For military service members and their families, receiving Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders is a routine part of life. But being familiar with the process doesn’t make it any less challenging. A PCS move, especially to or from the large and bustling region of Southern California, requires immense organization and planning. From navigating the busy freeways to understanding your moving entitlements, a little preparation goes a long way. These key tips can help ensure your PCS move is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Step 1: Visit Your Transportation Office Immediately
As soon as you have your PCS orders in hand, your first stop should be your installation’s Transportation Office (or Traffic Management Office, TMO). They are your primary resource for everything related to your move. They will provide counseling on your options, explain your weight allowances, and get you set up in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS), which is the online system you will use to manage your move. Do not wait to do this; moving companies book up quickly, especially during the peak summer PCS season.
Step 2: Decide Between a Government Move and a PPM
You have two main options for your move:
- Government-Arranged Move: The government hires and manages a commercial moving company for you. This is a convenient, hands-off option.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM): You manage the move yourself, which includes hiring your own professional moving company. The government reimburses you for 100% of what it would have cost them to move you. If you can complete the move for less, you keep the difference.
Many military families find that a PPM offers more control over their moving dates and allows them to choose a highly-rated moving company. The official military moving portal, MilitaryOneSource, has tools and resources to help you estimate your PPM incentive and make the best choice for your family.
Step 3: Declutter and Prepare for the Movers
Whether the government is moving you or you’ve hired your own company, you need to prepare.
- Get Rid of Unwanted Items: Your weight allowance is limited. Moving is the perfect time to declutter. Go through your belongings and donate, sell, or discard anything you don’t need to move.
- Separate Your Pro-Gear: Professional gear required for your job (like uniforms, professional books, and specialized equipment) does not count against your household goods weight allowance, but it must be declared and separated.
- Create a “Do Not Pack” Zone: The movers will pack everything they see. Designate a closet or a small room as a “do not pack” zone. Keep all the items you will be taking with you in the car in this area. This should include important documents (orders, birth certificates, passports), medications, valuables, and a suitcase with clothes and toiletries for your journey.
Step 4: Be Present and Proactive on Moving Days
- During Packing: Be present while the packers are in your home. Be available to answer their questions. It’s a good idea to create your own simple inventory list as they are packing.
- During Delivery: Be at your new home to supervise the unloading. Check items off the inventory list as they come off the truck. Note any damage on the paperwork before you sign it.
The official government website for military moves, Move.mil, is your go-to resource for all official forms and regulations.
Your Southern California Military Moving Specialists
We are proud to serve the military community in Southern California. We understand the unique requirements and tight timelines of a PCS move. For service members and their families in Southern California, the team at Right Way Movers is an experienced and trusted partner for your military moving needs. Contact us today for a free estimate for your PPM.