PCS Move Budget: Complete Planning Checklist

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Average out-of-pocket costs: $1,650–$3,800 (even after reimbursements).
Hidden expenses: Pet care, childcare, utility setup, housing deposits, and more.
Savings goal: Aim for $3,000–$5,000 to cover upfront costs.
Military benefits to use: Dislocation Allowance (DLA), Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE), and Personally Procured Move (PPM) reimbursements.
Expense categories to track: Transportation, lodging, meals, household goods, and unexpected costs.

Start saving early, keep receipts for reimbursements, and track your spending during the move. This guide will walk you through every step to stay financially secure during your PCS move.

03: What You Need to Know About Paying for Your PCS (with Ryan Guina)

Step 1: Calculate Your PCS Move Costs

Before diving into your Permanent Change of Station (PCS) journey, it’s crucial to break down your potential costs and identify where military benefits can ease the financial burden.

Break Down Your Main Expense Categories

A well-prepared PCS budget typically includes five core expense areas: transportation, lodging, meals, shipping household goods, and pet-related costs. However, unexpected expenses can still pop up, as highlighted in a survey of military families:

Housing expenses (cleaning, home repairs, deposits, utility setup): Impacted 50.7% of families.
Transportation costs (vehicle registration, tolls, fuel): Affected 46.2% of families.
Temporary lodging (hotel stays, rental deposits): Reported by 35.1% of families.
Moving personal belongings (packing supplies, storage, insurance): Cited by 33.1% of families.
New location logistics (local taxes, licenses, record transfers): Experienced by 31.8% of families.

Homeowners might also face ongoing mortgage and utility bills, while renters could encounter lease termination fees. Additionally, 21% of families reported costs for childcare or pet care during the move, and 19% dealt with unexpected paperwork fees.

To manage these expenses, take full advantage of the military benefits available to you.

Use Military Benefits to Cut Costs

Military benefits are designed to offset many PCS costs, but understanding how to use them effectively is key.

Dislocation Allowance (DLA): This allowance helps cover household moving expenses and varies based on rank and dependents. You can receive 80% upfront, with the rest reimbursed after filing claims.
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE): TLE reimburses lodging and meal costs during a CONUS move, with a maximum of $290 per day. Keep your lodging receipts to claim reimbursement. The amount you receive depends on your family size:

Personally Procured Move (PPM): If you handle your own move, you can be reimbursed up to 100% of what the government would have spent. If your costs are lower than the government’s payment, you keep the difference. To get started, schedule an appointment with your base’s Personal Property Office (PPO) and save all receipts, as these expenses are non-taxable.

Compare Overseas vs. CONUS Costs

Your PCS costs will vary significantly depending on whether you’re moving within the continental U.S. (CONUS) or overseas (OCONUS).

Temporary Lodging: CONUS moves allow for TLE reimbursement for up to 14 days, while OCONUS moves offer Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) for up to 60 days.
Vehicle Transportation: For CONUS moves, the government provides a Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT) based on mileage, but vehicle relocation isn’t covered. For OCONUS moves, one vehicle can be shipped at government expense, but you’ll need to drop it off at a designated shipping point.
Housing Allowances: CONUS moves use Basic Housing Allowance (BAH), while OCONUS moves offer an Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) that covers rent, utilities, and move-in costs. OCONUS Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is untaxed, whereas CONUS COLA is taxable.
Pet Relocation: The government reimburses up to $550 for CONUS moves and up to $2,000 for OCONUS moves. If you’re heading to Hawaii, quarantine costs can range from $244 for Direct Airport Release to $1,080 for a 120-day quarantine.
Additional OCONUS Expenses: These may include customs fees and alcohol import fees. As Navy veteran Katie Melynn points out:

"From lodging during the move to transporting your vehicle, the differences between a CONUS and OCONUS move can be quite significant."

Storage allowances also differ - CONUS moves allow 60 days, while OCONUS moves permit 90 days. For OCONUS destinations, additional restrictions may apply due to customs or base policies, so it’s a good idea to check with your local transportation office.

Step 2: Create a PCS Move Savings Plan

Every year, about 400,000 service members pack up and move. With such a big transition, having a solid savings plan isn't just smart - it's essential. Why? Because you’ll need to cover upfront costs before those military reimbursements come through.

Set Savings Goals Based on Your Rank and Needs

Your savings goal should match your financial situation and the specific costs of your move. USAA suggests setting aside at least $2,000, but many experts recommend aiming higher - between $3,000 and $5,000 - to create a dedicated "PCS Fund" for covering expenses before reimbursement arrives.

Start saving early - ideally 6 to 12 months before your move. This gives you enough time to build a buffer without overloading your monthly budget. Take a close look at your household finances, and remember to account for any changes in your spouse's income during the transition.

