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HHG or PPM? How to Save Money on Your PCS Military Move

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Updated July 2022

Ah, the Permanent Change of Station, or “PCS Move” — military families all around the world are familiar with what comes after they hear those words: a house full of moving boxes, detailed inventories of family heirlooms, and road trips to new homes.

A PCS is the standard military term for an official relocation to a new military installation, but there are multiple types of PCS moves. And they can sometimes give you some wiggle room to gain some money whenever the government isn’t picking up the bill.

After going through four different military moves myself, here are the nitty-gritty details everyone going through this should know about their moving options, shipping and storage, and how to save a lot of money.

Types of Military Moves

Military Move

The US Department of Defense is adept at handling the logistics of moving service members and their families all over the country and internationally. Most occur with six months or more notice, but it is not unheard of to need to relocate on short notice to fill a critical position.

And in many cases, military members are able to choose how to ship their household items. Here are the two most common types of military moves.

Household Goods Move (HHG)

For those looking to put in the least amount of work themselves, a Full-Service household goods move may be the option assigned to you.

During an HHG move, the Department of Defense finds, contracts, and pays for all move-related services and expenses. This is done through local moving companies as well as larger group contracts. The service member has no input into which company packs or transports their things.

Click here for the DPS login and more information

Once the service member initiates the move by contacting their local Housing Office or using the online Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at www.move.mil, everything is taken care of without anything required of the military member, beyond scheduling the pack out and delivery dates.

An HHG move is almost always required for those moving overseas, including to or from Alaska or Hawaii.

Worried about precious items being lost or broken? While the contracted moving companies have strict packing guidelines to follow, DPS provides a claims process to reimburse service members for things that don’t make it to their new destination in one piece (or at all). But you do have to submit photos and replacement values on the claims form provided by the moving company for reimbursement.

Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY)

A Personally Procured Move (PPM) — formerly called a do-it-yourself or “DITY move” — is a favorite among experienced military members and their families.

Why?

Because, for a little bit of extra effort and logistics coordination, the service member can actually profit from their relocation with a PPM.

Keep in mind that PPM/DITY moves are predominately for moving within the United States.

Those opting for a PPM will have to pack, transport, and then unpack their household items at their new home. For PPM Moves, the military reimburses up to 95% of the cost that it would have required for a Full-Service move. The member is able to keep the difference. The amount does vary based on rank, and while it can be estimated using PPM entitlement calculators, it’s best to check with your local transportation office for exact numbers. 

 

“…the average military family moves three times as much as non-military ones, which is about once every two years. Children in these families can expect to move six to nine times during their K-12 school years.”

 

The items eligible for reimbursement are based on weight, and sometimes this is referred to as “Household Good Weight Shipping Allowance”, or “HHG”. Again, keep in mind higher-ranking service members have a higher weight allowance, since they typically have larger households.

How do I get reimbursed for a PPM/DITY move?

To go through the process of reimbursement, make sure to get an empty truck weight ticket at your origin, then full truck weight tickets at your origin and final destinations.

(Curious about dislocation allowance and other PCS allowances? Click here.)

How can I save the most money with a PPM/DITY move?

It’s tempting to do the labor for your entire move on your own to save the most amount of money, but finding affordable and efficient movers — especially for just the labor — isn’t as expensive these days!

By shopping around for a good deal for local movers, the military member can still pocket the difference between the reimbursement and the actual costs. Even with movers, this can amount to thousands of dollars in profit for those opting to pack, unpack, and transport themselves.

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PPMs and PODS (and other shipping containers)

Not sure if you are up for the challenge of driving a big moving truck across the country by yourself?

Shipping containers are a great solution for getting your things transported for you, especially when you need a flexible window of time.

Average prices and reviews at Moving 101.com

You can rent a PODS container, or any other portable storage container available in your area. Your container will be delivered to you, then picked up and shipped to your new destination when it’s ready.

Just like any other moving expense, you pay for the service and are reimbursed later for what it would have cost the military to do the job as part of a Full-Service move.

You can still hire professionals to take care of any step of the moving process — packing or unpacking, transportation, and shipment — and you’ll still likely save some money from the reimbursement amount provided by the Department of Defense.

Military Moving FAQ

You may have heard a lot of strange military terms floating around out there. Don’t worry, I was once confused as to what they all meant too!

Here is a 101 (or a quick refresher course) on some of the most important things you need to know for military moving. And if there’s anything you still have questions about, the DPS has extensive resources to help you learn everything you need to about your move.   

How do I get my PCS allowances while moving, such as dislocation allowance for meals?

There’s the process of moving, then there’s all the other important stuff surrounding a move.

