Moving Information for Military Families

Active-duty military members relocate often to other locations in order to complete their service. The United States armed forces refer to this location process as a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), which may include domestic and international orders to move to a different military installation in another city, state, and even country. Active-duty military members often live in one place for several months or years before they have to move again. This often affects family members who move along with their spouse or parent.

Military families move as often as once every three years. Unfortunately, moving can cause high levels of stress for everyone, especially young children. Military families can find ways to ease stress and help children feel more comfortable during the move. Parents should consider arranging childcare or hiring a babysitter to look after their children while they pack. Half of the battle is won by doing this simple step. Ask a friend or family member to watch the kids overnight before and after the move. Unpacking will fly by much quicker if the kids stay busy by playing or sleeping.

This resource is designed to offer helpful information and support as you prepare for your next move, whether you're a service member, spouse, or dependent. We are here to provide the knowledge and skills you need for a smooth transition and successful relocation. This includes understanding military PCS (Permanent Change of Station) procedures and finding housing, schools, healthcare, and local resources. Let's go through this journey together and empower military families to thrive in the face of change.

Understanding the Military Moving Process

The average family moves once every six years, a figure that nearly doubles for military families. Most military families understand that moving is a sacrifice they must make to serve our country. PCS season causes a lot of stress for military families. It also promotes strength and unity among them. Moving to another city, state, or even country may seem stressful, but the determination and willpower to work things out through the moving process keep the family unit together. It also means keeping the kids happy until the time comes to move again.

The military moving process, called a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), includes several steps that help service members and their families transition smoothly. It begins with receiving official orders for the move, which outline the destination, timeline, and any specific requirements. Review these orders carefully to understand the military’s expectations and allowances. Once you have received your orders, you can begin planning your move by considering housing, transportation, and relocating your belongings.

Military families go through rough periods of adjustment in their new communities. Children may find a strange neighborhood too scary to make friends at first. Contact the relocation manager to learn about the new base’s programs for military families. Try to remain calm and positive for the kids. Negative attitudes can rub off on children if they see their parents upset by the move. Explain the move to the kids in a way that will get them excited about their new home. Dive right into social events, including activities sponsored by the community.

Emotional Preparation for Kids and Spouses

Before the move, encourage open conversations so children and spouses can share their worries or excitement. Help younger children make a "Memory Book" about their current home and friends to bring with them. Spouses can set personal goals for after the move, like starting a new hobby or getting certified, to help with the emotional transition. Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) are available on many bases and provide free, confidential support without needing a mental health referral.

One challenge is the difficulty of transferring professional licenses, such as teaching or nursing, when spouses move to new states. The Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act, which took effect in 2023, makes it easier for military spouses to transfer their professional licenses. Many states now offer expedited recognition programs that speed up licensing without requiring a full reapplication.

The military offers resources to assist you throughout the process, including the installation's Transportation Management Office (TMO) and the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) website, where you can manage your move, schedule pack-outs, and track your household goods. Additionally, websites like Military OneSource provide comprehensive information, checklists, and resources to help you navigate each stage of the military moving process successfully.

When planning a military move, you have several housing options to consider. If you want to live on base, contact the housing office at your new duty station to find out about availability, eligibility, and how to apply. Military housing offers the convenience of being located within the installation and provides a supportive community environment. If you prefer to live off-base, you can explore the local housing market in the new area. The Department of Defense provides resources, such as the Automated Housing Referral Network (AHRN), which connects service members with available rental properties near their new duty station.

Additionally, researching the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for your new location can help you determine your budget and find suitable housing options. It's essential to begin your housing search early to secure a place that meets your specific needs and preferences. By using these resources and getting help from the installation's housing office, you can make smart decisions about your housing and settle into your new home smoothly.

Housing Options for Military Families: On-Base vs Off-Base

When choosing between on-base and off-base housing, you need to think about things like convenience, cost, and community support. This table highlights the key differences between the two options to help you choose the one that best suits your family’s needs.

Military PCS Move: Timeline and Key Activities

A clear moving timeline helps you stay organized during a PCS move. Use the table below to match important tasks with suggested timelines. This will help you prepare and reduce stress. To plan a PCS move effectively, use the official Plan My Move tool on Military OneSource, which offers task-specific checklists tailored to your branch and family size.

