Military PCS Relocation Guide: Moving to or from Omaha
Understanding PCS Moves
A Permanent Change of Station, or PCS, is one of the defining experiences of military service. It means uprooting your household and relocating to a new duty station — sometimes across the state, sometimes across the country, and sometimes across the world.
There are two primary ways the military handles household goods moves:
Government-Managed Move (GHC/HHG): The military arranges and pays for a Transportation Service Provider to pack, load, transport, unload, and unpack your household goods. You coordinate through your installation's Transportation Management Office (TMO).
Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly DITY: You arrange and execute the move yourself or hire your own moving company. The military reimburses you based on what the government-managed move would have cost. If your actual expenses come in under that amount, you keep the difference.
Both options have advantages. Understanding which is right for your situation — or combining them — is the first step in a successful PCS relocation.
PCS Move Timeline
A well-organized PCS move follows a predictable timeline. Here is what the process looks like from the moment you receive orders:
Orders Received (8 to 12 Weeks Out)
Review your orders carefully and note your report date. Begin researching your new duty station, housing options, and schools if you have children. Contact your TMO office to start the moving process.
TMO Visit and Planning (6 to 8 Weeks Out)
Visit your installation's Transportation Management Office to discuss your move options. This is where you decide between a government-managed move, a PPM move, or a partial combination. TMO will also provide weight allowances based on your rank and dependent status.
Pre-Move Preparation (4 to 6 Weeks Out)
Begin sorting and downsizing. Items you do not need at your next station can be donated, stored, or shipped separately. Gather important documents: orders, medical records, school records, pet vaccination records, vehicle registration.
If choosing a PPM move, begin getting estimates from moving companies. A walkthrough-based estimate is essential for accurate pricing.
Pack and Load (1 to 2 Weeks Before Move)
Whether the government packer or your own moving company handles the job, pack-out typically takes one to three days depending on household size. Document the condition of your belongings before packing begins.
Transit and Arrival
For a government move, your household goods may take several weeks to arrive depending on distance. For a PPM move with a professional mover, you have more control over the delivery timeline. Plan for temporary lodging and essentials during the gap.
Settle In
Unpack, file your travel voucher, register vehicles, enroll children in school, and establish your new household.
Moving to Omaha: What Military Families Should Know
Omaha is home to Offutt Air Force Base, headquarters of U.S. Strategic Command. Located in Bellevue just south of Omaha, Offutt is the primary driver of military relocations to the metro area.
Bellevue and the Offutt Community
Most military families settling near Offutt choose Bellevue as their home base. Bellevue offers a strong military community, proximity to the base, and a well-regarded school district (Bellevue Public Schools). Off-base housing is widely available in Bellevue, Papillion, and La Vista.
Schools
The Bellevue Public Schools district serves most families near Offutt. Papillion-La Vista Community Schools is another highly regarded option. Both districts are experienced in supporting military families with mid-year enrollments and transition support.
Housing
Base housing at Offutt is managed through a privatized housing partnership. Off-base rentals and home purchases are abundant in Bellevue, Papillion, and La Vista. The Omaha metro housing market is considerably more affordable than many other military installation areas.
Community and Support
The Offutt community includes a commissary, exchange, fitness center, and numerous family support programs. The Omaha metro itself offers a low cost of living, excellent healthcare (including the VA Medical Center), and a welcoming community with deep military ties.
Moving from Omaha: Popular PCS Destinations
Service members departing Offutt commonly PCS to other Air Force installations including Peterson SFB in Colorado Springs, Scott AFB in Illinois, Joint Base San Antonio in Texas, and various other locations. Long-distance moving from Omaha requires careful planning regardless of the destination.
When executing a PPM move out of Omaha, timing is important. Summer PCS season (May through August) means higher demand for moving services nationwide. Booking your moving company early is essential.
PPM (DITY) Moves: Maximizing Your Entitlement
A PPM move can be financially advantageous if managed well. Here is how to approach it:
Get your weight allowance in writing. Your TMO will provide the government cost estimate (GCE), which is the benchmark for your reimbursement.
Get professional estimates. Hire a reputable moving company and get a walkthrough-based estimate. Compare this against your GCE to understand the potential savings.
Document everything. Keep all receipts — moving company invoice, packing materials, fuel, tolls, lodging, and meals during transit. These expenses are deductible from your reimbursement when calculating taxable income.
Weigh tickets matter. If you are doing a full self-move, you need certified weigh tickets (empty and loaded) to prove the weight of your shipment. If using a professional mover, the company will provide weight documentation.
File your claim promptly. After arriving at your new duty station, submit your PPM claim through your finance office with all documentation.
Choosing a Moving Company for Your PCS
Whether you are executing a full PPM move or need help with the portions the government does not cover — such as a partial move of overflow items or a local move from temporary housing to your permanent home — choosing the right moving company matters.
Look for experience with military moves, transparent pricing, a walkthrough-based estimate process, and flexibility with military timelines that can change at short notice.
At 10 Men Movers, we work with military families throughout the Omaha metro. We understand the unique pressures of a PCS move — tight timelines, uncertain dates, and the need for reliable, professional service. Whether you are moving to Bellevue from across the country or relocating within the metro while awaiting permanent housing, we are here to help.
Ready to plan your PCS move? Contact us for a free estimate tailored to your military relocation needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a private moving company for my PCS move?
Yes. If you choose a Personally Procured Move (PPM), you can hire your own moving company and receive reimbursement from the military based on the government cost estimate.
How far in advance should I book movers for a PCS move?
We recommend booking at least four to six weeks in advance, especially during peak PCS season from May through August. Military timelines can change, so work with a company that offers flexible scheduling.
What is the difference between a government move and a PPM move?
In a government move, the military arranges and pays for the moving company directly. In a PPM move, you hire your own mover or do it yourself and receive reimbursement based on what the government move would have cost.
Do you help military families moving to Offutt AFB?
Yes. We regularly help military families relocate to Bellevue and the Omaha metro from across the country. We also assist with local moves from temporary housing to permanent homes near Offutt.
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