Everything you need for a smooth Permanent Change of Station. Checklists, entitlements, base guides, and an AI assistant that actually understands military moves.
A phase-by-phase guide from the day you get orders to settling into your new duty station. Click each phase to expand.
You have earned these benefits. Understanding them can save your family thousands of dollars on every move.
The military hires a Transportation Service Provider (TSP) to pack, ship, and deliver your household goods at no cost to you, up to your authorized weight allowance.
You move yourself and get reimbursed at 100% of what the government would have paid a contractor. This can mean thousands in your pocket if you move efficiently.
A one-time, lump-sum payment to help cover the miscellaneous costs of relocating (deposits, connection fees, supplies). Amount is based on rank and dependency status.
Covers hotel and meal costs when you are between homes. TLE is for CONUS moves (up to 14 days total, split between old and new location). TLA is for OCONUS (up to 60 days).
Reimbursement for driving your POV (privately owned vehicle) to your new duty station. The 2026 PCS rate is $0.205/mile. You may be authorized MALT for up to two POVs if you have dependents.
You receive per diem for each authorized travel day (meals and incidental expenses). You can also request advance basic pay (up to 3 months) and advance BAH (up to 3 months) before a PCS.
The military now provides a pet shipment allowance to help offset the cost of transporting your pets during a PCS. This covers dogs, cats, and other authorized household pets.
We have moved thousands of military families. These are the mistakes we see over and over again.
If you cannot prove an item's condition before the move, your damage claim will be denied. Photograph every room, every piece of furniture, every serial number.
Movers will describe items vaguely ("scratched," "worn") to pre-excuse future damage. Read every line. Dispute anything inaccurate BEFORE you sign.
When you leave the movers unsupervised, items get packed incorrectly, valuables go missing, and you lose your leverage for claims. Be there the entire time.
You have 180 days from delivery to file a claim for damaged or missing items. After that, your claim is denied. No exceptions. Mark it on your calendar the day your goods arrive.
If your shipment exceeds your authorized weight, YOU pay the difference out of pocket. It can cost thousands. Declutter before the movers arrive, not after you get the bill.
You need a certified weight ticket for your vehicle empty AND full. Without both, you will not be reimbursed. Certified scales are at truck stops, CAT scales, and some moving companies.
Professional Books, Papers, and Equipment have their own weight allowance. If they get mixed in with your HHG, that weight counts against your personal limit. Keep them separate and labeled.
You can split your 14 TLE days between your old and new location. Many families only use it at the destination and leave money on the table at the origin.
On-post housing waitlists can be months long. Apply the day you get orders. You can always decline later, but you cannot go back in time to get on the list.
PCS moves are expensive upfront. You can request up to 3 months advance basic pay and 3 months advance BAH. The repayment is spread over 12 months and is interest-free.
If your items arrive damaged or missing, you have the right to be compensated. Follow these steps exactly.
Note ALL damage and missing items on the delivery inventory. Photograph everything. Do not let the driver leave until you have inspected and noted issues.
Submit your claim through MilMove (formerly DPS) at milmove.mil. Include photos, receipts, and the annotated inventory sheets. File within 180 days for Full Replacement Value (FRV).
For damaged items, get two written repair estimates from local businesses. For destroyed items, document the replacement cost with current retail prices.
The TSP will make a settlement offer. You can accept, negotiate, or transfer the claim to the military claims office for further review if the offer is unfair.
Important: The 75-day window is firm. If you discover hidden damage after signing, you can still file within 180 days of delivery. Open every box as soon as possible.
Not every PCS is a simple stateside move. Here is what you need to know for special situations.
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