Military PCS Move Guide: How to Survive Your Next PCS Move (From an Ohio Mover)

If you've done a PCS move before, you already know — the system is its own animal. If this is your first one, welcome to the most stressful Tetris game in your life. After helping military families move into and out of Northeast Ohio (NASA Glenn, Defense Finance and Accounting Service Cleveland, Wright-Patterson AFB families on Ohio reassignment, and Reserve/National Guard moves), our team at ASAP Moving & Hauling LLC put together this practical guide.

Disclaimer: PCS rules change. Always confirm current allowances and procedures with your installation transportation office (TMO/PPPO) and Defense.gov.

PCS Move Options: HHG vs. PPM (DITY)

HHG (Household Goods) — Government-Arranged Move

The military hires a contracted moving company. They pack you, load you, drive you, and unload you. You're hands-off (mostly).

Pros: minimal effort, no weight ticket logistics, claims process for damaged items.
Cons: you have very little control over the dates, crew, or timeline. Quality varies wildly between contractors.

PPM / DITY (Personally Procured Move)

You handle your own move and get reimbursed up to 100% of what the government would have spent — and you keep the difference as taxable income.

Pros: control over timing, you can make a few thousand dollars on a successful PPM, you choose your movers.
Cons: all the logistics are on you. Empty weight tickets, full weight tickets, receipts, paperwork. One missing weight ticket and you lose reimbursement.

Partial PPM

Do both — military arranges the bulk move, you PPM a portion. Often the sweet spot for families who want some control and some extra cash.

Weight Allowances and Why They Matter

Your PCS weight allowance is based on rank and dependents. For example (approximate — confirm current numbers):

• E-1 to E-4 with dependents: ~8,000 lbs
• E-5 to E-6 with dependents: ~9,000–11,000 lbs
• O-1 to O-3 with dependents: ~13,000–14,500 lbs
• O-4 to O-6 with dependents: ~17,000–18,000 lbs

Exceeding your allowance means you pay out of pocket for the overage. Underweighting on a PPM means leaving reimbursement money on the table.

The PPM Weight Ticket Process (Don't Skip This)

To get reimbursed on a PPM, you need certified weight tickets from a CAT III certified scale. Find one at cat-scale.com — most truck stops have them.

1. Empty weight ticket: Weigh your empty truck/trailer before loading.
2. Full weight ticket: Weigh again after loading.
3. Difference = your reimbursable weight.
4. Keep every receipt: truck rental, packing supplies, fuel, tolls, lodging en route.
5. Submit through DPS / MilMove (move.mil) within 45 days of the move.

One missed step = no reimbursement. Take photos of every weight ticket the moment you get them.

What You Can Be Reimbursed For

• Up to 95% of what the government would have paid a contractor (your "GCC")
• Per diem for you and dependents during travel
• Mileage (MALT) at the current military rate
• Lodging en route (within authorized days)
• Storage in transit if needed
• Active-duty moving expenses are still federally tax-deductible (one of the few exceptions to the 2018 tax change)

PCS Timeline: What to Do When

As soon as you get orders

• Schedule appointment with your installation's TMO/PPPO (most installations book out 4–8 weeks)
• Decide HHG vs. PPM vs. partial
• Start the housing search at the new duty station
• Notify your kids' school

6–8 weeks out

• Confirm move dates with TMO
• If PPM: get quotes from professional movers (we offer veteran-friendly pricing — free quote here)
• Start using up freezer/pantry items
• Begin sorting and decluttering

4 weeks out

• Schedule final medical, dental, optical appointments
• Update USAA / Navy Federal / banking address
• Update vehicle registration, voter registration
• Refill prescriptions for 90 days

2 weeks out

• Pack a PCS binder: orders, weight tickets, receipts, contact info, vet records, school records, medical records
• Pack an "open first" box for each room
• Confirm everything with TMO and movers

What Movers Can't Pack (Even on HHG)

• Firearms and ammunition (you transport)
• Liquids, propane, paint, aerosols
• Plants and pets
• Valuables, jewelry, important documents
• Prescription medications
• Sentimental items you can't risk losing

Common PCS Move Mistakes

• Not reading the inventory sheet carefully when movers itemize your stuff — disputes after the fact are nearly impossible to win without good documentation.
• Skipping the high-value inventory. Anything over $100/item should be listed separately and photographed.
• Trusting the verbal arrival window. Get every promise in writing.
• Not photographing your stuff before the move. If something gets damaged, photos are your evidence.
• Filing claims too late. You have 75 days to file notice and 9 months to file the actual claim — but the earlier the better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I do HHG or PPM?

If you're junior enlisted with a small household, PPM often pays well. If you're a senior family with a full house and small kids, HHG is usually less stressful. Partial PPM (do both) is often the smart middle ground.

Can I hire civilian movers for a PPM?

Yes — and it often makes financial sense. The reimbursement goes to you, not the moving company, so hiring affordable, reliable movers like us means more left over in your pocket. We've worked with many PCS families and can provide all the documentation you'll need for reimbursement.

What if the government movers damage or lose my stuff?

File a claim through DPS/MilMove. Active-duty members are covered through Full Replacement Value (FRV) coverage. Document everything — photos, lists, value estimates — before the move so you have a baseline.

Are PCS moving expenses tax deductible?

Yes — active-duty military are the only group still eligible for the federal moving expense deduction. Keep all receipts and consult a tax preparer who works with military families.

How do I find a moving company that handles PCS moves in Ohio?

Look for movers who: 1) understand the PPM paperwork process, 2) offer flexible scheduling for short-notice orders, 3) can provide certified weight tickets and itemized receipts. ASAP Moving & Hauling does all three — we've helped many Ohio-based service members through PCS moves.

Thank You for Your Service

At ASAP Moving & Hauling LLC, we offer veteran-friendly pricing and we know the PCS process inside and out. We provide all the documentation you'll need for PPM reimbursement, we're flexible on short-notice orders, and we're fully licensed and insured.

Call (440) 517-4921 or request a free quote. Tell us it's a PCS — we'll handle it from there.