Preparing for a
PCS military move is a comprehensive process that requires a
lot of careful planning in several different areas. You have to pack and
organize your belongings, arrange for a moving company to assist you, an auto
transport company to ship your vehicles, a storage company to store your items
if needed, coordinate with utility companies to transfer your service to your
new address – and that's just the beginning. Planning for a move can get
overwhelming pretty quickly, so it's important to stay on top of things by
asking questions. But how do you know where to begin? Read on to find out some
of the most common questions to ask before your PCS move.
Is it possible to do a DIY move?
When you begin planning for your PCS move,
you'll have several options. One of them is a DIY (do-it-yourself) move- you'd
handle the entire move on your own, from packing and wrapping your own
belongings, hiring your own moving company or even moving your items yourself
with a rented truck. While most military branches would prefer you to use
government-sponsored transportation and relocation programs, you may be allowed
to do a DIY move, so inquire with the Transportation Office at your duty
station.
What kinds of allowances or entitlement programs am I eligible
for?
One of the benefits of relocating with the military is that the
government will cover many of the main costs associated with the move and offer
several different entitlement programs based on your eligibility for certain
benefits and subsidies. These entitlement programs and allowances can cover
anything from temporary housing to travel expenses, so check with the Housing
Office and Transportation Office at your location to see if you qualify and if
so, for which funds.
Can I ship my personal vehicle?
One of the most important items
you'll have to move when you relocate is your personal vehicle, but will you be
able to ship your car or truck during your PCS move? Actually, the military only
allows service members to ship personally owned vehicles (POVs) if they are
relocating overseas. For military moves that take place within the continental
United States, the military will only authorize specific types of vehicles for
shipping. If you need to ship your personal vehicle for your PCS move, your best
bet is to have it shipped through a third-party auto transport company rather
than having it shipped by the military.
What kind of housing options are available?
When you relocate in
the military, you will typically have a choice between two housing options:
living in a residential facility on the base, or living in a surrounding town.
You can choose to live wherever you feel is best for you and your family,
whether it's on-base or off-base, but your best bet is to ask a fellow service
member who is already stationed at the location. They will be able to tell you
the best places to live in the area, and where you can find important amenities.
What are the weight limit requirements for shipping my
HHG?
Military moves are usually limited to a certain set weight by the
government, meaning that you will be responsible for covering the costs of any
excess. Different moves have different weight limits, and overseas PCS moves
will often have much lower weight limits. If you're relocating overseas, you
should start trimming your
HHG (household goods) shipment and get rid of belongings you
don't need. Prior to your move, inquire with your local Transportation Office
and determine what the weight limit is for your move.
What items can I move and which ones can't be shipped?
Like any
other move, there will be items which you won't be allowed to ship during a PCS
move. Some items are prohibited by the military from being including in your HHG
shipment. Before you pack and these items and risk confiscation when your
shipment arrives at your new duty station, ask which items are prohibited.
Which moving expenses will I be expected to cover?
The government will cover many of the
costs associated with your move. However, there are some
expenses that you will be responsible for, including any extra fees or overage
charges if your HHG shipment exceeds the military weight limits. To plan for
your moving budget, it's a good idea to find out what these expenses will be
beforehand.
What resources are available for my family before, during and after
the move?
The
military provides several valuable resources for families
before, during and after their relocations to help them cope with the move and
find services and amenities when they get to their new location. Each base has a
Family Support Center available to provide the necessary assistance for military
families who are relocating. There are also plenty of other helpful programs
that can make your
PCS move much easier for you and your family.