MilHousing Network provides active duty service members and military families with a complete phase-by-phase PCS move timeline and checklist, from orders receipt through post-move settlement. Every critical task is covered at 90 days, 60 days, 30 days, move week, and beyond. Whether CONUS or OCONUS, HHG or PPM, this military move checklist keeps every family on schedule.
What Is a PCS Move? Understanding the Basics
A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is a government-directed relocation of a service member to a new duty station.
What Is the Difference Between PCS and TDY?
PCS is a permanent relocation to a new duty station, while TDY (Temporary Duty) is a short-term assignment typically lasting less than 20 weeks. PCS orders result in a full household goods shipment, BAH adjustment, and school enrollment at the new installation. TDY orders do not.
PCS entitlements include DLA, TLE or TLA, and per diem travel reimbursement. TDY entitlements cover daily lodging and meal allowances only.
CONUS vs OCONUS PCS: What Is the Difference?
CONUS PCS moves occur within the continental United States, while OCONUS moves are to locations outside the continental U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, and overseas assignments. OCONUS moves require additional documentation, including passports, Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA), and vehicle shipping arrangements, not required for CONUS moves.
The table below compares 5 key differences between CONUS and OCONUS PCS moves.
| Factor | CONUS PCS | OCONUS PCS |
| HHG Shipment | Full weight allowance by pay grade | Split shipment, UAB (air) + HHG (sea) |
| Vehicle Transport | POV driven or shipped via TMO | 1 POV shipped at government expense |
| Pets | Family arranges transport | Country-specific quarantine rules apply |
| Temporary Lodging | TLE, up to 10 days, ~$290/day | TLA, variable rate, up to 60 days |
| Passports | Not required | Official and tourist passports required |
PCS Timeline Overview: The 90/60/30 Framework
A standard PCS move follows a 90-day framework with 5 distinct phases. The table below shows each phase, its timing, and its primary focus area.
| Phase | Timing | Primary Focus |
| Phase 1: Planning | 90+ Days Out | Orders review, move type selection, entitlements, and housing research |
| Phase 2: Action | 60 Days Out | Schedule movers via DPS, gather records, and house hunting |
| Phase 3: Finalization | 30 Days Out | Packing, lease termination, travel arrangements, SCRA protections |
| Phase 4: Execution | Move Week | Packer supervision, final walkthrough, travel day coordination |
| Phase 5: Settlement | Post-Move | Voucher filing, HHG damage claims, school enrollment, community integration |
PHASE 1: 90+ Days Out, Planning Your PCS Move
Phase 1 covers 7 critical planning tasks that begin the day PCS orders arrive.
How Do You Review Your PCS Orders?
PCS orders are the legal authorization for your move. Every entitlement, timeline, and housing decision flows from the data inside them. Errors in orders must be corrected through your S1 or personnel office before scheduling any moves or housing appointments.
Verify these 4 critical items on the day orders arrive:
- Confirm the report date and cross-check it against your gaining unit’s welcome letter
- Confirm all family members are listed correctly by name and dependency status
- Check marital status accuracy; errors affect BAH rate and HHG weight allowance
- Make 10–15 certified copies for schools, housing, landlords, VA lender, and TMO
If you are unsure how to read your orders, our guide to sample PCS orders breaks down each block and what it means for your move.
How Do You Contact Your Transportation Office (TMO/PPO)?
The Transportation Management Office (TMO) or Personal Property Office (PPO) authorizes all household goods shipments and determines move type eligibility. Schedule your TMO or PPO consultation as soon as possible after receiving PCS orders.
Your TMO consultation requires 3 items: a copy of your PCS orders, your current home address, and your desired pickup date window. Confirm these 4 details at the consultation:
- Weight allowance by pay grade: ranges from 5,000 lbs (E-1 to E-3 without dependents) to 18,000 lbs (O-6 and above), governed by pay grade and dependent status under the Joint Travel Regulations.
- Available move types: HHG government-arranged, or PPM personally procured
- Storage options: non-temporary storage (NTS) and temporary storage (SIT) eligibility
- OCONUS-specific: UAB air shipment weight limits and sea shipment timeline
TMO offices at most installations operate Monday through Friday, 0730–1630. Walk-in consultations are available, but appointment scheduling through https://dps.move.mil/cust reduces wait time.
How Do You Choose Between HHG and PPM?
