Preparing for a PCS Move: How to Manage Expenses When the Military Doesn’t Cover All Costs

Moving to a new duty station is a part of military life, but the expenses involved in a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move can be overwhelming, especially when not all costs are covered by the military. While the government provides reimbursements and allowances for many aspects of a PCS move, there are often gaps that leave military families responsible for unexpected expenses.

This guide will walk you through how to manage these costs and ensure your PCS move is as smooth and affordable as possible.

Understanding Your PCS Allowances

Before diving into ways to save, it’s important to understand what the military covers during a PCS. Each service member is entitled to various allowances to help with the cost of moving. These typically include:

• Dislocation Allowance (DLA): Helps offset the cost of moving. The amount varies depending on rank and family size.
• Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE): Covers temporary housing costs for up to 10 days during your move.
• Per Diem: A daily allowance for food and lodging while traveling to your new duty station.
• Mileage Reimbursement: Covers the cost of driving your personal vehicle during the move.

While these allowances help with many expenses, some areas may not be fully covered, such as certain travel costs, temporary storage, or the shipment of multiple vehicles. This can add up quickly, so it’s important to have a plan for managing these extra costs.

Factor in the Cost of Shipping a Car

One of the most significant expenses that isn’t always covered during a PCS move is shipping a car. If you’re moving cross-country and can’t drive your vehicle to the new location, you’ll likely need to hire a professional vehicle shipping service. Many military families need to ship a car cross country, especially when moving between duty stations that are far apart or overseas.

When you ship a car cross country, the cost can vary depending on factors like the distance, the size of your vehicle, and the time of year. The average cost can range from $1,000 to $1,500 for a cross-country move. If the military doesn’t cover this cost, you’ll need to budget accordingly.

Here are a few tips for saving money when shipping your car:

• Book Early: Like any service, booking your vehicle shipment well in advance can help you lock in lower rates.
• Choose Open Transport: This is often the cheapest option for vehicle transport, as your car will be shipped on an open trailer rather than an enclosed one.
• Compare Quotes: Don’t settle for the first shipping company you find. Get multiple quotes to find the best deal.

In addition, ensure the car shipping company you choose has a reputation for reliability and offers insurance coverage during transport.

Other Hidden Costs to Consider

Aside from car shipping, several other expenses might not be fully covered during your PCS move. Being aware of these costs will help you prepare and avoid any surprises.

1. Temporary Housing

Even though the military provides Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) for a limited time, finding long-term housing can be difficult. In competitive housing markets, finding a rental or buying a home can take longer than anticipated, leaving you responsible for covering additional temporary housing costs.

2. Storage Fees

If your new home isn’t ready when you arrive, you may need to store your belongings temporarily. While the government offers temporary storage during a PCS move, this is often for a limited time. If you need long-term storage, you’ll be responsible for those fees.

3. Pet Transportation

The cost of transporting pets during a PCS move is another expense the military doesn’t cover. Whether you’re flying with pets or hiring a pet relocation service, this can be a significant cost, particularly if you’re moving overseas. Make sure to factor in expenses such as pet health certificates, airline fees, and boarding if necessary.

4. Unreimbursed Travel Costs

Though the military reimburses some travel expenses, there are always additional costs that may not be fully covered. These might include extra fuel costs, meals, tolls, or entertainment during long drives.

Budgeting for a PCS Move

With so many potential expenses, creating a budget for your PCS move is essential. Start by estimating the costs that won’t be covered by the military, such as car shipping, extra travel expenses, and temporary housing. From there, you can determine how much you’ll need to save or set aside to cover these costs.

Here are a few steps to help you create a PCS budget:

• List All Expenses: Make a list of all the potential costs involved in your move, from car shipping to pet relocation.
• Estimate the Costs: Research or get quotes for services such as car shipping and temporary housing to get an accurate estimate of what each service will cost.
• Factor in Unexpected Expenses: It’s always a good idea to add a buffer to your budget for any unexpected expenses that arise.
• Use Financial Assistance: Many banks and credit unions offer PCS loans or other financial assistance programs specifically for military families. If you’re struggling to cover costs, these can be a helpful option.

Ways to Save on Your PCS Move

In addition to creating a budget, finding ways to cut costs during your PCS move is key. Here are some strategies for saving money during the process:

1. DIY Packing

While the military often provides packing services, some families prefer to handle packing themselves. This gives you more control over the process and may allow you to avoid certain fees associated with professional packing.

2. Maximize Your TLE

Be mindful of how you use your Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance. Choose affordable accommodations and take advantage of any military discounts available to extend your TLE as far as possible.

3. Use a Military Discount

Many businesses, including car shipping companies, offer discounts to active-duty military members. When researching companies to ship a car cross country, ask about any available discounts. The savings can add up quickly, especially for large expenses like vehicle shipping.

4. Sell or Donate Unnecessary Items

PCS moves are a great time to downsize. Selling or donating items you no longer need can save on moving costs, particularly if you’re moving overseas, where shipping heavier items can be costly.

Financial Assistance Options for PCS Moves

If the expenses of a PCS move are beyond what you can comfortably manage, there are several financial assistance programs available to help military families. These include:

• Military Relief Societies: Organizations like the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Army Emergency Relief, and the Air Force Aid Society offer financial assistance to help cover unexpected moving expenses.
• PCS Loans: Many financial institutions offer low-interest loans specifically for military families facing the high costs of a PCS move.
• Personal Savings: If possible, start saving in advance for your move. Setting aside a small amount each month can help you cover the costs that the military doesn’t reimburse.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

Perhaps the most important thing to remember when preparing for a PCS move is the importance of planning ahead. The more you can anticipate the expenses that won’t be covered by the military, the better prepared you’ll be to manage them without financial strain.

Start by getting organized early. Make a list of everything you’ll need to do before your move, such as researching car shipping companies and finding temporary housing. Creating a timeline and checklist for your move will help you stay on track and avoid any last-minute expenses.

Conclusion

While the military provides substantial financial assistance for a PCS move, there are still many expenses that fall outside of what’s covered. By preparing for these costs, such as the need to ship a car cross country, temporary housing, and pet relocation, military families can avoid unnecessary stress and financial strain. Remember, careful budgeting, taking advantage of available discounts, and planning ahead are your best strategies for managing a PCS move on a budget.

Whether you’re moving across the country or overseas, the key is to start early and stay organized.