Military Moving Guide

Set yourself up for a stress-free military moving process

A successful Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is all about planning and organization. Whether it’s your first PCS or you’ve done one before, staying on track can make all the difference between feeling stressed and having a smooth experience. 

Let’s review the types of military moves and some common questions about them to help you prepare. 

Types of military moves

You will typically have 3 options for moving your belongings from one duty station to the next. The main differences are how the move is paid for upfront and who handles the arrangements.

Government-arranged move (GAM)

In a GAM, the Department of Defense will arrange and pay for your move with a commercial moving company. 

This option works well if you want a hands-off experience with no out-of-pocket costs to move your household goods (HHG). However, it’s important to know that you’ll have very little control over the process and timeline since government-contracted movers handle packing, loading, unloading and unpacking at your new duty station.

Note: A GAM is usually the only option for service members with PCS orders outside of the continental United States (OCONUS).

Personally Procured Move (PPM)

With a PPM, formerly known as a Do-It-Yourself (DITY) move, you handle the arrangements and pay for your military move, and the government will reimburse 100% of what it would have paid for a GAM.

A PPM is an attractive option for many service members because of the control it offers and the potential to make a profit on the move if you spend less than the reimbursement incentive. 

Combination Move or Partial PPM

A partial PPM allows you to arrange reimbursement for some items, while a GAM covers larger HHG, such as furniture. Combination moves are popular when you want more control over personal or sentimental items while letting someone else handle the bulky items.

Try this DITY moving calculator to plan for PPM expenses.

Meet with your Travel Office (TO) for branch-specific info 

Reimbursement paperwork and processes may vary by branch. Meet with your TO to verify PCS orders and review any branch-specific rules and regulations. 

Check out one of these guides for a quick overview:

• Air Force
• Army
• Coast Guard
• Marines
• Navy 

Follow the Transportation Office’s guidelines to submit your reimbursement claims. You’ll also need to update your contact information with the TO, DEERS, TRICARE and other required systems. Stay organized with this printable PCS checklist.

FAQs about military moves 

Get answers to common questions about your military move. 

Do I have to let the military arrange my move?

In most cases, no, you’ll be allowed to book your own move with a PPM unless you have PCS orders outside the continental U.S. (OCONUS). Check with your TO for more details about your specific orders.

What’s a PPM military move? 

A PPM is a Personally Procured Move, formerly known as a DITY or Do-It-Yourself move. It's a move where you handle both planning and execution rather than the government setting it up. With this option, the government pays you 100% of what they would have paid to government movers, and any amount left after paying the moving company is yours to keep. 

Can I pack my own stuff? 

Yes! With a PPM, you pack and load your household goods. If you need help loading or unloading, you can add labor to a U-Pack move through HireAHelper. 

What documents are required for PPM reimbursement?

The exact documentation varies by branch, but these documents are typically needed:

• DD Form 2278 (Application for move and counseling checklist)
• DD Form 1351-2 (Travel voucher)
• Copy of PCS travel orders
• Certified weight tickets
• Copy of paid rental agreement
• Copy of vehicle registration when utilizing a privately owned vehicle (POV) and/or boat/trailer 

Your TO will provide the exact requirements. 

Note: Keep in mind that lodging and meals are not part of the household goods budget. Still, they may be covered by the Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) or Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA, for OCONUS moves) and per diem, so keep your receipts. 

Can I move my Pro Gear in a PPM? 

Yes, you can move your Pro Gear, but there are limits to the amount and type that can be reimbursed. Read about the guidelines. 

What can I do to make my move easier?

Staying organized is your best bet for an easy military move. Try these hacks for smarter PCS moves for key tips from the experts.

When planning a PPM, select a moving service, like U-Pack®, with extensive experience handling military moves for added peace of mind.

How can I help my family adjust?

Join local groups for military families to access resources to help everyone settle in. Explore your new surroundings, including schools, shopping spots and local restaurants. Make sure to take advantage of the resources available through Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs to help your family with the transition. 

Where does U-Pack provide military moving services? 

We service all 50 states, including bases in Hawaii and Alaska. We can deliver on-base, off-base or to temporary housing. Want to save more? Get a significant discount when you unload at a local service center. 

U-Pack can help with your PPM

Once you have all the details, give us a call to discuss your options and budget. Get a quote online today to get started, or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a skilled moving consultant.

Reserve your move ASAP to guarantee the move date and equipment. Don’t forget to use our military moving discount!

Need weight tickets? Be sure to request them when you make your reservation. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to let us know. Thank you for your service!