HHG (Household Goods) is a government-arranged move where contracted movers pack, ship, and deliver your belongings. PPM (Personally Procured Move) is a self-managed move where you arrange transport and receive reimbursement up to 100% of the government cost estimate.
| Factor | HHG (Government-Arranged) | PPM (Personally Procured) |
| Who Moves Your Goods | Government-contracted movers | You arrange a rental truck, PODS, or hybrid |
| Payment | The government pays the contractor directly | Government reimburses up to 100% of GCE |
| Control Over Goods | Low, the contractor determines the packing | High, you pack, load, and transport |
| Paperwork Burden | Moderate, DPS scheduling and inventory | High-weight tickets, receipts, reimbursement claim |
| Risk | Damage claims filed against the contractor | You bear responsibility for loss or damage |
What Are Your PCS Entitlements in 2026?
PCS entitlements are 5 government-funded allowances that offset the financial cost of a Permanent Change of Station move. Every active duty service member with PCS orders qualifies for at least 3 of the 5 entitlements based on pay grade, family size, and move type.
The table below defines each entitlement, what it covers, and the 2026 estimate. Confirm current rates through the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) at DoD Travel before submitting any claims.
| Entitlement | Full Name | What It Covers | 2026 Estimate |
| DLA | Dislocation Allowance | One-time payment to offset relocation costs | $1,100–$4,500 based on pay grade |
| TLE | Temporary Lodging Expense | Lodging and meals during CONUS transition | Up to $290/day, max 10 days |
| TLA | Temporary Lodging Allowance | Lodging and meals during OCONUS transition | Variable rate, up to 60 days |
| Per Diem | Per Diem Travel Allowance | Daily travel reimbursement during PCS travel | Varies by location and family size |
| Advance Pay | PCS Advance Pay | Up to 3 months’ basic pay to cover move costs | Up to 3x monthly base pay |
DLA is paid automatically once orders and family member data are confirmed in the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) system. Advance Pay requires repayment over 12 months.
Connect with a Military-Savvy Real Estate Agent at Your Destination
At 90 days out, connect with a military-savvy real estate agent at your destination, whether you plan to buy or rent; local expertise in military housing markets is not optional.
MilHousing Network agents are verified, vetted, and familiar with BAH-based pricing, PCS timelines, and VA loan closings at your specific installation. Every agent match is free to military families, no cost, no obligation.
Complete these 3 tasks at 90 days out:
- Schedule a virtual consultation with your destination agent to discuss inventory near the installation
- Confirm your BAH rate at the destination zip code and set a realistic housing budget before touring
- Ask your agent about remote tour availability. Live video tours reduce the need for a costly house-hunting trip
Start your search by connecting with a vetted professional through our free military real estate agent match service.
How Do You Calculate Your BAH-Based Housing Budget?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is the primary housing budget input for every military family making a PCS housing decision. BAH rates are set by zip code and pay grade. They vary significantly by installation and reset every January 1.
Use this formula to calculate your maximum monthly housing payment at your destination:
- Identify your BAH rate at the destination zip code using the DoD BAH calculator
- Add 28% of your monthly base pay to your BAH rate to establish your maximum monthly housing payment
- Apply the result as your hard ceiling for both rental and purchase decisions
Example: An E-6 assigned to San Diego with $3,500 base pay and $2,900 BAH carries a maximum monthly housing payment of approximately $3,880. San Diego BAH at the E-6 rate covers median rental costs but not median purchase costs in most zip codes near Naval Base San Diego.
BAH covers the full median rent at most CONUS installations. High-cost markets, including San Diego, Washington D.C., and Honolulu, require supplemental budgeting for purchase decisions above the BAH ceiling.
Use our BAH housing budget tool to see exactly how much home you can afford at your new duty station.
Should You Rent or Sell Your Current Home Before a PCS?
Military homeowners with PCS orders face 1 binary decision at 90 days out: sell the current home or retain it as a rental property. Both paths carry distinct financial, legal, and logistical consequences that compound over the PCS cycle.
3 factors determine the right decision for each family:
- Rental market strength at your current location: monthly rent must cover PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) plus a 10% property management fee to produce neutral or positive cash flow
- Property management availability: a qualified local property manager is non-negotiable if you retain the home; self-managing from a new duty station creates liability exposure
- Appreciation potential: homes near high-demand installations historically appreciate 3–5% annually, making retention financially viable over a 2–4 year PCS cycle
Accidental landlord preparation takes a minimum of 30 days. Families who decide at 90 days out retain maximum preparation time for both the sell and retain paths.
