PCSing out of Lackland Air Force Base is a major life event, and like every military move, it involves more paperwork, more deadlines, and more moving parts than a typical civilian relocation. Whether you are heading to your next duty station within Texas, across the country, or overseas, the difference between a smooth move and a stressful one usually comes down to two things: a solid plan and the right PCS movers on your side. This step-by-step guide walks you through exactly how to plan a PCS from Lackland AFB, what to expect at each phase, and where professional San Antonio movers fit in to make the process easier.
At Half Price Movers, we have been helping San Antonio families (including military households) move for over 40 years. Here is what you need to know.
Lackland AFB: What Makes This PCS Unique
Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) Lackland sits on the southwest side of San Antonio and is the largest training base in the Air Force. With over 30,000 personnel cycling through annually, the area has a steady rhythm of PCS moves in and out. A few local factors to keep in mind:
- Peak PCS season runs May through August, which is also peak heat in San Antonio. Plan early morning moves where possible.
- JBSA traffic can be heavy around shift changes and during graduation weeks. Schedule move-out times outside of these windows.
- Local housing spreads across neighborhoods like Westover Hills, Lackland Terrace, and the South Side, plus farther out to Boerne, New Braunfels, and Leon Valley.
- Many service members combine government-arranged moves with PPMs (Personally Procured Moves) for added flexibility.
Half Price Movers covers all of these neighborhoods and surrounding areas. You can see our complete local coverage on our San Antonio service area page.
Understanding Your PCS Move Options
Before you start packing, you need to choose how you want to handle your move. The Air Force offers a few options.
HHG (Household Goods) Move
The government arranges and pays for a contracted moving company to handle your move. The carrier packs, loads, transports, and delivers your belongings. You provide direction.
PPM (Personally Procured Move)
You handle the move yourself (rent a truck, hire civilian movers, use a container service) and receive a government reimbursement based on what the move would have cost the Air Force. This is also called a DITY move. For the deeper dive on reimbursement math and paperwork, see our guide on PPM (DITY) moves explained.
Partial PPM
You combine both. The government moves some of your belongings, and you handle the rest under a PPM. Useful for service members who want to ship vehicles, pets, or specialty items separately.
Personally Funded Move
You pay for the move yourself and submit specific reimbursable expenses (less common, more restrictive).
The right option depends on your timeline, your household goods volume, your physical readiness to manage logistics, and how much control you want over the process. Talk to your installation's Traffic Management Office (TMO) at JBSA Lackland before committing.
For the official rules and procedures, the Move.mil PCS planning portal is the only authoritative source.
Step 1: 90 to 120 Days Before Your PCS Date
The earlier you start, the more flexibility you have.
Get Counseling From TMO
Visit the JBSA Lackland Traffic Management Office or use Move.mil to:
- Get pre-approved for HHG or PPM
- Receive your DD Form 1299 (HHG) or DD Form 2278 (PPM)
- Confirm your authorized weight allowance
- Understand entitlements, dates, and deadlines
Inventory Your Household
Walk every room and create a written inventory. Photograph valuables. Note serial numbers for electronics. This protects you in case of loss or damage claims.
Decide on Your Move Method
If you are leaning toward a PPM and want professional help with the heavy lifting, this is the right time to reach out to civilian movers for quotes.
Get Multiple Quotes
If you are hiring help, get at least three quotes from licensed and insured Texas movers. Verify each company through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Half Price Movers is fully licensed, insured, and based in San Antonio.
Step 2: 60 to 90 Days Before Your PCS Date
Lock In Your Dates
Coordinate your move-out date with your carrier (HHG) or your civilian movers (PPM). Peak season fills up fast, so the earlier you reserve, the better.
Schedule Weight Tickets (PPM Only)
If you are doing a PPM, schedule certified empty and full weight tickets from a TMO-approved scale. No tickets, no reimbursement.
Notify Schools, Utilities, and Services
Use this window to:
- Notify your children's schools and request records transfer
- Schedule utility shutoff at your San Antonio home
- Set up utilities at your new duty station
- Update mailing addresses with banks, the VA, and subscriptions
- Notify your insurance providers
Military OneSource has a free, detailed PCS planning toolkit that walks through these steps in depth.
Plan Pets, Vehicles, and Travel
- Schedule vet visits, vaccination records, and any required documentation
- Arrange shipment or driving plans for second vehicles
- Book flights or lodging if your route requires it
Step 3: 30 to 60 Days Before Your PCS Date
Confirm Movers and Materials
Reconfirm your dates with the moving company. If you are using civilian movers for a PPM, confirm the crew size, services, and arrival time. Half Price Movers offers full-service, fragile-only, and labor-only options, so you can match the service to your move. Learn more on our residential moving services page.
Pack Important Documents Separately
These should travel with you, not on the truck:
- PCS orders
- DD Form 1299 or 2278
- Weight tickets (PPM)
- Military IDs and family IDs
- Birth certificates and Social Security cards
- Medical and dental records
- Vehicle titles and registration
- School records
Declutter
Lighter loads mean lower costs (and a smaller HHG weight overage risk). Donate, sell, or toss anything you have not used in the last year.
Plan Your Last Weeks at Lackland
Clear out base housing or coordinate move-out inspections. Schedule any final medical appointments at the base clinic. Cancel local memberships and services.
Step 4: 1 to 2 Weeks Before Move Day
Confirm Final Details
Double-check arrival times, crew size, and any access notes with your movers. Confirm your destination address and any building requirements at the new duty station.
