How Much Does the Military Pay for Moving? (Military Move Benefits Explained)

 

Written by Move and Care

Edited and Fact Checked by Taras Kim

Updated: July 16, 2025

Moving is a way of life in the military. Service members usually face a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) every few years, packing up their homes and relocating to a new duty station. The good news is that in government and military moving programs, the military pays most, if not all, of your moving expenses. In fact, the Department of Defense has systems to either ship your household goods at no cost to you or reimburse you for moving them yourself. This article breaks down who pays for what in a military move, what moving company the military uses, how military movers work, and how much the military will reimburse you, so you can plan your PCS with confidence.

Military Moving Options – Government Movers vs. DIY PPM

When it comes to relocating on military orders, you have two main options:

1. Government-Arranged Move (Household Goods Shipment)

In this route, often called a “HHG move,” the military contracts professional moving companies to pack up and transport your belongings. You’ll work with the Transportation Office on base, and military movers will be assigned to your move. How do military movers work? It’s pretty straightforward – a moving team comes to your home, packs and inventory your items, loads them onto a truck, and delivers them to your new location. The government covers the cost directly, and you don’t pay the movers. From your perspective, it’s free: you might even hear, “the Air Force sent movers at no cost to me,” which is exactly how it works.

The movers are coordinated through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). Sailors, soldiers, airmen and Marines submit move applications in DPS via Move.mil, and the local Personal Property Office confirms the order and books the shipment.

Under DPS, every DoD‑approved Transportation Service Provider (moving company) is scored on cost and past performance. The shipment is automatically awarded to the carrier with the highest “Best Value Score” that has capacity, not to the carrier the customer prefers; you may list a “preferred” mover, but the request cannot override the system.

The Pentagon did attempt to replace DPS with a single‑provider model called the Global Household Goods Contract (GHC), awarded to HomeSafe Alliance in 2021. After a rocky pilot during the 2024–25 cycle, U.S. Transportation Command terminated the GHC contract on 18–20 June 2025, and all peak‑season moves reverted to legacy DPS rules while officials decide what comes next (Military Times, 20 Jun 2025; KBR press release, 20 Jun 2025).

2. Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY Move)

This is the do-it-yourself option. You can choose to move your household goods on your own – whether by renting a U-Haul, hiring a private moving service, or using portable moving containers (like PODS). In a PPM, you pay the moving expenses upfront, but the military will reimburse you afterward. Why would someone do a PPM? Because if you manage the move efficiently, you could actually make money. The military will reimburse you 100% of what it would have cost them to hire movers for you. If you spend less than that amount doing it yourself, you keep the difference as profit.

On the flip side, any cost beyond that government calculated amount comes out of your pocket. A PPM gives you more control – you can schedule on your timeline and you don’t risk movers losing or damaging items – but it does require more work and upfront cash (more on reimbursements below).

Does the Military Pay for Moving Expenses?

Yes – if you are moving on official orders, the military pays for virtually all of your moving expenses. By design, a PCS shouldn’t financially burden you. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Government-Arranged HHG Move

  Government-Arranged HHG Move: The Department of Defense pays the moving company directly. You do not have to pay for packing, loading, shipping, or unloading of your household goods. The contract with the movers is handled and paid by the government. In other words, the military is footing the bill to ship your stuff from Point A to Point B.

• PPM (Do-It-Yourself Move)

  PPM (Do-It-Yourself Move): You pay initially, but the military reimburses you after you file your travel claim. We’ll discuss how much is covered in the next section – spoiler: it’s essentially the entire cost as long as you don’t exceed what they’d pay a contractor.

• Additional Covered Costs

  Additional Covered Costs: In addition to the transportation of your household goods, the military also either pays upfront or reimburses you for other moving-related costs. This includes travel expenses for you and your family (mileage, gas, lodging, meals while traveling to the new base) and even some miscellaneous costs (we’ll cover the specific allowances shortly).

In practice, if you follow the rules and stay within your authorized limits, you should not have to pay out-of-pocket for a standard PCS move. There are multiple allowances and programs in place to ensure the government covers the majority of moving expenses for service members. You may have to front some money (for example, paying for gas during the drive or renting a moving truck in a PPM), but those expenses are later reimbursed. Always save your receipts and weight tickets to claim those costs. The military’s goal is to make sure that moving from one duty station to another doesn’t put a financial strain on you or your family.

How Much Does the Military Reimburse for Moving (PPM)?

If you choose to do a Personally Procured Move, the military will reimburse you up to 100% of the cost it would incur to move you via a contractor. This is a key point: since 2021, the reimbursement rate for PPMs is 100% (it used to be 95%). That means the government calculates what your move would have cost them – based on the weight of your goods and the distance – and will give you the full amount of that estimate.