Here’s a breakdown of common PCS expenses to help guide your savings:

Immediate Cash Needs:

Housing and rental deposits: $1,500–$2,500
Utility setup fees: $200–$500
Car registration and insurance changes: $200–$400
Restocking groceries after the move: $300–$500

Transportation Costs:

Truck rental for a 3-bedroom DITY move: $1,500–$3,000
Professional car shipping: $1,000–$2,000
Domestic pet travel (cabin): $200–$500
International pet moves: $2,000–$6,000

Furniture and Setup:

New household items and furniture: $500–$2,000

Reimbursements usually take 2–4 weeks after submitting your travel claim. During this time, you’ll need enough cash to handle daily expenses and any leftover moving costs.

To grow your PCS fund faster, consider trimming non-essential expenses. For instance, you could temporarily reduce retirement contributions (while still taking advantage of matching funds), or use tax refunds, bonuses, or special pay to add to your savings. Another idea? Try a "no-spend month", where you only buy necessities and put the extra money directly into your moving fund.

Once you’ve established your PCS savings goals, take it a step further by creating an emergency fund for unexpected costs.

Build a PCS Emergency Fund

Even with careful planning, unexpected expenses can pop up during a PCS move. Military.com estimates that non-reimbursable PCS costs average $1,725, but surprises can push that number even higher.

The reality is, many military families face financial stress during the PCS process. Nearly 67% reported feeling the strain while waiting for dislocation allowance or reimbursement, and more than half believed they were reimbursed for less than 60% of their actual expenses. This gap highlights why an emergency fund is so important.

Military families also deal with unique financial challenges like pay issues, government shutdowns, and sudden separations. As financial expert Rob points out:

"You haven't seen your last military pay problem."

An emergency fund should ideally cover 3 to 6 months of living expenses, though some advisors suggest saving up to 1 year of expenses for military families. While this might seem like a lot, consider this: fewer than 20% of military families anticipate all PCS-related costs, and nearly 40% of Americans don’t have $400 in savings for emergencies.

To make saving easier, set up automatic transfers to a separate account dedicated to PCS emergencies. Even small amounts - like $50 per month - add up over time, totaling $600 in a year. This "pay yourself first" approach ensures steady progress toward your goal.

Certified Financial Planner JJ Montanaro offers this advice:

"I say 'savings' because that's money you have specifically set aside and earmarked for the thousands of dollars of out-of-pocket expenditures that are typically a part of the PCS process. And if you didn't do it this time, start setting a little bit away now for your next move."

Want to speed things up? Declutter your home and sell items you don’t plan to bring to your new duty station. This not only puts extra cash in your pocket but also helps reduce moving costs. Focus on valuable items like electronics, furniture you won’t ship, or equipment that won’t be practical in your new location.

Track your progress with budgeting tools and set monthly milestones. For example, breaking a $5,000 savings goal into $500 monthly chunks makes it feel more manageable. This approach helps you gradually adjust your spending habits, ensuring financial stability throughout your PCS move.

Step 3: Track Your Expenses During the Move

Once you've set up your PCS savings and emergency funds, the next step is keeping a close eye on your spending. Monitoring every expense during your move helps you avoid financial surprises while waiting for reimbursements. This step works hand-in-hand with your savings plan by giving you a clear picture of where your money is going.

Use Expense Tracking Tools

Military OneSource suggests using apps to make tracking your expenses easier and more efficient. Apps like YNAB, Honeydue, Mint, or Personal Capital can help you automate the process, consolidate your accounts, and stay organized. To make things even smoother, consider opening a separate bank account specifically for PCS-related expenses. You can set up direct deposit splitting to automatically grow this fund.

Save Receipts for Reimbursements

Receipts are your golden ticket to getting reimbursed for eligible expenses. Both scanned and digital receipts are acceptable for tax purposes, according to the IRS. Plus, keeping detailed records might allow you to deduct any unreimbursed expenses on your tax return.

A simple organization system can go a long way. Use color-coded folders to separate receipts into categories like "Lodging", "Transportation", "Meals", and "Miscellaneous". Make it a habit to note down the amount, location, date, and type of expense for each receipt while the details are still fresh. To simplify things further, snap photos of your receipts as soon as you get them and organize them during monthly check-ins. Many receipt tracking apps can save these images automatically. Lastly, back up all your records to the cloud or an external drive to keep them secure.

Check Your Spending in Real-Time

Keeping tabs on your spending as it happens is crucial for staying within your budget. Record every expense - whether it’s gas, meals, or hotel stays - to spot trends and make adjustments as needed. Whether you prefer using budgeting apps or spreadsheets, logging expenses immediately is the key to staying on track.

Stick to your budget and avoid impulse purchases. Regularly reviewing your budget - monthly or even quarterly - can help you assess your progress and make any necessary tweaks. Setting small goals, like spend-free days, can also help you reset your spending habits.