Our military rent vs sell decision guide walks through the full financial comparison, including net proceeds analysis and cash-flow projections for your specific market.
PHASE 2: 60 Days Out, Action Phase
Phase 2 covers 4 tasks that require scheduling external parties. Complete all 4 tasks no later than 55 days before your report date to protect your DPS scheduling window.
How Do You Schedule Your HHG Pickup Through DPS?
The Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil is the only authorized portal for booking government-arranged HHG shipments. Schedule your household goods pickup through DPS at least 60 days before your desired pack date.
Complete these 5 steps in DPS to book your HHG shipment:
- Log in to https://dps.move.mil/cust using your CAC or DS Logon credentials
- Enter your PCS orders data, origin address, destination installation, and report date
- Select your desired pack date, pickup date, and delivery window
- Choose your assigned moving company from the DPS carrier list
- Confirm your shipment number and save it to your PCS binder
DPS scheduling operates on a first-come, first-served basis during peak PCS season. Families who schedule at 60 days out secure preferred pack dates. Families who schedule at 30 days out accept whatever carrier slots remain.
Our step-by-step guide shows how to navigate DPS and avoid the 3 most common scheduling errors that delay pack dates.
What Goes in a PCS Binder?
A PCS binder is a physical or digital folder containing every document required across all 5 phases of a military move, from orders receipt through post-move settlement. Assemble your PCS binder at 60 days out and keep it accessible through post-move settlement. Never pack your PCS binder in the HHG shipment.
Your PCS binder requires 13 document categories:
- PCS orders: 10 to 15 certified copies
- Military IDs for all family members
- Birth certificates for all dependents
- Marriage license (if applicable)
- Social Security cards for all family members
- Passports: required for OCONUS; recommended for all PCS moves
- Medical and dental records for all family members
- School records and immunization records for all children
- Pet health certificates and vaccination records
- Vehicle titles and current insurance policies
- High-value item inventory with photos and serial numbers
- DD Form 1351-2 (Travel Voucher): blank copies ready to complete post-move
- Lease or mortgage documents for the current and destination property
Use our high-value item sheet template to document serial numbers and condition photos before movers arrive.
Military OneSource provides a complete PCS relocation records guide and moving calendar for all branches at no cost to service members.
How Do You Secure a VA Loan Pre-Approval Before a PCS Move?
VA loan pre-approval at 60 days out strengthens your offer position in a competitive military housing market and confirms your maximum purchase price before remote tours begin. Pre-approval through a VA-experienced lender takes 3–5 business days with complete documentation.
5 documents are required for VA loan pre-approval:
- Current PCS orders confirming your destination duty station
- Last 2 months of LES (Leave and Earnings Statement)
- Last 2 years of federal tax returns
- Last 2 months of bank statements for all accounts
- BAH confirmation at your destination zip code
Review the complete VA home loan eligibility requirements at VA.gov before your lender consultation to confirm your entitlement status and funding fee tier.
MilHousing Network connects active duty service members with VA-experienced lenders at your destination installation. Review VA loan requirements to understand funding fees, entitlement restoration, and documentation needed for a PCS purchase.
How Do You Begin Remote Home Tours Before a PCS Move?
Remote home tours at 60 days out reduce the need for a costly house-hunting trip and allow military families to make competitive offers before arriving at the destination installation.
Schedule your first remote tour session within 5 days of VA loan pre-approval. Pre-approval confirms your purchase ceiling before touring begins. Touring without pre-approval wastes the agent’s time and creates false expectations about the price range.
Apply these 4 best practices during every remote home tour:
- Use live FaceTime or Zoom: never pre-recorded video; live tours allow real-time questions and on-demand room revisits
- Request neighborhood context: ask your agent to walk the surrounding block, show proximity to the installation gate, and identify nearby schools
- Measure critical dimensions: doorways, garage depth, and storage areas determine furniture fit before commitment
- Schedule a second showing: before submitting any offer, second tours surface details missed in the first walkthrough
MilHousing Network agents familiar with your destination installation identify off-market listings, new construction incentives, and BAH-aligned inventory not visible on public portals.
Our remote home buying military guide covers virtual tours, power of attorney options, and closing from afar.
PHASE 3: 30 Days Out, Finalization Phase
Phase 3 covers 5 finalization tasks that close out your current residence and activate legal protections for your move. Complete all 5 tasks between 35 and 25 days before your pack date.
How Do You Prepare for Packing and Decluttering Before a PCS Move?