• Full reimbursement example

  Let’s say the authorized cost for your move is $9,000. If you spend $9,000 or more doing it yourself, you’ll be reimbursed $9,000 (the cap). If you manage to do it for $7,000, you’ll still get $9,000 and you profit $2,000 for your effort. The incentive here is that careful planning and maybe some DIY labor (with help from friends or family) can essentially earn you money. “Anything spent less is money in your pocket,” as one official source says.

• Over-cost scenario

  If you splurge or run into issues and end up spending, say, $10,000 in the move when the government estimate was $9,000, you would only get $9,000 back and would have to eat the extra $1,000 yourself. So, it pays to stay within the budget the military would use. Many families find they can keep costs down by utilizing military discounts (truck rental companies and many moving services offer discounts to military members) and by moving smartly (selling off unnecessary items, etc.).

• Advance Operating Allowance

  One common concern is having the cash to pay for things upfront. The military can provide an advance of up to 60% of the expected reimbursement in many cases. For example, if you’re expecting that $9,000 reimbursement, you could get around $5,400 in advance money before the move. This helps you pay for truck rentals, fuel, or hiring labor help. You’ll get the remaining amount after you complete the move and submit all documentation. Additionally, if you have a government travel credit card (GTCC), some branches allow you to use it for PPM expenses to avoid out-of-pocket strain.

In short, the military’s reimbursement for a PPM can be quite generous and cover the entire cost of your move. Many military families consider: is the extra work worth the potential payout? That depends on your situation – but financially, the system is set so that you shouldn’t lose money by doing it yourself. Just be sure to follow regulations, weigh your truck properly, and keep records to maximize your reimbursement.

What Moving Company Does the Military Use?

You might wonder if there’s an professional moving company that the military always uses – for example, does the government have its own moving crews or a single contracted company? The answer is that the military uses a variety of commercial moving companies that are approved and contracted to handle military moves. There is not one “Brand X Military Movers” nationwide; instead, when you schedule your move through the military, it goes into a queue and a moving company is assigned to your shipment.

The Department of Defense manages this through the Defense Personal Property Program (DPS), often via the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC). Essentially, your move is bid out or allocated to a moving company that has a government contract. These could be big national van lines or local agents – all vetted to handle military moves.

So, if you opt for the government-provided movers, you don’t have to pick a moving company at all – the system will assign one for you. One move might be handled by, say, Allied or North American Van Lines, and another by a smaller regional mover, depending on availability and contracts. From the service member’s perspective, you just coordinate with the assigned company once they contact you. The military pays them behind the scenes, so no payment is exchanged by you.

Bottom line: You don’t need to find or hire a moving company when the military is doing it – the question of “what moving company does the military use?” has no single answer, because they use many. But whichever company shows up at your door, the bill is taken care of by Uncle Sam.

(If you instead choose a PPM, then you will decide which moving company to use – any reputable mover or rental you prefer. In that case, it’s wise to choose a company familiar with military moves or one that offers a military discount to save you money.)

Allowances and Expenses Covered in a Military Move

In addition to covering the moving truck and shipment, the military provides several allowances to cover other expenses that come with moving. These are key to ensuring you aren’t out-of-pocket for the ancillary costs of relocation:

Dislocation Allowance (DLA)

This is a one-time payment for each PCS move, designed to offset miscellaneous expenses (the “odds and ends” of moving). For example, you might need to pay security deposits for a new apartment, buy curtains or other items to set up your new household, or incur other costs that aren’t specifically reimbursed elsewhere. DLA rates depend on your rank and whether you have dependents. As a ballpark, a junior service member might get around $2,000 (with dependents) or $1,000 (single) – and higher ranks get more. DLA is paid upfront or shortly after your move is authorized; you typically request it in your travel voucher. It does not have to be repaid. Example: In 2025, DLA rates increased a bit; a member with dependents might see an extra $700–$1,000 compared to previous years. This money helps with all those little out-of-pocket costs that inevitably pop up.

Per Diem (Travel Days Allowance)

The military will pay you a per diem for each day you are traveling to your new duty station. This covers meals and incidental expenses for you and your family en route. If you drive, the number of days allowed is based on distance (generally one day per 350 miles). If you’re, say, moving from Boston to Miami, you might have 5 authorized travel days. You’ll get a set dollar amount for each day for yourself and each dependent traveling with you (for example, each family member over 12 years old gets 75% of the service member’s rate, children under 12 get 50%). These per diem rates are published by the DoD – an approximate figure is $157 per day for a service member in the continental US (FY2023 standard rate), so dependents would get $78–$118 per day each, depending on age. Per diem is paid after the fact (reimbursed based on the travel days you took, as part of your final move claim).

