PCS Move: Do you move yourself, have the military do it, or hybrid? Which is best?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 06:59:46 -0400

How do you move?

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jun 18 at 2015 7:09 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 07:09:20 -0400

It all depends on where you are PCsing to. If within the lower 48 I would do it my self. Any place else let the military move you.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 18 at 2015 8:44 AM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 08:44:29 -0400

I always had DoD do my moves for me.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 9:57 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 09:57:27 -0400

A hybrid is usually the best AKA partial DITY move. At a minimum grab a uhaul trailer and pull it behind your car with the essential items while the majority of the other items are on the long haul. That way you can have your mattresses, etc all with you when you move into your new home and aren't waiting.

Typically I grab a Penske truck fill it with the heavy and essential items and leave the DoD movers with the furniture I don't need.

That way I maximize my payout (heavy items) and my convenience. It's also handy as you don't need to bring in the whole house at once, you can have the movers hold off for a few days until you are really ready to unload.

Response by PO1 David McFarland made Jun 21 at 2016 2:34 PM

PO1 David McFarland — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 14:34:33 -0400

Definitely take any valuables or delicate items with you that you can, mail the ones that you can't to family members you trust to store them.

Also ensure you've got everything you can't live without. Pack like you're going on deployment, because orders can change, deliveries delayed, boxes lost, et cetera.

Other than that, it's very much case-by-case. If you're moving from overseas, know the nationality of your movers; i.e. Japanese movers are impeccable and will treat your stuff better than you would. American movers are hit-or-miss, but can be exceptional - but may need to be bribed with food.