If you are curious about how to get reimbursed for things like meals, hotels, Airbnbs, car mileage, and more, here is a fantastic write-up on what the military calls per diem allowance, temporary lodging expense (TLE), and travel by privately owned conveyance (POC), as well as all the important forms you will need.

What is “Unaccompanied Baggage“?

The Department of Defense allows for a small shipment to be sent in advance of the bulk of your move, and this is often referred to as “unaccompanied baggage”. This small shipment usually consists of clothes, bedding, and some household items that the family will need immediately when they arrive. This is done to avoid any arrival window mishaps.

 

“A PCS is the standard military term for an official relocation to a new military installation, but there are multiple types of PCS moves. And they can sometimes give you some wiggle room to gain some money whenever the government isn’t picking up the bill.”

 

Does the military cover dependents traveling with me?

Yes! However, the amount depends on how they travel.

If you all are traveling by car (POC), the standard rate for mileage is $0.22/mile. This also applies to your own travel! 

If they are traveling by plane, bus, or train inside the US, it’s up to your personal military advisor to authorize their travel and reimburse you for the cost of the ticket(s).

And if they are traveling outside the US, they typically will be booked a ticket on a military aircraft. Although, sometimes you might be asked to take a commercial flight with reimbursement in the case that no American-Flag carrier aircraft is going to that location.

What is “Professional Gear”?

What about all of the extra uniforms, equipment, and professional materials that military members need to do their jobs? For both a Full-Service HHG move or a PPM/DITY move, the stuff you need for your job is considered “pro gear” and does not count against the overall weight allowance and is annotated separately.

Professional gear is defined as:

  • Uniforms
  • Medals, Ribbons, Rank insignia
  • Ceremonial uniform items (e.g. sword or saber)
  • Job-specific equipment (e.g. fins and masks for military divers)
  • Training manuals, required reading

What is “Non-Temporary Storage“?

Once you arrive at your new home, all that’s left to do is unpack, right? Well, usually the answer is yes, but what if a military member faces a prolonged time away from permanent housing and is staying in a hotel room?

This is where the government can hold on to your things for you, and it’s called “Non-Temporary Storage”. Non-Temporary Storage may be authorized for your household items in this case.

Non-temporary storage is most commonly used for those moving overseas where housing may be limited or significantly smaller than in the US. It can be authorized in some cases for moves within the US, however.

 

“For PPM Moves, the military reimburses up to 95% of the cost that it would have required for a Full-Service move. The member is able to keep the difference.”

 

How often will I be moving in the military?

Military moves do not follow a set rotation and vary from service to service. Even within one branch, relocation can be based on a service member’s job specialty, rank, and even personal circumstances, such as the need to fill a gap at another command.

That said, according to the Department of Defense Education Activity, the average military family moves three times as much as non-military ones, which is about once every two years. Children in these families can expect to move six to nine times during their K-12 school years. That’s a lot of moves during a 20-year military career!

Is There Anything the Military Won’t Pay to Move?

Military Move

The military will move many household items that you may expect — furniture, clothes, bedding, and kitchen items. But a few unexpected items are also on the approved list. Yep, there is an “approved list”!

Before purging your home (or buying a new, fancy toy), make sure that you know if the military will move it or if you will have to arrange transportation at your own cost.

What will the military move?

  • Firearms: Provided that you have the required documentation and follow the local laws at all points in transit, the military will pay to ship personal firearms
  • Unopened liquids: Bottles of unopened liquids, including alcohol, are usually allowed in the shipment
  • Bicycles: Bicycles are allowed and included in the overall shipment. The same applies to larger house maintenance items, such as lawn mowers and weed eaters
  • (Some) boats: Recreational boats under 14 feet may be shipped, but do count against the overall allowed weight. For this reason, it can sometimes fall on the member to pay for their own shipment
  • Recreational vehicles: Motorcycles and dirt bikes are allowed as part of the shipment within the US. When moving overseas, motorcycles and dirt bikes follow the same guidelines as cars. RVs are authorized on a case-by-case basis

What won’t the military move?

  • Cars: In general, the military will pay to ship one (1) vehicle overseas, but expects members to transport their own vehicle to their new home within the US. You may be able to be reimbursed for gas and expenses, however, depending on your specific situation
  • Consumable items: Items that are meant to be eaten are generally not allowed
  • Pets: Transportation of pets is done at the member’s expense. It is important to check local regulations at your new home as they may require proof of vaccination or a quarantine period
  • Flammable items: Understandably, moving companies require that all flammable liquids be drained from gas tanks. Batteries are also normally not moved as part of the overall shipment

Moving is almost inevitable in military life. Whether you want to use a Full-Service option that takes care of all details or you put in some effort to make some extra spending money, there is an option for you out there. Knowing the terms ahead of time, as well as what you can and can’t move, will make moving day that much smoother. You’ll be on your way to your new home and a new adventure in no time!