Decluttering before a PCS move reduces HHG weight, lowers the risk of exceeding your weight allowance, and cuts the time movers spend packing non-essential items. Weight overages on HHG shipments result in direct out-of-pocket costs billed to the service member, not the government.
Complete these 6 packing preparation tasks before the pack date:
- Donate or sell items not worth moving.
- Dispose of all hazardous materials, including paint, propane, ammunition, and cleaning chemicals.
- Assemble your essentials kit: 7 days of clothing, all medications, children’s school records, toiletries, and device chargers.
- Label high-priority boxes for first-day unpacking: beds, kitchen basics, and bathroom supplies.
- Complete your high-value item sheet with photos and serial numbers for all electronics, jewelry, and artwork.
- Photograph every room before movers arrive; timestamped images support damage claims at delivery.
How Do You Notify Utilities and Schedule Disconnects Before a PCS Move?
Utility disconnects scheduled for the day after key handover protect the departing property from unsecured access and ensure a clean final bill with no overlap charges. Notify all utility providers at 30 days out, not on moving day.
Contact these 6 utility providers with your move-out date and forwarding address:
- Electric and gas: request a final meter reading on move-out day and confirm deposit refund eligibility
- Water and trash: confirm final bill date and request pro-rated billing through your exact move-out date
- Internet and cable: return all equipment on or before the disconnect date to avoid unreturned equipment fees
- Security system: cancel monitoring contract and confirm SCRA early termination rights if contract term remains
How Do You Submit a Lease Termination Notice for a PCS Move?
SCRA Section 305 (50 U.S.C. § 3955) allows military tenants to terminate a residential lease without penalty upon receipt of PCS orders to a location 35 or more miles from the current rental property. The protection applies to all active duty service members regardless of the lease term remaining.
Lease termination under SCRA Section 305 is effective 30 days after the next rental payment due date following the notice. Example: a notice delivered on March 10 with rent due March 15 produces a termination date of April 15.
The statutory text of 50 U.S.C. § 3955 — SCRA Section 305 is available at the U.S. House of Representatives Office of Law Revision Counsel.
Our SCRA lease break resource includes a template termination letter and explains your full rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
How Do You Invoke SCRA Interest Rate Cap Protection on Your Mortgage?
SCRA Section 527 (50 U.S.C. § 3937) caps mortgage interest rates at 6% for active duty service members whose pre-service mortgage rate exceeds 6%, effective from the date of active duty orders. The written request must be submitted no later than 180 days after release from active duty.
Your written SCRA interest rate cap request must include 2 items:
- A copy of your Active Duty orders confirming active duty status and effective date
- A written notice addressed to your mortgage servicer requesting the 6% rate cap under SCRA Section 527.
Example: A $300,000 mortgage at 7.2% drops to 6.0% under SCRA protection. That reduction saves approximately $200 per month, or $2,400 per year, for the full duration of active duty service at the new installation.
The CFPB explains the 6% SCRA interest rate cap and required lender notice process at consumerfinance.gov — SCRA Protections for Servicemembers.
Learn how to request the cap with our detailed SCRA mortgage protection guide.
How Do You Prepare for the Accidental Landlord Scenario Before a PCS Move?
An accidental landlord is a military homeowner who retains their current property as a rental after a PCS move, not by long-term investment plan, but by necessity when the home does not sell before departure. Accidental landlord preparation takes a minimum of 30 days.
Complete these 4 accidental landlord preparation tasks at 30 days out:
- Select and sign with a licensed property management company at your current location
- Switch your homeowners insurance policy from owner-occupied to non-owner-occupied landlord coverage
- Open a dedicated landlord bank account for rental income and expense tracking
- Confirm your property manager executes the tenant lease before your departure date
Our military accidental landlord guide covers property management selection, landlord insurance, and tax implications for military rental owners in full detail.
PHASE 4: Move Week, Execution Phase
Phase 4 covers 2 execution priorities: supervising your household goods packing and shipment, and coordinating your travel and housing arrival.
What Is the Moving Day Checklist for a PCS Move?
Moving day requires active supervision of 8 critical tasks that protect your household goods, document pre-existing property conditions, and establish the evidentiary record for any future damage claims. Unsigned inventory discrepancies and undocumented property damage are the 2 most common reasons HHG damage claims are denied.