Breaking down the moving process: Begin by listing all the chores and obligations associated with your move. Notifying your housing office, coordinating transportation for your possessions, updating your address with numerous organizations, and examining schools and healthcare providers in your new location are all examples of such duties. Each task should be written down and organized in a logical order.

Establishing deadlines:Once you've determined the tasks, establish realistic deadlines for each one. Consider the time required to perform the task, any dependencies or prerequisites, and the overall timeframe of the transfer. Leave yourself plenty of time for each task to avoid last-minute stress. Set reminders for each deadline so you stay on track.

Keeping Your Chain of Command Informed:When it comes to military moves, communication is critical. Keep your chain of command informed of your relocation intentions and ensure you follow the proper procedures. This will facilitate a smooth transition and minimize any potential disturbances.

Prioritizing tasks: Prioritize tasks depending on their urgency and importance within your moving timeframe. Certain tasks, such as notifying your housing office and arranging transportation for your belongings, may require prompt attention. Others, such as looking into local facilities and services, can be done over time. Prioritizing tasks allows you to focus on what needs to be done first while still making progress on less time-sensitive chores.

Flexibility and adjustments: Keep in mind that unforeseen events or changes may arise during the relocation process. Maintain your flexibility and be prepared to adjust your relocation timeframe as needed. Allow for buffer time between jobs to account for unforeseen events.

Overview of PCS (Permanent Change of Station) process

The PCS (Permanent Change of Station) process, which involves the transfer of service members and their families from one duty station to another, is an important component of military life. It consists of several stages and processes that ensure the smooth transition and continuity of military operations. The procedure usually starts with the issue of formal orders. These orders include details about the new duty station, reporting dates, and any specific instructions. Carefully reviewing these directives helps you understand the scope of the transfer and any rights or benefits you might receive.

After orders are confirmed, the next step in the PCS process is to plan the move's logistics. This includes organizing transportation for household goods, vehicles, and personal belongings. Service personnel can use the military's contracted moving services or, in some situations, coordinate a Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly known as a Do-It-Yourself (DITY) move, in which they handle the move themselves and are reimbursed. Understanding the available options and adhering to the proper criteria ensures a smooth and efficient transition.

Overall, the PCS process takes careful preparation, coordination, and compliance with military regulations and procedures. You may successfully manage the PCS process and minimize some of the stress associated with relocating within the military community by becoming familiar with the various stages, accessing available resources, and obtaining help from the proper military agencies.

Military's Resources and Guidelines For Military Families

Understanding the subtleties of the military moving process is critical for a seamless relocation experience, whether you're an Army soldier or a military family member. The military provides a range of services to assist service personnel and their families in navigating the relocation process. The Transportation Management Office (TMO) at the installation is a helpful resource that may help you coordinate the logistics of your transfer. TMO experts can help you understand the documentation required for reimbursement and provide information on transportation options like government-contracted movers or the process for a Personally Procured Move (PPM). They can also provide information about any special regulations or restrictions that might apply to your move.

The Defense Personal Property System (DPS) website is an excellent online resource for organizing your move. You may arrange your shipment, track your home belongings, and communicate with the appointed moving company using the DPS. To maximize the benefits of this online tool, it is essential to become familiar with its features and functionalities. The website features tutorials, tips, and FAQs to help you navigate the system effectively.

New digital tools like the MyPCS Mobile App let service members create checklists, upload documents, and manage their PCS moves from their smartphones. Another useful tool, Plan My Move, includes personalized calendars, moving checklists, and tips based on your duty station and family needs. These apps help you stay organized and avoid last-minute surprises.

Pre-Move Preparations

Military families often face unique challenges during the moving process, such as dealing with deployment schedules and frequent relocations. To navigate these challenges, start planning early and communicate with your command about your specific situation. Coordinate with the deployment office to align your move with the deployment schedule, if possible. When it comes to housing options, military families have the advantage of accessing on-base housing or utilizing the military's housing allowance to find suitable off-base accommodations.

During the pre-move period, you should begin organizing and making essential plans. Notifying your unit or command of your anticipated relocation, attending pre-deployment briefings, and completing needed documentation are all part of this process.

It's also a good idea to conduct a pre-move survey with the transportation office to evaluate the size and weight of your household goods, which will assist you in planning the logistics and transportation. You can also begin sorting and decluttering your stuff, creating a moving timeline, and investigating your new place and neighborhood at this time.