A small-town Missouri native, Katie writes about parenting, military families and travel for a variety of regional and national publications. Her work has appeared in At Ease Magazine, Legacy Magazine, and Monterey Bay Parent Magazine, where she was a monthly columnist. She is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a degree in English and has a Master’s Degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Connect with Katie @kmbegley or at katiemelynnbegley.com.
Illustrations by Robbie Cathro

 

2020 Study: Where Do Americans Who Leave the USA Go?

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Key Findings

  • 10 million Americans are living outside the United States
  • Almost 40% of those living abroad never left the North American content. 28% live in Canada, 10% live in Mexico
  • Israel has 2.5% of all U.S. citizens living abroad
  • Luxembourg (+155%) and Qatar (+86%) saw the greatest net gains since 2017
  • Singapore (-18%) and Mali (-12%) registered greatest net losses
  • Between 17% to 39% of Americans moved abroad for love
  • 40% more Americans choose to retire abroad
  • 16% Americans keen to leave the U.S., 65% would do it for a better salary

According to the State Department, there are around 10 million Americans living outside the United States. 

What do we know about where they move? What are the top destinations for Americans moving abroad? Does Europe have the strongest pull? Do many Americans move to Africa?

There are lots of answers: hundreds of thousands of citizens leave the United States every year to pursue their careers, education, or, indeed, love. They also seek a lower cost of living, a better climate, or simply a fresh start by making a home for themselves in various corners of the world. Key trends in Americans moving overseas—backed up by research and statistics—are all below.

More Americans Move Abroad Every Year

How many Americans are there outside the United States? It’s a question that’s a lot more difficult to answer than it may seem.

The U.S. State Department estimates that number to be around 10 million in 2020, which is more than double the number of Americans residing overseas in 1999, when the same department reported it to be 4 million. Based on the statistics out of the United Nations, which are based on the foreign-born or foreign citizen population in each country of the world, the most recent estimate is 3.2 million.  While the actual number is likely to be somewhere in between, there’s one feature both of these sets of numbers share—there’s been a steady increase in the number of Americans living overseas.

North of the Border and Down in Mexico: Where Most Americans Abroad Currently Live

One way to answer the questions of where Americans leave to when they move abroad is to, well, look at where most overseas Americans live right now. But that number varies.

These breakdowns, as well as most others that appear in this post, are based on the data from the United Nations, as the U.S. State Department doesn’t publish data on the distribution of Americans across the world. More than one-third (38%) of U.S. citizens living abroad live in either Canada (10%) or Mexico (28%) – of course, the only two countries with whom the United States has a land border.

“The American population of Singapore shrank by more than 17% between 2017 and 2019.”

Following that, nearly 8% live in jolly old Britain, around 4% each in Germany and Australia, and nearly 3% in Israel. Rounding up the top 10 are South Korea, France, and Japan – all home to about 2% of Americans residing overseas. Check our handy map below and see which other countries are popular (or not so popular) with American citizens living abroad. On a regional level, a few interesting patterns emerge. 

With Canada and Mexico being countries with the highest population of Americans, it’s not that surprising that 42.4% of all U.S. citizens overseas stay in North America. What is surprising, however, is that nearly one in six Americans that live abroad live in Asia— more than in Australia & Oceania and South America combined.

Top Countries By Continent

Taking this regional view further, let’s look at the top countries in each of the world continents. While we have all the usual suspects coming out top in North America and Europe, two entries stand out elsewhere. Of all Asian countries, the relatively small state of Israel is in the number one spot with over 76 thousand Americans, accounting for 2.8% Americans worldwide. Although we can’t be sure, it’s likely down to strong cultural and economic ties between the U.S. and Israel.

“More than one-third (38%) of U.S. citizens living abroad live in either Canada (10%) or Mexico (28%)…”

In South America, curiously enough, it’s the smaller countries of Ecuador and Peru that attracted more Americans than any other country on the continent—23,386, or 1% of all U.S. citizens living overseas.  Again, we don’t know whether this is down to the beautiful landscapes and beaches Ecuador and Peru are known for, but they managed to beat the region’s economic powers of Brazil and Argentina to the top of American relocation preferences in South America. Now that we know – more or less – where in the world Americans live, which countries are Americans moving to?  

Goodbye Economic Uncertainty, Hello Tax Holidays: Where Are Americans Moving To?

While the number of Americans living in each country varied greatly over the last few years, we only considered countries, where there were at least 1,000 Americans, to ensure that the figures weren’t skewed by a dozen of Americans moving in or out.

Countries with Largest Net Gains 

Four of the top 10 countries that saw the highest % upswing in the # of U.S. citizens moving in are on the list of biggest corporate tax havens.

