PCS resources
The services you actually need for a PCS
A short, honest list, not a link farm. These are the moving services worth knowing about, grouped by when you hit them. If a category is thin, it is because nothing in it earned a spot yet.
Moving yourself (PPM/DITY)
If you are doing a personally procured move, the vehicle is the biggest single decision. A rental truck gives you control; a you-load-they-drive container usually wins on a long haul once you count fuel, tolls, and days on the road.
Loading and unloading help
You do not have to lift it all yourself to keep the PPM payment. Hiring a crew for just the load and the unload still leaves most of the incentive in your pocket, and it saves your back and your marriage.
Storage
Report date and housing date rarely line up. Add an unaccompanied tour or being over your weight allowance, and a month or two of storage is often the cheapest way through it.
Internet at the new place
Set this up before you arrive. Install windows near a base can run one to three weeks out during PCS season, and you do not want to spend your report week working off a phone hotspot.
Free tools while you are here
Before you book anything, know your numbers. These are free, no signup, 2026 rates.
Know exactly what your move pays
DLA, mileage, per diem, lodging, and PPM, computed from your actual orders, with a timeline and a checklist. Free, no account needed.
Build my playbook for freePCS Copilot is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Defense or any branch of the U.S. military. Estimates only, verify with your servicing finance office.