PCS (Permanent Change of Station) Packing List
HHG (Household Goods) weight limits by rank, room-by-room packing checklist, pro-gear rules, and the full list of what NOT to put in your government shipment.
HHG & PPM (Personally Procured Move)/DITY (Do-It-Yourself)Weight Limits by RankPro-Gear RulesAll Branches
HHG Weight Allowances by Paygrade
Authorized weights per the JTR (Joint Travel Regulations). Pro-gear (up to 2,000 lbs) does NOT count against these limits.
| Paygrade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-3 | 5,000 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
| E-4 | 6,000 lbs | 3,000 lbs |
| E-5 to E-6 | 7,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| E-7 | 9,000 lbs | 4,000 lbs |
| E-8 to E-9 | 10,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| W-1 to W-3 | 11,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| W-4 to W-5 | 12,000 lbs | 6,000 lbs |
| O-1 to O-3 | 11,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| O-4 to O-6 | 13,000 lbs | 7,000 lbs |
| O-7 and above | 18,000 lbs | 18,000 lbs |
* Weights are approximate and subject to change. Always verify current allowances with your TMO (Transportation Management Office)/PPSO before your move.
Do NOT Put These in Your HHG Shipment
These items are prohibited, hazardous, or have severely limited liability. Transport them yourself or dispose of them before pack day.
Firearms and ammunition
Ship separately or transport yourself, required by federal law
Propane tanks and flammables
Hazmat, not allowed in any government shipment
Gasoline and motor oil
Flammable hazmat, drain from all equipment before shipment
Paint and aerosol cans
Hazmat, dispose of locally before your move
Prescription medications
Keep with you, get 90-day refills before PCS
Jewelry and valuables
Liability is limited, keep in your vehicle or ship insured
Perishable food and open containers
Will spoil or be refused by movers
Plants
Many states restrict plant transport, check USDA rules for OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States)
Pets
Never in a moving truck, use pet transport services or drive with them
Room-by-Room Packing Checklist
Use this as a reference when inventorying your items before packers arrive. Be present on pack day to annotate damaged items on the inventory sheet.
Essential Documents | Hand-Carry Only
Hand-Carry OnlyNever put these in your HHG shipment. Keep with you at all times.
- PCS orders (multiple printed copies)
- Military ID cards for all family members
- Passports and birth certificates
- Social Security cards
- Marriage and adoption certificates
- Medical and dental records
- Shot records / immunization cards for children
- School records and transcripts
- Vehicle titles and registration
- Wills, POA, and legal documents
- Financial account information and checkbooks
- Insurance cards (health, vehicle, renters/homeowners)
Living Room & Common Areas
- Sofas, chairs, and sectionals, disassemble if possible
- Coffee tables, end tables, TV stands
- Televisions, pack in original boxes when available
- Entertainment centers and media furniture
- Bookshelves and display cases
- Area rugs (professional cleaning before shipment recommended)
- Lamps and lighting fixtures (remove bulbs)
- Wall art and framed photos (pack flat)
- Decorative items, wrap individually in packing paper
Bedrooms
- Bed frames, disassemble and label all hardware
- Mattresses and box springs (request mattress bags from movers)
- Dressers, nightstands, and armoires
- Mirrors, pack in mirror boxes with cardboard corner protectors
- Clothing, leave in drawers for movers to wrap in place
- Closet organizers and storage systems
- Children's furniture and toys
- Linens, pillows, and bedding
Kitchen
- Dishes, glasses, and cookware, movers will wrap individually
- Small appliances (toasters, blenders, coffee makers)
- Pots and pans, nest together for packing
- Food pantry items, non-perishables only (no open containers)
- Refrigerator, must be defrosted and dry 24 hours before shipment
- Washer and dryer, disconnect, dry the drum, tape the door
- Knife sets, use knife guards or separate containers
Home Office & Pro-Gear
- Desks and office furniture
- Computer monitors and peripherals
- Printers and office equipment
- Professional books and field manuals (Pro-Gear, does NOT count against weight)
- Military uniforms and equipment (Pro-Gear eligible)
- Work-related tools and instruments (Pro-Gear eligible)
- Home office organization and filing systems
Garage & Outdoor
- Lawn equipment, drain all fuel before shipment
- Power tools, remove batteries and drain fuel
- Garden tools and hoses
- Bicycles, deflate tires, protect chain
- Outdoor furniture and cushions
- Sports and recreational equipment
- Grills, clean thoroughly, remove propane tanks (NOT shippable)
Understanding Pro-Gear
What Counts as Pro-Gear
- Professional books, papers, and manuals
- Military uniforms and equipment
- Tools required for your MOS (Military Occupational Specialty)/rate/AFSC
- Musician's instruments (if required for duty)
- Spouse's professional gear (up to 500 lbs)
Pro-Gear Rules Summary
- Service member: up to 2,000 lbs exempt
- Spouse: up to 500 lbs exempt
- Must be listed separately on the inventory
- Notify TMO/PPSO at time of booking
- You must document that items are professionally necessary