While Luxembourg does impose taxation on both personal and corporate income, Qatar and Cayman Islands do not, while Hong Kong’s personal income tax is capped at 17%.  Considering that Americans are obliged to file taxes even if they live outside the U.S., it seems logical that many would be keen to minimize the tax burden in their new home country.  Other than looking for a tax break, Americans seem to also seek out beautiful landscapes, with countries Iceland, Peru, and Czechia (formerly known as Czech Republic) all in the top ten having gained between 15% and 19% of American residents since 2017. On the regional level, it’s South America that saw the greatest % increase in new residents from the U.S. – 25% more Americans now live on the continent than in 2017.

Countries with Greatest Net Losses 

Looking at the countries that saw the biggest drop in the number of Americans living in them, Singapore is at the top of that list. The American population of Singapore shrank by more than 17% between 2017 and 2019. Other countries among the top 10 net losers include Tanzania, Mali, and Venezuela—countries whose political situation took a turn for the worse in recent years.

The three countries on the Mediterranean – Italy, Albania, and Greece – also have been going through economic difficulties in recent years.  The overall region with the biggest decline in transplants? Well, it’s the rest of North America. Maybe Americans aren’t as keen on moving to Canada or Mexico as they used to be.

To see how many Americans all the world’s countries gained or lost, check our map below. Countries that saw a net gain are shaded blue, and those that saw a net decline are shaded yellow.

Love, Languages, and Low Cost of Living: Why Americans Move Abroad

Okay, so why are people moving out of the country? In another parallel to how Americans move within the country, love tends to play a big part in the decision to move abroad.

“Four of the top 10 countries that saw the highest % upswing in the # of U.S. citizens moving in are on the list of biggest corporate tax havens.”

While our very own study from last year found that around a quarter (24%) moved to pursue a romantic relationship, a survey by the global expat site InterNations in 2018 found that 17% of Americans who moved abroad did so to join their romantic partner. Another 13% – to improve their language skills, while 44% noted that they enjoyed the lower cost of living in their new home country. A similar 2019 study by the American Expat Finance found that 39% moved abroad for romantic reasons, while 28% did so for professional opportunities, with a further 8% simply decided to go on an adventure. 

Retirement abroad also seems to be fast becoming a popular choice. The Social Security Administration noted a 40% increase in the number of retirees drawing their social security overseas, according to CNBC report, which cites affordable healthcare and better weather as key factors for those retiring abroad. According to the report by Randstad – a global HR consultancy – the top reasons for Americans to move to a different country were: better salary (66%), better work-life balance (64%), and to search for a more meaningful career (58%).

Do Americans Really Leave for Political Reasons?

What about the political discontent? Did many Americans move abroad due to the political situation in the country since the last election?

The studies of Americans abroad certainly don’t show it, although the impetus appears to be there. As evidenced by this Gallup survey, for example, 16% would prefer to permanently leave the U.S. rather than staying in America. That said, one study out of Kent University in the UK registered “leaving a bad or disappointing situation in the U.S.” as one of the top motivations for potentially moving abroad, noted by 49% of respondents.

One way to explain this is the discrepancy between aspirations and means. As Gallup’s survey points out, the interest to leave the country is highest among America’s poorest residents – those least financially capable of making such a radical change. Another way to explain the lack of politically motivated moves among expats is the role politics plays in their lives. While the situation in the country might be of concern to some, factors like relationships, family, career, and education play a much bigger part in a serious decision that is moving abroad.

Whether seeking for more sunshine, following their loved ones, or pursuing their career passions, millions of Americans have been moving abroad in the last few years. Sure, most of them only went just north or just south of the border, but many others traveled further, and now there are anywhere between 6 and 10 million Americans living in over 160 countries of the world.

Thinking of making a big leap? Consider your options, do your research, and make sure to weigh up all the pros and cons of changing countries. We at HireAHelper might not be able to help with that part, but can certainly help ensure that the stateside part of your move goes smoothly. 

Sources and Methodology
Unless otherwise stated, all the visualizations appearing in this post are made on the basis of the “International migrant stock 2019” statistics series produced by the United Nations. While its estimates of Americans residing abroad are likely conservatively low, it remains the only detailed source of such data.
As the U.S. doesn’t track the # of its citizens moving abroad and the United Nations producing data based on # of people with certain citizenship living in a given country, there are not deterministic figures on the number of Americans leaving the country each year. 
Countries with the biggest net gains and losses in the number of Americans living there were determined based on the change in the number of U.S. citizens in that country, as it appears by the United Nations statistics.
Countries for which there is no data, aren’t necessarily countries where no Americans live. These gaps in the data are likely down to peculiarities of local statistics on foreign citizen population, or simply lack thereof.
Illustrations by Deborah Lee

How to Get Dislocation Allowance for Lodging and Meals During a Military Move

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So you got a PCS in the military. (AKA “permanent change of station”.) Now how do you get reimbursed when moving for the military?

