Ryan Carrigan

Here’s the quick answer: A PCS timeline starts the day your orders arrive. Contact your transportation office and request your move dates right away, then work back from your report date. Book movers or your PPM about 90 days out, give lease notice around 60 days out, and confirm everything 30 days out. This permanent […]

Here’s the quick answer: A PCS checklist covers eight areas: your orders, your household goods shipment, PPM paperwork, housing, money, family, moving day, and arrival. This permanent change of station (PCS) checklist groups every task by category, and you can download the free printable PCS checklist (PDF) to check off as you go. Want the […]

Here’s the quick answer: Yes, PPM payments are taxable, but only the profit you keep after your moving costs. That profit is reported on a W-2, and taxes are withheld before you’re paid. Separately, active-duty service members moving on permanent change of station (PCS) orders can still deduct unreimbursed moving expenses on IRS Form 3903. […]

Here’s the quick answer: Your military weight allowance for a permanent change of station (PCS) move runs from 5,000 pounds for E-1 to E-3 without dependents to 18,000 pounds for O-6 and above. It’s set by your pay grade and whether you have dependents, and it’s the same for every branch. Professional gear (pro gear) […]

How to get PPM weight tickets: weigh empty, then full, at a certified scale. What a valid ticket shows, container and mover rules, and lost tickets.

Here’s the quick answer: There’s no general VA benefit that pays for a veteran’s move. Help does exist in specific situations: your final military move if you’re still within its time limit, VA-funded moving costs for low-income veterans who are homeless or at risk of losing their housing, and military or veteran discounts from movers, […]

Here’s the quick answer: Yes, most service members get one final move at government expense when they retire or separate. Retirees can move anywhere in the U.S. and have up to three years to do it. Members separating with fewer than eight years of service generally go to their home of record within 180 days. […]

A PPM pays 100% of what the government would spend to move you. Here’s how to calculate your DITY move payment, what lowers it, and what you’ll keep after taxes.

Here’s the bottom line: PODS is our pick for the moving container company with the best nationwide coverage, with 240+ storage centers and a 4.8 out of 5 moveBuddha rating. PODS costs $220 – $813 per container for a local move and $2,068 – $7,448 per container for a cross-country move, according to moveBuddha pricing […]