Mileage Reimbursement (MALT)

If you drive your own car to the new base, you’ll receive a mileage reimbursement called MALT (Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation). This is paid per mile for the official distance of your PCS route. For example, the rate in 2023–2024 is $0.22 per mile for a vehicle. If your move is 1,200 miles, and you drive one car, you’d get 1,200 × $0.22 = $264 in mileage. If two vehicles are authorized (for instance, your spouse drives one car and you drive another), you can be reimbursed for both vehicles (usually two vehicles max can claim). Mileage reimbursement is also part of your travel voucher reimbursement – you’ll see it added in alongside per diem. (The military even has rates for other modes, like if you ride a motorcycle or even fly a private plane to your next duty station, but those cases are rare!)

Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) or Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA)

When you move, you might need to stay in a hotel at your old station after your goods are packed or at the new station while house-hunting or awaiting housing. TLE is the allowance for CONUS (inside the continental U.S.) moves, and TLA is for OCONUS (overseas) moves. TLE will reimburse you for up to 10 days of hotel and meal costs in conjunction with a move within the U.S.. There is a cap (currently $290 per day as the maximum, covering lodging and food). So, if your family’s hotel costs $150 a night and you spend $100 on food per day, that $250 is reimbursed for the allowed days. TLA (overseas) can cover a longer period (up to 60 days after arriving overseas, in some cases) since finding housing abroad can take more time. These lodging allowances help ensure you’re not paying for a roof over your head twice (at old and new location) during the transition.

Household Goods Storage

The military will pay for temporary storage of your household goods if necessary. This is called Storage-in-Transit. If you can’t immediately move into a house at your new duty station, the government will cover up to 90 days of storage for your stuff (and it can be extended in some circumstances). For example, if you report to a new base but housing isn’t available for a month, they’ll store your furniture and boxes and then deliver them when you secure housing. This cost is covered as part of your move — you just need to coordinate through the Transportation Office. As one moving company’s FAQ puts it, “for certain PCS moves, the military may cover temporary storage costs” – indeed they do, as long as it’s approved as part of the PCS.

Other miscellaneous reimbursements

There are a few other expenses the military might pay. If you have to ship a car overseas, the government will typically pay to ship one POV (personally owned vehicle) for an OCONUS move. You can also often be reimbursed for pet transportation costs (there are limits, but many overseas PCS orders now include some pet travel reimbursement). Additionally, if you’re a renter, the military won’t directly pay things like lease breakage fees, but DLA is meant to help with such costs. If you own a home and choose to sell or rent it out due to a move, separate programs (and tax benefits) exist, but those are outside standard PCS entitlements.

As you can see, the military’s moving package is comprehensive. The military pays for the movers, travel, temporary lodging, and more – all to make sure you aren’t financially disadvantaged by relocating. Always check the latest regulations or talk to your Finance or Personnel office for current rates (they do update annually). The principle, however, stays the same: the government covers your necessary moving expenses.

Military Move Process and Tips for a Smooth Move

Whether you use military-provided movers or do it yourself, understanding the process will help. Here’s a quick rundown of how military moves work and some tips:

Before the Move – Preparation

As soon as you get your PCS orders, get in touch with your local Transportation Office (TO). They will brief you on your options and entitlements. If you’re doing a government move, you’ll upload your orders into the DPS system to get the move scheduled. It’s wise to do this as early as possible, especially for summer moves when movers’ schedules fill up. If you’re opting for a PPM, the TO will still provide counseling – you’ll need to fill out a form (usually DD 2278) to get authorization for a PPM and to later claim reimbursement. Planning ahead is crucial: delays in scheduling can mean fewer available moving company dates, or if doing a PPM, last-minute scrambling for rentals. Pro tip: The military often allows you a certain number of days of permissive leave to prepare for a move – use that time to get organized.

During the Move – Government Movers

On packing day, the moving company crew will arrive (often an agent local to your area) and start packing your household goods. They will inventory everything as they go (you’ll get a copy of the inventory listing all boxes and furniture items). It helps to do a purge of unwanted items before this day, so you’re not shipping things you don’t need. The movers will label and load all items onto the truck. If you’re moving CONUS, your items usually go on a truck directly to your destination (sometimes shared with other shipments). For OCONUS or long distances moves, items might be crated. You’ll sign paperwork at pick-up and then again at delivery. At your new location, the movers will unload and can even unpack basic items (you can decide how much you want them to unpack).