Anyone who has ever served in the military is quick to tell you the rewarding but challenging military lifestyle comes bundled with frequent relocation. Even service members with years of experience can often feel overwhelmed by the logistics of moving to a new duty station.

Luckily, the Department of Defense wants to ease the financial burden that comes with relocation as much as possible. This is where both Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) and Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) come in, which helps military families afford incidentals throughout their move.

Does the military cover the cost of my move?

When relocating due to military orders, all military branches cover the costs of moving for military families.

Moving service members get a Dislocation Allowance (DLA) that affords them money towards their move. There are a few options to get from your current duty station to your new home, ranging from professional services, to loading up your own moving truck with the help of family and friends. (More on that below.)

No matter how you do it though, the military pays for moving expenses, though your Military Housing Option will decide your military move type for you.

What type of move does the military give me?

When you get to use a professional company already contracted by the military, the service member (or their authorized representative, such as a spouse or family member) only needs to schedule the move and be on-site during moving day. The moving professionals take care of the rest and the government picks up the bill.

Read about the different types of moves here

For the do-it-yourself or Hybrid type, the military will reimburse the costs of moving equipment, mileage, and even some meals during the transit. As soon as you know a relocation is in your future, talk to your local installation’s Military Housing Office to discuss which option you’ll be given.

How do I get reimbursed for a military move?

That’s where filing for TLE and TLA come in. TLE and TLA (once again, Temporary Lodging Expense and Temporary Lodging Assistance) are non-taxable payments that are provided to reimburse military members for meals and lodging during a move.

  • TLE is what is given to military personnel moving within the continental US
  • TLA are for moves overseas, or anything outside of the US

The daily rates for TLE to be used inside the US are based on the location that you are moving from or moving to, paid out per diem. This literally means “per day”, and how much you get will be the amount that the government believes is reasonable to help you cover the move-related expenses each day during your relocation. This means there is no standard dollar amount, so talk with your military counselor.

For a military PCS overseas (including Alaska and Hawaii), military members can file for TLA for additional reimbursement. Because it can be difficult – if not impossible – to make a quick trip overseas while finding a home ahead of time, the Department of Defense allows those moving abroad to get additional lodging expenses reimbursed.

What documents do I need to receive TLE or TLA?

Anyone getting ready for a move should keep a handy file of important documents ready, but this is especially important if you plan to file for reimbursement for any of your expenses.

Important documents to keep when relocating in the military:

  • TLE Form (DD1351-2): This intimidating looking form isn’t so bad; it simply lists your contact information, family members, travel itinerary, and expenses
TLE Form (DD1351-2) for relocating.
  • DFAS Form 9098: This is how you officially claim your Temporary Lodging Expenses. It will need to be completed as part of your overall travel claim through the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, the military’s pay system
  • Official Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Orders: Anytime you move in the military, you should keep a hard copy (or two!) of your official orders showing your transfer from one area to another. You will need this document for everything, from getting free checked luggage on airlines to checking into a government hotel. You will also need this for filing for your TLE or TLA reimbursement!
  • Lodging receipts: Since the TLE and TLA are for reimbursing you for lodging costs,  the military wants to know that you actually needed to stay in a hotel (or other accommodations, like an AirBNB). At check-out, make sure to get a receipt that shows you paid your bill in full (lodging receipts are also sometimes called a “zero-balance receipt”, meaning you owe $0)
  • Meal receipts: I have never been asked to provide meal receipts during a military move. However, it is a good idea to keep these receipts on hand, just in case. The cost of meals during a week-long move can add up if not reimbursed. Tucking some extra receipts into a file folder is worth the peace of mind for me
  • Proof of actively seeking lodging: To continue receiving TLA during an overseas move, you have to show that you are actively seeking lodging. You will need to submit proof, such as copies of applications or appointments with property managers, to your new command every 15 days in order to continue receiving TLA

How exactly do I file for TLE or TLA?

Your first step in completing a PCS military move is to meet with a counselor at your local Military Housing Office that you’ve been assigned already, or complete the online pre-move counseling at https://move.mil/customer-service.

This important person is available to answer any questions and go over what assistance and reimbursements you are eligible to receive—including TLE and TLA.

After your move is complete, you will be able to submit all of your claim documents to the Housing Office at your new duty station.

The official regulations that provide information for travel expenses come from theJoint Travel Regulations. If you really want to dive into what is authorized for any type of military travel, this is the document for you. For example, if you plan to travel separate from your family or have temporary duty (e.g., military training, school, etc.) during your move, the Joint Travel Regulations can tell you exactly what reimbursements you are authorized to receive.

