Military Relocation Guide

Unlike a typical move across town or to a new city, a military relocation comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. Before your upcoming military relocation, dive into the specifics of military moves to get a clear picture of what to expect and how to navigate the process with ease.

Understanding Military Relocations

There are two types of military moves: A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and Temporary Duty (TDY). Here's how the two moves compare:

PCS: PCS military moves are classified as any move over 20+ weeks at a new duty station. PCS military relocations typically require a complete household move.
TDY: A TDY is anything less than 20 weeks at a new duty station. For these moves, you may not need to relocate everything. Some individuals leave their belongings in a storage unit and only bring the necessities.

You'll also need to know if you're moving within or out of the state. Extra planning and preparation are required for your personal belongings for an overseas move.

Pre-Move Planning for Military Moving

Before your military move, you'll need to decide if you plan on moving your belongings by yourself or want to work with a moving company. The military breaks down moves into three different categories:

Do-it-yourself move (DITY or PPM): If you do it yourself, you will be responsible for packing and transporting all your belongings to your new duty station. The military calls this a personal procured move (PPM).

Household Goods Move (HHG): Using a military moving company can streamline the process and ensure a hassle-free relocation, commonly referred to as a Household Goods (HHG) move.

Partial PPM: During a partial PPM, you're responsible for relocating some of your belongings but not all of them. You may move smaller items, like clothes and electronics, while the movers handle the heavy lifting.

Packing Tips for Different Military Relocations

If you go with a PPM, you must know how to pack and prepare your personal belongings for transit. Take some time to:

Invest in high-quality moving supplies
Label boxes accordingly
Donate, recycle and get rid of items you no longer use

If you choose a partial PPM, you'll likely need to pack the smaller items in your house and leave the heavier items for the movers. For an HHG, you won't be required to pack your belongings. The movers will handle the job for you.

Relocating and Settling In

If you go with a PPM, you'll be responsible for transporting and unpacking your belongings and setting up your appliances and furniture in your new home. However, during a partial PPM, movers will help transport your heavy and bulky items for you, so you'll only be responsible for unpacking your belongings.

With an HHG, all of the heavy lifting, appliance setup and furniture assembly are handled for you. Your movers will also assist with debris removal.

Military Relocation Checklist

Once you know you need to start planning for a military relocation, you'll need to prepare yourself and your family for the transition. It's always best to start early, even though some military moves may be unexpected. Here's a quick breakdown of tasks you'll need to plan for:

Eight Weeks

Set a budget for moving expenses
Determine if it’s a military PCS or TDY move
Decide between a DIY, PPM, Partial PPM, or HHG move
Request quotes from different military moving companies if necessary
Apply for the Military Dislocation Allowance (DLA)

Four Weeks

Invest in moving supplies
Start packing up your belongings
Label boxes
Take inventory of your items
Bring your vehicle in for a tune-up

Two Weeks

Cancel subscriptions
Switch utilities and services
Look into new medical providers in your new area
Setup mail forwarding
File your DPS claim (If applicable)

Request a quote from North American Van Lines if you need help with a PPM, partial PPM, or HHG move.

Common Challenges and Solutions in Military Relocations

Moving is never easy. Whether you're relocating overseas or cross-country, it's a big transition for everyone involved. Here are some common challenges you may face and how you can avoid them:

Not Planning Early: The earlier the plan, the easier it will be for you and your family. You'll want to give yourself enough time to pack, plan and prepare for the journey to ensure everything is taken care of before moving day.
Not Asking for Help: If you receive a military PCS notice, talk to the military relocation specialist. They'll provide budget and timeline tips. They may also recommend a military moving company.
Not Applying for the Military Dislocation Allowance: The Military Dislocation Allowance (DLA) is a reimbursement service you can apply for to get a portion of your moving expenses paid for. If you qualify for the DLA, this service can help you cut costs and save on your move.
Forgetting to Declutter: Downsizing and decluttering before your military move can help you save on moving costs. Consider going through your items and deciding what to keep, throw away and donate before the big moving day.

Tips for Military Kids During a Move

Starting a new school, making new friends and readjusting to a new city or state can be challenging for kids during a military move. To make relocating for your little ones easier, you'll want to:

Talk to them about the transition and answer any questions they may have
Provide reassurance
Maintain their everyday routine
Plan fun activities in their new town to get them excited
Help them stay connected with friends and family after the move
Get them set up in new activities and sports in the new city
Get them involved in the move with tasks, activities and to-dos
Explore new schools in your community
Be patient!

Military relocations can be challenging for everyone involved. Open communication with your kids is the best way to achieve a seamless transition for the whole family.

How North American Moving Services Can Help

When you need expert relocation services, The North American Van Lines team is here to help with all your military moving needs. Whether you go with a partial PPM or HHG, we are here to help you achieve a stress-free military relocation.