top of page
Movers

Moving
and
PCS

The military is full of acronyms and one you'll get to know well is PCS, or Permanent Change of Station. This means the Coast Guard is moving you to a new duty station.

 

These moves can be to any Coast Guard base in the world, but most of the jobs you'll find are within the 50 states. They can happen every 2, 4, or 5 years (or even more if you extend), and mostly happen at the end of a tour, or when your spouse advances in rank. 

​

There are three ways to move with the military to your next spot: PPM (personally procured move or do it yourself), have the Coast Guard move you, or partial PPM which is a combination of both. 

​​​​

How does it work?

01

Typically, your spouse will get a list of locations available for their rate, and this list is known as the "shopping list".

02

There may be as few as 5 locations, or as long as 3 pages of locations available to transfer into!

03

Sometimes your list is exciting, and sometimes that list can be disappointing -- but here's what we can tell you about those lists you aren't super excited about: There is something amazing to experience at every stop the Coast Guard sends you!

04

You've probably heard the phrase, "One man's trash is another man's treasure" - and duty stations are quite the same way!

 

Every new location is a new opportunity to experience something exciting. Your best practice as a military spouse is to embrace optimism at every turn. 

- OR -

PPM

We Move Ourselves... 

... also known as a PPM

In a PPM, you are moving all of your household goods and vehicles yourself. You will box all of your things, put them on a moving truck (or use a moving service - like, PackRat, PODS, U-Haul, etc.), and drive your items to your next location. You will have upfront expenses, and after you've relocated, the military will reimburse you for your expenses. 

  • You must retain EVERY receipt for every purchase:

    • Packaging supplies​

    • Gas

    • The weight of the truck empty -- before packing it

    • The weight of the truck full -- once it's packed

  • You will want to make sure you understand the current policy on where the trucks need to be weighed (starting or ending locations), and be sure you provide those weight receipts (from a certified weigh station, like a CAT scale) with your documents. 

  • Firearms and ammunition: You will need to know the laws of every state you drive through, and the state of your next duty station to make sure you are in compliance with keeping and maintaining your weapons. Some states, like New Jersey, do not allow you have certain weapons at any time. Do your homewor

The benefits of doing a DITY move:

  • You have packed all the items yourself, so you know where things are, and that they are safely stowed and packed. 
  • All of your items are with you upon arrival to your next location. 
  • Nothing gets lost in transit -- because it's all there with you!

The cons of doing a DITY move:​

  • The cost up front can be overwhelming at first.

  • Reimbursement is based on your spouse's rank, and could be a few months to get that money back. ​

Personally procured move (PPM)
CG Moves

The Coast Guard Moves You

The Coast Guard is going to send a team of packers to your home before they begin to survey how many boxes and days they will need to box and load your items onto a huge truck. 

  • You will need to remove everything off the walls, empty your trash cans and diaper trash, and be mindful of where all of your pets are. 

  • The movers will NOT pack: liquids, anything that can be flammable (including candles, propane tanks, etc...). 

  • YOU WILL NOT WANT THE MOVERS TO PACK:

    • Electronics like phones, ipads, laptops, drones -- anything expensive ​that you can easily move yourself and keep safe.

    • Jewelry

    • Photos or thumb drives containing important photos and documents

    • Medications

    • Important paperwork such as marriage license, social security cards, prescriptions, pet licenses, medical shot and immunization records, and any other important documents you would keep safe. 

    • Weapons and ammunition: you will need to know the laws of the state of your next duty station regarding keeping firearms and ammunition at your home. 

    • Your spouse's sea bag -- this needs to be with your spouse immediately upon arriving at their next duty station.​

  • Everything you don't want the movers to pack should go in an empty room ​that you have labeled on a closed door: DO NOT ENTER. You can also keep pets in this room while the movers are packing in your house. The items in this room should be carried with you when you leave. 

  • The benefits of doing a Coast Guard move:

    • Everything is done for you! They pack every single item, load it onto a truck, and it arrives at your next location!​

  • The cons of this type of move:​

    • Scheduling pack up and delivery of your goods can be a huge hassle. It could take 3 days to pack your items, and your schedule may not be the same as theirs. Delivery of your goods could be weeks, or even a month, after you've arrived at your next duty station. You'll need to plan for this to happen. 

