San Diego Military Movers

Q: Does the military pay for movers?

Yes, the military covers the cost of moving through the Defense Personal Property Program (DP3). This program pays for household goods transportation, including packing, moving, and delivery. However, certain expenses such as storage fees or special services may require additional approval or out-of-pocket costs.

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As a leading provider of military moving services in the San Diego area, we take great pride in providing service personnel, military veterans, and military families with the top-of-the-line relocation and storage solutions they deserve. Our military movers in San Diego, CA, give you instant access to relocation tools, resources, and the support you need to complete a successful move.

Whether you are dealing with a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), a deployment, sending your loved ones to boot camp, or making your way home after your dedicated service, we are with you every step of the way. Our online tools and resources, combined with access to our highly trained San Diego military movers, ensure Republic Moving & Storage meets all your moving and storage needs.

Republic Moving & Storage services San Diego, all of the San Diego County area, and the greater San Diego metropolitan area.

Military Moving Services & Options for Military Personnel

A PCS move (Permanent Change of Station) is an ordered relocation to another duty station for at least 20 weeks. A PCS move is a long-distance move with nearly all moving services paid for by the government.

Military members have three options for completing their move:

Arranging a PCS move through government-approved military movers (Transportation Service Providers or TSPs)
Receiving reimbursement for a Personally Procured Move (PPM), or
A combination of these options

Republic Moving & Storage strives to be your first choice for a worry-free moving process. Our motivated military movers provide local, interstate, and international moving services to military members and their families across all branches, with PCS and PPM moving solutions. Whether you are completing a PCS move within the country or an international relocation, our professional movers are ready to do it all, from packing every room to approved storage facilities and solutions. We also offer insurance coverage to give you peace of mind during your relocation.

Households Goods (HHG) & Privately Owned Vehicle (POV)

Your personal belongings, referred to as HHG, are authorized for transport to your new station based on a weight limit that is determined by your rank and familial status. Your Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) may qualify for shipment or storage depending on your PCS orders.

As soon as you receive your PCS notification, start the moving process immediately to avoid delays. Start decluttering your home to stay within your weight limits. Then organize important family documents and create your account on the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) portal to prepare for your move. Planning early is the key to a successful DPS move.

PCS Move with TSP Military Movers

Allowing the government to arrange your relocation service is the most convenient option. After submitting your request to the United States Transportation Command, transportation, packing, and relocation services are placed on your behalf.

Military personnel and service members are subject to specific weight restrictions when using TSP movers. There are also limits on what DPS will cover with a household goods move (HHG). If you exceed the weight limit, you will face additional charges at your own expense.

Choosing your military movers in San Diego comes with additional considerations. Because your belongings are unpacked in a warehouse, the risk of loss or damage is higher. You will not be able to schedule pickup at your convenience, which can make your move harder to plan.

PPM Move

Do-it-yourself PPM moves offer many advantages: greater control over the moving experience, greater control over your belongings, and the potential to save money. A PPM military move involves 100% reimbursement of the cost you would have paid a TSP mover based on the weight of your items.

You will need authorization for a personally procured move. The first step is an appointment with your Personal Property Office (PPO) to obtain the required forms, including DD Form 2278, Application for Move, and the Counseling Checklist. If you plan to hire your own San Diego military movers and do a partial PPM move with some belongings moved by a TSP mover, your PTO representative will assist with the details.

Partial PPM Move

Most military personnel choose a partial PPM move. This involves a personally procured relocation plus an HHG shipment using an approved moving company. You can complete the PPM move on your own or with military movers in San Diego that you hire.

A partial PPM move allows you to handle your relocation on your schedule, keep the money you save from your government allowance, handle the details you feel comfortable with, and stay in control of household items you can’t replace.

How Much Does a Military Move Cost?

The government covers most of the costs associated with professional military moves for qualifying service members. You may have some out-of-pocket expenses, depending on what you are transporting, the type of move, your rank, and more.

The government pays for a move by contracting a TSP or reimburses you 100% of what they would have paid a TSP within allowances, with a few exceptions.

You may qualify for several reimbursements to help with moving costs. You can claim any costs not covered by reimbursement or your PCS moving allowance on your tax return, so be sure to save all receipts.

Below are common travel and moving allowances you may be entitled to. Contact Republic Moving & Storage to request a free estimate on personalized, professional military relocation services.

PCS Travel Allowances

You can travel to your new location by a common carrier, such as an airplane or a train, or by a privately owned vehicle (POV). Every PCS is different. Understanding your PCS move is important because the rules and reimbursements will vary.

