A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is stressful enough for you and your family without having to worry about the cost. While the military covers many relocation expenses, PCS moves still come with out-of-pocket costs that can surprise even seasoned military families.
At Stewart Moving & Storage, we've helped thousands of military families navigate PCS moves over the past 20 years. The truth is that a PCS move costs anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars in out-of-pocket expenses, depending on your family size, move distance, and whether you choose a PPM/DITY or HHG move. With proper planning and understanding of what's covered, you can manage these costs effectively.
Does the military pay for PCS moves?
Yes! The military pays for PCS moves through the Defense Personal Property Program (DPP), but with specific limitations. You have several moving options:
Household Goods Move (HHG) – The government arranges and pays for professional movers to pack, transport, and deliver your belongings. This is the most common option with no upfront costs.
Personally Procured Move (PPM) or DITY Move – You handle your own move and get reimbursed based on the government's estimated cost. Many families choose this because you can potentially pocket the difference between what the government would have spent and your actual costs.
Combination Move – Split your move, having the government move some items while you personally move others.
Your weight allowance is determined by your rank and dependents. Exceeding this allowance means paying out-of-pocket for excess weight.
What expenses are covered during a PCS move?
The military provides several allowances to help offset PCS costs:
- Household Goods Transportation – Moving your authorized household goods up to your weight allowance, including packing, labor, and delivery.
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA) – One-time payment ranging from $2,000-$10,000+, depending on rank and dependents, to cover incidental relocation costs.
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) – Reimbursement for hotel costs and meals, typically up to 10 days.
- Travel Allowances – Mileage reimbursement (currently around $0.18 per mile) or flight tickets.
- Per Diem – Daily allowance for meals and expenses while traveling, typically $50-$150 per day.
- Advance Operating Allowance (AOA) – For PPM moves, you can request up to 60% advance of estimated costs.
- Storage Costs – Temporary storage if your housing isn't ready.
Contact your transportation office for personalized information about your specific allowances.
Hidden costs of PCS move
Even with military support, PCS moves can come with hidden costs that catch families off guard.
1. Housing cost
- Security deposits – Most landlords require deposits equal to one month's rent ($1,500-$2,500+).
- First and last month's rent – Some require both upfront, doubling initial costs.
- Application fees – Expect $25-$75 per adult, adding up if applying to multiple properties.
- Pet deposits – Non-refundable deposits ranging $200-$500 per pet.
- Utility deposits – New service connections often require $100-$300 in deposits.
- Breaking current lease – Potential penalties even with SCRA protections.
2. Loss of spouse's income
One of the most significant overlooked costs is the potential loss of spousal income.
- Job search gap – Finding new employment takes time, meaning weeks or months without a second income.
- Licensing costs – State-specific licenses for teachers, nurses, and other professionals can cost $100-$1,000+.
- Career setbacks – Frequent moves disrupt career progression, often resulting in lower positions or reduced income.
3. Travel and temporary lodging
- Meals during travel – Per diem doesn't always cover full meal costs, especially with children.
- Hotel costs beyond TLE – Lodging beyond authorized periods or exceeding reimbursement rates.
- Pet boarding – Costs range $200-$1,000 for boarding or special pet transportation.
- Extended hotel stays – If household goods are delayed or housing isn't ready.
4. Household setup
- Immediate necessities – Cleaning supplies, groceries, and household essentials.
- Furniture replacement – Items damaged in transit or that don't fit new spaces.
- Window treatments – Curtains and blinds for different window configurations.
- Yard equipment – Lawnmowers and outdoor items if moving from an apartment to a house.
- Storage solutions – Shelving and organizers for different home layouts.
5. Uncovered personal expenses
- Updated licenses – New state driver's licenses and vehicle registrations ($50-$200 per person).
- Vehicle maintenance – Pre-move inspections and oil changes.
- Goodbye and welcome gatherings – Social expenses ($100-$500).
- Professional services – Cleaners, special shipping, or installation fees.