During the Move – PPM

If you’re doing it yourself, the responsibility is on you to track expenses and stay organized. Key things to do: get certified empty and full weight tickets for your vehicle/truck/trailer. This means before you load your goods, weigh the truck (most bases or truck stops have certified scales – the empty weight); then weigh again after loading (full weight). The difference is your shipment weight, which determines your reimbursement. Save every receipt – fuel, rental truck, moving equipment, tolls, lodging, etc. The more documentation, the better when you file your claim. A great tip from seasoned PPM folks: organize your receipts as you go, maybe keep an envelope or use a scanning app on your phone, so you don’t lose any. Take photos of your stuff and the loading process – not only for your records, but also because seeing a fully packed 18-foot truck can help justify costs if ever questioned. Drive safely and keep track of your mileage each day. If you have to put some items in temporary storage or ship a portion separately, those costs can often be claimed too (as long as within what the government would pay). PPM moves require more legwork, but the reward is in the potential payout and the personal control you have.

After the Move – Filing Claims/Vouchers

Once you’ve arrived and are settling in, you need to file your travel voucher to get paid. This is where you itemize all your costs and attach those receipts. For a government move, your travel voucher will claim things like per diem and mileage (since the shipping was direct-paid). For a PPM, your packet will be more extensive – you’ll include the weight tickets, rental contracts, etc., and the finance office will calculate your reimbursement. The finance office or TO usually gives a checklist of what’s needed. Submit this as soon as you can; the faster you file, the sooner you get paid. Generally, it takes a few weeks (2–4 weeks is common) to process reimbursement. If anything was damaged in a government move, you’ll file a claim (often through the DPS or directly with the moving company via the military’s claims system) – be mindful of the deadlines (usually 75 days to notify of damage, and 9 months to file for full replacement value coverage).

Tips to Maximize Your Military Moving Benefits

Know your weight allowance

The military sets a maximum weight they will move (or reimburse) based on your rank and whether you have dependents. If you go over that weight, you could incur out-of-pocket costs (around $1 per pound over the limit, which adds up). Prioritize and declutter before moving. It’s better to stay under the limit – you can always buy new bulky items later with some of the money you save. The vast majority of service members stay within their allowance, but be conscious if you have a lot of heavy stuff (pianos, equipment, books, etc.).

Take advantage of counseling and resources

Every installation has a Transportation Office and usually a Finance Office briefing for PCS. They can tell you exactly what you’re entitled to, help you with forms, and even advise on local movers if you do a PPM. There are also online tools (like the PCS Entitlements Calculator and branch-specific moving apps). Using these resources can ensure you don’t miss out on money you’re owed. For example, if you’re not aware that you can get an advance on DLA or a partial reimbursement for pet quarantine fees (in some overseas moves), you might not ask for it – knowledge is power (and dollars) in a PCS.

Use military discounts and smart planning for PPM

If you go the DIY route, reduce your expenses: many companies (professional moving companies, truck rentals, PODS, even hotels) offer military rates – use them. Borrow packing materials from others or get used boxes from base classifieds to save money. If you finish your move under the government cost, that saving is your gain, so treat your PPM like a project to come in under budget. Conversely, don’t skimp so much that you damage your own goods – find a balance.

Keep receipts & stay organized

We’ve said it before but it’s worth emphasizing. Good record-keeping is crucial. The military will reimburse you for legitimate expenses but you need to provide proof. A small binder or digital folder for all your PCS documents (orders, receipts, inventories, weight tickets, etc.) will make the claims process smooth. This also extends to after the move: if something is broken, document it immediately and file the claim as instructed. The easier you make it for the claims office, the quicker you get paid.

Plan travel wisely

The military gives you a travel allowance and authorized travel days – but how you use them is up to you. If you drive and take less time than allowed, you still get the full per diem for the authorized number of days (you just can’t claim extra days beyond authorization). If you take more days than authorized, that’s okay, but the extra days are on your own dime (or charge leave). Understanding this can help you schedule your trip to balance time and money.

Conclusion

A military PCS move might sound logistically daunting, but the military truly does pay for moving expenses in almost every sense. From hiring a moving company to paying you back for gas, hotels, and even helping set up your new home, the various allowances ensure you won’t be financially hurt by a relocation. In fact, with the 100% PPM reimbursement policy, some savvy service members leverage a move as an opportunity to make a little extra cash by doing it themselves. The key to a successful (and cost-free) move is understanding your benefits and planning ahead.

By knowing what the military will pay for – essentially everything that’s necessary for your move – you can approach your next PCS with less stress. If you let the military take over, you’ll have professional movers at your door and a government travel account to cover your journey. If you take the DIY route, you have a golden opportunity to be reimbursed in full, especially by utilizing military-friendly services. In either case, use the support systems available: your base transportation office, official resources like Military OneSource, and if needed, reputable moving companies that offer military discounts (like Move & Care and others who understand military moves).

Remember, thousands of military families move each year and recoup their costs thanks to these programs. With careful execution, your PCS move should cost you little to nothing out-of-pocket. The military will pay for your move – your job is just to get yourself and your family ready for that new adventure at your next duty station, without worrying about the dollar signs. Safe travels and happy moving!

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