Common carrier: The government will provide you a ticket when you travel via a common carrier and reimburse you for travel to and from the common carrier station with valid receipts. You and your dependents receive per diem for travel time and authorized delays.
Per diem: Within CONUS, active service members are authorized per diem for the allowed travel time. Hotel expenses are reimbursed upon presentation of valid receipts.
Reduced per diem for traveling dependents: Dependents 12 and older receive 75% of the authorized per diem, and dependents under the age of 12 receive 50% of the authorized per diem.
Per diem outside CONUS: Per diem locality rates apply with the same fractional amounts for dependents listed above.
Privately Owned Vehicle (POV): The government will reimburse mileage and travel tolls to travel to your new installation or base. If traveling with dependents and more than one vehicle is required, you will receive mileage reimbursement for each vehicle. You will be authorized one day of per diem for every 350 miles of official distance.

Special Circumstances

Special circumstances may include, but are not limited to: separate dependent travel, retirement, separation from active duty, and the potential need for dependents to travel overseas. Sometimes, dependents are authorized to travel separately, such as during deployment when the household is asked to wait until the deployment term ends. In these cases, the dependents will receive full travel allowances, including per diem at the 100% rate for their spouse and applicable rates for children.

Retirement: A member who retires is authorized to travel for themselves and their dependents to anywhere in the U.S., their Home of Record outside the U.S., or anywhere in the world if the cost does not exceed transportation to a CONUS location.
Separation from Active Duty: A member who separates from active duty is authorized to travel for themselves and their dependents to their home of record, or any other location not to exceed the cost of travel from their old permanent base/installation to their home of record.
Overseas dependents: Under special circumstances, overseas dependents may be authorized to travel back to the States alone and are entitled to receive full travel allowances. Examples of these special circumstances may include family death, legal matters, divorce, custody matters, and/or dangerous conditions.

Personal & Dependents Travel

Your PCS travel for you and your dependents will be covered by the government either through common carrier, by providing you money to travel via your privately owned vehicle (POV),/or through per diem (daily) allowance for meals and lodging for a specified number of days.

Additional costs that you may incur when looking for housing or living in temporary quarters may be partially reimbursed by the government through either Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) or Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE).

Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA)

This allowance for OCNUS reimburses the cost of living in a privately owned or leased home overseas and the cost of making necessary security or habitation modifications to your new home.

Dislocation Allowance (DLA)

DLA partially reimburses relocation expenses not otherwise reimbursed and is an addition to any other allowances that you may receive. DLA is based on your pay grade and the number of dependents included in the PCS orders. DLAs change year-to-year. Find the most current DLA rate information.

Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT)

This is a set mileage reimbursement for up to two vehicles if you choose to drive your private vehicle to your new home. The rate is $0.21/mile in 2024. You can see current MALT reimbursement rates here.

Advance BAH

This allowance is available in some branches for military personnel and service members to receive a BAH advance for relocating into off-base housing.

Advance Basic Pay

This benefit grants an interest-free advance of up to three months’ basic pay. The advance is repaid over 12 to 24 months.

Advance Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA)

This advance against the projected overseas housing allowance helps cover the difference between an off-base home and the BAH.

What San Diego Military Movers Cannot Pack?

A PCS move comes with many special regulations and restrictions. This includes a list of items that a mover is not authorized to pack or move.

A San Diego company performing a PPM relocation is prohibited from packing the following:

- Hazardous materials, which include certain hobby materials and cleaning supplies
- Building materials, including even small amounts of wood for woodworking

Live animals

Vehicles

Household goods for resale or commercial use

Ammunition

We serve military veterans, families, and households. With more than 47 years of experience in the moving industry in San Diego County. We handle moves of all sizes, including long distance moves, with an ultra-low claims rate. Our background-checked, reliable military movers have earned sterling reviews through in-depth training, years of experience, and the professional equipment needed to do the job right.

Contact us today at (619) 591-0079to request a free quote and receive the dedicated customer support you deserve. Our incredibly professional team is ready to help with excellent move service and a stress-free moving day. Your complete satisfaction is our #1 goal, and we look forward to helping your family enjoy a smooth transition to your new location, whether you are returning to the civilian world or preparing for deployment.

Personally Procured Move Resources for Military Members

These resources can help you plan your military relocation. Republic Moving & Storage also provides several resources below on weight allowances, moving with pets, and protecting personal information and valuables.

