How to Prep Your House for PCS Movers (MilMove HHG, UB, NTS) — Smooth Move Checklist
How to Prep Your House for PCS Movers (MilMove HHG, UB, NTS)
PCS orders in hand. MilMove is set. Movers are scheduled. And now your house looks like a tornado married a junk drawer.
Here’s how to get your place ready for government-contract movers so your household goods (HHG), unaccompanied baggage (UB), and non-temp storage (NTS) don’t turn into a stress buffet. I’m Chris — a Middle Georgia real estate agent (Warner Robins, Georgia + Kathleen, Bonaire, Perry, Hawkinsville) and a longtime Robins AFB transportation office QA inspector — so I’ve seen this movie a few times.
If you like watching the Video Instead!
Step 1: Clean and declutter like the movers are your mother-in-law
Before packing day, clean up. Not “hide it in a closet” clean. Real clean.
Why? Because packed-up moisture becomes a science experiment. Wet towels, dirty dishes, half-full water bottles… they can leak, mildew, and ruin other items in the same box.
Quick win: toss, donate, or yard-sale anything you already know you don’t want at the next duty station.
Your weight limit is real (and overages can get expensive)
Your weight allowance is based on rank, and overages can become your problem if you exceed entitlement.
A simple estimating rule I use: about 1,000 lbs per fully furnished room. Garages are tricky — if your garage is full of tools, gym equipment, or a heavy toolbox, assume it weighs like two rooms (2,000 lbs) or more.
Step 2: During the surveyor call, show the heavy/oversized stuff
Most moving companies do a survey (often FaceTime/video). If you’ve got anything unusually heavy or oversized, show it clearly:
Piano
Gun safe
Snap-On toolbox
Big furniture sets
Home gym / weight sets
If you might be near your weight cap, you want to know early — not after everything is wrapped and the truck is rolling.
Step 3: Don’t pre-box everything (accountability matters)
You don’t have to pre-box. Movers bring boxes, paper, tape, and packing materials.
In many cases, it’s better to let them pack because:
It’s their job (they’re faster and usually safer)
If something is damaged, it’s harder for them to blame “your packing job”
What you should do instead: create a “DO NOT PACK” zone (a room, a closet, or a corner) for anything staying with you.
Step 4: Separate shipments — HHG vs UB vs NTS
If you’re going OCONUS, UB is your “survival kit shipment” that bridges the gap until HHG arrives. Keep UB small and useful.
Make the separation idiot-proof
Put UB items in a separate room, tape off a section, or label aggressively. You want a tired packer on day two to still understand it.
Space out pickup dates (seriously)
Schedule your pickups at least 2 days apart (UB, then HHG, then NTS). Two crews in one house at the same time can turn into chaos — and some crews may cancel if they can’t work freely.
Step 5: The attic is where PCS plans go to die
If you’ve got stuff in the attic, bring it down before pack day. Many movers aren’t allowed to go into certain attics (especially if it’s not a walk-in space).
Same thing with crawlspaces, sheds, and awkward storage rooms: if they can’t safely access it, it may get left behind.
Step 6: Old boxes + old labels = new confusion
If you’ve still got boxes from your last move, peel off old labels and markings so nobody thinks “Kitchen—Germany 2021” means that’s where it goes this time.
Keep original boxes for TVs and electronics
If you still have original packaging for TVs, computers, monitors, or appliances — keep it. Original boxes usually protect better than a random carton.
Step 7: Special crating — KEEP THE CRATE
If the movers crate something (like taxidermy or other fragile items), don’t toss that crate later.
The government typically pays for that crating once. If you want that same item crated again on your next move, having the original crate can save you a headache.
Step 8: Weapons, pro-gear, and lithium batteries — don’t get surprised
Weapons in government moves
Yes, HHG can include firearms if you choose that option. The big idea: document everything.
Take photos
Record serial numbers
Make sure chain-of-custody paperwork is completed and you keep a copy
Expect weapons to be boxed individually, then consolidated, then sealed
If you’re going OCONUS, ask your TMO counselor what extra rules apply for your destination.
Pro-gear (PBP&E) can save you weight
Pro-gear (also called professional books, papers, and equipment) generally means job-required items and reference materials that don’t count against your HHG weight allowance (with limits and rules). Not your coin collection. Not trophies. Actual work-related gear.
Lithium batteries: confirm what can ship
Policy around shipping certain lithium batteries has tightened in recent years. Before pack-out, check with your TMO office about items like big tool batteries, lawn equipment batteries, e-bikes, etc.
Step 9: What movers usually won’t pack
Rules vary, but the common troublemakers include hazardous/flammable items and anything that can leak or explode in heat (aerosols, fuels, propane cylinders, certain chemicals, loose liquids). Always confirm your specific situation with TMO and the moving company before pack day.
Step 10: Kids, pets, and your schedule
A normal HHG pack-out can take at least 2 days. Plan to be there to supervise.
Line up a babysitter if you can
Have a plan for pets (especially barkers or “I bite strangers” types)
Don’t schedule your home closing while movers are packing — you need to be present and paying attention
Step 11: Photo/video your stuff before they touch it
Walk your house with your phone and record quick video of rooms, furniture, electronics (turn the TV on if you want), and any high-value items.
If something shows up damaged later, you’ll be glad you did.
Quick PCS pack-out checklist (print this part)
Deep clean (no wet towels, no dirty dishes, no mystery liquids)
Declutter early (donate/sell/trash)
Identify heavy items during the survey (safe, toolbox, piano, gym)
Create a “DO NOT PACK” zone
Separate UB vs HHG vs NTS in different rooms/areas
Schedule pickups at least 2 days apart
Pull attic items down ahead of time
Remove old labels from old boxes
Save original TV/computer boxes
Photo/video everything before packing
Confirm lithium battery rules with TMO
Coming to Robins AFB soon?
If your PCS is bringing you to Warner Robins, Georgia — welcome to Middle Georgia. When you’re ready to talk housing (rent vs buy, best areas, commute to base), reach out and I’ll help you build a simple plan for landing here without overpaying or getting stuck in the wrong spot.
Book a PCS Housing Call
PCS guide from a TMO Specialist
Best neighborhoods near Robins AFB.
[Coming Soon: Rent vs buy near Warner Robins blog video]
FAQ: PCS movers and getting your house ready
Should I pre-pack boxes for the movers?
Usually no. Let them pack for accountability. Prep by decluttering and setting up a clearly labeled “Do Not Pack” zone.
How do I avoid going over my HHG weight allowance?
Declutter early, identify heavy items during the survey, and be careful with garages (tools and gym gear add up fast).
What’s the easiest way to separate unaccompanied baggage from HHG?
Put UB in a separate room, tape it off, and label it like you’re coaching a brand-new Airman on day one.
Can movers pack my attic?
Often no (or not safely). Bring attic items down ahead of time.
What’s pro-gear and does it count against my weight?
Job-required books/papers/equipment are often treated as pro-gear (PBP&E) and can be excluded from HHG weight allowance within limits.
Can household goods include firearms?
It can, depending on your choices and destination rules. Document everything and follow the chain-of-custody process. Ask TMO for destination-specific rules.
Where do I prep/drop off a POV for shipping or storage?
Your TMO office will authorize it, and you’ll schedule with the POV contractor. PCSmyPOV provides locations and instructions (including common fuel-level rules like ~¼ tank).
