happen. To protect yourself from unexpected costs: 

4. Start decluttering

Decluttering is one of the smartest military moving tips you can follow — it will not only reduce moving costs but also save you time and effort when it comes time to unpack. 

Decluttering Benefits:

• Reduces your shipment weight.

• Speeds up the packing and unpacking processes.

• Lowers the risk of damage to your personal belongings.

• Saves you money in a PPM. 

Quick Tips:

• If you haven’t used an item in over two years, donate or sell it.

• Follow guidance from Marie Kondo: keep only what “sparks joy.”

• While sorting, separate items into keep, donate, sell, and trash. 

• If you have time, go back through your keep pile twice. 

Packing Tips for Moving in the Military

Packing thoughtfully is important for any move, but doing it right is particularly important when it comes to military moving. 

1. Create a “do-not-pack” zone

Whether you’re getting packing help from friends, family, or professional movers, it’s a good idea to create a designated “do-not-pack” zone in your house. Set aside these items that should stay with you instead of getting packed away with everything else:

• Important documents

• Medications

• Jewelry and other valuables

• 1–2 months of essentials (clothes, toiletries, etc.)

2. Document everything

No one wants to think about something going wrong in their move, but it’s best to prepare for the worst. If you need to file a claim for loss or damage during your PCS move, you’ll need documentation to back it up. 

Before pack-out:

3. Label boxes strategically

Labeling your boxes strategically can be a huge timesaver when unpacking everything in your new home. 

Try:

Military Moving Day Tips

Moving day can be hectic, but these military moving tips can help you protect your belongings and ensure you keep things on track: 

• Be present during pack-out: Stay available to answer questions and ensure nothing important is packed accidentally.

• Double-check inventory sheets: Verify your items are all accurately listed and accounted for before leaving.

• Keep valuables with you: Irreplaceable or high-value items should never be shipped or packed on the moving truck — keep those stowed in a separate area and keep them with you as you travel to your new home.

• Prepare your new home before delivery:

• Take photos of the empty space.

• Clean each room thoroughly.

• Check for damages and document what you find. 

Special Military Family Moving Tips

Military family moving comes with unique challenges — especially if you have kids or pets. Here are a couple of tips to help things go smoothly: 

• Arrange childcare or pet care on moving day to help you stay focused. 

• Keep a few comfort items handy (e.g., favorite toys, blankets, and snacks) to help your child (or pet) adjust more quickly. 

• Maintain routines when possible. Consistency can help reduce anxiety — for you and your loved ones — during big transitions.

Should You Do a PPM (Personally Procured Move) or Use Military Movers?

One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make in military moving is choosing between a PPM (or DITY move) and official government-arranged military moving services. Here are some pros and cons for each to help you decide which is best for you.

A PPM doesn’t have to mean handling everything on your own. Many service members choose a PPM for the added control, then hire a professional interstate moving company to manage packing, transportation, and logistics—while still qualifying for reimbursement, and sometimes even being able to pocket some savings.

A government-arranged move offers a more hands-off experience. The military coordinates and assigns a moving company to handle packing, transportation, and delivery, which can simplify the process—but it also means giving up some control over timing and how your move is managed.

The best choice for you will ultimately depend on your situation. If you want more control and flexibility, you’re comfortable managing logistics, a PPM may work best for you — especially when paired with hiring a full-service mover to handle packing and transportation. If you prefer a hands-off approach and aren’t looking to pocket potential savings, going with one of the military moving companies may be the right choice. You can also opt for a partial PPM to combine elements of both.

Does the military pay for moving expenses?

Yes, the military generally covers most moving expenses for a PCS move, regardless of whether you choose a PPM or military movers.

There’s a long list of items the military will cover or reimburse, including: 

You may also qualify for:

Policies and reimbursement rules can change, so always confirm the most up-to-date details and forms by visiting Military OneSource and the Defense Personal Property System (DPS).

Military moving tips & advice for a smooth PPM

If you choose a PPM, follow these PPM-specific military moving tips & advice to help you get started and ensure you’re appropriately reimbursed:

Why Colonial Van Lines Is Great for Military Moving

Military moving doesn’t have to be stressful, particularly when you combine a PPM with professional interstate moving services like Colonial Van Lines.  

Why hire an interstate moving company for a military move? Even with military support, hiring professional long-distance movers as part of a PPM gives you the best of both worlds: more flexibility, control, and the potential to pocket savings. Colonial can help you by:

• Providing expert packing and moving services

• Offering flexible scheduling

• Streamlining your PPM logistics

• Helping reduce physical (and mental) stress on moving day. 

Every member of our team of professional movers undergoes 2–4 weeks of hands-on training in packing, lifting, and loading techniques. That expertise translates into safer handling of your belongings and a smoother overall moving process for you.

Make Your Military Move with Colonial Van Lines

If you like the idea of having more control over the timeline of your military move and the potential to pocket savings, then a PPM may be the best route for you. Consider combining the benefits of military moving reimbursement with the convenience of hiring a professional interstate moving company by working with our team at Colonial Van Lines.

We have extensive experience helping individuals and families relocate across the country. From packing and loading to transportation and setup, we’re here to make your move easier. Get a free quote today.