9/26/2025
Choosing the Best Relocation Method for Your PCS
Moving to a new duty station can be an exciting yet stressful experience—one that comes with a lot of big decisions. According to Military OneSource, nearly 700,000 service members undergo PCS moves annually, making relocation choices a critical concern for military families. One of those key considerations is how to relocate.
Each method has its pros and cons, and the best choice for you depends on factors such as budget, convenience, time constraints, and the amount of belongings to move. Before diving into your options, make sure you've reviewed The Ultimate PCS Checklist and Timeline for Active Duty Military Personnel to ensure you're prepared for every aspect of your move. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you decide the best method for your next Permanent Change of Station (PCS).
1. Full PPM Option #1: Rental Equipment
If you prefer more flexibility and don't mind putting in some hard work, a "PPM" (Personally Procured Move) move may be the best option. With this option, you are fully in charge of your own move, including renting equipment, packing, loading, and transporting your household goods. For those preparing for this option, understanding what military movers won't pack is crucial even if you're doing it yourself.
Pros:
Full Control: You have control over packing, loading, and the entire timeline. If you'd rather not deal with the packing or loading portions, you still have the option of outsourcing to a local packing crew.
Flexible Scheduling: A PPM comes with more freedom in selecting your timeline and less reliance on external schedules. This includes more flexibility when planning move-in/move-out dates if you're buying or renting a new home.
More Budget-Friendly: If your heart is set on a PPM, renting moving equipment will typically be the most affordable option.
Quality Control: This option gives you way more oversight, allowing you to see that the packing job is done to your standards and your items are handled/packed with care.
Cons:
Physical Labor: If you're choosing not to outsource the heavy lifting, moving furniture and boxes can be physically demanding and even dangerous, sometimes causing injury.
Time-Consuming: Packing, loading, driving, and unloading take a significant amount of time and effort. Check our guide on preparing for movers for time-saving strategies that apply even to DIY moves.
Up-Front Cost: Choosing a PPM means covering costs out of pocket throughout the moving process until you can be reimbursed on the back end. Understanding your PCS entitlements and benefits can help you plan financially.
Rules & Regulations: According to VA.gov, familiarize yourself with all current government moving regulations—weight allowances, authorized expenses, travel timelines, tax implications, managing weight tickets/receipts, reimbursement rates, and so on. It's best to map out your expenses and use a reimbursement calculator to make sure this is right for you.
Potential for Damage & Theft: If you're inexperienced, you may accidentally damage your belongings during the move. Rental trucks and trailers are also targets for theft, and are sometimes stolen out of places like hotel parking lots when the owners are not around. Be sure to research ways to protect your equipment.
Insurance: Since you'll be transporting all of your things, keeping or adding insurance is a necessary step to protecting yourself from a catastrophic incident—ask your agent about coverage options. And always ask the rental company about types of coverage they offer as well—having your bases covered will give you peace of mind in transit.
When considering a full do-it-yourself PPM, this method is best for:
Military personnel/families who have budgeted to fund a DIY move and are financially prepared for out-of-pocket costs
Short-distance moves OR long-distance moves with motivated individuals who want to be paid back for their hard labor and efforts
Those who have help from friends, family, or third-party packing crews
Those wanting a flexible timeline or full control
2. Full PPM Option #2: Portable Containers & Freight Services
Portable container companies and self-moving freight services both offer a creative middle ground between DIY and full-service moves. It's an ideal option if you want full control over packing & loading without the hassle of driving a large moving truck, since they will transport the shipment on your behalf. However, military families should be aware that costs for these services will likely be higher than rental equipment, and sometimes might exceed reimbursement rates. The Department of Defense advises: Always check reimbursement rates and get moving quotes before choosing a method.
Pros:
Convenience: Containers and freight companies deliver right to your home, and you can load/unload at your own pace within a given window.
More Affordable than Full-Service: Generally cheaper than hiring professional full-service interstate movers.
Storage Options: Many companies offer storage if you need time before unloading. This can be especially helpful when navigating temporary housing during your PCS move.