Complete these 8 moving day tasks before movers depart:
- Supervise the packers, room by room: never leave the property while packing is in progress
- Verify every box label matches the designated destination room before it leaves the door
- Keep your essentials kit, all medications, and all high-value items with you at all times
- Photograph every room after packing is complete
- Complete a full walkthrough with the lead mover before the truck departs, and confirm all rooms are cleared
- Note all pre-existing property damage on the inventory sheet before signing
- Obtain the lead mover’s direct contact number and your DPS shipment tracking number before the truck leaves
- Submit final meter readings to all utilities on moving day, and photograph utility meters with a timestamp
Your DPS shipment tracking number connects your move to the claims system at https://dps.move.mil/cust. Record it in your PCS binder immediately.
How Do You Coordinate Home Closing and Move-In Timing During a PCS Move Week?
Home closing and PCS travel coordination require alignment across 4 parties to ensure keys are available before your household goods arrive:
- Your VA lender,
- Your MilHousing agent,
- Your title company, and
- Your gaining installation housing office
Complete these 4 closing coordination tasks before move week begins:
- Confirm your closing date aligns with your travel itinerary
- Complete your final walkthrough
- Confirm all utilities are active
- Book a backup extended-stay hotel
VA loan closings require wire transfer confirmation from the lender before the title company releases keys.
Ensure nothing falls through the cracks with our military remote home closing checklist.
PHASE 5: Post-Move, Settlement Phase
Phase 5 covers 5 settlement tasks that must be completed within 10 days of arrival at your new duty station. Late filing of the travel voucher is the single most common and most costly administrative error in the post-move phase.
How Do You File Your Travel Voucher (DD Form 1351-2)?
DD Form 1351-2 is the official travel voucher that triggers reimbursement of all PCS entitlements and must be filed within 5–10 days of arrival at your new duty station. Late submissions delay reimbursement and require the finance office’s intervention to process out-of-cycle.
4 documents are required to complete DD Form 1351-2:
- Copy of your PCS orders confirming origin, destination, and report date
- All lodging receipts from departure through arrival
- A travel log with departure date, arrival date, route taken, and total mileage
- Your DPS shipment confirmation number connecting your HHG move to the voucher record
Submit DD Form 1351-2 through the Defense Travel System (DTS) or directly through your unit finance office. Finance offices process complete submissions within 3–5 business days. Incomplete submissions re-enter the queue and reset the processing clock.
Our PCS travel voucher guide explains how to file DD Form 1351-2 correctly and get reimbursed faster.
How Do You Inspect HHG Delivery and File Damage Claims?
Complete these 3 HHG delivery inspection tasks before signing any delivery documents:
- Cross-reference every item on the mover’s inventory sheet against your own photographed pre-move inventory
- Photograph all damaged items with a ruler or common reference object for scale
- Note all damage directly on the delivery inventory sheet before signing
File your HHG damage claim through the https://dps.move.mil/cust within 9 months of delivery. Your claim submission requires 4 elements: photographs of damaged items, item descriptions with original purchase value, replacement cost estimates, and receipts where available.
High-value items documented on your pre-move high-value item sheet produce faster claim resolutions and higher settlement amounts than undocumented items. Use your high-value item sheet records as primary evidence in every damage claim.
How Do You Register Children in School After a PCS Move?
The School Liaison Officer (SLO) at your new installation is the single point of contact for all K–12 school enrollment, records transfer, and placement decisions for military children during a PCS move. Contact your installation SLO before arrival to eliminate enrollment gaps that delay classroom placement by 2–4 weeks.
Your SLO coordinates 4 school transition functions that families cannot complete independently:
- Enrollment timeline coordination: SLOs confirm district enrollment deadlines, open enrollment windows, and magnet or charter school application periods at your new installation
- Education records transfer: SLOs facilitate official transcript and records requests between the losing and gaining school districts under the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
- Course and grade placement: SLOs advocate for appropriate grade-level placement when receiving districts attempt to hold military children back due to curriculum differences
- Special education continuity: SLOs ensure IEP (Individualized Education Program) and 504 plan continuity across district lines, a legal requirement under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
3 documents are required for school enrollment at every installation-area district:
- Official school records and transcripts from the losing school district
- Immunization records are current to the receiving state’s requirements
- Copy of PCS orders confirming the family’s assignment to the installation
Military OneSource — School Transitions provides a School Liaison Officer directory, state-by-state enrollment requirement guide, and Interstate Compact information for all branches.
How Do You Connect with a PCS Mentor After Arrival?
