How Does Military Moving Work?

Military moving, also known as a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), is when service members and their families relocate from one duty station to another. This process can be complex and stressful, but proper planning and preparation can be a smooth and successful transition. This article will provide a detailed 800-word explanation of how military moving works, including necessary steps and considerations.

Preparation and Planning

The first step in military moving is preparation and planning. This involves researching the new duty station, determining what items will be shipped or stored, and organizing important documents. Service members and their families should start preparing for their move at least six months in advance, ideally even earlier.

Researching the New Duty Station

Before the move, it is essential to research the new duty station. This includes learning about the climate, housing options, schools, healthcare, and local amenities. Service members and their families can use resources such as military installations, which provide information about military installations worldwide, and Military OneSource, which offers relocation assistance and support.

Determining What Items Will Be Shipped or Stored

Service members and their families must decide what items they want to take with them and what items they want to store or sell. The military offers a weight limit for each move, so it is vital to prioritize items accordingly. Service members can use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) to manage their move and arrange to ship their household goods.

Organizing Important Documents

It is crucial to keep important documents organized and easily accessible during a move. This includes birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports, social security cards, and medical records. Service members and their families should also keep a copy of their orders, as they will need them to schedule their move.

Arranging for Transportation

Once the preparation and planning phase is complete, service members can start arranging transportation. This includes scheduling their move with the Transportation Management Office (TMO), booking flights, and arranging a rental car or temporary lodging.

Scheduling the Move with TMO

Service members must schedule their move with TMO at least 30 days before their desired move date. The TMO will guide the move, including packing instructions and weight allowances. Service members can also request to have their vehicles shipped, although this may be subject to availability.

Booking Flights

Service members and their families can book flights through the Defense Travel System (DTS), an online booking system. The military will cover the cost of flights, although there may be restrictions on the type of flights and the number of bags allowed.

Arranging for Temporary Lodging and Rental Car

Service members and their families may need to arrange temporary lodging and a rental car if they arrive at their new duty station before their household goods arrive. The military offers temporary lodging options like on-base hotels or government-leased housing. Service members can also rent a car through the TMO or a commercial rental agency.

Moving Day

Service members and their families must be prepared and organized on a moving day. This includes supervising the packing and loading of their household goods, ensuring everything is labeled correctly, and completing any necessary paperwork.

Supervising the Packing and Loading of Household Goods

Service members and their families should be present while packing and loading their household goods. This allows them to supervise the process and ensure everything is packed correctly. It is important to label each item with its destination and to keep a detailed inventory of all items.

Completing Paperwork

Service members and their families must complete paperwork during the move, including a Bill of Lading and a Customer Satisfaction Survey. The Bill of Lading is a contract between the service member and the moving company, outlining the terms of the move and the items being transported. The Customer Satisfaction Survey provides feedback on the moving process and helps improve future moves for service members.

Arrival at the New Duty Station

After the household goods have been shipped, service members and their families must arrange to arrive at the new duty station. This includes arranging transportation, finding housing, and registering with the base.

Arranging for Transportation

Service members and their families can arrange transportation from the airport to their temporary lodging or housing. They can also arrange to ship their vehicles, although it may take several weeks to arrive.

Finding Housing

Service members and their families must find housing at their new duty station. The military offers on-base housing, which can be reserved through the base housing office. They can also live off-base, where they must find housing and arrange a housing allowance.

Registering with the Base

Service members will need to register with the base upon arrival. This includes checking in with the Personnel Support Detachment (PSD), obtaining a military ID card, and enrolling in DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System).

FAQs

What is the military moving?

Military moving, also known as a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), is when service members and their families relocate from one duty station to another.

How far in advance should service members start preparing for their move?

Service members and their families should start preparing for their move at least six months in advance, ideally even earlier.

What is the weight limit for each military move?

The military offers a weight limit for each move, which varies based on rank and dependent status. Service members should consult with their local Transportation Management Office (TMO) for guidance on weight allowances.

Can service members request to have their vehicles shipped?

Yes, service members can request to have their vehicles shipped, although this may be subject to availability.

How can service members and their families book flights?

Service members and their families can book flights through the Defense Travel System (DTS), an online booking system.

Conclusion

Military moving can be complex and stressful, but proper planning and preparation can be a smooth and successful transition. Service members and their families should start preparing for their move at least six months in advance, researching the new duty station, determining what items will be shipped or stored, and organizing important documents. 

They should also arrange transportation, supervise the packing and loading of their household goods, and complete any necessary paperwork. After arriving at the new duty station, they should arrange transportation, find housing, and register with the base. 

By following these steps and considering these crucial factors, military moving can be a successful and stress-free experience.