Door-to-Door Delivery: In many cases, your items will go from origin to destination with few stops or transitions through warehouses. They also typically have more accurate transit times than military movers.
Freight Services Billing Method: Many of the freight transport companies will only charge you for the amount of space used on the truck, as they can block it off and use the remaining space for other shipments.
Cons:
Limited Flexibility: You must work within the company's schedule and you may have a set window to load and unload your items.
Space Constraints: Portable containers may not work for larger moves as they come in fixed sizes, so you may need to pay for multiple units.
Additional Costs: Expect higher costs than a full do-it-yourself move. Some charge extra for delivery, pickup, or storage. Be sure to also ask your container company what types of coverage they offer, if any, and discuss with your insurance agent about what other coverage may be needed.
May Not Be Fully Reimbursed: For military members, this still falls under the "PPM" umbrella and you will be responsible for fronting these costs. Be sure to calculate reimbursement rates, as not all costs may be covered.
May Not Service Your Area: Be sure to call and ask if they service your region, as not all companies will service every single part of the country.
Best For:
Long-distance moves with somewhat flexible timing
Those who need temporary storage
Individuals looking for a semi-DIY option but have the budget to outsource the job
Those who want to save money but avoid driving a moving truck
Small furniture containers are ideal for smaller moves with less household goods. The larger freight containers/full truckloads are ideal for any size move.
3. Partial PPM: A Hybrid Option
A partial PPM is, in a sense, utilizing the best of both worlds: outsourcing the bulk of the work to military-contracted movers, while also opting to transport some things yourself. This approach is covered in detail in our Military PCS Quick Guide Q&A. You'll want to make sure you consult with the right offices to complete documentation, and you'll need to obtain empty/full weight tickets of your vehicle or rental equipment. Assuming all PPM regulations are met, you can be reimbursed for the weight and distance of the items moved on your own.
Be sure to separate these items and communicate with military movers about which items won't be getting packed and loaded on their truck. Some things people might choose to move themselves include: mattresses, bedding, medical equipment, suitcases & clothing, high-value or sentimental items, pet necessities, personal documents, basic kitchen items, and any other urgent or useful items. Creating a PCS Binder can help you keep these important documents organized during transport.
Pros:
More Control, Quicker Access: You have more control over valuables and easier access to specific items during transit or that you may want right away upon move-in.
Potential Cost Savings: Since the military will cover the bulk of the costs, you'll get the benefits of a military move without the headache of temporarily living without those urgent personal items.
Less Stress: If you decide to move high-value/personal items yourself, you might feel more at-ease knowing they are secure with you and handled with care.
Staying Under Weight Allowance: According to Military OneSource, many military families have been slapped with huge bills into the thousands after (sometimes unknowingly) going over the weight allowance. If you think you might go over your weight allowance, this might be an option to try and lower the total that your military movers will transport. You'll first want to try and purge items you no longer need, and then try to determine your weight from a previous move (minus any calculations for packing materials and pro gear). Once you have an idea on if you'll go over, then you can decide whether a partial might be necessary to avoid a huge bill later.
Cons:
Risk of Theft: Rental trucks and trailers being towed are at higher risk of theft and can be fairly easy to steal. Research ways to protect your equipment during overnight stays.
Additional Coverage: Since you may be transporting valuable or sentimental possessions, you may consider adding or keeping certain insurance active while in transit. Be sure to communicate with your agent about what type of insurance is best.
Consider Weight Allowance: You will not receive a higher weight allowance for a partial PPM, so be sure to research your weight allowance and stay under if you do want a full reimbursement!
Dual Effort & Schedules: Unless you're able to fit most items inside your personal vehicles, you'll have to manage bookings for both military movers plus any rental equipment/freight service you'll be using. Partial PPMs can also require extra physical labor, since you'll be doing some of the packing and loading!
