Wings Ready - Empowering Airmen Every Day

PCS Cost Breakdown

Understanding the full cost of a PCS move helps you budget effectively and avoid financial surprises. Here's what to expect:

Out-of-Pocket Expenses:

House hunting trip costs beyond allowance
Temporary lodging beyond per diem
Utility deposits and connection fees
Vehicle registration and inspection
Emergency repairs or replacements
Pet transportation costs

Reimbursable Expenses:

Household goods shipment
Travel expenses (mileage, lodging, meals)
Temporary lodging expense (TLE)
Dislocation allowance (DLA)
House hunting trip allowance
Storage costs (if authorized)

Creating Your PCS Budget

Step 1: Calculate Your Allowances

Dislocation Allowance (DLA): Varies by rank and dependents
Travel Allowance: Based on distance and family size
Per Diem: Daily allowance for meals and incidentals
Temporary Lodging: Up to 10 days at origin and destination

Step 2: Estimate Additional Costs

Security deposits: $500-2,000
Utility connections: $200-500
Vehicle registration: $50-300
Emergency fund: $1,000-3,000
House hunting expenses beyond allowance: $500-1,500

Step 3: Build Your Buffer

Plan for 20-30% more than your estimated costs. PCS moves often include unexpected expenses, and reimbursements can take weeks to process.

Government Move vs. Personally Procured Move (PPM)

Government Move (GBL)

Pros:

No upfront costs
Professional packing and moving
Insurance coverage included
Less personal involvement required

Cons:

Less control over timeline
Potential for damaged items
No financial benefit
Limited flexibility

Personally Procured Move (PPM)

Pros:

Potential to make money
Complete control over process
Flexible timeline
Better care of belongings

Cons:

Significant upfront costs
Physical labor required
Risk of losing money
More complex paperwork

PPM Financial Considerations:

You receive 95% of what the government would have paid
Must save all receipts for truck rental, fuel, equipment
Profit is taxable income
Consider the value of your time and physical effort

Money-Saving PCS Tips

Before You Move:

Declutter and sell items you don't need
Use up frozen and perishable foods
Research your new duty station thoroughly
Compare housing options (on-base vs. off-base)
Get multiple quotes for services if doing PPM

During House Hunting:

Stay within your house hunting trip allowance
Use virtual tours to narrow options before visiting
Consider staying with friends or in base lodging
Negotiate move-in specials and reduced deposits
Factor in commute costs when choosing location

At Your New Station:

Set up utilities before arrival to avoid rush fees
Research local discounts and military benefits
Join spouse groups for local money-saving tips
Update your state of residence if beneficial
Register for base services and facilities

Managing Cash Flow During PCS

Cash Flow Challenges:

Reimbursements can take 30-60 days
Large upfront expenses for deposits and utilities
Potential gap in BAH if moving mid-month
Travel expenses paid out-of-pocket initially

Cash Flow Solutions:

Build PCS emergency fund 6 months in advance
Apply for government travel card for official expenses
Consider advance pay if available
Use high-yield savings for PCS funds
Track all expenses meticulously for reimbursement

PCS Financial Checklist

6 Months Before:

Start building PCS emergency fund
Research new duty station costs
Begin decluttering and selling items
Review and update budget

3 Months Before:

Get PCS orders and calculate allowances
Decide on government vs. PPM move
Apply for government travel card
Start house hunting research

1 Month Before:

Finalize moving arrangements
Set up utilities at new location
Notify banks and creditors of move
Prepare expense tracking system

After Move:

Submit reimbursement claims promptly
Update address with all institutions
Register vehicles and update licenses
Review and adjust budget for new location

PCS Cost Breakdown

Understanding the full cost of a PCS move helps you budget effectively and avoid financial surprises. Here's what to expect:

Out-of-Pocket Expenses:

House hunting trip costs beyond allowance
Temporary lodging beyond per diem
Utility deposits and connection fees
Vehicle registration and inspection
Emergency repairs or replacements
Pet transportation costs

Reimbursable Expenses:

Household goods shipment
Travel expenses (mileage, lodging, meals)
Temporary lodging expense (TLE)
Dislocation allowance (DLA)
House hunting trip allowance
Storage costs (if authorized)