How to manage PCS costs
Smart financial planning makes a huge difference:
- Start a PCS fund early – Save $50-$100 per paycheck. Aim for a $2,000-$5,000 moving fund, depending on the size and needs of your family.
- Track all expenses – Keep every receipt for reimbursement claims and tax deductions.
- Understand your entitlements – Visit your transportation office early to know exactly what you're entitled to.
- Consider a DITY/PPM move – With a little planning, you can save money by handling logistics yourself.
- Declutter before moving – Sell unwanted items and reduce moving weight.
- Research your new location – Understand cost of living differences.
- Use military discounts – Always ask and show military ID at hotels, truck rentals, and moving companies.
- Claim all eligible reimbursements – File for every reimbursement you're entitled to.
- Connect with military families – Join Facebook groups for your new duty station for affordable service recommendations.
Trusted and Highly Rated Military and PCS Moving Services by Stewart Moving & Storage
At Stewart Moving & Storage, we understand military moves aren't just about transporting belongings—they're about helping families navigate one of the most stressful aspects of military life. With over 20 years of specializing in military and PCS relocations, we've built our reputation on honesty, integrity, and genuine care.
Why military families choose us:
- Transparent pricing – Clear, detailed estimates with no hidden fees
- Military expertise – Understanding of weight allowances, regulations, and tight deadlines
- Comprehensive services – Full packing, partial assistance, or secure storage options
- Professional care – Trained crews who treat your belongings with respect
- Documentation support – Thorough inventory and claims assistance
- DOD-approved storage – Secure, climate-controlled facilities with 24-hour surveillance
- Personalized coordinators – Dedicated support throughout your move
- Competitive DITY/PPM support – Expert guidance to maximize reimbursement
- Family-owned – We're not a corporate chain; we treat customers like family
We're honored to serve those who serve our country. With 9 locations across 4 states strategically placed near major military bases, we're positioned to handle your move efficiently while providing personalized attention.
FAQs about PCS move costs
How much money do you get for a PCS move?
The amount depends on rank, dependents, distance, and moving option:
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA) – $2,000-$4,000 for junior enlisted to $7,000-$10,000+ for senior officers with dependents.
- Mileage reimbursement – Around $0.18 per mile (1,000 miles = $180).
- Per diem – $50-$150 per day for authorized travel days.
- TLE – Up to 10 days at $100-$200+ per day, depending on location.
- PPM/DITY incentive – 95-100% of what the government would pay movers, typically $2,000-$8,000+.
Total money received can range from $5,000-$15,000+ for typical family PCS moves, but much is reimbursement for actual expenses, not extra income.
How much does it cost to move a 2000 sq. ft. house?
Moving costs are partially determined by weight, and a 2,000 square foot house typically involves 7,000-10,000 pounds.
- Government-arranged (HHG) – You pay nothing upfront; the government contracts with movers directly.
- Professionally hired – $4,000-$12,000+, depending on distance. Local moves: $2,000-$4,000; cross-country: $8,000-$12,000.
- DITY/PPM – DIY costs $3,000-$6,000 (truck rental, fuel, materials, labor), but you'd receive $6,000-$10,000 reimbursement, potentially netting $2,000-$4,000 profit.
Most military families with a 2,000 square foot home size are within standard weight allowances.
How do I get reimbursed for PCS move costs?
Keep all receipts – Save every receipt from day one: hotels, gas, meals, truck rentals, storage fees.
Submit through the finance office – Use your installation's finance office or DFAS online system.
File within timeframes – DLA claims immediately; other claims have varying deadlines.
Provide required documentation:
- Travel: receipts, orders, odometer readings
- TLE: hotel receipts, occupancy dates
- DITY: weight tickets (empty and loaded), all expense receipts
- Storage: invoices, authorization
Complete weight tickets correctly – For PPM moves, obtain certified scale tickets showing empty and loaded weight.
Follow up regularly – Claims take several weeks; check status and respond promptly.
File damage claims separately – Submit through the moving company and the Military Claims Office, not finance.
Document everything, save all receipts, and file promptly. The military owes you reimbursements, but you must provide documentation.
