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. This is what the military calls a personal procured move (PPM).

Household Goods Move (HHG)

Enlisting the help of a military moving company can help streamline the moving process and help you achieve a hassle-free relocation. This is called a household goods move (HHG).

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 liable for transporting and unpacking your belongings. You'll also be responsible for setting up your appliances and furniture in your new home. 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.

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

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.