Posted on by Chris DiJulio

How to Prepare for a Military Move in Seattle

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is a routine yet disruptive part of military life, requiring swift logistics and a clear plan.

Hi, I’m Tony Bouie, General Manager of Lincoln Moving and Storage, and a military moving expert. For nearly 30 years, I’ve helped thousands of service members relocate to military installations like Joint Base Lewis-McChord and others across Washington State.

On average, active-duty service members and military families move every two to three years, and with over 400,000 PCS moves processed annually by the Department of Defense, there are thousands of families wondering: What’s the best way to prepare for a military move?

Whether you’re heading to your next duty station across the country or overseas, you’ll find actionable steps you can take to keep your PCS experience on track in this guide. 

 

How to Develop a Plan for a PCS Move

Understand the PCS Orders Timeline

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders don’t arrive with a margin for procrastination. Once they’re in hand, the clock starts ticking. 

The Department of Defense recommends service members begin preparations immediately upon receiving verbal notification. Hard copy orders typically follow within days or weeks, depending on the branch and assignment. 

For instance, the Army’s standard guideline allocates 90 to 120 days from orders issuance to report date, though overseas assignments often involve longer lead times due to clearance requirements.

 

Create a Move Calendar and Checklist

Whether you prefer digital or print, create a move calendar that includes key deadlines like: 

  • TMO briefings
  • housing out-processing
  • school withdrawals
  • DITY reimbursement submission (if applicable)

Add alerts a week ahead of each event to stay proactive rather than reactive.

It may also be helpful to you to create a checklist that includes important tasks for your move:

  • Document gathering: Service records, medical files, passports, orders
  • Housing prep: Schedule base inspection, confirm lease termination dates
  • Utilities management: Shut-off dates, final billing, address changes

How to Organize Your Military Documents and Records

Every PCS starts with a stack of paperwork. Medical and dental records-both physical and mental health-need to move with you, too. If you’re in a specialized Military Occupational Specialty, include certifications or training credentials relevant to your role.

Need a quick breakdown? Here’s a categorized list to get you started:

  • Identification: Military and dependent ID cards, Social Security cards, driver’s licenses
  • Official Military Paperwork: Orders (current and past), DD-214 (if applicable), evaluations, and awards
  • Medical: Immunization records, prescription info, recent physical forms, EFMP documentation
  • Legal: Birth and marriage certificates, powers of attorney, wills
  • Financial: LES, BAH documentation, banking info relevant to allotments

Keep organized by placing paperwork in different folders labeled or color-coded by category. Being able to sort through your documents quickly will help a lot during processing. Also be aware – the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) provides PCS folders at supply offices.

 

What’s Covered by the Military for Your PCS Move and How to Track Expenses

Unpacking Your Entitlements: Know What You’re Owed

The PCS process comes with built-in financial support from the military, but understanding what’s covered can make the difference between staying on budget or ending up with unexpected bills. 

The key entitlements to focus on include:

  • Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA): Reimburses overseas lodging and meal expenses before you secure permanent housing. The rate depends on your destination and family size.
  • Dislocation Allowance (DLA): Offered to offset the cost of relocating your household. As of 2025, it ranges from:
    • $3,418.13 for E-1s 
    • $5,339.14 for O-6s with dependents.
  • Per Diem: Covers meals and incidental travel costs during your PCS journey. You’ll receive a fixed daily rate, which varies based on location and travel days.
  • Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT): Reimburses mileage for driving your own vehicle-paid at $0.21 per mile as of January 2024.

Each of these is calculated based on your rank, dependent status, and travel destinations. Use the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) calculator to estimate your entitlements accurately before the move begins.

Track Every Dollar: Monitor Out-of-Pocket Expenses

While the military covers a portion of moving costs, you’ll encounter charges that aren’t reimbursable. Things like hotel upgrades, extra baggage fees, early lease termination, and pet shipping can add up quickly. 

Start by identifying all non-covered categories specific to your move. Then track every payment in real time instead of waiting until receipts pile up.

Mobile with apps like: 

  • Splitwise: Keep track of shared expenses with friends and family.
  • Expensify: Create expense reports from your phone or computer

Break costs down by category: lodging, fuel, meals, tolls, storage, and so on. Consistent tracking will make reimbursement filing and post-move tax season significantly easier.

 

What’s the Difference Between a Government Managed Move and Personally Procured Move?

Government-Managed Moves via GHC

With the GHC, the military arranges all moving logistics through authorized transportation service providers. You hand over the responsibility, and the carrier packs, ships, and delivers your household goods. This hands-off option suits those who prefer convenience and less planning.

  • Pros: Door-to-door service, no upfront costs, Department of Defense takes responsibility for damages.
  • Cons: Less flexibility on timing, frequent delays during peak PCS season, and limited oversight on packing and handling.

The Personally Procured Move (PPM)

PPM gives full control. You choose the dates, hire the moving company, rent the truck, load the boxes, and manage the move from start to finish. The government reimburses costs based on what it would have spent on a GHC move-often allowing proactive and organized service members to keep the difference in expenses as profit.

  • Pros: Greater flexibility, potential for financial gain, direct oversight of your belongings.
  • Cons: Requires detailed planning, upfront payment is needed, assumes liability for all logistics and damages.

Hiring a Reputable Moving Company

Going PPM? Take a look at our video on the top 3 capabilities you need to make sure your mover has.

You can verify registration through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database and check reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp or the Better Business Bureau.

Ask the right questions: Are their estimates binding? Do they have experience with military timelines? Can they provide proof of insurance? Are their crews background-checked? 

Companies that dodge the tough questions may not show up when it matters.

 

Conclusion 

A successful PCS starts well before moving day. With early planning, organized documents, and a firm grasp on your entitlements, you’ll feel far more in control of the process. Decide whether a government move or a PPM works best for your situation, ask the right questions when selecting support, and track key tasks along the way.

Military moves come with unique stressors, but a structured approach turns uncertainty into confidence. With the right preparation, your next duty station won’t just be another move — it will be a smooth transition to the next chapter in your service and family life.

Note: While this guide is provided by Lincoln Moving and Storage, our recommendations reflect general PCS guidance and are not tied to specific promotional offers.