This page explains how an allowance works and how to plan around it. It does not print any allowance numbers, because they are set by official regulation and your counselor confirms the one that applies to you.
What an allowance is
A weight allowance is the maximum weight of household goods the government will ship at its expense for a given move. It exists so a shipment has a clear ceiling. Two members with the same rank can have different situations, so treat any number you hear from a friend as a starting question for your counselor, not as your answer.
What sets yours
- Your pay grade (rank)
- Whether you have dependents
- The kind of orders you hold
- Whether items fall under special categories, which your counselor explains
How to get your number
Ask your installation transportation office or Personal Property Office for your allowance during counseling, and note the date and the name of the person who gave it. Military OneSource also lists PCS planning guides on entitlements. Because rules are updated, an old figure from a previous move should be checked again.
How to plan your household around it
Start with what you actually want in the new home. Furniture, appliances and tools are heavy, while clothing and books vary a lot more than most people expect. Go room by room and decide what ships, what is sold or donated, and what travels with you.
A sorted household also lowers the chance of surprises when the shipment is weighed. If you are unsure how heavy your belongings are, an in-home estimate is a way to see the inventory with someone who handles it every day. See how many boxes you need and the moving inventory form.
Where O'Brien's fits
O'Brien's is DOD approved to move and store military household goods. If part of your household will not travel on the government shipment, vault storage from $40 per month in the Sparks warehouse holds it, with about 2 to 3 weeks notice to ship out. Call 775-359-6683, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, for a free in-home estimate that comes with 10 free heavy-duty boxes. For booking steps, read the PCS checklist.