    • You will need to be there to watch every box being packed. Items have been known to go missing during some pack outs. ​

    • Your items could be broken or damaged in transit. Reimbursement for those damaged items isn't going to be the same value as what you feel your prized heirloom is worth.

Active duty military move

For Your Toolbelt:

When you get your orders to your next duty station, your PCS move begins. Prepping for your move is important! Here are some best practices when it comes to prep:

  1. Set up a good contact email address

  2. Place all mail on hold until you have new keys in hand at your next location

    • Ensure your maiden name (if applicable) is indicated on mail change information

  3. Ensure that both you and your spouse are both authorized users on all important accounts​

  4. Per Diem is provided to help with out of pocket moving expenses, so keep all of your receipts in one, safe location. 

    • Something as simple as a shoebox or an accordion file folder is perfect for this! Just keep it with you throughout your transit!​

  5. Research hotels, especially pet friendly ones if applicable, along your route. Ask if they have military discounts!​

  6. Consider creating a "Pet Resume" for each pet that includes the following information:

    • Pet's name, size, and breed​

    • Veterinarian information

    • Shot records

    • Microchip number 

    • Temperament 

    • Photo

  7. Set aside your spouse's sea bag and keep this with you throughout your transit. This bag of essential uniforms and items are required the first day at their new duty station, so it must be with them at all times during the move. These items cannot be easily replaced. 

WHERE DO WE LIVE?!

Moving to a new state can be overwhelming. Sometimes a lot of the guesswork can be easily eliminated by moving into Coast Guard housing. Not all bases have housing options or are available, but when it is available it could be an easy and excellent option for where to live. Living in Coast Guard (or any military branch) housing means you are living on or near a military base, in something like an apartment or townhome, where the facility is managed and maintained by the military base. There will be some instances where you will be mandated to live in Coast Guard housing - and while that may not be ideal to you at the time, there are many benefits!

​​​​​

BASE HOUSING

Base housing are accomodations provided for you by a military housing authority. This could be from ANY branch of the military, and may not mean you are staying in Coast Guard specific housing! 

​

Pros:

  • There are no cost-of-living expenses outside of your cell phone, internet, and cable bills. 

  • There is no rent. You live there for "free," but do not receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).

  • There is typically at least one parking spot assigned to your home. 

  • All facilities and concerns are maintained by the base; some bases even have light bulbs and air filters they replace for you!

  • You are surrounded by your military spouse peers! That could be amazing if you want to find your tribe or friends for your kids!

  • You typically live within walking distance of the base! No commute necessary. 

  • Most housing opportunities allow pets! Be sure to check with your housing office to see what documents you need to register your pets with them!

​

​

​

​For information regarding government leased housing CLICK HERE. 

ON THE ECONOMY

The opposite of living in housing is called living "on the economy". This means you are renting (or you have purchased) a home in a town. Your spouse commutes to work, you have rent or a mortgage, and you have signed a lease or rental agreement to live in that home. If base housing is available and you wish to live on the economy, you will need command approval to live somewhere other than housing. This is not guaranteed, and should not be expected. 

​

Pros:

  • You get to live where you want -- if you have a medical need that would mean finding a home closer to a specialist or hospital, this may be an excellent option. This also means you have more freedom to pick a place close to better schools for your children. 

  • You get issued BAH, or Basic Allowance for Housing, which is additional money granted to your spouse in their paycheck (split over 2 paychecks). This amount is based on their rank, and the average cost of living for each duty station's zip code, and fluctuates with the economy. This amount can fluctuate drastically for each move. Heads up! All living expenses are out of pocket -- so you will want to plan your budget very carefully! It's good advice to keep at least a $300 buffer from your income to expenses each month to plan for emergencies on top of things like electric bills, insurance, water bills, etc. 

​​

IMPORTANT

Regardless of which option you're choosing (or being thrust into), here are some very important things to keep in mind:

​

A military clause is not required in a lease. Servicemember's Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protects the family whether it is there or not. SCRA can be added, and often the military clause as well, to the lease. Having the clause added is nice so that the landlord is aware of the law (because sometimes they don’t know until the member is trying to break the lease – better to get it all out in the open at the start). Avoid signing away your rights under SCRA, which would be done through a separate SCRA waiver document. You want to look for this document and be sure NOT TO SIGN IT!

