What Items Are on the PCS Prohibited List? A List of What You Can’t Pack!

Introduction

One of the bright spots of military moving is leaving the packing and loading of your household goods (again) to the government-contracted commercial carriers. All too often, though, the end of a packing down results in the carrier walking the service member through a pile of prohibited PCS items that can not be transported – leaving the responsibility for either disposing of the pile or figuring out a way to move the items themselves.

AHRN wants to help you make sure that doesn’t happen to you! And, we know everyone can use a little help during a military move — from Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia to Vandenberg SFB in California and everywhere in between! Register today, and AHRN will match your housing profile with available listings and connect you to our moving tools and resources 24/7!

Read on, so you know how to pack or dispose of your household items if needed well before the movers arrive.

Prohibited PCS Items

You may be wondering, “what will military movers not pack?” Or what are “moving companies restricted items?”. We have the answers to these commonly asked questions below, so keep on reading.

Service members must be aware of the prohibited items and understand their impact on the finances of the move.

Did you know it is illegal for a service member who will be filing a full or partial-DITY move to move any items on the prohibited list? Filing for reimbursement when you have moved any of those items can be considered fraud and is punishable with fines or punitive action.

Unauthorized Items

Illegal. Unauthorized. Not Allowed. Whatever adjective you want to use, here is the 2021 PCS prohibited list:

• Personal baggage if carried free on commercial transportation
• Automobiles, trucks, vans and similar motor vehicles, airplanes, mobile homes, camper trailers, horse trailers and farming vehicles
• Live animals, including birds, fish and reptiles
• Cordwood and building materials – see below for a further explanation
• HHG for resale, disposal or commercial use
• Privately owned live ammunition
• Hazardous articles including explosives, flammable and corrosive materials, poisons, propane gas tanks – see below for a further explanation

Cordwood and Building Materials

Plenty of building material is put out for trash collection because of this requirement. Even small amounts of wood are included, so finish up those Pinterest projects before your pack-out date!

Hazardous Materials

The list of household items that fall under this category is extensive! Essentially, if it is liquid or has a flammable warning label on it, your packers will leave it out. Paint, cleaning supplies and auto maintenance supplies are everyday items that qualify. Make a plan to use up what you can in advance of your move and give away or dispose of the rest. Your final days before your PCS will be smoother if these items are taken care of in advance.

PCS Packing Tips

1. The key to success with the PCS Prohibited List is using a thorough and accurate home inventory. If you are unaware of non-transportable items in the garage, how will you arrange for disposal? Knowing what you have will give you time to explore your options.
2. To avoid pricey overages, know your weight allowance discussed in detail in our latest blog here.
3. Questions to help you decide what to have movers pack
   • Can it be replaced when we arrive?
   • Would I be devastated to lose it?
   • What do I need for travel (moving documents, passports, etc.)?
4. Don’t pack food that is in glass jars or perishable for a PCS move. They may crack, leak or mold before arrival, so you leave them off your PCS packing list. Non-perishables like boxed or canned items, dried fruits or spices usually transport well.
5. Keep valuables with you at all times. Sentimental items are not always replaceable.
6. You’ll need to keep important documents with you in person to protect your identity.
7. We recommended that you read one of our top trending blogs How to Plan Your Next Great American National Park Road Trip so you can daydream while you pack, or turn your drive into a fun road trip on the way to your new installation.

Conclusion

Among the many pieces of paper and information a service member is given related to their PCS, the PCS prohibited list of items may not seem that important. However, a smooth move can hit a severe speed bump if your commercial carrier leaves you with a pile of household goods they cannot transport. Avoid a moving day crisis by being prepared to handle your prohibited items!

More Like This:

• PCS Move: An In-Depth Guide & 15 Expert Tips (2021 Edition)
• 3 of the Best Credit Cards for Military Members (2021 Edition)
• OCONUS PCS Move: An In-Depth Guide & 15 Expert Tips (2021 Edition)

Last Updated: May 18th, 2021