Researching the available housing options and understanding the application process is essential. Additionally, for National Guard families, there may be specific considerations related to transitioning between active duty and reserve status, so be sure to consult with your unit and resources specific to the National Guard.

Special Considerations for National Guard Relocations

Relocating as a National Guard member brings different challenges compared to active-duty PCS moves. Unlike active-duty members who move between military bases, National Guard families often relocate between civilian communities and Guard units, where on-base support and relocation resources may be limited.

National Guard members might not receive full PCS entitlements unless they are mobilized under federal active-duty orders. Check if your move qualifies for travel allowances like Dislocation Allowance (DLA) or Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE). Confirm your eligibility with your unit’s Administrative Officer (AO) early in the process.

Housing can be more complicated. Active-duty families usually move near installations, but Guard families often relocate to areas with little military support nearby. Programs like the Guard and Reserve Family Program (GRFP) and Military OneSource help National Guard members with relocation by finding civilian housing, getting healthcare under TRICARE Reserve Select, and connecting to local support networks.

National Guard moves can also mean switching between part-time service and active status. This requires careful planning for healthcare coverage, school enrollment, and spousal job rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Coordinating early with military and civilian employers helps prevent benefit gaps and avoids delays.

Moving Tips for Single Service Members

Single service members often deal with logistical and emotional challenges during relocation, especially without the support system families offer. Service Member Assistance Programs (SMAPs) offer targeted aid for single service members dealing with housing insecurity, limited transportation, or access to meals, especially at bases with minimal support services. To make the transition smoother, start by creating a mobility checklist for solo living. Include essentials like ID documents and a basic first-week kit, along with items you use every day, such as chargers, work gear, and medication.

Delays in household goods delivery can hit single members harder since they don't have a shared household. Pack a compact go-bag with temporary cooking tools and hygiene products.

Single enlisted personnel in pay grades E1 through E5 are usually required to live in barracks unless they obtain a Certificate of Non-Availability (CNA). CNAs allow off-base housing, but approval often depends on local availability and command discretion. Eligibility and approval rules vary between services and even by location, so reach out early to the Unaccompanied Housing Office or Barracks Management team at your new duty station.

To avoid isolation, look into lesser-known programs like the Army's Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS), which offers volunteer leadership roles and travel discounts. The Navy’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) program supports peer-led workshops and social clubs through its Quality of Life initiative. Air Force members can join the Single Airman Initiative, which covers part of the cost for activities like SCUBA certification or financial literacy classes.

To feel more connected, go beyond on-base groups and join nearby military-friendly communities using apps like RallyPoint or Meetup’s “Military & Veterans” section. These apps often list events from groups like Team RWB and The Mission Continues. These nonprofits support solo service members through community activities, volunteer projects, and fitness events.

International PCS Moves (Customs, Country-Specific Rules)

Relocating overseas during a PCS adds more planning, especially for customs clearance and destination country rules. Every country has its own regulations for importing household goods, personal vehicles, and pets. Failing to meet these rules can cause delays, fines, or denied entry.

Most international shipments go through inspections by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), followed by customs clearance in the destination country. For example, Germany requires detailed inventories on customs forms (DD Form 1252) and may tax new or high-value items. Japan requires that all incoming goods arrive within six months of the owner's arrival, or they may be taxed. Italy and South Korea often inspect shipments closely and limit items like alcohol, firearms, and food products.

You should work closely with your installation’s Transportation Management Office (TMO) and review the Department of State’s Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) early in the process. The FCG lists country-specific requirements for paperwork, restricted items, and import timelines. Some countries also require special medical clearances before shipping pets or personal belongings.

Families moving abroad should also be ready for logistical differences, like longer shipping times, sometimes up to 90 days, and unfamiliar local moving laws. Working with international moving specialists approved by the Department of Defense, such as Suddath or International AutoSource, can help simplify customs paperwork and ensure compliance with host-nation regulations.

Researching Your New Location

When planning for a military relocation with your family, spend time researching your new area. By becoming familiar with the place, you will be able to make informed judgments that will make a smooth transition and ensure a seamless adjustment for everyone. Here are some important factors to consider when looking for a new home:

Housing and Neighborhoods: Begin by looking at housing choices in your new neighborhood. Analyze the availability, price, and suitability of both on- and off-base housing options. Considerations such as school proximity, amenities, and commuting distances. Military INSTALLATIONS and AHRN (Automated Housing Referral Network) are two online services that can provide vital information and lists of available rental houses near your new duty station.