 

Here is the information about the SCRA and leases:

  1. Familiarize yourself with the language in your residential lease. You should review your lease to ensure it does not contain anything you do not fully understand. If it contains confusing provisions, you should seek legal assistance from your nearest military legal office to discuss the lease and associated documents in detail.

  2. Look for separate SCRA waiver documents in the paperwork you receive from your prospective landlord. If you legally waive SCRA rights and protections, then you may not be able to end your lease early if you receive PCS or deployment orders without significant penalties. If you had not waived your rights, you would be entitled to end your lease penalty free.

  3. It is not recommended to sign any documents that take away your rights under the SCRA. If you did sign a SCRA waiver, you may want to consider having the lease updated or contacting your installation legal assistance/judge advocate office for assistance.

  4. Additionally, your lease may include a military clause, which gives you additional protection and allows you to end the lease early under certain circumstances. Such clauses are common in housing leases near military installations. If your lease doesn’t have a military clause, ask your landlord or management company if one can be added.

​​

If you are not married yet, the Servicemember's Civil Relief Act will not cover unmarried partners. Be sure your name is not on the lease or rental agreement if you are unmarried, and only your active duty partner's name is on the agreement instead.  This will prevent the termination of the lease damaging your credit and/or wallet. 

​

You will want to obtain renter's insurance. This will protect your valuables should there be a crazy situation that is out of your control, like a fire, flood, or theft. 

Helpful Info
For Each Move

No matter where you move, many of the same constants will still apply:

 

  • Look into unemployment options

  • Register to vote, and/or make sure your voting registration is squared away with this new move

  • Education/Continuing education opportunities -- Most units have an Educational Services Officer to help you 

  • Grants and Scholarships available to you

  • Military benefits

  • MWR (Morale, Welfare, Recreation) and USO benefits - There are so many cool things to do in your community if you check with your MWR or USO!

  • Some areas require you to register your pet with the city. Be sure you have all of your pet's details and paperwork readily available as you move. 

  • If you have any pets, CLICK HERE for information regarding moving reimbursements. 

  • Moving Headaches? Contact the PCS Assist Team HERE.

  • If you are moving OCONUS (Outside the Continental U.S.), contact your Ombudsman before you move! Click HERE for more information. 

  • Stay on top of your licenses and certifications -- the Coast Guard has programs that makes many of these licenses and certifications applicable in states you transfer into! 

​​​​​

License and Certification Reimbursements

When your spouse reports aboard, they will:

  1. Meet the Command

  2. Check in with their Sponsor

  3. Get an overview of their schedule

  4. Receive qualification requirements

  5. Fill out the Family Check-in Form

​

And while they are doing that, your job is easy!

  1. Start making your house a home 

  2. Get out and see what your new location has that excites you! If it's food, start making a list of fun places to try! If adventure calls to you, scavenge out that next hike or camping trip! If family fun is your jam, locate some fun places like local laser tag, bounce house, or escape rooms! 

  3. Remember -- this tour will be EXACTLY what YOU make it. Nobody has that power but YOU. Get out, get involved, and have fun! 

Now What?

Military Children & Moving

Moving is never easy on anyone, especially our children! Imagine having to relocate and relearn everything from scratch with every new state, school, and requirement for each tour.... and that isn't even the social aspect. Every state has different standards and requirements for learning, and this can be overwhelming for military children and dependents. 

​

An incredible resource, Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission, deals with the educational challenges of military children due to their frequent relocations. It allows for the uniform treatment of military children as they transfer between school districts in member states. 

​

Click the link in the name, or click here for resources and information: https://mic3.net/

​
​Two helpful websites for moving*: 

 

*Disclaimer Regarding MilitaryOneSource Resources: Military OneSource states that it is “a DOD-funded program, Military OneSource's services are only available to members of the Coast Guard when activated as part of the Department of the Navy under Title 10 authority, or after separation or retirement, from their separation date until 365 days past end of tour of service.

 

”Please keep this in mind while navigating Military OneSource's website. 

​

Click here to prepare for your move financially.​

This is a non-federal entity. This non-federal entity is not part of, or endorsed by, the Department of Homeland Security or the United States Coast Guard and it has no governmental status.

This entity exists for informational purposes only

​

Funding for this website was provided by the Coast Guard Foundation. The Coast Guard Foundation partners with the Coast Guard to provide resources to members and families that build resilience and strengthen the entire community. Learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation and its continued efforts to support CG families by clicking HERE.

bottom of page