Built for military families

Complete PCS Resource Hub

The Ultimate PCS Checklist & Guide for Military Families

Master your permanent change of station with our comprehensive timeline generator, budget calculator, and step-by-step moving guide. Calculate your official PCS entitlements based on 2026 JTR rates.

Ask the Military Expert Find Best Neighborhoods

Days to Plan

100%

Gov't Reimburse Rate

$500-$2K

Out-of-Pocket Cost

5K-18K

Lbs Weight Allowance

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Phase 1: Pre-Orders Phase 2: Orders Received Phase 3: Moving Phase 4: Arrival Financial Planning FAQs

Phase 1: Pre-Orders Planning

60-90 Days Before Move Date

Start Preparing

Review current budget and update emergency fund (aim for 3-6 months expenses)
Research cost of living at potential new duty stations
Start decluttering and organizing (reduces weight = saves money)
Begin researching housing options at likely new locations

Pro Tips

•Start early: Peak PCS season (May-August) books up fast
•Join PCS groups: Facebook base-specific groups have insider tips
•Consider DITY/PPM: Government reimburses 100% of estimated cost - calculate your potential reimbursement
•Track expenses: Keep all receipts for reimbursement

Phase 2: Orders Received

30-60 Days Before Report Date

Critical Actions

Transportation (TMO/PPPO)

▸Contact TMO 30-45 days before desired move date (60-90 days in peak season)
▸Decide: Government move (HHG) vs PPM/DITY (Personally Procured Move)
▸Book pack and pickup dates early for best availability
▸Understand your weight allowance: E-1 (5,000 lbs) to O-6+ (18,000 lbs)

Financial Prep

▸DLA (Dislocation Allowance): One-time payment for household setup
▸TLE (Temporary Lodging Expense): Up to 10 days lodging reimbursement
▸Per Diem: Daily allowance for meals and incidentals during travel
▸Advance Pay: Consider 1-month advance if needed (must be repaid)

Use Our PCS Financial Planner

Calculate your exact entitlements (DLA, TLE, per diem), estimate moving costs, and determine if a PPM/DITY move is profitable for you.

Calculate My PCS Budget

Housing Search

Contact your sponsor immediately for insider knowledge about the new base. They can provide real-world insights about housing, schools, traffic patterns, and local area that official resources don't cover.

On-Base Housing

✓ Community, security, short commute
✓ Utilities included in BAH
✓ May have waitlist (contact housing office early)
✓ Base amenities nearby (commissary, gym, schools)

Off-Base Housing

✓ More variety and space options
✓ Work-life separation from military community
✓ Require military clause in lease (SCRA protection)
✓ Factor utilities into budget (not covered by BAH)

Phase 4: Arrival & In-Processing

First 30 Days at New Station

First Week Checklist

Report to new command by RNLTD

Late arrival can result in AWOL status - communicate if delayed

Complete in-processing checklist

ID card, DEERS update, finance visit, housing briefing, base orientation

Schedule HHG delivery

Typically arrives 7-21 days after pack date - TMO will coordinate

Enroll children in school/childcare

Contact schools early - some have waitlists or registration deadlines

Establish utilities and services

Electric, water, gas, internet, trash - may require deposits

PCS Financial Planning

Government Move (HHG)

✅ Pros:

• Military handles everything (packing, loading, transport, delivery)
• No upfront costs (government pays movers directly)
• Less physical work for you
• Full replacement value insurance included
• Best for large households, long distances, OCONUS moves

❌ Cons:

• No control over pack/delivery dates (within window)
• Items may arrive damaged (file claims within 75 days)
• No profit opportunity
• Peak season delays common (May-August)

Best for: Families with large households (15,000+ lbs), international moves, or those who prefer convenience over profit.

PPM/DITY Move (Make Profit!)

