Start when orders arrive

1. Save the complete orders and every amendment.
2. Contact the installation household-goods/transportation office early.
3. Identify authorized weight, shipment options, storage, vehicle/pet issues and OCONUS requirements.
4. Decide whether any portion will be a personally procured move only after understanding reimbursement rules.
5. Inventory and photograph property before pickup.
6. Preserve pickup, delivery, inventory, condition and communication records.

When something goes wrong

Separate a delay/inconvenience issue from a loss-or-damage claim and from a travel-reimbursement issue. The transportation office can help identify the proper claim route and the moving company or government office responsible for the next step.

Preserve: orders, amendments, counseling records, shipment numbers, inventories, photos, receipts, delivery documents, damage notices, claim submissions and settlement correspondence.

Official sources

• Military OneSource — PCS Basics
• Military OneSource — Installation Transportation Office
• Military OneSource — Moving Personal Property

Source status: SRC-037; SRC-038 verified October 4, 2026. Recheck current instructions before a deadline-sensitive transaction.

2026 household-goods claim deadline change

For covered household-goods shipments picked up on or after May 15, 2026, Military OneSource now states that the itemized claim for full replacement/repair value may be filed up to 12 months from delivery. Earlier shipments generally remain under the prior nine-month deadline. Loss/damage notice requirements are separate; preserve the shipment pickup date, delivery date, DPS notices, and filing confirmations.

Current source: SRC-058 · verified October 4, 2026. See Household Goods & Personal Property Claims for the claims pathway.