Government Moving FAQ for Federal Civilian Employees

When a federal agency authorizes a relocation, the move is governed by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR), Title 41 CFR Part 302. Once transfer orders are issued, you'll typically work with a Federal Employee Relocation Coordinator (FERC) or your agency's HR team to confirm your entitlements. A Travel Authorization must be in place before any relocation expenses are incurred. After it's approved, your coordinator schedules household goods shipment through approved vendors and manages the reimbursement process from there.

The overall structure resembles a managed corporate relocation program (your agency funds and coordinates the move), but every step is bound by federal regulation, which means less flexibility and more documentation than a private-sector equivalent.

CHAMP stands for the Centralized Household Goods Traffic Management Program. It's the GSA-administered system federal agencies use to procure vetted household goods movers for civilian relocations. Approved providers like Stewart Moving & Storage manage shipments through an online platform called TMSS 2.0, which handles scheduling, documentation, and carrier performance tracking.

Unlike a private move where you research and select your own mover, CHAMP moves are coordinated through your agency using pre-approved carriers. This ensures competitive pricing, consistent service standards, and government oversight of the entire shipment.

Standard government employee moving entitlements under FTR Part 302 typically include transportation of up to 18,000 pounds of household goods; temporary storage for up to 60 days for CONUS moves (90 days for OCONUS assignments); en-route travel and subsistence; Temporary Quarters Subsistence Expense (TQSE) for short-term housing at your new location; and a Miscellaneous Expense Allowance (MEA) for incidental costs like utility deposits and early lease fees.

Some allowances are mandatory; others are discretionary and require specific agency authorization. Your FERC or HR contact will outline which entitlements apply to your particular assignment type.

Unaccompanied air baggage (UAB) is an expedited shipment of essential items that travels separately from your main household goods and typically arrives sooner. It's most relevant for international assignments or long-distance moves where HHG delivery can stretch to several weeks. UAB generally covers linens, limited clothing, and basic daily-use items.

Weight limits and eligible contents for an unaccompanied air baggage federal move vary by assignment type. Confirm your specific allowance with your relocation coordinator before you start packing.

Yes, in most cases. A Continuing Service Agreement (CSA) is a written commitment to remain in federal service for a defined period after your relocation (typically 12 months). If you resign voluntarily before that period ends, you may be required to repay some or all of the relocation costs the government covered. Review your CSA terms carefully and ask your HR team to clarify any conditions before signing.

No. Pickup can be scheduled before your destination address is confirmed. Your household goods can go into storage-in-transit at origin or destination while you finalize housing — a common situation when an employee is waiting on a lease start date or housing assignment. Keep your relocation coordinator updated as your timeline develops.

Plan to be present all day, on both pack day and pickup day. You're needed for access to every room, documentation of high-value items, and review of the inventory before signing. If you need to step away briefly, have a trusted adult remain on-site. Signing an inventory without reviewing it carefully is one of the most common sources of problems later.

Prepare each room before the crew arrives. Set aside anything you don't want packed (medications, travel documents, passports, electronics) in a visible, clearly labeled area and communicate that to the crew at the start of the day. Photograph fragile or high-value items in advance. The more organized and accessible the space is, the more accurately and efficiently the job gets done.

No. Your movers are performing a contracted service, and there's no requirement or expectation of tips or meals. On a long day, access to a bathroom and cold water is genuinely welcome, but nothing beyond that is expected.

Your household goods will go into storage-in-transit until you're ready to accept delivery. If your delivery is delayed because of the carrier's failure to perform, you may be entitled to file an inconvenience claim to recover documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred during that delay. This is separate from any damage or loss claim and requires supporting documentation.

Note all visible damage or missing items on the inventory paperwork before the crew leaves. Do not sign a clean delivery receipt if you have concerns. For damage discovered after delivery, report it promptly. Many agencies follow a 70-day window for amending a delivery report, but confirm the specific deadline with your FERC or HR contact.

Prepare each room before the crew arrives. Set aside anything you don't want packed (medications, travel documents, passports, electronics) in a visible, clearly labeled area and communicate that to the crew at the start of the day. Photograph fragile or high-value items in advance. The more organized and accessible the space is, the more accurately and efficiently the job gets done.

Property damage to your residence is handled separately from household goods claims. Notify the carrier immediately and document everything with photographs before any repairs are made. If the carrier doesn't respond, escalate to your agency relocation coordinator and keep a written record of all communications.

Note all visible damage or missing items on the inventory paperwork before the crew leaves. Do not sign a clean delivery receipt if you have concerns. For damage discovered after delivery, report it promptly. Many agencies follow a 70-day window for amending a delivery report, but confirm the specific deadline with your FERC or HR contact.

After a CHAMP-managed move, your agency or GSA may send a customer satisfaction survey. Your responses factor into carrier performance evaluations, which affect which providers continue to receive government contracts. Honest feedback, positive or negative, has real consequences for the federal employees who go through the same system after you.

Property damage to your residence is handled separately from household goods claims. Notify the carrier immediately and document everything with photographs before any repairs are made. If the carrier doesn't respond, escalate to your agency relocation coordinator and keep a written record of all communications.