How much money will my dislocation allowance cover?

Understanding the process and what documents to keep is important, but everyone getting ready for a move really just wants to know how much extra they can expect to see coming into their paycheck.

To know how much, you’d multiply the rate per day with the amount of days eligible:

  • TLE reimbursement is authorized for up to 10 days during a move within the continental United States. Look up the daily lodging rates for your area during your pre-move counseling as they can vary by location and time of year.
  • TLE reimbursement is authorized for up to five days during a move to or from outside of the continental United States.
  • TLA is authorized for up to 60 days when arriving outside of the continental US and for up to 10 days when departing.

Wondering what that amounts to? It just depends on where you’re staying. (For example, Norfolk, Virginia averages $94 a night, while San Diego averages $174 a night.) Your lodging rates do have a cap, based on location, so check with your local Housing Office to find out what it is before booking that ultra-swanky suite overlooking the beach.

Protip: Some hotels do offer a government rate that falls within the local TLE or TLA limit—it never hurts to ask!

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What about meals?

The per diem meal rate for both TLE and TLA is based on the location where you are staying and the number of family members that you have with you during that time.

Daily meal rate reimbursement through TLE or TLA:

  • 1 person (military member or dependent): 65% of the daily meal rate
  • 2 people (military member + dependent or 2 dependents): 100% of the daily meal rate
  • For each additional dependent over the age of 12: add 35%
  • For each additional dependent under the age of 12: add 25%

For example, a service member with a spouse and two children who move from that same Norfolk, Virginia to Naples, Italy will be eligible for reimbursement for up to 60 days of lodging TLA in Naples and 150% of the per diem meal rate each day. This can be a significant amount of money that will help with moving expenses!

Where can I stay using TLE/TLA? Can I stay in an AirBNB?

The name of the allowance says it all: “temporary lodging”. Yes, even an AirBNB!

To receive TLE or TLA, you must provide receipts that show you are staying in a temporary living quarters. This can be a standard hotel room, an extended stay hotel, or, yes, that cool AirBNB you’ve had your eye on!

If you are staying with family members or friends, you can still receive the per diem portion of TLE or TLA to help pay for additional meal expenses during your move. You will need to provide a written statement from your host that outlines the dates that you were without your own home.

What if my stay exceeds my allotted days?

Everyone going through a military relocation hopes to be back into their own home as soon as possible. Unfortunately, sometimes your move-in date is delayed. You are normally responsible for the additional expenses incurred. But if the additional time in temporary lodging is due to unavailability of military housing or a delay in your household goods arriving, you will most likely be able to file for additional reimbursement.

Moving is a part of military life. But it doesn’t need to be a financial strain. Temporary Lodging Expense and Temporary Lodging Allowance are there to help military members deal with the daily costs of relocation.

Get to know your local Housing Office to make sure that you are maximizing your benefits and focusing on the important things during your move instead of the costs.

A small-town Missouri native, Katie writes about parenting, military families and travel for a variety of regional and national publications. Her work has appeared in At Ease Magazine, Legacy Magazine, and Monterey Bay Parent Magazine, where she was a monthly columnist. She is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a degree in English and has a Master’s Degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Connect with Katie @kmbegley or at katiemelynnbegley.com.

Your Life in Another Country

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Where you grow up not only determines a lot of your personality (and what you like), but it can determine your overall quality of life too.

There can be drastic differences between someone who grew up in New York vs. Los Angeles, and the difference is even more striking if you grew up in a different country with a different culture. After all, a child in Thailand will have a drastically different experience than one growing up in Ireland.

Life Comparison Tool

Have you ever imagined what your life would be like if you moved somewhere vastly different from where you are now? Where would you choose to live? What would you spend your time doing? How would life be easier or more difficult?

Comparing things like life expectancy, unemployment rate, average purchasing power, median age and access to the internet can give you a better idea of how other cultures live. So we built this handy tool to let you do just that!

Start by picking your “country of origin” by choosing it from the list below. Next, pick the country you’d like to compare it to and analyze the different statistics.

Feel free to mix and match as you choose—be curious!

  • United States
compared to
  • United Kingdom

You are years olderyounger.

You are % lessmore likely to have AIDS.

Your country would have % lessmore debt.

Your nation would spend % lessmore on education.

You would have % lessmore free time.

You would make % lessmore per year.

You would have % lessmore saved.

Your country would be % lessmore active on the internet.

You would live a % shorterlonger life.

You would be % lessmore likely to be obese.

You would be % lessmore likely to be unemployed.

You would be % lessmore likely to be murdered.