Schools and Education:If you have children, it is critical that you explore schools and educational possibilities. Examine the performance ratings, programs offered, and any special resources for military families in the local school district. Contact the school liaison officer at your new post for information and direction on enrollment procedures, school transfers, and support services for military-connected pupils.

Healthcare Services:Make sure you are well-versed in the healthcare services and facilities accessible in your new area. Investigate neighboring medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and specialty centers. Check to see if your current healthcare providers are part of the TRICARE network or if you need to discover new physicians in your region. The TRICARE Find a Doctor service helps you locate healthcare providers near your new duty station.

Community Support and Resources: Explore the resources and services available in the new community for military families. Military bases frequently feature Family Support Centers or Military and Family Readiness Programs that provide families with aid, programs, and activities. Consider local organizations such as spouse clubs, parent support groups, and community centers for vital contacts and support networks.

Educational changes and Access to Support Services: For children, moving to a new area frequently implies educational changes. Investigate local schools and educational programs to find the best fit for your children's requirements. Communicate with both your current and new schools to ensure a smooth transition and a seamless record transfer. Military families can seek assistance from organizations such as the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) and School Liaison Officers (SLOs), who provide counseling and aid throughout educational transitions.

Empathize with the kids by helping them cope with the moving process. Encourage them to stay in touch with old friends via phone or the internet. This will keep them grounded until they can adjust fully to their surroundings. It will also promote their sociability when it comes to making new friends in the community. As time passes, the kids will have found their place at school, on the playground, and in their neighborhood.

Sorting and Decluttering

Sorting and arranging your belongings before a military transfer is an important step in streamlining the process and reducing the number of goods that need to be moved. Here are some useful hints for sorting your stuff and determining which items to donate, sell, or throw away:

Begin early and focus on one area at a time: Start sorting and getting rid of months before your move. Begin with one room or area and work your way through each thing. This method minimizes overwhelm, allowing you to devote attention to each space.

Use the "Keep, Donate, Sell, and Discard" method: Make specific places or boxes for items that you intend to keep, donate, sell, or destroy. As you sort through your belongings, consider whether each item is essential or holds sentimental value. If not, consider donating it to a nonprofit organization, selling it, or simply discarding it. This procedure helps you prioritize and make informed decisions about each item.

Consider usefulness and necessity: Evaluate each item's functionality and the need. Consider when you last used it and whether it will serve a role in your future home. If an item is rarely used or easily replaceable, it may be worth letting go to reduce the number of goods you have to move.

Involve the entire family: If you're moving with your family, get everyone involved in the sorting and decluttering process. Encourage each family member to review their own possessions, teaching them the importance of letting go of items they no longer need. This can also be a time for the family to bond and make decisions together.

Document What You Own

Make a thorough inventory of everything you own, room by room. Furniture, appliances, gadgets, clothing, and personal items should all be included. Create a list of any pertinent information, including brand, model, and serial numbers. Make sure to complete DD Form 1840/1840R to record and report any damage to your household goods, which is required for compensation claims under the military’s liability program. This level of detail is beneficial for insurance purposes and can aid in any future claims in the event of damage or loss.

To develop and organize your inventory, use digital inventory management tools or spreadsheets. These tools make it easy to update and access your inventory while you're on the move. For reference, you can attach descriptions, images, and even estimated values for your objects. A digital inventory allows you to search for specific products readily and serves as a backup if the physical inventory document is lost.

Packing and Supplies

Check with your local military installation: Many military bases provide free or low-cost packing items through relocation offices or lending closets. Inquire about the availability of these resources and, if possible, use them.

Inquire with your friends and neighbors: Contact other military families or neighbors who have recently relocated. They may have extra packaging materials that they are prepared to share or sell at a reduced price.

Search for online classifieds or local community groups: Search online venues such as social media groups, classified advertising, or community forums where people frequently sell or give away boxes and packing goods that they no longer require.

Room-by-room packing guidelines: To maintain structure and reduce confusion, start with one room at a time. Pack related goods in the same box and clearly label each box with the room to which it belongs.