Creating Your PCS Budget

Step 1: Calculate Your Allowances

Dislocation Allowance (DLA): Varies by rank and dependents
Travel Allowance: Based on distance and family size
Per Diem: Daily allowance for meals and incidentals
Temporary Lodging: Up to 10 days at origin and destination

Step 2: Estimate Additional Costs

Security deposits: $500-2,000
Utility connections: $200-500
Vehicle registration: $50-300
Emergency fund: $1,000-3,000
House hunting expenses beyond allowance: $500-1,500

Step 3: Build Your Buffer

Plan for 20-30% more than your estimated costs. PCS moves often include unexpected expenses, and reimbursements can take weeks to process.

Government Move vs. Personally Procured Move (PPM)

Government Move (GBL)

Pros:

No upfront costs
Professional packing and moving
Insurance coverage included
Less personal involvement required

Cons:

Less control over timeline
Potential for damaged items
No financial benefit
Limited flexibility

Personally Procured Move (PPM)

Pros:

Potential to make money
Complete control over process
Flexible timeline
Better care of belongings

Cons:

Significant upfront costs
Physical labor required
Risk of losing money
More complex paperwork

PPM Financial Considerations:

You receive 95% of what the government would have paid
Must save all receipts for truck rental, fuel, equipment
Profit is taxable income
Consider the value of your time and physical effort

Money-Saving PCS Tips

Before You Move:

Declutter and sell items you don't need
Use up frozen and perishable foods
Research your new duty station thoroughly
Compare housing options (on-base vs. off-base)
Get multiple quotes for services if doing PPM

During House Hunting:

Stay within your house hunting trip allowance
Use virtual tours to narrow options before visiting
Consider staying with friends or in base lodging
Negotiate move-in specials and reduced deposits
Factor in commute costs when choosing location

At Your New Station:

Set up utilities before arrival to avoid rush fees
Research local discounts and military benefits
Join spouse groups for local money-saving tips
Update your state of residence if beneficial
Register for base services and facilities

Managing Cash Flow During PCS

Cash Flow Challenges:

Reimbursements can take 30-60 days
Large upfront expenses for deposits and utilities
Potential gap in BAH if moving mid-month
Travel expenses paid out-of-pocket initially

Cash Flow Solutions:

Build PCS emergency fund 6 months in advance
Apply for government travel card for official expenses
Consider advance pay if available
Use high-yield savings for PCS funds
Track all expenses meticulously for reimbursement

PCS Financial Checklist

6 Months Before:

Start building PCS emergency fund
Research new duty station costs
Begin decluttering and selling items
Review and update budget

3 Months Before:

Get PCS orders and calculate allowances
Decide on government vs. PPM move
Apply for government travel card
Start house hunting research

1 Month Before:

Finalize moving arrangements
Set up utilities at new location
Notify banks and creditors of move
Prepare expense tracking system

After Move:

Submit reimbursement claims promptly
Update address with all institutions
Register vehicles and update licenses
Review and adjust budget for new location

PCS Move Financial Planning: Budgeting for Your Next Assignment

Out-of-Pocket Expenses:

Reimbursable Expenses:

Step 1: Calculate Your Allowances

Step 2: Estimate Additional Costs

Step 3: Build Your Buffer

Government Move (GBL)

Personally Procured Move (PPM)

PPM Financial Considerations:

Before You Move:

During House Hunting:

At Your New Station:

Cash Flow Challenges:

Cash Flow Solutions:

6 Months Before:

3 Months Before:

1 Month Before:

After Move:

PCS Move Financial Planning: Budgeting for Your Next Assignment

Out-of-Pocket Expenses:

Reimbursable Expenses:

Step 1: Calculate Your Allowances

Step 2: Estimate Additional Costs

Step 3: Build Your Buffer

Government Move (GBL)

Personally Procured Move (PPM)

PPM Financial Considerations:

Before You Move:

During House Hunting:

At Your New Station:

Cash Flow Challenges:

Cash Flow Solutions:

6 Months Before:

3 Months Before:

1 Month Before:

After Move: