Hidden Costs of Moving for Military Families
Updated: Oct 5
The military pays for a lot of a PCS, but not all of it, and often not until weeks after you've spent the money. As a military spouse for more than 30 years and an Arlington Associate Broker with 560+ transactions, I've lived through plenty of these moves. Here's what's usually covered, what usually isn't, and how to build a cushion for the gap.
This article is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice.
What the military helps with
Check your orders and talk with your installation's transportation office, since your entitlements depend on your orders, grade and family. The main ones are:
Moving your household goods, either by government movers or as a personally procured move (PPM).
Travel allowances for mileage and per diem on the trip.
Dislocation Allowance (DLA), a flat amount based on grade and dependents that partially offsets household setup costs.
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) for lodging and meals in CONUS: 7 or 21 days depending on your new duty station, with extensions in some locations.
Pet transportation: for one household pet, up to $550 for a CONUS move and up to $2,000 for an OCONUS move.
Spouse licensing: the services can reimburse up to $1,000 for qualifying spouse relicensing costs, plus up to $1,000 for qualifying spouse business costs.
What often isn't covered
Housing setup: a rental's security deposit and first month's rent, or a home purchase's earnest money and closing costs, often come due before your allowances arrive.
Selling a home: agent pay, seller closing costs, repairs and staging aren't reimbursed.
Extra hotel nights: if your house isn't ready or your goods are late beyond TLE.
Eating out: per diem helps, but it rarely covers every meal for a family.
Restocking: movers won't take opened cleaners, perishables or some liquids, so you'll rebuy them.
Car costs: maintenance before a long drive, plus a new state's license, registration and taxes.
Utility and pet deposits, cleaning fees and internet installation.
PPM supplies: boxes, tape and moving gear. Keep every receipt.
A lease you need to break
If you're renting and get PCS orders, you generally don't have to pay a penalty to leave. The federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and Virginia law let service members end a residential lease with written notice and a copy of the orders. In Virginia, the termination date is at least 30 days after the next rent due date following your notice. Give notice as soon as you have orders.
Five ways to build a PCS cushion
1. Write down your number. List the costs above that apply to you, with realistic amounts, and total them.
2. Work backward from your report date. Divide the total by the months you have left. Saving $1,000 over four months is about $250 a month.
3. Sell what you won't move. Fewer things means less to pack, ship and unpack, and it turns clutter into cash.
4. Trim for a few months. Pause unused subscriptions and cut back on takeout until the move is done.
5. Use free resources. Many installations have loan closets with kitchen basics, cribs and air mattresses until your shipment arrives, like Fort Belvoir's. Military OneSource financial counseling is free too.
Ask your finance office about an advance on allowances if cash flow is tight, and file your travel claim promptly so the reimbursement isn't delayed.
In Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia's high deposits and rents mean the setup costs can run higher here than at many duty stations. My Northern Virginia PCS guide and moving checklist can help you plan the timing.
Sources: Defense Travel Management Office, DLA; DTMO, TLE; DTMO, pet transportation; U.S. Marine Corps, spouse relicensing and business costs; Military OneSource, PCS FAQs; Va. Code § 55.1-1235; U.S. Department of Justice, SCRA.
Last reviewed: October 2026
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