Preparing for a Permanent Change of Station Move

Packing

What You Can Take

  • Personal household items (both accompanied and unaccompanied)
  • Professional books, papers and equipment
  • Pets
  • Privately-owned vehicles (POVs)
  • Boats less than 14 feet long and without a trailer, such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats and sailboats.
  • A mobile home

Unauthorized Items

Unauthorized items are items that the military will not pay to move, and consist of the following:

  • Pets
  • Flammable Items
  • Aerosol Cans
  • Paint
  • Ammunition

Authorized Weight Limits

The amount of weight you are allowed to ship on military money depends upon your pay grade and whether you have dependents. The Table of Joint Federal Travel Regulations Weight Allowance details the weight allowances.

Keep in Mind

  • Regular uniforms and desk furniture are not included in professional items and are counted against your weight limit.

  • POVs are not allowed on some assignments.

  • Boats greater than 14 feet long or boats with a trailer must be shipped separately for a one-time fee. Any additional costs are your responsibility.

  • Boats 14 feet long or less are considered household items and will count against your allotted weight.

  • Shipping a mobile home may seem convenient, but it is pretty costly. It can cost over $1,000.

Benefits Calculator

What Benefits Do You Qualify For?

Joe's Notes


JoeNote

Professional items that are needed immediately for the new assignment do not count against your weight limit.

JoeSpeak: Accompanied Item

Item that accompanies a servicemember and their family members and is carried with or on their person. This category includes luggage, personal documents, jewelry, etc. These items do not count against your weight limit.

JoeSpeak: Unaccompanied Item

Item that would be needed upon immediate arrival to a new home, such as linens, kitchenware, bedding, cribs, professional items needed for the new assignment, etc. These items count against your weight limit and are packed and shipped separately from other household goods.

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