Preparing for your PCS:
According to the U.S. Army, military moves can be more stressful and complex than expected. Different problems and mistakes can occur that could have been easily avoided, things like procrastination and over or underprepared. (U.S. Army) That’s why preparing for your PCS, handling important and profitable logistics, and being aware of different interstate moving details can be crucial to a successful move.
When you’re notified of an upcoming PCS, it’s important to start preparing for this transition early. When you plan early, it can reduce stress for you and your family and save you time on moving day. One great help is Military OneSource. This is an official website of the U.S. government which provides different resources for service members and their families. One of these resources is a section of articles and custom checklists that can help with your PCS. Utilizing these tools can take a great burden off your shoulders when moving, providing you with information and guidance that you and your family needs (Military OneSource and Plan My Move). A couple of other great tools you can utilize are packing lists and budgets. Using these can help make moving easier and smoother as well as protect you from overspending and forgetting anything. It’s also wise that within your planning you organize important documents like orders, IDs, travel documents, and pet and medical records. Keeping these documents together and organized can help you from losing anything important and causing future problems. So be aware of different tools, lists, and budgets and take advantage of them. Applying these different preparation tactics can save you the time and money you would otherwise lose.
Handling Logistics:
Being conscious of different PCS logistics can assist you greatly in your move. To begin it can be smart to contact and coordinate with your Installation’s Transportation Office. Your local “TO” can help you in storing and shipping your property as well as helping you as you travel. The U.S. Army website states, “The Installation Transportation Office delivers services to Soldiers, family members and civilians by managing the shipment and storage of household and providing official passenger travel services.” (U.S. Army) Contacting your local TO can save you from spending a considerable amount of money and can help you move to your next home. It’s also good to be aware of weight allowances and entitlements. The military can reimburse a portion of your move depending on the weight of your household goods, but if you exceed that weight you can receive overweight charges and end up paying for what could have been reimbursed. If you’re cautious to not exceed your weight allowance your move will be a lot more affordable. Being mindful of the different benefits of your Installation’s Transportation Office and taking advantage of your weight allowance will make your move a lot cheaper and efficient.
Interstate Consideration:
When moving, especially across the country, there are several issues you should consider before moving. One major problem in moving today is not hiring a legitimate business. There are many businesses that seem to be licensed, but without further investigation, you could fall into a scam. Be sure that you do some research on different moving companies to make sure that the one you hire is licensed and insured. This will help you guarantee safety for your property. You should also check local and state requirements such as changing the address of your drivers license and vehicle registration. If these things are overlooked, major problems like heavy fines can occur. Being aware of these local and state requirements can save you from simple mistakes that can cost you greatly. In addition, verifying the business you hire can greatly reduce the mistake of hiring someone uninsured. So when planning and preparing for your PCS, contact Family Movers to help you make your move a less stressful experience. We at Family Movers have the experience, licensing and insurance, and knowledge to make sure you have a more enjoyable time moving and less painful.
Sources:
5 Tips for a Smooth PCS Move, Armed Forces Bank, Aug. 31, 2023, [No author listed] https://www.afbank.com/article/5-tips-for-a-smooth-pcs-move
8 Tips for Hiring Military Movers for Your PCS, Navy Federal Credit Union, Sep. 3, 2025, [No author listed] https://www.navyfederal.org/makingcents/military-life/hiring-military-movers-for-your-pcs.html
Kangas, Tere, Financial Readiness supervisor offers ways for military families to avoid common PCS pitfalls, U.S. Army, Aug. 15, 2025, https://www.army.mil/article/287882/financial_readiness_supervisor_offers_ways_for_military_families_to_avoid_common_pcs_pitfalls
Lucas, Melissa, 7 Tips for a Smooth Military PCS Move, [No publication date listed] https://militaryconnection.com/blog/7-tips-for-a-smooth-military-pcs-move/
Military OneSource
https://www.militaryonesource.mil
PCS & Military Moves, Military One Source, [No author and publication date listed] https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-pcs/plan-to-move/pcs-and-military-moves/
Plan Your Next Military PCS, Military One Source, [No author and publication date listed] https://www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/millife-guides/planning-pcs-move/
Planning for Your Move, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), [No author and publication date listed] https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move
Small, Bridget, Avoid scams when you hire a moving company, Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advise, Sep. 30, 2024, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/09/avoid-scams-when-you-hire-moving-company
West, Rick, What is Your PCS Weight Allowance in 2026? PCS Packing Guide and Tips, AHRN, Jan. 2, 2026, https://blog.ahrn.com/pcs-weight-allowance/