|
Moving/PCSing 101
Your moving experience begins when you receive your Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. The information below will give you a head start on what to expect and who to contact when you receive your first set of PCS orders.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Allowances and Entitlements
There are various allowances and entitlements associated with most CONUS and OCONUS moves. DO NOT ASSUME that you will receive any of these allowances. Allowances change periodically so ensure you check with the finance office on your installation to determine the exact amount of your allowances and entitlements. Further, the Per Diem Committee's website is the official source for the most up-to-date changes to allowances and benefits.
Housing Office
Your Installation Housing Office can help you with:
- Determining your housing allowances and entitlements
- Determining availability of government housing at your new location
- Getting help with finding local community housing at your new location
- Finding out about arranging temporary lodging
Household goods
Household goods (HHG) include items associated with the home and all personal effects belonging to a member and dependents on the effective date of the member's PCS or TDY order that legally may be accepted and transported by an authorized commercial transporter. HHG also include: professional books, papers, and equipment (PBP&E), spare POV parts and a pickup tailgate when removed, integral or attached vehicle parts that must be removed due to their high vulnerability to pilferage or damage (e.g., seats, tops, winch, spare tires, portable auxiliary gasoline can(s), and miscellaneous associated hardware), vehicles other than POVs (such as golf carts, motorcycles, mopeds, jet skis, hang gliders, snowmobiles), and their associated trailers, boats and single occupant ultralight vehicles for recreation or sport purposes; weighing less than 155 pounds if uncovered or less than 254 pounds if powered; having a fuel capacity not to exceed (NTE) 5 gallons; airspeed NTE 55 knots; and power-off stall speed NTE 24 knots.
HHG do not include:
- personal baggage when carried free on an airplane, bus or train
- automobiles, trucks, vans and similar motor vehicles
- airplanes, mobile homes, camper trailers and farming vehicles
- live animals including birds, fish and reptiles
- cordwood and building materials
- items for resale, disposal or commercial use rather than for use by the member and dependents
- privately owned live ammunition
- articles that otherwise would qualify as HHG but are acquired after the effective date of PCS orders except: bona fide replacements for articles that have become inadequate, worn out, broken, or unserviceable on/after the effective date of orders
Personally Owned Vehicle (POV)
One POV by you or your family member may be shipped at government expense overseas. It must, however, be for you or your family member's personal use only. If you desire to make your own arrangements and ship an additional POV, consult your Transportation Office for any restrictions which may apply. You may be required to pay an import duty on a second POV. At the option of the member shipping a vehicle overseas, a motorcycle or moped may be considered a POV if the member does not ship a vehicle with four or more wheels under the same set of military orders. A vehicle under a long-term lease (12 months or longer) may be shipped if you obtain written permission from the leasing company.
The POV should be delivered to the port prior to the departure of the personnel on whose orders the shipment is to be made. This includes dependent travel authorizations when no POV has been previously shipped on the sponsor's orders. Member must have a minimum 12 months remaining on overseas tour at the time the vehicle is delivered to loading port. If a military spouse delivers the vehicle to the loading port they must have a Special Power of Attorney.
Personally Procured Transportation Moves (what used to be called DITY moves)
You may move your HHG yourself using rental equipment/POV or by hiring a commercial mover. Under this program you can receive reimbursement up to 100% of the Government Constructive Cost (GCC) or an incentive payment of 95% of the GCC. An advance operating allowance can be authorized to defray out of pocket moving expenses (rental equipment, HHG mover charges, packing material, etc.).
Transportation Office (TO)
Set up an appointment with your transportation office as soon as you have a copy of your PCS orders. The earlier you call or visit your transportation office, the greater your chances of moving on the date you desire. The counselors will explain all your PCS move entitlements in detail. Your first decision is whether to have the government move you or whether to move yourself. There are pros and cons to each type of move. Your counselor will answer all of your questions. If you choose a government move, they will book your shipment and let you know the exact dates the movers will come. If you choose to move yourself, the counselor can assist with recommendations and tips on how to do a personal move.
Your Installation Transportation Office can help you with the following:
- Determining your household goods entitlements
- Learning whether or not you can do a self move
- Getting information on shipping a pet
- Learning about shipping your car
Unaccompanied baggage (UAB)
Unaccompanied baggage are those items that you will need immediately upon arrival at your new destination. It includes clothes, linens, baby or medical equipment.
For the most up-to-date information on all types of household goods related shipments visit the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's website.
** If you are in need of a professional real estate agent to buy a home, Military-Discount will match you up with a trusted agent as soon as you reach town. We canvass realtors across the US to ensure high reputations and service . We want to ensure you are working with the best. Fill out the form below to get matched (Provide 48 hours for email reply and telephone follow-up:
|
