At Southbay Moving Systems, we understand that planning a military retirement move can be a complex process.
Transitioning from active duty to civilian life involves numerous considerations, from understanding your benefits to organizing your belongings.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps of planning your retirement move as a military member, ensuring a smooth and stress-free relocation.
What Are Military Retirement Move Benefits?
The Final Move Program Explained
The Department of Defense offers a comprehensive Final Move program to assist service members in their transition to civilian life. This program (also known as the “last move on the government”) allows retiring service members to relocate to their chosen destination within the United States. The benefit covers the transportation of household goods, personal effects, and in some cases, vehicles. The program aims to reduce the financial burden of relocation after years of dedicated service.
Time Limits and Restrictions
The Final Move benefit comes with specific time constraints. As of 2025, retiring service members have up to three years from their retirement date to use this benefit. Extensions beyond three years may be requested, for a maximum of six years from the retirement date.
Weight Allowances and Covered Expenses
The Final Move program includes weight allowances based on rank and dependency status. For example, an E-7 with dependents typically has a weight allowance of 11,000 pounds. The program covers costs such as:
- Packing
- Crating
- Uncrating
- Unpacking of household goods
It also includes temporary storage for up to 90 days, which can be extended under certain circumstances.
Additional Considerations
While the Final Move program is comprehensive, it doesn’t cover every expense. Additional costs like pet transportation or special handling of high-value items may fall outside the program’s scope. It’s important to discuss these details with your transportation office and chosen moving company to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
Planning Your Move
We recommend you start your planning process early to maximize your entitlements and ensure a smooth transition. A professional moving company can help you understand the intricacies of your specific benefits and how they apply to your unique situation. As you prepare for this significant life change, the next step is to create a detailed timeline for your military retirement move.
How to Prepare for Your Military Retirement Move
Create a Detailed Timeline
Create a detailed timeline to review your military retirement pay, benefits and expenses. This will help you plan your budget and calculate what you’ll have each month, including your monthly retirement pay. Start planning early (at least six months before your planned move date). This allows ample time to sort belongings, research your new location, and coordinate with your chosen moving company. Create a week-by-week checklist of tasks, including:
- Notify your current landlord or sell your home
- Transfer medical records
- Schedule utility disconnections and connections
Declutter and Organize
Sorting through possessions is one of the most time-consuming aspects of moving. Start this process early by methodically going through each room. Separate items into categories:
- Keep
- Donate
- Sell
- Discard
Your weight allowance is limited, so be thorough in your decluttering efforts. Consider holding a yard sale or using online marketplaces to sell items you no longer need. This can provide extra funds for your move (which can be helpful for unexpected expenses).
Gather Essential Documentation
Collect and organize your paperwork for a smooth transition. Create a file (both physical and digital) containing:
Make multiple copies of these documents and keep them in a secure, easily accessible location during your move.
Choose a Reputable Moving Company
Select a moving company with experience in military relocations. Research potential movers and read reviews from other service members. Request multiple quotes from at least three companies to compare prices and services. Southbay Moving Systems, with over 30 years of experience in military moves, is an excellent choice for your retirement relocation.
Plan for Your New Location
Research your new community thoroughly. Consider factors such as:
- Housing options (rent vs. buy)
- School districts (if applicable)
- Job opportunities
- Cost of living
- Healthcare facilities
This information will help you make informed decisions about your new life after military service.
As you complete these preparation steps, you’ll be well-positioned for a successful military retirement move. The next critical phase is to understand how to choose the right moving company for your specific needs.
How to Choose the Best Moving Company for Your Military Retirement
Selecting the right moving company will significantly impact the ease and efficiency of your transition to civilian life. This guide will help you make an informed decision:
Seek Military-Friendly Movers
Military OneSource helps service members and their families manage their military PCS move with helpful tips, resources and relocation assistance. Look for moving companies with extensive military moving experience to handle the logistics of your relocation. These companies understand the unique requirements and regulations associated with military moves. Check if they’re approved by the Department of Defense (DoD) and have experience with the Defense Personal Property System (DPS).
Verify Credentials and Reviews
Always check the mover’s credentials. Ensure they’re licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a valid USDOT number. Look for memberships in professional organizations like the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA).
You may request complaint information about movers from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under the Freedom of Information Act. Read reviews from other military families who have used their services. Websites like PCSgrades and Military.com offer valuable insights from service members about their moving experiences. Pay attention to reviews that specifically mention military retirement moves.
Understand Insurance and Liability Coverage
Military moves typically come with basic coverage of $6.00 per pound per article. However, this may not suffice for high-value items. Ask potential movers about their insurance options and additional coverage plans.
Full Value Protection (FVP) is often recommended for military retirees. This coverage holds the mover accountable for the full replacement value of lost or damaged items. Some companies offer customized insurance plans tailored to military needs.
Get Detailed Quotes
Request quotes from at least three different moving companies. Ensure each quote includes:
Be wary of quotes that seem unusually low, as they may indicate hidden fees or subpar service. The lowest price isn’t always the best value, especially for a significant move like military retirement.
Ask About Military-Specific Services
Inquire about services tailored to military retirees. Some companies offer benefits like:
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate last-minute changes in orders
- Storage options if you’re not immediately moving into a new home
- Assistance with navigating the DPS system
- Familiarity with weight allowances and other military-specific regulations
These specialized services can make a substantial difference in the smoothness of your move.
A thorough research and comparison of moving companies will equip you to choose a reliable partner for your military retirement move. This careful selection process will help ensure that your transition to civilian life starts on the right foot, with your belongings safely and efficiently transported to your new home.
Final Thoughts
Planning a military retirement move requires careful consideration and preparation. You must understand your benefits, create a detailed timeline, declutter your belongings, and gather essential documentation. The Department of Defense’s Final Move program offers substantial support, but you need to understand its limitations and plan accordingly.
Your military retirement move marks the beginning of an exciting new phase in your life. We encourage you to utilize resources such as Military OneSource, the Veterans Affairs office, and local veteran support groups for additional guidance. These organizations can provide valuable information on benefits, employment opportunities, and community integration.
At Southbay Moving Systems, we specialize in military moves and understand the unique challenges of transitioning to civilian life. Our team is ready to assist you with customized packing, secure storage solutions, and transparent pricing to ensure a stress-free relocation experience. With proper planning, the right support, and a trusted moving partner, you can look forward to a smooth transition and the start of your civilian adventures.
