Braxton Taylor
Changes to the U.S. military’s system of moving household goods may affect your 2025 permanent change-of-station (PCS) move. What’s happening, and how can you be prepared for it? Buckle up, folks: It looks like it’s going to be a doozy.
The military’s new moving contractor, HomeSafe Alliance, is scheduled to take over an increasing number of military moves this year. HomeSafe announced that it had completed 1,400 of them as of Feb. 19. While “the vast majority” were successful, a company spokesperson told Military.com in an email, “logistical challenges have caused delays for some moves in these early stages.”
U.S. Transportation Command, the supervising command, provided information indicating that about 20% of moves had been affected by problems as of January. Complaints have included delayed packouts, late deliveries, poor communication and others. HomeSafe hired 83 new employees in January, primarily in customer care, according to the Feb. 19 news release, as the company continued to carry out what it characterized as a “historic transformation.”
How can you be prepared for the uncertainty of this summer’s moving season? While these steps are smart regardless of which moving contract you’ll be moving under, they may be extra smart if you’re under the HomeSafe contract.
Schedule in Extra Days
Don’t assume that you’ll get your requested moving dates or that the movers will show up even if they’re scheduled. This has always been true, but it’s extra true this year. If you need to be out of your house on the 30th of the month, don’t schedule your packout for the 28th and 29th. I can’t tell you how far in advance to schedule things, because I just don’t know.
Talk to your landlord ahead of time about what will happen if your move is delayed. It’s better to have a Plan B and a Plan C and not need them.
Be in Touch with Your Movers
As soon as you know who is moving you, find their contact information and call them. Double-check that they have you on their schedule for the date you think you are scheduled. Ask them what time they will show up. Ask for contact phone numbers of people to call on the day of your move.
Take notes: who you talked to, when you talked to them and what they said. This information will come in handy should something happen on the day of your move.
Pack Thoughtfully
Plan what you’ll hand-carry as if your household goods shipment will be delayed. Everyone will want different things. For my family, this would be air mattresses and pillows, some basic kitchenware, flat sheets (for beds, shower curtains, window coverings and forts!), blankets and a few games. You know what is most important for your family.
Lean on Friends and Family
Start thinking about whether you have any friends with whom you could stay if your move gets derailed. Or maybe this is the year to plan a trip home during your move. There are pros and cons to this strategy; you’ll have to consider the options for your situation.
Consider a Door-to-Door Move
The exact opposite of planning a break in your move is to do a door-to-door move. This is when you arrange with the movers that they will drive from your old location to your new location, and you’ll be there to meet them. This prevents your belongings from going into storage, which can eliminate delivery delays. Door-to-door deliveries require that you already have a new home organized and that someone can beat the truck to that home.
Depending on the route, not every situation may be eligible for a door-to-door move.
Consider Using More of Your Temporary Lodging Expense at the New Location
Don’t forget you have 21 days of Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) for moves within the continental United States. This temporary lodging allowance is split between the old location and the new location. You might want to consider using fewer days at the beginning of your move so you have more flexibility if your delivery is delayed.
TLE is different for overseas moves. Check with your moving folks to be sure you know the right details for your specific situation.
Consider Doing a Personally Procured Move
A personally procured move (PPM), formerly known as a DITY move, will give you control over your move, but it’s a lot of work. And reimbursement rates may be down this year, because the government is basing them exclusively on the rates it would pay to HomeSafe, whereas in the past, it estimated its cost using different factors. A PPM might even end up costing you money. Another option is a partial PPM, in which you let the government-contracted movers handle some of your things and you move the other part.
Complain if Necessary
As always, keep detailed notes throughout the process. You’ll want these notes if you need to file an inconvenience claim or inspector general complaint — or, eventually, kick off a congressional inquiry.
Moving in 2025 is a great example of “Plan for the Worst, Hope for the Best.” Preparing for things to go wrong will lower your stress if it happens and allow you to still take care of your family, no matter what happens.
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