✅ Pros:

• Keep the difference: Government pays 100% of estimate
• Reimbursement based on official JTR rates (weight × distance × rank)
• Full control over dates, packing, handling
• Your items, your care (less damage)
• Advance payment available (95% upfront)

⚠️ Cons:

• You do all the work (packing, loading, driving, unloading)
• Upfront costs (truck rental, gas, lodging, packing supplies)
• Must get weight tickets (empty & full)
• Physical labor intensive

Calculator: Use our PCS Financial Planner to calculate your official reimbursement amount based on weight, distance, and rank (2026 JTR rates).

Calculate My PPM Reimbursement

PCS Entitlements & Money You're Owed

DLA (Dislocation Allowance)

One-time payment to offset costs of setting up a new household (utility deposits, furniture, essentials).

Typical Range:

$800-$3,000

Depends on rank and dependents

TLE (Temporary Lodging Expense)

Reimbursement for temporary lodging and meals while waiting for housing or HHG delivery.

Coverage:

Up to 10 Days

At old and/or new duty station

Per Diem

Daily allowance for meals and incidental expenses during authorized travel days.

Typical Rate:

$151-$180/day

Varies by location + dependents

Frequently Asked Questions

I just got my orders. What are the first three things I should do?

1) Create your timeline: Use your Report No Later Than Date (RNLTD) to work backward and create a customized checklist. Our PCS Financial Planner can help you build this timeline.

2) Start your PCS Binder: Make multiple copies of your orders (you'll need them for TMO, finance, housing, travel). Organize all important documents in one place.

3) Contact TMO immediately: Schedule your appointment 30-45 days before desired pack date (60-90 days if moving during peak season May-August).

What's the difference between a government move and a PPM (DITY) move?

Government Move (HHG): The military hires and manages a moving company. They pack, load, transport, and deliver your household goods. You don't pay anything upfront, but you also have less control over dates and handling.

PPM/DITY (Personally Procured Move): You move your own belongings and the government reimburses you 100% of what it would have cost them to hire movers (based on 2026 JTR rates). If you can execute the move for less than their estimate, you keep the difference.

Reimbursement Amount: Calculated based on weight allowance, distance, and rank per official JTR rates. Use our PCS Financial Planner to calculate your specific reimbursement amount.

What are DLA and TLE? How much will I get?

DLA (Dislocation Allowance): One-time payment to help offset costs of setting up a new household like utility deposits, renters insurance, and essentials.

Typical amounts:

• E-1 to E-4 without dependents: ~$800-1,200
• E-5 to E-7 with dependents: ~$1,800-2,400
• O-3 to O-5 with dependents: ~$2,400-3,000

TLE (Temporary Lodging Expense): Reimburses lodging and meal expenses for up to 10 days while you're in temporary housing waiting for HHG delivery or permanent housing.

Coverage: Lodging (actual cost) + meals (75% of per diem rate)

Max: 10 days at old station + 10 days at new station

How much does a PCS move cost out of pocket?

Most CONUS PCS moves cost $500-$2,000 out of pocket for military families, even with entitlements.

Common Out-of-Pocket Expenses:

• Travel meals beyond per diem allowance
• Temporary lodging beyond 10 TLE days
• Utility deposits at new home ($200-500)
• Household items that didn't survive the move
• Pet transportation costs
• Car shipping (if not driving all vehicles)

OCONUS moves: Can cost $2,000-$5,000 out of pocket due to passport fees, pet relocation (quarantine, vaccines, flights), additional lodging, and vehicle shipping/storage.

When should I contact TMO for my PCS move?

Contact your Transportation Office (TMO or PPPO) at least 30-45 days before your desired pack date.

Peak PCS Season (May-August):

Contact TMO 60-90 days in advance to secure your preferred dates. Moving companies book up fast, and you may have limited choice if you wait until the last minute.

What to bring to TMO: Copy of orders, weight estimate, desired pack/pickup dates, destination address (if known), and list of high-value items (>$100 each).

What's the weight limit for my PCS move?

Weight allowances are determined by your rank and dependency status: