PCSing Your Personal Property

We just received PCS orders, what is the first thing we should do?

The first thing you should do upon receiving orders is contact the Family Service Center at your new duty station to request a Welcome Packet be sent to you. Welcome Packets will contain information on the base location, housing, schools, medical facilities and almost anything else you could want to know about your new duty station. A phone number to obtain that packet may be included in your orders. If it is not you can also request that the Family Service Center at your current duty station order a Welcome Packet for you. Once this is done you will need to contact the Personal Property Office to arrange the shipment of your household goods.

Solo-Ops also offers a PCS Moving Checklist here.



What is a DITY move?

A DITY or Do It Yourself move is an alternative to having the military move you. Many service members prefer DITY moves and they are able to handle all of their packing and moving themselves. Let’s face it, no one will handle your valuables the way you will. However, if you choose to complete a DITY move you are responsible for the cost of replacing all damaged items.



I hear you can make money on a DITY move, is that true?

The military will pay you 95% of what they estimate the cost of a traditional move to be. If you can complete your move using less than this amount you are entitled to keep all remaining money. If your expenses go over this amount, you are responsible for all additional costs. Based on the information you provide the Personal Property department will place a weight estimate on your household goods. You will be paid 60 percent up front by Personal Property. Upon completion of the necessary paperwork you will be paid the remaining balance on the actual shipment weight of your goods.



How do I arrange for the shipment of my household goods?

Contact your local Personal Property office to arrange for shipment, delivery or storage of your household goods. The Personal Property office will walk you through the paperwork necessary and arrange a pick up or delivery time for you.



Will the military ship my privately owned vehicle?

There are limited circumstances for which the military will ship your privately owned vehicle or POV. The majority of these circumstances require you to be PCSing to or from an overseas duty station. Your orders should specify if you are eligible for the shipment of a POV. Contact your Personal Property office for more information.



My spouse will be deployed when I arrange for the shipment of my household goods is there anything I need to do differently?

If the service member is unable to arrange for the shipment of household goods you will need a valid power of attorney. If you have a limited power of attorney it must give you authorization to arrange the shipment of household goods.



Is there anything we are not allowed to ship?

The list of items you are not allowed to ship is actually rather extensive. It includes, but is not limited to a privately owned vehicle, boat, airplane etc. unless specified in your order; live animals not required in the performance of official duties; building materials, and ammunition. The local laws or carrier regulations may include additional regulations such as explosives, flammable agents and poisons.



What happens if our household goods arrive before we do?

You are entitled to 90 days of temporary storage when you household goods are moved under PCS orders. If you need to extend this time period contact the Personal Property office at the duty station where your shipment is being held.



What should I do about damaged goods?

Upon delivery of your household goods the moving company should provide you with paperwork to complete for reimbursement of any damaged goods. Turn this paperwork into the Personal Property office by any deadlines stated on the forms to receive compensation.



Who do I contact for additional questions?

Contact your local Personal Property office for additional question regarding the shipment of household goods or POV or if you prefer you check out the following website, It's Your Move.