PCS: Prep, Scheduling, & More
For most military families, the biggest issue with PCS is the move itself. Packing, housing inspections, house hunting, the waiting list for government housing and traveling with pets, just to name a few tasks, can make the process daunting.
7 ways to prepare for your pcs move
1: Contact your Transportation Office as soon as you receive your PCS orders to schedule your move.
The sooner you do this, the more likely you can schedule the move for the dates you want.
Read on to learn more about scheduling your move.
2: Figure out your weight allowance, which is determined by your rank.
Knowing how much weight you can move will allow you to better decide what to bring, what to get rid of, or what to store someplace else.
Click here to learn more about travel and weight allowances.
3: Make arrangements for your pets.
While you may be allowed to bring your pets with you, the shipment of live animals is not covered — you will have to arrange for pet transport yourself. If you can’t bring your pet with you, then you will have to find them a new home before your move.
Pet transportation
Patriot Express pet reservations are made by your local transportation office when you request your passenger reservations. Pet spaces on Patriot Express are limited, booked on a first-come, first-served basis and should be requested as early as possible. Pet spaces are available for booking 90-120 days prior to departure.
Families are limited to two pets; the combined weight of the kennel and pet cannot exceed 150 pounds each. Pet owners are responsible for all costs associated with pet travel to include pet fees for Patriot Express and any connecting commercial airline fees as well as documentation requirements.
Pet owners are responsible for making all transportation arrangements for connecting commercial flights. Commercial airlines limit transportation to a combined weight of 100 pounds and also have restrictions on snub-nosed animal breeds and summer travel. Contact your airline directly to ensure you understand their travel guidelines.
The AMC Pet Travel page has detailed information on traveling with your pet on Patriot Express including pet fees, check-in procedures, kennel and documentation requirements, and more. You can also view this downloadable AMC Pet Brochure.
More pet travel resources
For general tips on traveling with pets, including health and safety information and links to OCONUS resources, read the article linked below titled Moving With Pets.
For detailed information on taking animals from the U.S. to a foreign country, bringing animals from a foreign county to the U.S., and traveling with your pet from state to state, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website at APHIS Pet Travel.
Have other moving questions, or need help finding resources? Military OneSource consultants are available 24/7/365 anywhere in the world to help connect you with the information and services you need to master your move. Call 800-342-9647, use OCONUS calling options or schedule a live chat.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MOVING WITH PETS
4: Plan what to do with your privately owned vehicle.
For OCONUS moves, the government will cover the cost of shipping one POV to your new duty station or the cost to store your vehicle stateside.
CONUS moves won’t cover shipping a car, but it will allow you to include boats, motorcycles, and other recreational vehicles as part of your overall weight allowance.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Privately owned vehicle, or POV, shipping and storage
International Auto Logistics
110 Office Park Lane
Suite 200
Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
Phone: 921-280-6000
Toll free: 855-389-9499
Email: CustomerService@ialpov.us
Online: https://www.pcsmypov.com/
Click here to learn more about travel and weight allowances.
5: Document the condition of your household goods.
Make an inventory of valuable items you’re moving, such as artwork and heirlooms. Consider getting them appraised in the event they’re damaged or lost. Take pictures or videos of all of your items to create a record of condition before your move. This documentation may be necessary if you have to file a loss/damage claim.
It’s very important to keep small valuables like cash and jewelry on your person when you move.
Though most possessions are replaceable, if there are specific keep-sake items or heirlooms you absolutely do not want to lose, I advise you to make separate arrangements for them. Wether that means leaving them in a safe place at a family members house, or keeping them on your person throughout the move.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR GENERAL MOVING SUPPORT
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time
Phone: 855-HHG-MOVE or 855-444-6683
Email: householdgoods@us.navy.mil
Website: https://www.navsup.navy.mil/household
Social media page: Navy Household Goods
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR MILITARY CLAIMS
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
Phone:
Toll Free: 888-897-8217
Commercial: 757-440-6315
DSN: 564-3310
Email: NorfolkClaims@us.navy.mil
Fax: 703-432-2591
Website: U.S. Navy Judge Advocate Claims and Tort Litigation
6: Get ready for the movers to arrive.
If you’re having the government handle the shipment of your household goods, there are still some things you should do to make the move go smoothly.
Tasks such as emptying and cleaning your refrigerator, disconnecting appliances, removing items mounted to your walls, and more can help expedite the moving process.
7: Supervise the movers and review your inventory.
You must be present during the move. Watch the movers to make sure they wrap and load everything correctly. Carefully review the inventory, and check every item and box before signing off on it.
PERSONALLY PROCEDURED MOVE (PPM)
Requesting funds advance for a personally procured move, or PPM
Generally, Navy personnel requesting an advance of up to 60% for a PPM, must provide a copy of a vehicle rental reservation or moving company estimate to be eligible for a funds advance. The following exceptions apply:
First time movers and separating Navy personnel in a “non-pay status” are not eligible for an advance payment.
Navy personnel relocating to locations serviced by the one-time-only rate program are not eligible to do a PPM.
REIMBURSEMENT
CONTACT INFO
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
Phone: 855-HHG-MOVE or 855-444-6683 option 6
Email submissions: hhg_audit_ppm_claims.fct@navy.mil
Key information for submitting your package:
Submit the paperwork as a PDF file (protect PII information)
Size limit of 10MB – if larger the file is deleted/rejected
Do not send documents using Google Drive, iCloud, zip files (we are unable to access via these platforms)
Checking status of your PPM: pptas.fiscn@navy.mil or call number listed above
Mailing address:
Commanding Officer
NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk
Business Support Department
HHG Audit Division Code 302
1968 Gilbert Street Suite 600
Norfolk, VA 23511-3392
Website: https://www.navsup.navy.mil/NAVSUP-Household-Goods/PPM/PPM-Information/
sourceshttps://www.mymove.com/moving/planning/pcs-military-guide/https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-pcs/plan-to-move/customer-service-contacts-for-military-pcs/