Military OneSource Moving – The official Department of Defense moving portal offers helpful resources and guides. Start your PCS move here!
Military Installations – Get detailed information about United States military installations, services, schools, living costs, and more.
Homes.mil – Get connected with listings for rentals near bases.
PCSmyPOV – Schedule pickup/drop-off if you are shipping or storing a personal vehicle.
School Liaison Contacts – This Department of Defense program helps you find a school liaison in your new location to help with school-related issues.
Military.com PCS Military Move Checklist – Find printable checklists for PCS military moves.
Weight Estimator Tool – This tool offers average weights for typical items and compares your estimated shipment weight with your entitlement allowance.

Military Moving Acronym Guide

For your convenience, we have listed below the most common acronyms to help guide you through your military move.

CONUS – Continental United States. This refers to the 48 states in North America. Note: Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories are considered outside the continental United States (OCONUS).

CSS – Customer Service Satisfaction Survey

DEERS – Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. DEERS registration is key to establishing your TRICARE benefits eligibility. DEERS is a computerized database of military sponsors, families, and others worldwide who are entitled under the law to TRICARE benefits.

DFAS – Defense Finance and Accounting Services. DFAS provides finance and accounting services for the civil and military members of the Department.

DITY – Do-It-Yourself (see also PPM)

DMPO – Defense Military Pay Office; handles PCS travel-related pay and finance issues

DoD – Department of Defense

DoDEA – Department of Defense Education Activity, an agency that oversees the school system for military kids

DPS – Defense Personal Property System. An internet-based computerized program that manages DoD household goods moves. Log in to the Defense Personal Property System.

FRV – Full Replacement Value

GCC – Government Constructed Costs. The moving fees the government would have to pay when relocating a service member and their dependents to a new duty station.

HHG – Household Goods; furniture and other personal belongings

HOR – Home of Record

HOS – Home of Selection

MALT – Mileage in Lieu of Transportation. If you choose to drive your privately owned vehicle(s) (POV) from your old duty station to your new location, the government will pay you a set amount for each vehicle. Curious about the recent MALT rate?

MCO – Military Claims Office

NTS – Non-Temporary Storage

OCONUS – Outside Continental United States. Regions outside the continental United States. Italy, Japan, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and Puerto Rico are examples of regions considered OCONUS.

PCS – Permanent Change of Station. Relocating from one duty station to another. Includes stateside and overseas moves.

POV – Privately Owned Vehicle. Vehicle owned by the service member or their dependents.

PPM – Personally Procured Move. Formerly referred to as DITY, PPM occurs when a service member chooses to hire private movers instead of using military services.

PPPO – Personal Property Processing Officer

RITA – Relocation Income Tax Allowance. The allowance reimburses travelers who paid additional federal, state, and local taxes due to a PCS move. This allowance is not automatic; you must apply for it.

SIT – Storage in Transit

TDY – Temporary Duty. Also known as Temporary Additional Duty (TAD). A TDY is a temporary assignment to a new location for more than 31 days but usually less than 20 weeks. Only a portion of your items can travel with you.

TLA – Temporary Lodging Allowance. An allowance for temporary meals and housing when making an OCONUS move. The allowance covers up to 60 days while you await housing; however, it can be extended if necessary.

TLE – Temporary Lodging Expense. Payment to offset temporary lodging and meals while you’re at your old duty station or after you’ve arrived at the new location. TLE is not paid while you’re in transit from one duty station to another and is only provided for CONUS PCS moves.

TMO – Transportation Management Officer

TSP – Transportation Service Provider

TO – Transportation Office. Coordinates and handles the packing and shipping aspects of your move. The name of this office varies among the branches:

Army: ITO (Installation Transportation Office)
Navy and Marine Corps: PPSO (Personal Property Shipping Office)
Air Force: TMO (Traffic Management Office)
Coast Guard: HHGSO (Household Goods Shipping Office)

UAB – Unaccompanied Baggage. When you have an OCONUS move, some of your essential personal items will ship by air so you’ll have them when you arrive, while the rest of your household goods will ship separately. These must-have items are considered unaccompanied baggage.

Still not finding what you are looking for? Here is the DOD Dictionary of Military Terms.

PCS Moving & Pets

Alt text: Military soldier hugging his pet dog warmly against a blue background.

If you just received your Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, there are a lot of details to take care of, including what to do with your family pet. Different rules and options apply to service members moving with pets.

Status: Single

Your rank and PCS living arrangements determine whether you can take your pet with you. If you are assigned to a room at the barracks, then pets are not allowed. If your PCS includes an apartment or home, then your pet may be eligible for travel.