Maximize space: Utilize space-saving tactics such as nestling smaller things within larger ones to maximize space. To avoid shifting during transit, fill any holes in boxes with packing paper or bubble wrap. Wrap fragile and breakable things separately and add extra padding to ensure their protection.

Understanding Entitlements and Reimbursements

Understand your entitlements and potential reimbursements. Your military moving allowance may include base pay travel reimbursement, shipment of household goods, and temporary lodging depending on your orders and family status. For example, service members are normally entitled to a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), which helps cover housing expenses during the transfer. You may also be entitled to Dislocation Allowance (DLA) to assist in covering the costs of relocating. When performing a Personally Procured Move (PPM), ensure you understand the reimbursement process, including how to accurately document expenses and submit your claim.

1. Dislocation Allowance (DLA): A one-time payment that helps cover extra moving costs.
2. Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE): Pays for up to 10 days of lodging and meals during moves within the continental U.S.
3. Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA): Helps with the cost of temporary housing during moves outside the continental U.S.
4. Personally Procured Move (PPM) Reimbursement: Submit weight tickets and receipts to get reimbursed for moves you handle yourself.

Hiring Professional Movers vs. DIY

One of the most significant decisions you'll have to make is whether you want to hire professional movers or do it yourself (DIY). Both choices have advantages and disadvantages, and recognizing them will help you make an informed decision:

Hiring professional movers provides various benefits. Professional movers have the knowledge, equipment, and personnel to manage the packing, loading, transportation, and unloading of your belongings. They have extensive experience handling the complications of military relocation and can ensure that your belongings are appropriately secured and protected during transportation. Hiring professionals can save you time and effort, allowing you to concentrate on other areas of your relocation. Furthermore, the military frequently provides outsourced moving services at no cost to the service member, making it a cost-effective option.

Transportation organized by the government: The military provides government-contracted movers who can transport your household possessions. This alternative is often convenient and can alleviate the stress of coordinating logistics yourself. Your belongings will be packed, loaded, transported, and unloaded by the transportation company. The military's transportation office can guide the process, documentation requirements, and any applicable regulations.

A DIY move, on the other hand, can give you more control and freedom. It enables you to pack and organize your belongings according to your preferences, ensuring easy access to necessary items throughout your move. DIY moving can offer the opportunity to save money if you handle the logistics yourself. However, it's critical to consider the time, physical labor, and potential stress of a DIY relocation. You'll be responsible for arranging proper transportation, handling the logistics, and overseeing the entire process from start to finish.

Personally Procured Move (PPM): A Personally Procured Move (PPM) allows you to have more control over the transportation process. In a PPM, you handle the logistics yourself and are qualified for military reimbursement. You have the option of hiring your own moving company or renting a truck to transfer your goods. A DITY move, officially called a Personally Procured Move, allows you to manage the entire relocation and potentially earn a profit if your actual costs are lower than the government reimbursement. If you're prepared to invest in the time and effort to plan and execute the relocation, it can be a cost-effective option.

The decision of whether to hire professional movers or do it yourself is influenced by factors such as your money, available time, personal preferences, and the complexity of your move. Consider the pros and cons, as well as your circumstances.

Coordinate with the Transportation Office

To begin the relocation process, contact your installation's transportation office as soon as possible. They will provide guidance on timing and logistics, as well as the possibility of a Personally Procured Move (PPM). Inquire about any entitlements and allowances to which you may be entitled, such as Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) or Dislocation Allowance (DLA).

Options for Transporting Vehicles

Vehicle transportation is another key factor during a military move. Consider distance, convenience, cost, and personal preferences when organizing transportation for your automobiles. Evaluate the available options, weigh their benefits and drawbacks, and select the one that best meets your personal needs and circumstances. You have several possibilities depending on the distance and logistics involved:

Vehicle Shipping

When moving long distances or internationally, auto transportation can be a useful choice. You can hire an experienced auto shipping firm to transport your vehicle. They specialize in automobile relocation and will ensure that your vehicle is safely transferred to your new place. Before making a decision, conduct research on trustworthy vehicle shipping companies, compare estimates, and confirm their insurance coverage.

Car shipping delays create transportation problems at the new duty station. Reserve military-contracted vehicle shipping services, such as the POV Shipment Program, as soon as you receive your orders.

Driving the Vehicle

For those who reside within a reasonable driving distance, heading to the new location may be an intriguing option. This allows you to keep your vehicle with you while driving and make stops along the way. Consider the distance, time, and cost of fuel and lodging before the trip.

