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If you’re part of a military family, you probably know the drill: orders arrive, and suddenly you're gearing up to move—again. Whether it’s across the state or across the country, a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) can happen quickly and with little warning. And while PCS moves can happen year-round, summer is by far the busiest season. The Department of Defense estimates that nearly 65% of all military moves take place between May and August—what’s often called “PCS season.”
Why summer? It makes logistical sense. The school year is on pause, spouses may have more flexibility to leave jobs or transition, and weather conditions are more favorable for cross-country hauls. But what sounds ideal on paper can become incredibly stressful in real life—especially when you're dealing with a sudden report date, tight housing markets near your new duty station, and the sheer volume of other military families trying to book the same moving services you are.
PCS season isn’t just busy—it’s chaotic. You might be managing the logistics of a cross-country move while also preparing kids to leave friends, canceling housing, arranging temporary lodging, updating paperwork, coordinating pet travel, and trying to make sure your vehicle, household goods, and critical documents all arrive on time. And often, you’re doing all this while one or both spouses are still actively working on base. It's a lot.
Start Planning the Moment Orders Drop
Read Your Orders Carefully—Then Get Moving
The first step is to thoroughly review your PCS orders. Don’t skim them. Look for your authorized report date, duty station, and entitlements—these details dictate everything from your timeline to what you’re allowed to claim. If anything is unclear, reach out to your unit or transportation office (TO) right away for clarification. This is especially important if you’re part of a dual-military household or have unique family considerations like EFMP status or dependent travel restrictions.
Once you’ve confirmed the key information, don’t delay. You’ll want to contact your local TO or log into the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) immediately. The sooner you’re in the system, the better your chances of getting the move dates you need—especially if you’re trying to avoid overlaps with school enrollment, spouse job transitions, or summer heatwaves.
Timing Is Everything During PCS Season
From May through August, thousands of military families are all trying to schedule movers, reserve moving trucks, and find temporary housing. Submitting your move request early gives you access to better options—like flexible pickup dates, reliable moving crews, and even the ability to bundle services like storage and auto transport. Wait too long, and you may be left with only off-peak dates, longer delivery windows, or unvetted vendors.
Veteran movers like The American Dream Moving & Storage understand how quickly things move during PCS season. We prioritize responsiveness and flexibility because we’ve experienced firsthand how fast plans can change when you're in uniform. We also understand the importance of on-base delivery protocols and DBIDS access—details that can cause serious delays if your mover isn’t familiar with military standards.
Paperwork: Your PCS Lifeline
PCS moves come with paperwork—and lots of it. Keeping your documents organized is more than just smart planning; it’s mission-critical. Here are a few must-haves to keep at the ready in both digital and printed copies:
- PCS Orders (official and amended)
- Leave Authorization
- DD Form 1299 (Application for Shipment and/or Storage of Personal Property)
- Weight Allowance Table (especially important if you’re doing a PPM or have a large family)
- Receipts for any reimbursable expenses
- Contact information for your TO and your moving company
Use a binder, folder, or digital file system to store all this in one place—and never pack it away in your household goods. Think of your PCS paperwork as your relocation passport: without it, everything slows down.
At The American Dream Moving & Storage, we help military families stay ahead by providing clear communication, flexible scheduling, and expert coordination with base protocols. Whether you're doing a full household relocation or just need help with heavy-duty transport and storage, we’re ready the moment your orders drop.
Decide: Government-Contracted or Personally Procured Move (PPM)?
One of the most important decisions you’ll make during your PCS planning—especially in peak summer season—is choosing how you want to move. The military gives you two primary options: a government-contracted move or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly known as a DITY (Do-It-Yourself) move. Each has its own set of pros, cons, and ideal use cases, so let’s break them down.
What Is a Government-Contracted Move?
In a government-contracted move, the military arranges for a moving company to pack, transport, and deliver your household goods (HHG). This is the default option for most service members.
Best for:
- Families who prefer full-service support
- First-time PCS moves
- Those with large households or overseas orders
Key Features:
- The military schedules and pays the moving company directly.
- You’ll work through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) to track and manage your move.
- There are strict weight allowances and timelines that must be followed.
- You may have limited control over packing dates or delivery windows, especially during the summer rush.
Government-contracted moves reduce your personal workload, but they also mean less flexibility and less control over the process.
What Is a Personally Procured Move (PPM)?
In a PPM, you arrange and pay for the move yourself, and the military reimburses you—often at a flat rate based on weight and distance. If you can move for less than the reimbursement, you get to keep the difference.
Best for:
- Service members with smaller households or local PCS orders
- Families who want more control over timing, packing, or who to hire
- Those who don’t mind the logistics and want to potentially earn money from the move
PPM Pros:
- Greater flexibility with scheduling and packing
- More control over who handles your belongings
- Potential to profit if you keep expenses below your reimbursement rate
- You can choose value-added services like climate-controlled storage or custom crating
PPM Cons:
- More effort required—you’ll manage vendors, transportation, weight tickets, and paperwork
- If something goes wrong, you’re the point of contact—not the government
- Reimbursement is not immediate and depends on complete documentation
A Moving Partner That Supports Either Path
Whether you’re assigned a government move or you opt to go the PPM route, The American Dream Moving & Storage is ready to support you. As a veteran-owned, licensed, and insured moving company, we know how PCS season works—because we’ve been on both sides of it.
Here’s how we help:
- For Government-Contracted Moves: We coordinate directly with DoD-contracted logistics providers, understand base access requirements (including DBIDS), and follow military protocol at every step.
- For PPM Moves: We’ll help you plan a cost-effective, efficient relocation—while giving you the documentation (weight tickets, itemized invoices, etc.) you need for maximum reimbursement.
Whether you need full-service packing, heavy-duty transport, or short-term storage between duty stations, we’ve got the team, the trucks, and the experience to get it done right—on your terms.
PCS Doesn’t Have to Be Chaotic
A summer PCS move will test your patience, your planning skills, and your endurance—but it doesn’t have to overwhelm you. With the right preparation and the right team by your side, you can turn what feels like chaos into a coordinated, efficient transition.
At The American Dream Moving & Storage, we don’t just understand PCS season—we’ve lived it. As a veteran-owned company, we bring firsthand knowledge of military life, relocation logistics, and the unique pressures service members face. Whether you're managing a last-minute change of station, coordinating a Personally Procured Move (PPM), or trying to move a household across the country in the middle of July, we’re here to make the process easier, safer, and less stressful.
Don’t wait until your orders are in hand and the calendar is full. Summer slots fill quickly, and early action can mean the difference between a smooth transition and a rushed scramble.
Let’s Make This PCS Your Smoothest Move Yet
Contact The American Dream Moving & Storage Today:
📞 (818) 337-9495
🌐 vetsmoveyou.com
📍 Based in Acton, CA – Proudly serving all of Southern California
🎖️ Ask about our exclusive discounts for active duty and veteran families.