A PCS Mentor is a military spouse who recently completed a PCS move to your specific installation and provides personalized, installation-level guidance on neighborhoods, schools, childcare, and community integration at no cost to the incoming family. PCS Mentors fill the information gap that no government resource, installation website, or real estate portal addresses: what it actually feels like to live there.
MilHousing Network PCS Mentors provide 4 categories of installation-specific support:
- Neighborhood guidance: Mentors identify the 3–5 neighborhoods closest to the installation gate that fall within BAH range, rank them by school quality, commute time, and family density
- School recommendations: Mentors provide first-hand comparisons of on-installation schools versus off-installation district options, including magnet and charter alternatives not visible in standard school ranking tools
- Childcare and employment resources: Mentors identify waitlist timelines for on-installation CDC (Child Development Center) slots, which average 6–18 months at high-demand installations, and connect military spouses with local employment networks
- Community integration: Mentors introduce incoming families to installation FRG (Family Readiness Group) contacts, spouse networks, and unit-specific social calendars before the first day of in-processing
PCS Mentor matches occur within 48 hours of request. Every Mentor is verified by MilHousing Network and matched to your specific installation, rank bracket, and family composition.
Join the free PCS Mentors program to get one-on-one guidance from a military spouse at your new installation.
How Do You Finalize the Rental Transition on Your Previous Home After a PCS Move?
A rental transition is complete only when 4 conditions are simultaneously true: the tenant’s lease is fully executed, the security deposit is in escrow, the first month’s rent is collected, and the property management company has active access to the property. Families who depart before all 4 conditions are met create liability exposure that compounds across the entire PCS cycle.
Complete this 4-item post-move rental transition checklist within 30 days of arrival:
- Confirm the tenant lease is fully executed, and the security deposit is held in your property manager’s escrow account
- Verify first month’s rent is collected and deposited into your dedicated landlord bank account
- Set up online portal access for rent statements, maintenance requests, and expense tracking
- Schedule quarterly check-in calls with your property manager
IRC § 121 capital gains exclusion eligibility requires the home to have served as your primary residence for 2 of the last 5 years. Military families on active duty receive a suspension of the 5-year lookback period for up to 10 years under the Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003. Confirm eligibility with a military-experienced tax advisor before selling.
Our directory of off-base rental property management for military landlords helps you find trusted local management companies near your previous installation.
Download the Free Printable PCS Checklist
MilHousing Network provides a free printable PCS checklist covering every task across all 5 phases, formatted with checkboxes by phase, sized for a standard PCS binder, and available in both CONUS and OCONUS versions.
Download the free printable PCS checklist at MilHousing Network. No signup required. No cost to military families.
Frequently Asked Questions About PCS Moves
PCS moves generate 4 categories of recurring questions across all branches and pay grades: planning timelines, move type selection, entitlement coverage, and legal protections. The answers below address each category directly.
How Far in Advance Should You Start Planning a PCS Move?
Start planning your PCS move immediately upon receiving orders, ideally 90–120 days before your report date. 90 days is the minimum planning window for CONUS moves. 120 days is the minimum for OCONUS moves due to UAB and HHG split shipment scheduling, country-specific documentation requirements, and vehicle shipping timelines.
Families who begin planning at 60 days out lose 3 advantages: preferred DPS carrier selection, maximum housing inventory at the destination, and full entitlement processing time before the report date.
What Is the Difference Between HHG and PPM?
HHG is a government-arranged move where contracted movers handle your belongings. PPM (Personally Procured Move) is a self-managed move where you arrange transport and receive reimbursement up to 100% of the government cost estimate. Both move types are authorized under the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) and available to all active duty service members with PCS orders.
What Expenses Does the Military Cover During a PCS Move?
The military covers 5 categories of PCS expenses: HHG shipment costs, temporary lodging (TLE for CONUS or TLA for OCONUS), travel per diem, Dislocation Allowance (DLA), and Advance Pay up to 3 months of basic pay. All 5 entitlements are authorized under the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) and confirmed through DFAS MyPay.
Can You Break a Lease Due to PCS Orders?
Yes. SCRA Section 305 (50 U.S.C. § 3955) allows residential lease termination without penalty when PCS orders relocate a service member to a duty station 35 or more miles from the current rental property. The protection applies to all active duty service members regardless of the lease term remaining or state landlord-tenant law.
The full statutory text of 50 U.S.C. § 3955 is available at the U.S. House of Representatives Office of Law Revision Counsel.
