How To Prepare For A PCS Move With Military Movers

Moving is a given for military life, and knowing the ins and outs of getting ready to relocate to a new home can make the entire process easier. Fortunately, the military knows moving can be a hassle and provides coordinated moving support for military members and their families.

We’ll go over everything you need to know about moving with a contracted moving company. From the moment they arrive to unpacking the last box, we’ll help you prepare for your military movers.

The government pays for all official moves required to fulfill military orders. The military classifies all official moves as Permanent Changes of Station (PCS). When you receive new military orders, you will also receive authorization to PCS, with costs covered.

A full Household Goods Move (HHG) is completed by a professional moving company, who then bills the government directly. This is the best way to have pros take care of getting everything where it needs to go and minimize the cost for you.

You might also want to handle some or all of the move yourself. Instead of a full HHG move, you can opt for a Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly known as a DITY move, or choose a partial PPM. With these moves, you pack, ship, and unpack some or all of your belongings. After submitting the required documentation, eligible service members may receive reimbursement and, in some cases, an incentive payment depending on the move and current program rules. It takes more time and effort for you since you make all the arrangements, pack, ship, and pay upfront costs.

The best option depends on your location, availability, and duty station’s requirements.

You can pack some of your own belongings, but remember that movers aren’t responsible for lost or damaged items they don’t pack. So if you pack up your fine china and it breaks, the movers won’t pay to replace it. This is why having them pack as much as possible is a good idea.

Movers can’t pack certain prohibited items, such as hazardous materials. If you want these at your new home, you’ll have to make the arrangements yourself.

Plan to hand-carry things with sentimental value that cannot be replaced, important papers and documents, and anything related to the move. Transport these to your new home yourself, or arrange for them to be moved by a trusted family member or friend.

Professional movers can still ship items that require special packing, such as pianos and large clocks. Make sure to mention these during your pre-move walkthrough so that the right arrangements can be made and the required materials brought on packing day.

Your contract will outline the specific duties of your moving company, but most include furniture disassembly before packing and reassembly after moving and unpacking. It’s not guaranteed during every move and depends on the contract’s requirements. Furniture disassembled by the movers is generally reassembled at delivery in accordance with the moving contract.

It’s important to label and keep track of the box of parts and hardware during the move. This is the moving company’s responsibility, and most are seasoned pros, often including these items in one specific box that differs from the others and is packed last.

If you disassemble anything yourself, expect to put it back together once you reach your destination. Movers are responsible for getting everything back to you in the same condition it started, so if it’s already taken apart, they will pack it securely and deliver it in pieces. If you have special items you want to disassemble and reassemble yourself, make sure that you do so before the movers arrive.

A few common pieces of furniture that need disassembling include:

• Beds
• Tables
• Sectional couches
• Couch and chair legs
• Desks
• Wardrobes
• Dressers
• Bookshelves
• Outdoor furniture

Smaller furniture items that often remain assembled include:

• End tables
• Coffee tables
• Single chairs
• Nightstands
• Hall tables

As moving day approaches, you may wonder what to expect. We’ve broken things down into the first moments of arrival, packing, and after the truck drives away.

Even though moving day is a flurry of activity, being prepared can keep things moving with minimal stress.

The movers start by introducing themselves and their team. They’ve usually conducted a walkthrough beforehand to ensure they arrive prepared on packing day, but if there are any new people in the group, they’ll need to know your home’s layout and how to tackle packing.

The movers will lay down a tarp to protect your floors as they wheel or carry large items, such as boxes and furniture. Many crews use floor protection and shoe coverings to help protect the home during packing and loading.

They’ll go through to make a quick inventory of large or special items, like clocks, electronics, and valuables. It’s a good idea to designate a room or area for items that should not be packed and show them before they start. Add signs and labels to avoid any confusion. You should also put pets in a safe location and ensure the movers know not to let them out.

Once the movers are ready to start, they’ll assemble boxes and get out supplies. They’ll wrap most items in at least some protective wrapping, such as thick paper. Breakable items will get extra attention to ensure they arrive in one piece.

The kitchen can take the longest since glassware and dishes often require more careful handling. As they pack boxes, the movers will note the kind of items in them, such as kitchen utensils, books, or kids’ toys, and write them on an inventory sheet.

Furniture disassembly occurs on packing day, so make sure the movers keep parts and hardware in a designated location or box.

When everything is packed, the movers do one final inventory. Each box is labeled with a numbered sticker corresponding to an item on the inventory list. You’ll get a copy of this list before the movers leave.

Packing everything from your home and loading the moving truck can take multiple days. Once all of this is done, however, you’ll receive a copy of the final inventory and the moving company’s contact information.

Consider registering for an account through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). Through this online system, you can track your shipment, receive delivery updates, and file a claim after your move for any lost or damaged items.

What are the Shipping Costs for Household Goods?

Moving costs are based on weight, shipping method, destination, and the specific carrier. Fortunately, with a full household goods move, the military covers all shipping costs as long as you are within your weight allowance. This varies based on your rank and the number of dependents on your military record.

Will the Military Movers Unpack for Me?

Unpacking services are often available, but the level of unpacking provided can vary by contract and move type. Discuss expectations with your moving company before delivery. This can be a great way to quickly get the hassle of unpacking out of the way. The downside is that you might not know exactly where you want everything in your new home. If you prefer to take your time to figure out an organizational system, you can opt for a partial unpack or even unpack everything yourself. Communicate with the moving company on delivery day so they know what to expect.

Should I Tip My Military Mover?

The military discourages members from tipping movers since it can create an expectation that not all families can meet. If you want to show appreciation for their hard work, consider providing snacks, water, or even lunch during moving day. One of the best things you can do to make their job easier is to keep your cool and be organized before, during, and after the move.

Whether you’ve made numerous international moves or this is your first military relocation, navigating a PCS comes with questions and, at least a little, stress. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare helps answer most of these questions and keeps things moving smoothly.

Download our full guide to a PCS move for even more tips on making your house a home in the military.