Status: Married

If you are married, all your dependents are included in your PCS orders, and the family moves as a whole. Pets may be included in the move if the family takes the proper steps to notify the appropriate personnel, pays for the pet’s travel, and makes travel arrangements.

If the financial obligation to transport your pet is too great, explore options such as the SPCA’s Operation Military Pets program, which helps cover your pet’s relocation costs.

Health requirements and quarantine: Depending on your new location, you may or may not be able to take your pet with you due to local health and quarantine requirements. You must check with the destination base, the Department of Agriculture, and the consulate of the destination country when moving overseas. Some countries may require quarantine.

Housing limitations & paperwork: If the PCS destination is within the United States, housing generally limits pets to two per household. If Hawaii is the PCS destination, Hawaii requires quarantine, microchipping, and rigorous paperwork; consult your base’s veterinarian before travel to ensure smooth transport of your pet(s).

Valuables, Important Documents & Personal Information

Certain items require special attention for a worry-free move.

Valuables: Consider independently having your valuables or expensive items, such as fine art, collectibles, and heirlooms, appraised before your military move. Although the military does not reimburse you for appraisals, they are an investment in safeguarding your valuables in the unfortunate event of damage or loss.

Household Items & electronics: Consider using video and photos to document the condition of your household items before your San Diego relocation. The working condition of your electronics and the condition of your furniture and goods will be valuable in the unfortunate event of damage or loss.

Personal and important paperwork & financials: Stocks, bonds, jewelry, collections (coin, stamp, rare collections), photo albums, passports, birth certificates, irreplaceable items (heirlooms), and important documents such as medical, veterinarian, and school records, moving receipts, and appraisals should be kept with you (not packed for shipment) in your suitcase.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII): PII is any information about an individual that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity, such as name, Social Security Number (SSN), date and place of birth, mother’s maiden name, and biometric records. Public law allows for some data on an ocean vessel manifest, which may contain PII, to be shared with parties outside of the Department of Defense (DoD). To protect your PII, you can download the Vessel Manifest Confidentiality Request Form. Approvals can take anywhere from two months. Once approved, the form is good for two years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Do Military Movers Cost?

The cost of military movers in San Diego, CA varies depending on the size of the move, distance, and specific services required. Typically, the government covers military moves through the Defense Personal Property Program (DP3), but additional costs may apply for services such as packing or storage. Work with a moving company experienced in military relocations to ensure compliance with the necessary regulations and accurate billing.

How Long Does It Take Military Movers to Move Your Stuff?

The time it takes military movers to move your belongings in San Diego, CA, depends on the distance, the number of items, and any special services needed. Typically, local moves within the city may take 1-2 days, while long-distance moves could take several weeks. The timeline also depends on coordination with the Defense Personal Property Program (DP3), which manages the scheduling and logistics of military moves.

Does the Military Pay for Movers?

Yes, the military covers moving costs through the Defense Personal Property Program (DP3). This program pays for household goods transportation, including packing, moving, and delivery. However, certain expenses, such as storage fees or special services, may require additional approval or may be out-of-pocket. Military personnel in San Diego, CA, should coordinate with their local Transportation Office to understand specific entitlements and conditions. Additionally, government-contracted movers officially discourage tipping. Snacks or water are a better alternative.

What Will Military Movers Not Pack?

Military movers in San Diego, CA, will not pack hazardous materials such as flammable items, chemicals, or explosives. They also won't pack personal items like cash, jewelry, or important documents. Per the Defense Personal Property Program (DP3) guidelines, items like firearms, perishable food, and plants are also excluded from the packing service. You should handle these items yourself before the move.

Do Military Movers Put Your Furniture Back Together?

Military movers in San Diego, CA, generally do not reassemble furniture as part of the standard moving service. However, disassembly of larger items, such as beds or large furniture, is typically included. If reassembly is required, it may be available for an additional fee or as a special service through a third-party provider. Confirm these details with the moving company in advance.

Republic Moving & Storage: The Best San Diego Military Movers!

The best PPM moving company in San Diego County is ready to make your upcoming transition as easy as possible for your entire family as you adjust to living in San Diego. Republic Moving & Storage is a Certified ATA ProMover and an agent for North American Van Lines, one of the largest and most trusted moving companies in the U.S., with an extensive network of agents to facilitate relocations of all sizes.

Ready to book professional, thorough San Diego military movers? Republic Moving & Storage services San Diego, all of the San Diego County area, and the greater San Diego metropolitan area. Call our San Diego moving company today at (619) 591-0079.