Close
My Military
OneSource App
Install
HomeResourcesMilLife GuidesPersonal Property Resources
MilLife Guides

Personal Property Resources

Overview

The Department of War is committed to ensuring service members, their families and anyone relocating with the military are well-informed and prepared for their transition. A successful relocation is built on access to reliable information and the right support for each step of the process.

This page provides personal property resources directly from the Defense Personal Property Program. Here you can find tools to schedule your shipments, review information on entitlements and get the detailed guidance needed to confidently manage your move.

Image of Deployment Earth Pin

Core resources to get started

Throughout your move, you will rely on a few key digital resources. Get familiar with them early.

The Defense Personal Property System is the official government portal where you will begin scheduling your move. It is the central hub for your entire shipment. Visit the DPS home page to begin setting up your move.

Log in using a common access card, or CAC, or by obtaining a user ID and password before accessing DPS.

Having trouble? See the Quick Reference Guide in the upper right-hand corner of the DPS home page for tutorials on how to perform specific tasks in DPS. Contact the System Response Center at the information below for help with:

  • Access and navigation
  • Account issues
  • Technical support

Personal Property System Response Center (toll free): 833-MIL-MOVE (833-645-6683)
Hours: Open 24/7
Email DPS help.
Email MilMove help.
OCONUS users: Contact your local operator for DSN dialing instructions.

DPS is compatible with Microsoft Edge, Firefox (version 24 and later), Google Chrome (version 25 and later) and Apple Safari (version 5.1.7 and later). Google Chrome is the preferred browser.

Find answers to common questions that go beyond the basics and cover specific situations, policies, and timelines such as how pickup timelines are confirmed, how inconvenience claims work after delivery and how to move unique or oversized items like gun safes or playground equipment.

It’s important to understand allowances, entitlements, and shipment and storage responsibilities, such as:

  • The shipment and/or storage of your household goods and/or unaccompanied baggage. Armed forces members can find that information here, and DOW civilian employees can find it here.
  • A personally owned vehicle, or POV. You can find important information on shipping and storing it under the Global POV Contract.
  • Mobile homes, which have certain restrictions and qualifications for shipment and storage
Image of Reservation 1

Planning and scheduling your move

The first steps of a successful move are to get your move on the calendar and understand the process. These resources will help you prepare:

  • Find support at your installation for managing your move. Your local transportation office can help with scheduling needs, entitlement questions and other moving-related issues.
  • Learn about what to do and where to begin. Learn about what you can do while you wait for official orders, such as understanding different kinds of moves and shipments and how to use the Defense Personal Property System.
  • Find tips and support. Here is a quick reference guide to customer and mover responsibilities, general moving tips and service branch customer service contacts.
  • Know your entitlements. Understand what you are authorized to ship by reviewing the PCS Entitlements benefit.
  • Understand moving timelines. Learn how to calculate your pickup window and request a specific date range for your shipment.
  • Prepare for moving days. Know what to expect during the loading and delivery process by reviewing this guide and watching this video.
Image of Moving Truck

Conducting a personally procured move

In a personally procured move, or PPM, you pack, transport, and unpack your household goods yourself or hire and manage your own moving company. A PPM is recommended if you have valuable or essential items like family heirlooms, photographs or important documents you want to protect. The government pays up to 100% of what it would have cost to hire a mover, based on your weight allowances.

  • This PPM fact sheet provides information and tips to avoid rogue operators, your responsibilities during a PPM and additional compensation items.
  • Listen to this PPM podcast for more advice, such as different types of transport, requesting storage and submitting a reimbursement.
  • When conducting a PPM, you can search online for privately owned vehicle weight scales to get required weight tickets. Check with your local transportation office to get more details on weighing your vehicle.
Image of Moving Dolly

Preparing and packing your belongings

Now that your move is scheduled, it’s time to focus on your belongings. Proper preparation can prevent damage and reduce stress.

Moving a privately owned vehicle, or POV

PCSmyPOV is an online resource for service members moving or storing their privately owned vehicles during a PCS. Learn more about shipping a car overseas.

Image of Checklist

Submitting claims and feedback after delivery

Your belongings have arrived, but there are a few final, important steps.

Filing a claim

If your belongings were lost or damaged, or you experienced issues, it’s crucial to act quickly. Start here to learn about filing a claim. Here are other resources for:

Providing feedback

Your experience matters. After the move, you will receive a Customer Satisfaction Survey, or CSS. Your feedback holds moving companies accountable and helps improve the process for everyone.

Image of Chat 1

Your support network — who to call for help

During a PCS, you’re leaving familiar places and friends, in addition to managing the logistics of moving. Remember, you are not alone in this process.

Find Personal Property Customer Service Contacts links for local moving assistance offices, technical help desks, POV shipping and storage, financial assistance, service branch assistance and more.

Transportation offices

Your local transportation office can help you with household goods logistics, such as exploring your different moving options and coordinating your shipments. They can also assist with questions about entitlements and allowances. Find contact information for your local household goods/transportation offices at your current and new installation at MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.

Learn more about how to use MilitaryINSTALLATIONS and its available features.

Service branch moving assistance

Each branch of service is available to assist with moves and offer customer service contacts and specific resources tailored for its members.

Personal Property Activity

The War Department’s Personal Property Activity, or PPA, was created to make moves easier for military families. As the next moving season approaches, PPA is here to help — focused on fixing long-standing issues and making sure you get the dependable support you deserve.

For direct assistance with your move from a fellow uniformed service member, contact the PCS Call Center at 833-MIL-MOVE (833-645-6683).
Email the PPA.

Moving support from Military OneSource

Access moving resources such as PCS planning, financial counseling, spouse employment assistance, help with housing and much more.

You can also learn how to put the military Relocation Assistance Program to work for you.

If you still have questions or need help locating resources, Military OneSource consultants are available 24/7 to answer questions and connect you with the support you need.

Related MilLife Guides

Military Child Care Learn about the variety of child care programs and services available to help meet the unique needs of military families.
Spouse Education and Employment Take advantage of the many resources available for military spouses to help you achieve your education and career goals.
Youth & Teens Learn about programs and services to help military-connected youth and teens thrive at every step of their developmental journey.

Learn about military bases worldwide. Get installation overviews, check-in procedures, housing, contacts for programs and services, photos and more.

Search Installation Contacts

Find an Installation

View All Installations

Site Map
Accessibility
Privacy Policy
Legal & Administrative
Department of War
USA.gov
FOIA
Plain Writing Act
No Fear Act
Release 5.26.05