PCS Military Move in 2026: Complete PCS Guide with Tips

Service members who complete Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves gain experience with frequent relocations. A PCS moves you and your household to a new duty station after you receive orders.

While this can be stress-inducing, you can make it a lot better if you lean into your PCS and fully prepare beforehand. You can make it easier by preparing early and following a simple plan. This guide will help you become informed and confident in navigating a PCS move.

If this is your first PCS move, you may ask yourself, “What does PCS mean in the military?” Military moves all start with orders influenced by your rank, the length of your job or training, and your assigned location to support the Department of War (formerly known as the Department of Defense) (DoW) experts.

This will help determine the details of your move. PCS orders assign you to a new duty station for a longer period, usually more than 20 weeks, for training or a new role. A full household move is part of a PCS.

Most service members relocate every two to four years, although the timing varies by service and mission, with May 15 through September 30 typically designated as the peak PCS season.

If you don’t have orders yet, consider purging or donating any household items you no longer use while waiting. The less you have to move when the time comes, the better! You can also take inventory of your items to know what you’ll have to move when orders arrive. Start early by donating or selling items you do not need and creating a simple home inventory. A video walkthrough helps if you need to file a loss or damage claim.

Once you have the where and when information for your PCS orders, you will have everything you need to plan your PCS move.

Before we launch into the specifics, here are some PCS-related military acronyms you’ll need to know. Don’t be surprised if these abbreviations appear in everyday conversations or when researching information for a PCS move.

CONUS & OCONUS

Navigating a CONUS vs. OCONUS move involves several key differences. PCS moves within the Continental United States (CONUS) are the most common type of PCS move. CONUS means the continental United States. OCONUS includes Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, and overseas locations for their PCS.

HHG

You have three different options when navigating a PCS military move. The most traditional approach is a household goods (HHG) move. An HHG move uses a government-contracted moving company to pack, ship, and deliver your belongings. PCSing military members are entitled to have their household goods moved on the government’s dime.

PPM

A Personally Procured Move (PPM), also known as a DITY, refers to moving items yourself or hiring a commercial mover such as POD or U-Haul. The government reimburses up to the amount it would have paid for a comparable HHG move. If you spend less, you keep the difference.

If tackling the entire moving process seems daunting, you can also opt for a partial DITY move. This PCS moving option is partially an HHG move and a DITY move. This type of move can be beneficial when you need the government to handle your large appliances or furniture items while you take care of your smaller personal belongings. You will not be reimbursed as much as you would for a DITY move, but depending on your situation, you can still take advantage of this PCS moving option.

Your orders give you the go-ahead to begin building your PCS moving schedule.

1. Make an appointment with your transportation office.
2. Set up your Defense Personal Property System (DPS) account.
3. Download your new installation guide from MyBaseGuide for maps, contacts, and community info.
4. Search AHRN for homes to rent or buy near your new duty station.

It’s easy to lose track of stuff when you’re on the move. Do yourself a favor and follow our PCS checklist to help organize your PCS move and ensure you know what is on the PCS Prohibited List so you’re not caught off guard come moving day. Movers cannot ship hazardous items, certain cleaning products, or open food.

The DoW provides allowances for housing and moving to ease moving expenses. Check out AHRN’s PCS entitlements guide for allowance tables, per diem rates, and tools to help you successfully plan your PCS budget.

For a CONUS PCS, the government reimburses mileage for authorized travel in a privately owned vehicle. Keep receipts and travel records to support your claim for reimbursement. It can be challenging to estimate the cost of a move, but AHRN’s PCS Toolkit can provide you with more peace of mind during the initial steps of a PCS move.

Your PCS weight allowance depends on your rank, dependency status, and type of move. This number determines how much of your HHG the government pays to move to your new location.

You can use the United States Transportation Command’s online Weight Estimator to calculate the total estimate for your household relocation. Compare the estimate to your allowance and plan accordingly to ensure all essential items can be transported to your new location. Be aware that overweight fees can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Pro Tip: Your local personal property office is where the PCS gurus are. Consult with experts to determine the best way to pack and ship your household items.

To schedule your move in DPS, please provide your estimated weight, pickup and delivery dates, addresses, a list of specialty items, and the total for your Pro-Gear (including professional books, papers, and equipment). List specialty items such as boats, recreational vehicles, large electronics, and firearms. Firearms require secure packing and must follow carrier and state rules during transit.

You can note preferences when you take your DPS forms to your transportation office, but USTRANSCOM assigns the transportation service provider.