Transporting Pets

There are several choices available depending on the distance and whether you are moving domestically or internationally. There are a few options for long-distance moving within the same country.

You can consider moving by automobile with your pet. This gives you immediate management and oversight of their well-being throughout the journey. Maintain a secure and comfortable box or carrier for your pet, and make frequent pauses for exercise, toilet breaks, and drinking. You can also hire professional pet travel services. These specialized businesses have experience handling pet relocations and can provide dedicated care and attention throughout the transit process. Depending on your preferences and the distance involved, they can arrange for your pet to travel by air or ground.

Transporting pets internationally requires careful planning and compliance with strict regulations. Each destination country enforces specific requirements for vaccinations, health certificates, microchipping, and quarantine. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) provides official guidance for pet travel abroad, including country-specific entry requirements that must be completed early.

Many airlines have detailed pet transport policies that outline crate standards, temperature restrictions, and required documentation, such as United Airlines' PetSafe program or American Airlines' PetEmbark guidelines.

Coordinate early with your veterinarian, USDA-accredited certifying officials, and your airline to ensure a smooth process. A last-minute mistake can cause costly delays or denied entry at borders. Some families recommend hiring professional pet relocation services, such as PetRelocation or Air Animal Pet Movers, to handle complex paperwork and logistics, especially for military moves.

Contact the consulate of your destination country and review the USDA APHIS guidelines at least six months before you move. Countries like Japan, Australia, and South Korea require rabies titers and long preparation times. Delays could lead to costly quarantines or denial of entry.

Communicate with Your New Base

Contact the housing office at your new base to share your planned arrival date. Provide your expected arrival date and ask about on-base housing availability. They can assist you with the application process, provide information about housing options, and clarify any special requirements or documents you may need.

Ask how to get base access at your new installation. Determine the documents you will need to present upon arrival, such as your military ID card, vehicle registration, and insurance.

Plan Your Travel

Consider factors such as lodging, transportation, and meals while traveling. Booking accommodations near your location will give you and your family a well-deserved rest throughout your journey.

It can be difficult to find temporary lodging during peak PCS season, from May to August. Reserve early using Military OneSource’s PCS Lodging locator to find hotels that accept per diem rates and provide military discounts. You should also prioritize temporary lodging facilities (TLFs) on military bases.

Consider Temporary Storage

During a military relocation, your new house may not be immediately available upon arrival. Arranging for temporary storage of your belongings may provide peace of mind and flexibility in such instances. Locate storage facilities close to your destination. If you’re headed on an unaccompanied overseas tour, ask your TMO about Non-Temporary Storage (NTS) options, which let you store belongings at government expense for the duration of your assignment. Find out that the facility has secure and climate-controlled storage units to protect your belongings until you are ready to move in.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Military Move

1. Relying Solely on Government Movers Without a Backup Plan
Military-contracted moving services are usually reliable but often face major delays during the peak PCS season from May through August. Without a backup plan like temporary lodging or short-term storage, you could end up without your household goods for weeks.

2. Failing to Pre-Register for School Enrollment
Many high-demand school districts require early registration, sometimes months before the school year begins. Missing these windows could result in children being assigned to lower-performing overflow schools farther from home.

3. Ignoring Small Entitlements That Add Up
Many families focus on major entitlements like DLA or TLE but overlook smaller reimbursements, such as per diem meal rates during travel or partial dislocation allowances for dependent-only moves. These smaller claims can help offset hundreds of dollars in expenses. Military travel allowances cover costs such as mileage, per diem meals, and dependent travel, all of which must be documented on DD Form 1351-2 to avoid reimbursement delays.

4. Not Taking Photos of Your Household Goods Before the Move
Without clear photos of your furniture, electronics, and valuables before the move, it is harder to prove damage when filing claims. Claims are often denied without visual evidence, especially when third-party contractors are involved.

5. Assuming On-Base Housing Will Be Available
Waitlists for on-base housing often stretch 6 to 12 months at popular duty stations, especially overseas or at coastal installations. Families who assume they can live on base without a backup off-base plan risk facing expensive, last-minute rental costs.

To summarize, a military transfer is a major undertaking, but with careful planning and the use of available resources, it can be a manageable and successful transition for you and your family. Best wishes on your journey to your new home!