Getting your PCS move orders is an exciting (and often stressful) milestone. Whether you’re a first-time mover or a seasoned service member, preparing early can save you time, money, and headaches. In 2025, there are more tools and resources than ever to make your Personally Procured Move (PPM) go smoothly and maximize your reimbursement.
Here are the five things every service member should do immediately after receiving PCS orders:
1. Contact Your Local TO or PPSO
Your first stop should be your base’s Transportation Office (TO) or Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO). These offices are responsible for coordinating your move and helping you make important decisions early in the process.
When you report to the TO or PPSO, they will:
- Verify your PCS orders
- Provide information about your entitlements
- Determine whether you’re eligible for a Personally Procured Move (PPM)
- Guide you through completing DD Form 2278
- Schedule counseling to explain the process and documentation required
Start by locating your local office using MilitaryINSTALLATIONS. Reaching out early ensures you get on the calendar before the busy PCS season ramps up.
2. Choose Your PCS Move Type: PPM vs. Government Move
You generally have two options for executing your PCS move:
- Government-arranged move: The military handles everything through a Transportation Service Provider (TSP). You won’t pay anything out of pocket, but you also won’t receive reimbursement.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM): Formerly known as a DITY move, this allows you to organize and pay for your own move—with reimbursement from the government after completion.
In 2025, the Department of Defense increased the reimbursement rate for PPMs to 130% of what a government-arranged move would cost. That means you can potentially earn money back by handling your move efficiently.
Use the Personally Procured Move Calculator to estimate your reimbursement amount and compare it against your projected moving costs.
3. Research Professional Carriers
Even if you opt for a PPM, you don’t have to handle the move entirely on your own. Many service members choose to hire professional movers to help with the heavy lifting while still benefiting from the reimbursement.
Platforms like uShip make it easy to:
- Post your move details and receive competitive bids from carriers
- Read reviews from other customers (including military families)
- Choose based on price, timeline, and service quality
With ID.me verification, uShip waives service fees for active-duty military, making it a cost-effective and stress-free option.
4. Track All Moving Expenses
Documentation is essential for getting reimbursed after a PPM. The military requires proof of your expenses to calculate your final reimbursement. As you prepare for and complete your move, be sure to keep:
- Certified weight tickets: One for your vehicle or truck empty, and one fully loaded. Ensure they’re from a certified scale and include the date, location, and vehicle info.
- Receipts: Save every receipt for gas, tolls, lodging, truck rental, packing materials, and any moving services.
- Contracts and Bills of Lading: If using a moving company, keep all official paperwork detailing services rendered and payment.
Consider using a folder or digital tool to store and back up everything in case of delays or discrepancies.
5. Use Modern Tools to Plan Your Move
Planning tools have come a long way. Take advantage of resources that can guide you through your PCS move step by step. One of the best is Plan My Move by Military OneSource. It lets you:
- Build a personalized checklist based on your orders and family needs
- Learn about entitlements, timelines, and important forms
- Explore housing, education, and healthcare options at your new duty station
When paired with uShip and the PPM Calculator, these tools give you everything you need to create a well-organized, low-stress move.
TL;DR: PCS Move Prep in 2025
- Use tools like Plan My Move and uShip to stay organized and in control.
- Contact your TO or PPSO immediately to start the PPM process.
- PPMs can now be reimbursed up to 130% of the government’s cost.
- Consider hiring movers via uShip to simplify your PCS move.
- Track every expense and get certified weight tickets for reimbursement.