Keep kids and pets out of the house or isolated in a designated room during packing day, whenever possible. You don’t want to add the hassle of a spooked animal or distressed child to everything else going on.

Move your PPM items into your locked car in the garage or driveway at the start of packing day. You don’t want to risk getting your valuables, such as laptops, medicines, car titles, family heirlooms, jewelry, and move paperwork, tossed in an unmarked box. Now, you can see how much space you have left to store clothing, favorite toys, pet kennels, bed sheets, and bath towels in the car throughout your journey.

Pay close attention to the movers’ inventory documentation. Ensure your items include sufficient descriptive information, such as model numbers, serial numbers, and condition notes, rather than relying on vague terms. Ask for corrections before signing. This way, you can display the items that were shipped. Also, don’t forget to collect the driver’s phone number so you can stay in touch during the trip.

If something goes wrong, call your transportation office. Refrain from attempting to negotiate or argue directly with the movers, as help is available in these situations.

You’ve moved! But there are still some final steps to ensure everything is in line. Update your address promptly to avoid any complications. Here are a few suggestions to get you started with the lengthy process of updating information:

• USPS
• IRS
• Social Security Administration
• Employer
• Banks/Credit Unions
• Insurance Companies
• DMV & Voter Registration
• Subscription and Delivery Services
• Utility Companies
• Internet/Mobile Companies
• Credit Card Companies and Other Lenders

Moving is super stressful, as you are currently experiencing or have experienced in the past. As such, we’ve compiled some insightful tips that other military members and their families have found helpful. For a more personalized experience, check out AHRN’s latest PCS Toolkit to help plan your next PCS move.

Listen to Music While Packing

Make or discover a moving playlist or two! Music is proven to have a calming effect when you feel overwhelmed. Furthermore, music can impact your brain when you need motivation to get moving. Get in a groove and get stuff done, no matter where you are in your PCS process.

PCSing with Pets

• Ensure your pet’s health with up-to-date immunizations, making it easier to quickly board or have your pet cared for while you pack or move.
• Remember, pets can be unpredictable in unfamiliar surroundings or situations. Be prepared to recover a panicked pet! Microchips and current I.D. tags make it easier for people to help you reconnect with lost pets.
• Pack a travel bag for your pet’s daily needs, too. Include food, water, bowls, a leash, toys, bedding, and medication.

If you have pets and are scheduled for a PCS, CONUS, or OCONUS move, we have a wealth of tips, advice, and information to help you move with pets.

PCSing with Family

• Hold a family celebration to break the PCS news to your friends and extended family. Help your immediate family adjust by making it an exciting experience, and explain that there will be new places to explore and new friends to meet.
• Bring fun to the packing process! If you have younger children, consider buying markers and letting them decorate their own boxes. Use special tape or stickers for each family member to make it easy to know where the boxes go.
• If your family starts to feel stressed while unpacking, take a break to do something fun together. Outdoor activities, such as walking or biking, are excellent ways to reset and refocus.

Learn More: Thinking about geo-baching? Discover the pros and cons of geo-baching so you can make an informed decision.

PCSing by Yourself

• To pass the time, consider listening to an audiobook in the car. If you have a long drive ahead, this helps the miles go by faster.
• Bring your pillow! You may not be able to sleep in your own bed for a little while during your PCS, but your pillow will help you feel closer to home after a long day of travel.
• Have you checked the expiration date on your driver’s license lately? Don’t wait until you’re in the middle of moving or changing an address to update this. Tickets for an expired driver’s license can be costly and unexpected. And you’ll want to be sure you can clear the gate guard upon arrival at your new base.

If It’s Your First PCS Move

• If you need help, contact your transportation office or USTRANSCOM customer service through DPS for 24/7 support.
• Get an appraisal for the expensive items you’re moving in case they become lost or damaged.
• Use a video inventory to document the condition of your furniture, TVs, and other items when they are shipped. This is much quicker than taking images or documenting their conditions in writing.
• If you travel with firearms, review federal transport rules and state laws along your route. Pack unloaded, locked, and separated from ammunition.

To save money, stay in lodging with rates negotiated for per diem. Many resources, such as FedRooms, can help you save on traveling costs.

Now, you are ready to begin your PCS adventure! Make the most of your PCS by remaining optimistic and using the information provided to set up a successful Permanent Change of Station for you and your family.

You can find tons of information on your new military community at MyBaseGuide. MBG has the up-to-date info necessary to settle into your home, from the best restaurants to top schools and outstanding recreation options.

Furthermore, there are some options that provide counseling on how to manage relocation stress.