What is Your PCS Weight Allowance in 2026? PCS Packing Guide and Tips

If you are anticipating PCS orders coming in soon, it’s time to get ahead of the moving process. Part of that is understanding what your current PCS weight allowance is and how that coincides with moving your household across states or to an entirely different country.

Just like when you finally arrive at your new station, we’ve got a lot to unpack here. So let’s dive into the details of your current 2026 PCS weight allowance.

Your PCS weight allowance determines the number of pounds of household goods (HHG) for which you can receive reimbursement when moving across the country. This amount is determined by your rank, which will be listed on your PCS orders. As your rank increases over time, your moving allowance also increases. If you exceed your PCS weight allowance, you may incur overweight fees.

Expert Tip: Did you know you can split your PCS weight allowance across multiple shipments? This can help you strategize your shipments to work more in your favor. Your local transportation office can answer any questions you may have and also assist you in dividing your belongings into separate shipments for your PCS.

Contact your transportation office for help with:

• Scheduling
• Storage
• Special Circumstances
• Entitlements Questions
• Transporter or Moving-Day Issues

For an OCONUS PCS, you may have unaccompanied baggage (UB) as a part of your weight allowance. Conveniently, your UB is rushed to your new location, arriving just before you do, while the rest of your household belongings are sent with a normal wait time.

According to the Department of War (formerly known as the Department of Defense) (DoW), military members are eligible for 2,000 pounds of unaccompanied baggage per household. Depending on your circumstances, your UB weight may be calculated separately or included with your regular PCS weight allowance.

ºThis table includes Uniformed Service regulars, Reserve Component members, and officers holding a temporary commission in the US Army/Air Force.

^For this table, a member “with dependents” is a member who has a dependent eligible to travel at government expense incident to the member’s PCS. It’s important to note that if the military member’s dependent(s) have passed away or fewer dependents are traveling due to a divorce, those dependents will not be considered when calculating PCS weight allowance. Additionally, having more dependents does not increase your allotted weight allowance. For example, a service member ranked E-5 with one dependent will receive the same weight allowance as one with two or more dependents, 9,000 pounds.

ªA member appointed from an:

• Enlisted/warrant officer grade to a commissioned officer grade, or
• Enlisted grade to a warrant officer grade or rating is authorized the grade’s weight allowance:
  • Held on the member’s PCS authorization/order effective date used for HHG transportation, or
  • From which an appointment was accepted, whichever is greater.
• Upon reversion, the member is authorized the military weight allowance of the grade held:
  • On the member’s PCS authorization/order effective date, then being used for HHG transportation or
  • Before reversion, whichever allowance is greater.

*A member selected as Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Sergeant Major of the Army, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, or Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard is authorized a weight allowance of:

1. 17,000 pounds with dependents or
2. 14,000 pounds without dependents for a PCS authorization/order issued on or after receiving notice of the position. This goes for the remainder of their military career.

As these standards can change at any time and vary depending on position and rank, it is essential to consult the relevant military personnel for current and accurate figures.

If you exceed your PCS weight allowance, it may take some time for the charges to be applied to you. Avoid getting a nasty surprise after you arrive at your new location by being diligent in ensuring your household goods shipment is not overweight. Remember, all overages will eventually be charged to you if you don’t stay under your weight allowance.

Expert Tip: When estimating the weight of your home, calculate 1,500 lbs. per room in addition to the weight of large appliances. You won’t want to get caught with pricey overages for your upcoming PCS move. Currently, the minimum excess cost for exceeding your PCS weight allowance ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

When planning your PCS move, it’s essential to understand that not all items in your shipment contribute to your total PCS weight allowance. Professional Books, Papers, and Equipment (PBP&E), commonly known as “pro-gear”, can be excluded from your household goods total when properly documented. This includes tools, reference materials, uniforms, and other work-related items required for official duties.

Spouses who are employed and have job-related equipment may also qualify for a separate pro-gear allowance. Additionally, authorized medical equipment needed for dependents or the service member is exempt from weight calculations.

For service members with exceptionally large families or unique living needs, consult your transportation office to discuss possible adjustments or waivers. These special cases are handled individually to ensure fair support during your PCS transition

There are a handful of different types of PCS military moves, so it is best to know which type of move is best for your family and calculate your PCS weight allowance for both CONUS vs OCONUS moves. Some types of Personally Procured Moves (PPM) may mean you end up with extra cash in your pocket. By planning carefully, you can ensure your efforts to walk away with some extra cash are successful.

1. Donate Old Household Goods

One of the top tips that organization pros give is to get rid of anything you haven’t used in the past year or two. This is especially true for military families! Don’t move unopened boxes from one PCS to the next.

Think about it. If you didn’t open a box at all after your last PCS, do you really need what is in there? You can donate or trash the contents to save room and funds. The Salvation Army or Vietnam Vets of America are great organizations to donate your extra goods to. If you didn’t need it in your previous home, you will be okay without it.

2. Don’t Pack Damaged Items

This includes items that are incomplete or waiting for repair. Yes, we’re looking at you—single socks, discolored sheets, a broken bookshelf, and threadbare towels! There are probably single-use kitchen gadgets that you can leave behind as well.

3. Take Photos of Your Household Belongings

There are several reasons why you may want to take images of your belongings. If shipped items arrive damaged or don’t arrive at all, you’ll have a record of their previous condition and existence. Furthermore, having a record of what you own can help you update your home inventory and hit the ground running come packing day.

4. Plan for a Mid-Month Move

Choosing to move in the middle of the month will give you the best chance to get the dates you choose. Times like late June and early July will be a real challenge, as they’re the busiest time of the PCS season. Therefore, choosing a move date in the middle of the month can make the process more efficient for your household.

5. Separate Trash From Household Goods

Who wants to pay overweight fees for relocating a full trash can, old toilet brushes, and moldy shower curtains? Ensure there is no confusion between what goes to the trash or the donation bin and what needs to be packed for the move. The movers will be focused on efficiency and may not necessarily differentiate between the two.

6. Don’t Assume All PCS Moves Are Equal

Not all PCS moves are the same, and they can vary significantly depending on whether you are separating from active duty or relocating to an overseas country.

Think of staying within your PCS weight allowance as the battle of the bulge for your household. Depending on where you are moving, it may be beneficial to sell large items if you are undertaking a long-distance move. You also want to ensure that you understand the typical home size in your new neighborhood. Furniture and appliances that fit at your last station may not have a place in your new home. Be sure to know what will work in your new home before shipping anything.