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Tag: PCS/Moving

A Donate Pile & Keep Pile of Clothhing for the PCS Purge

PCS Purge Benefits & Tips

What are the benefits of purging some items before you PCS?

The biggest one….it reduces your weight limit! Every service member has a certain weight allowance and if your HHGs are over that limit, you have to pay the difference.

Another benefit of purging is it helps you to downsize and free up some space. Every duty station has different BAH and home sizes and by getting rid of some extra stuff, you free up some space (in case your home may be smaller).

If you are selling or renting your home before you move, purging helps to declutter and stage the home for pictures. It creates a great opportunity for potential buyers/renters to see your beautiful home!

Some helpful tips for the “PCS Purge”:

  1. Find a good balance–don’t look at your whole home and think “everything must go!” Pinpoint certain areas that have more clutter than others and start there. Then move onto other areas that may need some decluttering.
  2. Look at your items and give a good think on if it’s something you really need or use. Does it make you happy?
  3. If you have multiples, get rid of one!
  4. Go through closets (of everyone in the home) and get rid of clothes that don’t fit, you never wear and ones that need to be updated.

Learn more tips and tricks like these in one of our Virtual COMPASS Sessions!

https://nsfamilyline.org/compass-registration

Navy Wife Reaching For PCS Folder Box of Important Documents

How to Make a PCS Binder

Every PCS move is different for each military family. There are lots of variables that come into play-CONUS to OCONUS, movers vs DITY. How do you stay organized? A great way is to create a PCS Binder and you will have everything you need right at your fingertips!

First things you’ll need:

  1. 3 Ring Binder (with a zipper) or an accordion style file folder
  2. Sheet protectors
  3. Zipper Pouch
  4. Dividers with tabs
  5. Extras ie: binder clips, paper clips, pens/highlighters, calculator

Ideas to organize your binder:

  • Important documents (Birth/marriage certificates, SS cards, passports, etc
  • Military orders (have multiple copies!)
  • Auto/home information (insurance, shipping info, etc)
  • Checklists (check out https://planmymove.militaryonesource.mil to make a personalized one)
  • Medical records (for your pets too!)
  • School Records
  • Moving documents (high value sheet, inventory sheets, etc)
  • Travel documents

This is a great list to get you started and on your way to being organized. Moving can be stressful, but if you take the time to prepare and make checklists, the process will be much smoother!

Sign up today to take a Virtual COMPASS class and you will get ALL the tips, tricks and information to help set you up for a successful move!

https://nsfamilyline.org/compass-registration

happy movers helping you with hhg

PPM/DITY vs HHG

A Personally Procured Move (PPM or DITY-Do It Yourself) is when the member decides to personally move their household items instead of using a government provided mover. All of the packing, wrapping, loading & shipping is done by you. This is only for a CONUS move! You still need to set the move up in DPS so you can receive your calculated estimated incentive payment.

A HHG (Household Goods) move is when the government schedules a mover to pack/unpack and ship all of your items. This is done through local moving companies as well as larger contracts. You may not have a choice in the company the government chooses. Other than setting up the move in DPS, everything is done for you.

You can do both a Partial PPM and a HHG type move. Typically, this occurs when you want to use your personal vehicle to ship household items as you move from one duty station to the next. This type of move will require full/empty weight tickets of the vehicle. Be sure to contact your local personal property office to understand your entitlements.

Please visit move.mil to learn more about moving and what you need to do to be prepared!

The ultimate source of information is found in the JTR (Joint Travel Regulations). Here is where you will find ALL of your entitlements. This is the policy and law on travel and transportation allowances.

https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/travelreg.cfm