Frequently Asked Questions about Military and PCS Moving

PCS movers typically need 8-12 weeks advance notice to properly plan and execute your move, but the actual moving process varies depending on several factors. For packing and loading, expect 1-3 days, depending on the size of your household. Transportation time varies significantly based on distance – local moves within the same state might take just a few days, while cross-country PCS moves can take 2-3 weeks for delivery.

The key is starting early! Peak PCS season runs from May 15 through September 30, so booking during this busy period may require even more advanced planning to secure your preferred dates.

A complete military move from start to finish typically takes 2-4 weeks, but this timeline can vary based on distance, household size, and whether you're moving during peak season. Here's what to expect:

• Pre-move planning: 8-12 weeks before your move date
• Packing: 1-3 days
• Loading: 1 day
• Transportation: 3-21 days, depending on distance
• Delivery and unpacking: 1-2 days

Remember, PCS orders are typically for longer-term assignments of two to four years, so taking time to plan properly is worth the investment for a smooth transition.

Preparation is crucial for a successful military move. Start by creating an inventory of all your belongings and deciding what you'll keep, donate, or sell. Consider purging or donating household items you no longer use while waiting for orders – this reduces weight and can save money on your move.

Schedule your move through your Transportation Office as early as possible, especially during peak season. Gather important documents like orders, ID cards, and any special moving requirements. If you have high-value items, consider getting them professionally appraised and photographed for insurance purposes.

Prepare your home by disconnecting appliances, backing up computer files, and packing a survival kit with essentials you'll need immediately upon arrival at your new duty station.

Military movers have strict guidelines about what they cannot transport due to safety and federal regulations. Essentially, if it is liquid or has a flammable warning label on it, your packers will leave it out. Here are the main categories of prohibited items:

• Hazardous materials: Paint, propane tanks, ammunition, firearms, cleaning supplies, and anything flammable
• Perishables: Food items, plants, and anything that could spoil 
• Personal items: Important documents, jewelry, cash, and medications (keep these with you) 
• High-value electronics: Consider hand-carrying expensive electronics or cameras 
• Lithium batteries: Large rechargeable batteries are considered fire hazards

Always check with your moving company for a complete list of restricted items specific to your move.

Yes! Let us pack for you.

Contact us today to find out how we pack your belongings before the move and unpack for you after the move. Our packing professionals can ease the stress of your move and help protect your fragile possessions.

When selecting a military moving company, look for these key qualifications:

• Government certification: Ensure they're approved DOD contractors with proper licensing 
• Military experience: Choose companies that specialize in military moves and understand PCS requirements 
• Good reputation: Check reviews from other military families and verify their standing with the Better Business Bureau 
• Comprehensive services: Look for companies that offer packing, storage, and specialized services for military families 
• Clear communication: The best companies keep you informed throughout the process and answer your questions promptly

Don't just go with the cheapest option – focus on value, reliability, and experience with military moves.

Stewart Moving & Storage is proud to support our military community and veterans. We understand the sacrifices made by service members and their families, and we're committed to making your transitions as smooth as possible.

We offer special considerations for military families, including flexible scheduling to accommodate sudden changes in orders, secure storage options, and experienced crews who understand the unique aspects of military moves. Contact us directly to discuss how we can support your military family's specific moving needs and learn about any current programs we may have available.

We provide shipment tracking.

Stewart offers shipment tracking for longer-distance moves so you can always know where your belongings are.

Military movers can provide temporary storage for up to 90 days when delays prevent service members from moving into permanent housing at their new duty station. An additional 90 days may be requested through the local military transportation office.

This storage is typically provided at no additional cost to you as part of your PCS entitlements. Any period beyond 180 days is usually considered long-term storage and may require special approval and potentially additional costs.

If you need long-term storage, discuss options with your Transportation Office early in the planning process.

The cost of your military move is typically covered by your PCS allowances, but "exceptional service" can refer to additional services beyond the standard government contract. These might include:

• Expedited service: Faster delivery times during peak season 
• Special packing: Extra care for valuable or fragile items 
• Additional stops: Multiple pickup or delivery locations 
• Storage services: Extended storage beyond the standard allowance

Costs for these services vary based on your specific needs and the moving company. Always get written estimates for any additional services and verify what's covered by your military allowances versus what you'll pay out-of-pocket.

For service members, the Army covers the cost of your PCS move through your travel allowances. The actual cost varies widely based on distance, household size, and services required, but you typically won't pay this directly.

However, you may have out-of-pocket expenses for:

• Services beyond your weight allowance
• Additional insurance coverage
• Expedited or premium services
• Temporary lodging expenses (though these are often reimbursed)

Work with your finance office to understand your specific entitlements and any potential out-of-pocket costs for your move.

No, military movers will not pack most liquids due to safety regulations and federal transportation laws. This prohibition includes spray lubricants, spray paints, insecticides and herbicides, and many automotive maintenance materials.

Common liquids that cannot be packed include:

• Cleaning supplies
• Paint and paint thinner
• Motor oil and automotive fluids
• Alcohol (in some cases)
• Personal care liquids in large quantities

Plan to use up these items before your move, give them away, or transport small quantities yourself if permitted. Check with your moving company for specific guidelines about what liquids, if any, can be transported.

To schedule your Army movers, start by visiting your base Transportation Office as soon as you receive your PCS orders. They'll help you navigate the process and provide you with the necessary forms and information.

You'll typically use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) online portal to:

• Submit your moving request
• Choose your preferred moving dates
• Select additional services
• Track your shipment
• File any claims if needed

The Transportation Office staff can walk you through this process and help ensure all your paperwork is complete. Remember to schedule as early as possible, especially during peak PCS season.

Military moving works through a comprehensive system designed to support service members and their families during PCS transitions. Here's the basic process:

1. Receive orders: Your command issues PCS orders with your new duty station
2. Contact Transportation Office: Schedule your move and complete the required paperwork
3. Choose your moving option: Government-arranged move or personally procured move (PPM)
4. Schedule services: Coordinate packing, pickup, and delivery dates
5. Prepare for the move: Complete pre-move requirements and prepare your household
6. Moving day: Professional movers handle packing, loading, and transportation
7. Delivery: Receive your belongings at your new duty station
8. Claims process: File any damage claims within the required timeframe

The military provides allowances to cover these costs based on your rank, family size, and the distance of the move.

The 90-day rule in military moving typically refers to temporary storage allowances. Service members are entitled to 90 days of temporary storage when circumstances prevent immediate occupancy of permanent housing at their new duty station.

This might occur when:

• Base housing isn't immediately available
• You're waiting for off-base housing to become available
• There are delays in your move-in process
• You're attending training before reporting to your permanent duty station

An additional 90 days may be requested through your local military transportation office if circumstances require extended storage. This benefit helps ensure military families aren't forced into temporary housing situations due to circumstances beyond their control.