Pack a 72-Hour Essentials Bag
Medications, toiletries, a few changes of clothes, phone chargers, snacks, and important documents go with you, not on the truck.
Empty and Defrost Appliances
Fridges, freezers, and washing machines need to be emptied, defrosted, and prepped at least 24 hours before the move.
Clean and Photograph Your Home
Walk-through inspections happen on most base housing. Photos protect you from damage charges.
Step 5: Move Day
Be Present
Be on-site when movers arrive (HHG or PPM). Walk the home, confirm what is being moved, and stay available throughout the day.
Verify the Inventory
For HHG moves, the carrier will create an inventory list. Read it carefully. Note any pre-existing damage. Sign only after you agree with the inventory.
Get the Loaded Weight (PPM)
If you are doing a PPM, drive to your approved scale after loading and get the full weight ticket. Save the original.
Photograph the Loaded Truck
This protects you in case of damage claims.
Step 6: After Arrival at Your New Duty Station
Inventory on Delivery
When your shipment arrives, verify it against the original inventory. Note any damage on the official paperwork before signing.
Submit Your Paperwork (PPM)
Within 45 days of arrival, submit to your TMO:
- DD Form 2278 (signed)
- Original weight tickets
- All receipts (truck rental, fuel, movers, supplies, tolls, lodging)
- Operating expense worksheet
- Any other documents your TMO requires
Missing paperwork is the most common reason service members lose part of their PPM reimbursement.
File Damage Claims Promptly (HHG)
If anything was damaged or lost during an HHG move, file your claim through DPS within the required timeframe. The earlier you file, the better.
Settle Into Your New Home
Get utilities connected, kids enrolled, and your home set up. If you used a PPM and need help unloading at the new location, civilian movers can often meet you there to handle the labor.
Where Half Price Movers Fits Into Your PCS
A government-arranged HHG move handles most of the logistics, but many service members still need civilian help for parts of the process. Common scenarios include:
- Pre-PCS decluttering moves: Hauling unwanted items to donation centers or storage before your packers arrive
- PPM loading and driving: A full crew handles your truck so you do not have to
- Labor-only loading or unloading for service members who rented a truck or container
- Fragile-only packing for valuables that you do not want shipped through the government carrier
- Specialty moves for pianos, antiques, artwork, or oversized items
- Local moves within San Antonio for service members PCSing to a new home off-base
Half Price Movers is family-owned, fully licensed and insured in Texas, and based right here in San Antonio. We know JBSA Lackland, the surrounding neighborhoods, and the typical PCS rhythm. You can request a free quote online or see our complete military PCS moving services to see how we can help.
Common Mistakes Lackland AFB PCS Movers Make
A little planning prevents almost all of these.
- Starting the PCS process too late
- Skipping TMO counseling
- Losing receipts and weight tickets (PPM)
- Mixing important documents with packed boxes
- Not photographing valuables before the move
- Choosing the cheapest civilian mover without verifying license and insurance
- Forgetting to update pet records, school records, or insurance providers
- Not building in time for vehicle shipment or pet transport
A printed PCS checklist taped to the fridge solves most of these.
Ready to Make Your Lackland AFB PCS Easier?
A PCS is one of the most demanding events in a military family's calendar, but it does not have to be overwhelming. Whether you need help with a PPM, want a civilian crew to support your HHG timeline, or need labor for an off-base move within San Antonio, Half Price Movers is ready to help. Family-owned, licensed and insured, and proudly serving Texas military families since 1979.
Check our San Antonio service area page to confirm we cover your neighborhood, and explore our complete residential moving services for a full look at what is included.
Ready to make your move? Half Price Movers has been serving Texas families since 1979. Call (361) 245-3862 (San Antonio) or (361) 937-7615 (Corpus Christi), or get your free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between HHG and PPM?
HHG (Household Goods) is when the government arranges and pays a contracted carrier to handle your move. PPM (Personally Procured Move, formerly DITY) is when you manage the move yourself and receive a reimbursement based on what the government would have paid. Many service members use a combination of both.
Can I hire civilian PCS movers and still get a PPM reimbursement?
Yes. You can hire licensed civilian movers, rent a truck, use a container service, or any combination. As long as you provide certified weight tickets and proper receipts, your move qualifies for PPM reimbursement.
How much can I get reimbursed for a PPM?
Reimbursement is based on what the government would have paid a contracted carrier to move your authorized weight allowance. The exact amount depends on your rank, dependents, distance, and actual weight moved. Your TMO can give you a personalized estimate before you commit.
How early should I start planning my PCS from Lackland?
At least 90 to 120 days before your move date, especially during peak PCS season (May through August). Counseling, paperwork, and civilian moving reservations all take time.
Do you work with military families on PCS moves?
Yes. We regularly support military moves in and around JBSA Lackland and the greater San Antonio area, including PPMs, labor-only, and full-service moves. Just let us know during your quote that you are a PCS mover so we can plan around your timeline.
Are Half Price Movers licensed and insured?
Yes. We are fully licensed and insured in Texas, and our credentials can be verified through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. We are happy to provide our license number and certificate of insurance on request.
Can you help with just part of my PCS, like loading or packing?
Absolutely. We offer labor-only crews, fragile-only packing, and full-service moves. You choose what you need, and we customize a plan that fits.
What if my orders change or my dates shift?
PCS dates change all the time. Just let us know as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate the new schedule. Customized moving plans are designed to flex when life and orders shift.