2025 is just around the corner. If you are in the military, this means another year of moving around. Moving to different parts of the country or overseas regularly is nothing new to military families. 

However, if it is your first PCS (permanent change of station), you might need help with the inevitable logistics challenges. Military moves often mean stressful times and frustration. 

Fortunately, the following detailed guide can help you sidestep the frustration and transition smoothly to wherever you need to go in 2025.

The Timeline of PCS Orders

Once you get your PCS orders, the timeline of your move starts. You will likely get your PCS order around 90 to 120 days before you need to move. Your order will confirm where you are to be stationed, giving you enough time to plan your move. 

It is important to remember that orders often vary. You must know what your order type is before you start planning. For instance, your order may state: accompanied, CONUS, or overseas. The status of your order guides your move planning and dictates which entitlements apply. 

Have a Meeting With Your Installation’s Transportation Office

Before you plan your move, you must visit the Transportation Office on your current base. Here, you will get PCS counseling that explains the services and allowances available to you. 

The Transportation Office will also explain your moving options. You may be able to get your move military-arranged (government-funded), or you can move on a PPM (personally procured move) basis and have certain expenses refunded. 

With a PPM move, you handle the arrangements yourself. With a military-arranged move, the arrangements are made for you. 

Create a Moving Budget

As a military member, you can access allowances covering many moving expenses. Do not let this deter you from creating a detailed budget. Doing this will allow you to avoid unexpected costs. 

Some of the allowances you may get include:

• Dislocation allowance (DLA). This is a once-off payment for expenses that other allowances may not cover. This payment is tax-free. 
• Temporary lodging expense. (TLE). This covers your temporary housing costs for a set number of days. 
• Personally procured move reimbursement. If you go with PPM, the military can reimburse you up to 100% of your expenses. 
• Pet expenses. Your expenses will increase significantly if you take your pets, especially overseas. Include these expenses in your budget. 

Book Your Move Through the DPS

DPS is the Department of Defense’s online system for scheduling and managing PCS moves. 

• Register or log in with your common access card or unique login credentials. 
• Schedule your preferred pickup and delivery date for your move.
• Use DPS to track your move and communicate directly with the moving company. 

Start Decluttering and Packing

It can take quite a few days or weeks to prepare and pack up your house. Preparing and packing in stages ensures you do not miss anything. 

• Declutter: This is the most important step. Throw away or donate anything you have not used in three months. Also, do not buy new stuff until you have settled in your new place. 
• Inventory: Take pictures and videos of your valuable items. List them on your phone according to letter or number. 
• Items not for packing: You should not pack several items. For instance, you should get an overnight bag that contains must-have documents, valuables, and military ID cards. 

Arrange for Temporary Lodging

If there is going to be a gap between when you arrive at your new station and when you can move into your new home, you must have a plan for temporary lodging. 

Your installation may offer temporary housing that you can reserve in advance. If you are moving overseas, you may qualify for a temporary lodging allowance covering lodging up to 60 days. 

The temporary lodging expense (TLE) covers on-base lodging for CONUS moves. Your expenses will be covered for 14 days at the departing and arriving installations. 

Pet Transportation

You must take special precautions when you move with your pets. The military may cover certain pet-related expenses. If you move overseas, however, you must research the import rules for the destination country. 

If you can bring your pets, you must book pet transportation in advance. Depending on the country’s requirements, You will likely have to quarantine your pets for several days. Your pets’ medical records must be on hand to avoid last-minute delays and issues. 

Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Shipping 

You can ship your vehicle to your new place if you are going overseas. Keep in mind that not all vehicles qualify for shipping. It will depend on the size and type of vehicle you have. The government will likely cover one privately owned vehicle shipment for OCONUS moves. 

Remove all personal items before your vehicle is shipped and complete any urgent maintenance. 

Stick to the Schedule on Moving Day

When your moving day arrives, things will likely turn a little chaotic. It is crucial to stay organized so the moving process does not unravel. 

Supervise those packing your stuff and check the inventory sheets to ensure everything is packed. If you notice damage during packing, take photos and notify the movers. 

Unpacking at Your New Location

You can arrange the delivery of your belongings through DPS. When they arrive at the new location, inspect your stuff for damage. Also, check whether anything is missing. 

If there is damage or missing items, file a claim through DPS within 180 days. 

If you have requested an unpacking service for the move, the movers will remove your items, but they will not arrange them in your new place.

Systematic Planning Is the Way to Go For Military Moves

Once in your new location, you and your family can settle in by attending newcomer events or joining local groups. Use installation and community resources to familiarize yourself with the area. 

The PCS process can be overwhelming, which is why it is important to break it down step by step. This will make it far easier for you and your family to transition to a new location in 2025.