 

Sources/Methodology:

CIA World Factbook, Unemployment |  CIA World Factbook, GDP | CIA World Factbook, Gross National Savings | OCED Data | CIA World Factbook, National Debt | CIA World Factbook, Educational Expenditures | United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime | CIA World Factbook, Obesity | CIA World Factbook, Life Expectancy | CIA World Factbook, Median Age | CIA World Factbook Internet Users | Free Time calculated by percent of OCED Hours Worked Yearly to total hours in a year

 

Originally published: June 25, 2018. Updated: January 23rd, 2019.

The Stuff That’s Illegal to Bring Into Texas

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Category: Moving Checklists & Planning, Regulations

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Regardless of whether you’re moving from out of state to San Antonio, Dallas, or somewhere else in Texas, like relocating anywhere using long distance moving services, you’ll hold the responsibility of needing to know the laws of the land. Every state differs, and some states are stricter than others. But when it comes to what you can and cannot transport across state lines – and what you can or can’t possess once you’re there – we are sure there is no state quite like Texas.

Here are all the things that are illegal to bring into Texas, broken down by type. Welcome to the wild, mild west.

Fruits and Vegetables

While Texas may have a reputation for oil wells and football teams, the state also boasts a humongous $100 billion agriculture industry. It is no surprise then that they have more than a few rules regarding what fruits and vegetables can’t be brought over state lines.

The good news is the Texas Department of Agriculture spells out all the rules right here in this document. The bad news is this document is 21 pages long and uses a lot of big words. If you’re the type to snack on exotic fruit with hard-to-pronounce names, you may want to read carefully over the TDA’s rules. For the rest of us, here are the basics:

Of particular interest is the citrus fruit family. As the Southwest Farm Press states, “With very few exceptions, no citrus plants, or even pieces of citrus plants are allowed into the state from anywhere.” The National Plant Board gets a bit more technical, explaining (on page seven) that, “any living or non-living rootstock, leaf, root, stem, limb, twig, fruit, seed, seedling or other part of any plant in the botanical family Rutaceae, subfamily Aurantioideae.” As citrus is a huge part of the Texas economy, even one bad plant could potentially ruin entire crops.

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In addition to citrus fruits, Texas has plenty of prohibitions in place. If you’re coming from Florida or Puerto Rico, these things are some of the major items prohibited:

  • Apples
  • Avocados
  • Bell peppers
  • Blackberries

There are more than 50 kinds of fruits, vegetables, berries and spices that Texas prohibits coming from down south, due to Caribbean Fruit Fly infestation.

If you’re coming from anywhere in the US (except California, Arizona and parts of New Mexico), Texas also prohibits:

  • Hickory trees
  • Pecan trees
  • Walnut trees

As well as “…(any) parts thereof, except extracted nut meats”, thanks to the never-popular pecan weevil.

Finally, these vegetable plants are not restricted but heavily regulated coming from anywhere, due to a whole host of diseases and pests:

  • Tomatoes
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Broccoli
  • Collards
  • Peppers
  • Onions
  • Eggplants

It’s all right here in this exhaustive “Summary of Plant Protection Regulations“ from the Texas Department of Agriculture. Give it a read if you have the time and the will. Or just play it simple and leave every last lemon, walnut and berry behind.

Pets

We have some good news for all you Texas-bound pet owners. The Lone Star State merely requires that all dogs and cats be certified as rabies-vaccinated.

The bad news is that something as simple (and responsible) as keeping Rover on a legal leash requires a watch, a map, a thermometer, a tape measure and a weather forecast. According to Texas statute “§ 821.077. Unlawful Restraint of Dog” :

  • (a) An owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably limits the dog’s movement:
  • (1) between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.;
  • (2) within 500 feet of the premises of a school; or
  • (3) in the case of extreme weather conditions, including conditions in which:
  • (A) the actual or effective outdoor temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit;
  • (B) a heat advisory has been issued by a local or state authority or jurisdiction; or
  • (C) a hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado warning has been issued for the jurisdiction by the National Weather Service.
  • (b) In this section, a restraint unreasonably limits a dog’s movement if the restraint:
  • (1) uses a collar that is pinch-type, prong-type, or choke-type or that is not properly fitted to the dog;
  • (2) is a length shorter than the greater of:
  • (A) five times the length of the dog, as measured from the tip of the dog’s nose to the base of the dog’s tail; or
  • (B) 10 feet;
  • (3) is in an unsafe condition; or
  • (4) causes injury to the dog.

Considering all this, it might just be easier to get a tiger.

We’re not kidding. Reading the Texas laws regarding owning exotic animals – including lions, tigers, bears and gorillas (seriously) – it seems only as difficult to register a “dangerous wild animal” as it does a pickup truck.

(While we’re at it, we’ll mention that it is legal in Texas to own flamethrowers, venomous snakes and, for the truly under-stimulated, military-grade tanks.)

