Challenges of Military Relocation Services

🚛 Challenges of a Relocation Service Relocating Military Personnel

Military relocations—commonly known as PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves—pose a unique set of challenges for relocation service providers. Unlike civilian moves, military PCS transitions involve government-mandated timelines, strict weight limits, layered documentation, and an emotional toll that extends across entire families.

Whether moving a single enlisted service member or an officer with a family of five, each relocation must be handled with precision, sensitivity, and deep understanding of military regulations. Below are some of the core challenges relocation companies face when supporting military personnel.

⏱️ Compressed Timelines and Sudden Orders

PCS orders can arrive with little notice, sometimes giving families just weeks—or even days—to prepare. Relocation providers must quickly coordinate logistics, moving services, housing, and storage solutions, all while adhering to strict military schedules.

The challenge: Planning an entire interstate or international relocation in days instead of months.

📦 Strict Weight Allowances and Inventory Requirements

Each branch of the military imposes weight limits based on rank and family size. Exceeding those limits can result in out-of-pocket costs for the service member.

Relocation professionals must:

Accurately estimate household weight

Manage packing and inventory

Advise families on minimizing unnecessary items

Failing to do so can result in financial penalties and disrupted moves.

📝 Complicated Government Documentation

PCS moves come with a mountain of paperwork: orders, DD-Form 1299, DD-Form 1351-2, and expense reimbursements. A single error in these forms can delay payment or housing support.

Relocation companies must become experts in:

Military entitlements

Allowances like DLA and TLE

DoD documentation workflows

🌍 OCONUS and International Logistics

Overseas relocations involve customs regulations, port coordination, and additional risk management. The emotional toll is higher when families are moving to foreign countries with new cultures, languages, and schools.

Challenges include:

Managing HHG (Household Goods) shipping timelines

Coordinating arrival with base housing

Ensuring culturally relevant transition support

🏠 Housing Pressure and Market Volatility

Finding short-term rentals, base housing, or purchasing homes under a tight timeline and restricted budget is one of the top pain points for military families.

Military relocation services must:

Partner with real estate agents trained in military timelines

Help families navigate BAH limits

Support both homebuyers and renters in high-demand markets

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Emotional and Family Stress

Military families often relocate every 2–3 years, impacting children’s education, spouses’ employment, and family routines.

Relocation professionals must:

Provide empathetic communication

Offer school district guidance

Help spouses find local support resources

Every move isn’t just a logistics job—it’s a family transition.

How CARS Solves These Challenges 🚀

CARS (Corporate America Relocation Services) specializes in military relocation support. From understanding PCS policy and government entitlements to offering cash-back home rebates and vetted moving partners, we provide:

Certified Military Relocation Professionals (MRPs)

Custom support for CONUS and OCONUS moves

Transparent planning and documentation guidance

Nationwide network of military-friendly movers

Rebate program to help offset costs

We know PCS. Let us help make your next move the smoothest one yet.

Resource Links:

CARS Homepage: https://www.corporateamerica.us

Military Relocation Professionals: https://www.corporateamerica.us/military-relocation-professionals/

PCS Weight Allowance: https://www.corporateamerica.us/pcs-weight-allowance/

Relocation Rebate Program: https://www.corporateamerica.us/realtor-rebate/