Are you part of our armed forces and looking for information on how to move?
Regardless if you’re moving for a temporary duty assignment or a permanent change of station (PCS), relocating in the army is not easy. Having children can make moving harder. Our moving professionals structured this guide so you can spend less time packing and more time with the people that matter to you.
We want to clarify that 2021 continues to show us that the moving industry is busier than ever! Because of the high demand for moves this year, we suggest planning your move as early as possible. PCS season and Civilian peak moving already occur during the same summer months. So what’s the best way to move in the military?
Our troops usually combine or use two methods when they move.
Government Procured Moves
Contact the transportation office to arrange your Government Procured Move. https://move.mil/resources/locator-maps
This approach is hands-free. The military hires professional movers to package and transport your items to your next station based on your budget.
Personally Procured Moves
Do you want more control during your relocation? Do you want to make some extra money? Moving on your own, or a Personally Procured Move (PPM) is the “Do it Yourself” method. You either hire movers or pack and move your items yourself. Remember, the military allocates a budget for you to move. You get an amount of money back that you don’t spend.
According to Military Benefits, “Reimbursement Amount = The amount you will receive before any expenses determined by the weight of your goods and the distance to your next duty station. This number will be provided to you when you fill out your paperwork with your installation’s travel office.”
Government Procured Move (GPM)
Do you know when and where you need to move?
Make your decision only after you receive an official copy of your PCS orders. Wait for your arrival date and location to narrow down the assistance you need for your relocation.
Remember, Government procured moves are different from your regular cross-country moves. Instead of arranging and paying for the service yourself, the military creates a budget for your move and pays a moving service to transport your items to your new location.
Start by registering at move.mil if you decide that a government-procured move is your best choice.
This handsfree method of moving might be best for you if you don’t want to spend time negotiating with service providers. Do you have the time to compare multiple quotes with multiple moving companies?
If the answer is no, contact your local transportation office. They will designate a Transportation Service Provider (TSP) representative to find a professional cross-country mover to facilitate your relocation.
Unlike most contractors, The TSP and the transportation office understand and educate themselves on specific moving industry concerns and how to fix them.
Please take into consideration that 2021 is one of the busiest moving seasons the industry has seen. Your TSP’s primary goal is to make your move easy and stress-free. Any holdups are due to the capacity of moves happening all at once. Please be patient and move as early as you. It is possible to request specific dates, but nothing is guaranteed.
The DoD suggests visiting your transportation office as soon as you receive orders because wait times are currently exceeding four weeks. Request a service a month before you move if you can. Waiting until the last second to move is not suggested. Let your supervisor know if you can’t move within your assignment date and see if you can get assistance.
Pros of a GPM
The transportation office bases your budget on your rank, family size, location, assignment, and more. You don’t incur additional costs if you stay within your limit. A government move is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to deal with the moving process. Your representative will find professional movers to do all the heavy lifting for you. We understand you already have a lot going on. Save the time and energy and let professional movers take care of your relocation.
Cons of a GPM
The military moves together during a permanent change of station season, and because of this, your possessions may have additional stops that’ll delay your move time. Make sure to keep your essentials with you in case you have to wait a week or two for your items to get to your location. Another con is the claims process. The speed of their services can be slow at times of demand and a little challenging to navigate.
Personally Procured Move
Do you want to control your move and make a little money? A Personally Procured Move (PPM) is the choice for you. Unless you hire extra help, The responsibility to pack and load your items is your duty. Are you ready for the move ahead? If you’re motivated by money, you are in luck.
As stated by military.com, the Department of Defence now offers 100% reimbursement for the do-it-yourself relocation at 100% the rate they would’ve spent on a company to finish a government-procured move.
Make sure to get the full total weight of the items and furniture you are moving. Anything extra will cost you.
To receive your reimbursement, log into Move.mil and register to receive payment. Our team of industry professionals recommends that you get a Government Travel Charge Card to expedite the time you receive your reimbursement.
Because you are directing the movie, initial costs are on you. Rental trucks, storage, and moving supplies can cost a lot of money. If you need help to pay for some of these services immediately, request an advance on your PCS funds.
Please remember your limitation if you choose to transport your belongings. Drive a smaller moving vehicle if you are not licensed to drive a full-sized moving truck. We don’t recommend this route if you have a large house to move. Some moving and storage companies will move self-packed trailers and other smaller containers for you. To save you trouble, only work with credible companies. Click Here to find a reputable mover near you. The best long-distance movers go above and beyond with their customer service and customer experience departments.
Pros of a PPM Move
Because you conduct your move, the military will reimburse you with your assigned moving budget. Bottom line, a personally procured move can get extra money in your pockets if you handle the process correctly. Do not operate on the military’s schedule if you don’t want to. Control the moving process instead of anticipating the arrival of your item.
Cons of a PPM Move
The liability of your items is on your hands if you decide to move entirely on your own. Movers with transparent claims policies will let you know what they cover and the amount of liability they are willing to take. Rogue movers will not hold themselves accountable for any damages. The best moving companies train and screen their representatives to handle all moving and storage practices correctly. Not having the right supplies and tools can also make your move difficult. Do you have the skills, experience or equipment of a professional mover?
Save your money and hire quality moving professionals that have the training and resources to move your house. Moving insurance covers damages, but most do not offer full coverage. If you proceed to move with the military, they hold themselves accountable for any damages.
The control of a PPM and the financial reimbursement you can get can be enticing on paper, but moving takes time and commitment. Ask yourself these question before your proceed with a personally procured move.
Do you have the time to pack and move all your items?
Do you have the time to communicate with professional movers?
Are you able to cover the initial costs, including packing supplies and tools?
Affordable packing materials are available at most hardware stores. Just remember, you get what you pay for., purchasing cheap moving supplies can cost you more in the future. Storage supplies sold at consumer locations don’t offer the same protection as the industry standards.
Conclusion
We hope this guide makes your move easier to plan. You have many options to choose from depending on what you have to move and the location you have to go. Whatever you do, educate yourself on the process and understand where you need help. Moving is no joke. That’s why there’s an entire industry ready to help you.
Are you finishing up a long-distance move? Please read this article from our partners to learn what to do after your cross-country move.