But back to the world most of us inhabit. If you are relocating to Texas, you should know that certain species of fish and other aquatic life are prohibited. Despite their lengthy explanation on the environmental and economical destruction wreaked by the lionfish, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department doesn’t list this non-native critter among their outlawed types of marine life. Here are just a few of the fish that are prohibited:

  • Tilapia
  • Piranhas
  • Freshwater Stingrays
  • Freshwater Eels
  • Temperate Basses
  • Oysters

All resources and information considered, it seems reasonable to believe you’re okay bringing your parakeet with you to your new home in Texas. But we strongly recommend checking with your local authorities as to what laws apply to your pets. As an example, in Waco, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies; all pets must be spayed/neutered and microchipped; dog houses must have at least three walls in addition to a roof and a floor that is not the ground; and no, you cannot give your pet its rabies shot yourself.

Alcohol

The good news here is that Texas puts no limits or taxes on any alcoholic beverages you are transporting into the state, as long as you are in the process of relocating to Texas and the alcohol in your possession is intended for personal consumption only.

The bad news is that the Texas heat will skunk your swill faster than you can say “Lone Star Lager”. So you better hope that your’s isn’t a long distance move in the heat.

Keep in mind, however, that once you are actually settled in the Lone Star State, you’ll be subjected to fines and/or jail time if you fail to declare that case of tequila on your way home from Mexico, or any other alcohol you bought out of state and are transporting back into Texas.

As for figuring out the laws in your particular municipality for purchasing beer, wine or liquor, good luck.

Plants

Texas has no apparent problems with houseplants that are grown indoors in a commercially-prepared potting mix (rather than in soil) and are free of pests and diseases. These may enter Texas without certification.

However, according to the same “Texas Dept. of Agriculture Summary of Plant Protection Regulations” we saw earlier, “houseplants grown or kept outdoors require a phytosanitary certificate from the department of agriculture of the origin state indicating freedom from pests and diseases.”

We’ll be blatantly honest here. There seems no guarantee that your word will be good enough if someone wearing a TDA uniform asks if you’ve ever put your rubber tree plant out on the patio or the front porch, and you say no.

And just in case you were wondering, you can’t bring all that firewood for your backyard chiminea. Texas doesn’t even like Texans moving firewood from one part of the state to another, for fear of spreading potential or active infestations. Check out the Texas info on DontMoveFirewood.org – and consider giving that chiminea a good washing too before trying to carry that across the border into Texas.

Firearms

And what would Texas be without guns? In keeping with their wild, wild west reputation, the state makes it easy for lawful firearms carriers from other states to legally carry in Texas, either through reciprocal or unilateral agreements with those other states. In other words, just like having a driver’s license from another state allows you to legally drive in Texas, having a permit to carry a firearm in another state allows you to legally carry your firearm in Texas.

The analogy is not perfect, of course. Texas has no firearm-carry agreements with Oregon, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Maine, Vermont or New Hampshire. And while you have 90 days upon relocating to Texas to switch your driver’s license over, there is no requirement whatsoever to register your firearm in the State of Texas.

None.

How’s that for wild?

It’s not complete anarchy, of course. “Texas requires any individual in possession of a handgun to inform a law enforcement officer of their permit or license to carry if an officer asks them for identification.” Texas also spells out restrictions and requirements regarding carrying in vehicles, open carry and places where carrying is illegal.

As far as transporting your firearm from your old state to your new home in Texas, your most pressing concern might be following the laws of the various states you may be passing through along your way.

In some ways, Texas seems like an almost lawless land. In others, the laws can seem unduly convoluted. You can have a gun. You can get a tiger. Just be sure to leave the tangerines behind!

Illustrations by Subin Yang

Is Your Move Tax-Deductible? It Might Be for Almost 8 Million Americans

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Did you move for work last year? Did you pay for any of it yourself?

If you answered yes to both these questions, Uncle Sam wants to help!

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What’s it Like to Pack Up the President?

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January may be slow for many of us, but for one company things could hardly get any more hectic – particularly on January 20th every four to eight years.

CNN reports that while Trump is down in front of the capitol building taking the oath of office, a team of around one hundred movers were at the White house, involved in a sort of “organized chaos”: six hours to move all the Obamas’ belongings out and, from the other side of the circular driveway, hauling in all the belongings of whoever from Trump’s family is moving in.

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How to Move to Canada

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The maple leaves are calling. You have found yourself singing, “Oh Canada,” and watching hockey (with actual interest). Now, you’re ready to douse yourself in real maple syrup and get stuck on your neighbor to the north. But before you get yourself into a sticky situation, recognize that Canada is actually not part of the United States, so moving there requires some serious effort. In fact, it can take up to two years to file all the correct paperwork and get approval.

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