Best For:
Long-distance moves (especially those with longer delivery timeframes)
Those who have essential or valuable items they want to transport themselves
Those who are able to split up the weight allowance without going over weight
Those who might go over their weight allowance and don't want to be left with a surprise bill later on for the remaining cost of the overweight goods
4. Full-Service HHG Move: Using Military Movers
If you prefer a hassle-free move, using the military-contracted movers may be the best option. For comprehensive preparation tips, review our guide on preparing to PCS before your movers arrive.
Pros:
Less Physical Strain: Movers handle all the heavy lifting.
Efficient and Fast: Professional movers have experience packing and moving efficiently.
Insurance and Liability: Military moving companies offer insurance, protecting your belongings in case of damage or loss—just be aware that coverage is typically only up to a certain dollar amount per pound, so be sure to read the most current military regulations & talk to your TSP before your move. You may consider discussing with your insurance agent if you need additional coverage for certain valuables.
Less Up-Front Costs: One of the most attractive aspects of using military movers is that you won't need to come out of pocket for any supplies, equipment, fuel, or other HHG transport costs.
Inconvenience Fees: If military-contracted movers miss a delivery window, you may be entitled to a small inconvenience fee with your TSP.
Cons:
Risk of Damage, Loss, or Theft: Items may be broken or lost in the process. On rare occasions, valuables (like electronics, jewelry, firearms, and money) have been reported as stolen—so it's best to make a plan to hand-carry them when possible. If you must send them with your movers, have photo evidence, back-up insurance, and all of your item descriptions listed individually on the mover's high-value inventory sheets.
Limited Coverage: Military movers offer "full replacement value" up to a certain dollar amount per pound. Be sure to read updated PCS regulations or discuss with your TSP/travel office.
Inventory Sheets: Inventory is often an overlooked aspect and it can be a lot of work - but it's important to double check each inventory list by your movers to make sure all big items are accounted for. Making your own inventory list prior to moving day can help.
Less Overall Control: Your belongings are in someone else's hands, and you must work within their packing & delivery schedule.
Risk of Late Delivery: During the busy peak season, it's not uncommon for moving companies to experience a backlog, resulting in delayed or missed delivery windows.
Best For:
Long-distance/interstate or international moves—especially for those preparing for an overseas PCS
Those with large amounts of heavy furniture or fragile items
Busy individuals or families who can't pack themselves or want a stress-free move
Final Decision: Which Relocation Method is Best for You?
Consider the following factors when choosing your relocation method:
Budget: If saving money is a priority, using the military movers will be your best option, pending you make sure to stay within your weight allowance.
Time and Convenience: If you're short on time or just want a hassle-free experience, letting the military movers run the show might be right for you!
Distance: Distance can affect your decision based on whether a DIY move will be worth the extra effort: do you want to get paid for your hard labor and efforts, or does it make more sense to let movers handle all or part of it?
Amount of Belongings: If you have a large household, using the movers or a freight container company may be more practical than renting a smaller moving truck.
Physical Ability: If you're unable to lift heavy items, hiring movers or even paying for a packing crew during a PPM is a smart move.
Full PPM vs. Partial PPM vs. Full-Service HHG Move: This is the burning question that every military family must ask before each PCS. And that answer might change each time—do what makes the most sense for your current personal or financial situation.
By weighing these factors, you can determine the best moving method for your needs and ensure a smooth relocation experience. No matter which option you choose, planning ahead and staying organized will make your move much easier!
Ready to Find Your Next Home?
Whether you're choosing a PPM or using military movers, securing housing at your new duty station is a top priority. Regardless of your type of move, you will want to stay organized and we highly recommend our veteran partners at Team BoxOps to help you pack effectively. When it comes to finding the perfect home, VeteranPCS connects military families with veteran and military spouse real estate agents who understand the unique challenges of PCS moves. Our agents can help you:
Navigate competitive housing markets near military installations
Maximize your VA loan benefits
Find temporary housing solutions while house hunting
Close on a home within your PCS timeline
Connect with a VeteranPCS real estate expert today to start planning your housing needs at your next duty station!
Share this guide with your military network to help others choose the best PCS moving method!