If you're juggling multiple payment methods during your move, link them all to your tracking system. This way, you'll have a complete and real-time view of your PCS expenses, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.

Step 4: Prepare for Unexpected Costs

No matter how well you plan, unexpected expenses are almost inevitable during a PCS move. Keeping detailed records of your spending not only helps you stay on budget but also ensures you have the proper documentation for reimbursement claims. On average, military families face around $1,725 in non-reimbursed expenses during a PCS, and even reimbursed costs can take a while to process.

Plan for Emergency Situations

Unplanned expenses during a PCS might include costs like selling or deep-cleaning your home, temporary housing overseas, or pet transportation. Many military families report it can take several months - often three to four - to recover financially after a move. This is due to additional costs like security deposits, cleaning fees, pet-related charges, setting up utilities, and buying essential items for the new home.

To prepare, start building an emergency fund as soon as possible. Experts suggest saving between $3,000 and $5,000 for PCS-related expenses, with some families aiming for as much as $10,000 to cover both planned and surprise costs.

You can also cut expenses by buying used appliances instead of new ones. For unexpected travel or relocation emergencies, consider options like a credit card with travel rewards or a personal line of credit. If you opt for a personal loan, make sure you have a clear plan to pay it off quickly.

Take proactive steps to grow your emergency fund. Automate savings transfers, trim unnecessary spending, and allocate extra income toward your fund. Even small, consistent contributions can add up over time and provide a financial cushion when you need it most.

Learn the Claims Process

While an emergency fund helps with immediate costs, knowing how to navigate the claims process can help you recover some of the money spent on unforeseen expenses. Common claims include compensation for damaged or lost items during the move. For example, one military family moving from Germany to Fort Campbell had to replace a lost car seat immediately upon arrival, an expense they later claimed.

Once you receive your PCS orders, reach out to your local transportation office. They’ll guide you through the claims process and connect you with helpful resources like the Army Personal Property Call Center or the Army PCS Move app. The app offers details on entitlements, moving options, and planning tools, and even provides direct chat support with a transportation agent.

When filing claims, your saved receipts from Step 3 will be invaluable. Keep all receipts to back up reimbursement requests and create a detailed budget for incidental costs . For household goods claims, make sure to obtain both full and empty weight tickets. These documents verify the shipment's weight and are critical for receiving full compensation.

Don’t forget to submit travel claims promptly after completing your PCS. Be mindful of submission deadlines. In certain cases, soldiers can request a higher household goods weight allowance, and local commanders may approve adjustments to reporting dates by up to 30 days.

Lastly, always use transportation office–approved moving companies to avoid unnecessary fees or complications.

Step 5: Review Your Finances After the Move

Once you're settled at your new duty station, it’s time to wrap up the financial side of your PCS move. This step ensures you claim every dollar you’re entitled to and address any tax issues that might arise. Delaying this review could result in missed reimbursements or tax complications, so it’s essential to act promptly.

File Travel Vouchers and Claims

Submit your travel vouchers as soon as possible to recover your out-of-pocket expenses. The Defense Personal Property System(DPS) is your go-to platform for managing claims, where you can also track the status of your submissions. Use SmartVoucher to accurately complete the required DD Form 1351-2, and make sure to include all necessary documentation. This includes your complete orders (and any amendments) and receipts that clearly show the company name, service date, cost, taxes (broken out separately), and proof of payment [52, 53].

If you’re filing a claim for damaged or missing household goods, timing is everything. To extend your claim deadline, file a Loss and Damage Report within 75 days of delivery. Doing this gives you up to nine months to submit your full claim with your Transportation Service Provider (TSP). If you skip the report, however, your claim must be submitted within 75 days. As you unpack, prioritize inspecting large items and take photos of any damage immediately. If something’s wrong, ask the delivery driver to fill out a Notification of Loss at Delivery form. This will document any issues on the spot and support your claim.

When filing your claim, be as detailed as possible. Include photos, videos, receipts, and any other relevant documentation. For each damaged item, note specifics like the manufacturer, inventory number, purchase price, year of purchase, a description of the damage, and an estimated cost for repair or replacement. If you’re requesting full replacement value, provide proof of current pricing. Keep in mind, it’s your responsibility to prove the item’s condition or existence before the move. The TSP must replace lost or damaged items with comparable ones, but if you’re not satisfied with their offer, you can appeal - and if needed, escalate the claim to the Military Claims Office (MCO) [52, 53].

Once your claims are filed, shift your focus to handling any tax-related matters.

Handle Tax Implications

PCS moves often come with unique tax considerations for active-duty military members. Unlike most taxpayers, you may still qualify for moving expense deductions for tax years 2018–2025, provided you meet certain criteria. Keep all receipts - even if you’re unsure whether they’re deductible - and organize your tax documents to ensure you don’t miss any eligible deductions [36, 55].