PCS Storage: Complete Guide to Storing Household Goods During Military Moves

Bottom Line Up Front: Government covers storage (NTS - Non-Temporary Storage) for OCONUS unaccompanied tours, deployments, or special circumstances. Costs: $0 for authorized NTS (90 days standard CONUS, up to full tour OCONUS). Private storage: $50-$300/month (climate-controlled). Before storing: Purge 30-50% of items (saves weight allowance for future PCS), inventory everything (photos + list), use climate control for valuables. Average family stores 2,000-5,000 lbs during OCONUS tours. Claim damage within 9 months of delivery.

When You Need PCS Storage

Government-Authorized NTS (Non-Temporary Storage)

Automatically authorized:

• ✅ OCONUS unaccompanied tour (Korea 12 months, remote assignments)
• ✅ OCONUS accompanied tour with limited housing (government quarters can't fit all HHG)
• ✅ Deployment (store HHG while deployed, family moves to smaller place)
• ✅ TDY >20 weeks (long training, temporary assignments)
• ✅ Government quarters assignment (base housing smaller than your HHG)

May be authorized (request approval):

• Separation/retirement (90 days storage while transitioning)
• Medical hold (extended medical treatment away from permanent station)
• Special circumstances (hardship, unique situations)

NOT authorized:

• ❌ CONUS PCS (you're expected to move everything to new location)
• ❌ Convenience storage ("I don't want to unpack yet")
• ❌ Storing extra stuff you don't need (purge instead)

How Much Storage (Weight Allowance)

Your total weight allowance includes stored + shipped HHG:

• E-5: 9,000 lbs total (maybe 3,000 lbs storage, 6,000 lbs ship to OCONUS)
• E-7: 13,000 lbs total
• O-3: 14,500 lbs total
• O-5: 17,500 lbs total

Common split (OCONUS tour):

• Ship to OCONUS: 40-60% (essentials, clothes, basic furniture)
• Storage (NTS): 40-60% (bulky furniture, seasonal items, sentimental items)

Storage Duration Limits

CONUS storage:

• Standard: 90 days (3 months)
• Can request extension (case-by-case approval)

OCONUS storage:

• Duration of tour (1-3 years standard)
• Korea: Up to 12 months
• Japan/Germany: Up to 3 years
• Remote assignments: Duration of assignment

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What to Store vs. What to Ship

Items to STORE (NTS) During OCONUS

Furniture (too big for OCONUS housing):

• King bed (OCONUS housing = queen or smaller)
• Large couch/sectional
• Dining table (seats 8+)
• Bulky dressers
• Entertainment centers

Vehicles:

• Second car (can only ship 1 POV to OCONUS)
• Motorcycle, RV, boat (not authorized to ship)

Seasonal items:

• Winter clothes (if going to tropical location)
• Snow gear, skis
• Beach gear (if going to cold climate)

Sentimental/Valuable (reduce risk of international shipping damage):

• Family heirlooms
• Antique furniture
• Expensive electronics (home theater system, gaming setup)
• Collections (baseball cards, memorabilia)

Bulk/Heavy (use weight allowance wisely):

• Books (heavy, take up weight)
• Power tools, workshop equipment
• Exercise equipment (weights, treadmill)

Items to SHIP to OCONUS

Daily essentials:

• Clothes (current climate)
• Bed, basic furniture
• Kitchen essentials (pots, pans, dishes)
• Kids' toys, books
• Electronics (laptops, tablets)

Comfort items:

• Favorite chair, bedding
• Photos, small decorations
• Hobbies (craft supplies, sports equipment)

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Private Storage vs. Government NTS

Government NTS (Free if Authorized)

Pros:

• ✅ $0 cost (government pays)
• ✅ Managed by military (TMO handles logistics)
• ✅ Insurance included (up to $6,000 per pound, max $40,000 total)
• ✅ No hassle (movers pack, store, deliver)

Cons:

• ❌ Must be authorized (can't use for convenience)
• ❌ Limited access (can't visit storage to get items)
• ❌ Slow retrieval (request delivery, wait 30-60 days)
• ❌ Damage risk (items moved 3 times: pack, storage, delivery)

Cost: $0 (if authorized)

Private Storage (Self-Storage Unit)

Pros:

• ✅ Access anytime (visit storage to get/add items)
• ✅ No authorization needed (rent on your own)
• ✅ Flexible (month-to-month, cancel anytime)
• ✅ Control (you pack, you decide what goes in)

Cons:

• ❌ You pay ($50-$300/month = $600-$3,600/year)
• ❌ Not reimbursed (out-of-pocket expense)
• ❌ You handle logistics (rent truck, move items yourself)
• ❌ Less insurance (standard storage insurance = limited)

Cost:

• 5x10 unit (small): $50-$100/month
• 10x10 unit (1 bedroom): $100-$150/month
• 10x20 unit (2-3 bedroom): $150-$250/month
• Climate-controlled: +$50-$100/month

When to use private storage:

• Short-term storage during PCS (while house hunting)
• Storing items not covered by government (extra vehicles, personal items)
• Want access to items during storage

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How to Request Government Storage

Step 1: Determine Eligibility (60-90 Days Before PCS)

Check authorization:

• OCONUS orders = Usually automatic
• Unaccompanied tour = Automatic
• Other scenarios = Ask TMO

Step 2: Submit Storage Request

Documents needed:

• PCS orders
• Weight allowance calculation (how much storing vs. shipping)
• Justification (if non-standard storage request)

Where to submit:

• Base Transportation Office (TMO)
• Or online via military.move.mil

Step 3: Schedule Pack & Pickup

Timeline:

• Request storage: 45-60 days before PCS
• TMO assigns moving company
• Movers come, pack, pick up
• Items go to storage facility

Day of pickup:

• Movers pack items marked "Storage"
• You sign inventory
• Items loaded onto truck
• Delivered to storage warehouse

Step 4: Storage Confirmation

Within 1-2 weeks:

• Receive storage confirmation (lot number, facility address)
• Keep this document (need it to request delivery later)

Important: You likely WON'T visit storage facility (items go to commercial warehouse, not accessible to you)

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Preparing Items for Long-Term Storage

Packing Tips (Prevent Damage)

Furniture:

• Clean thoroughly (dust, dirt = damage over time)
• Disassemble large pieces (beds, tables)
• Wrap in furniture pads (movers provide)
• Remove cushions (store separately, prevent compression)

Electronics:

• Original boxes if possible (best protection)
• Wrap in bubble wrap + blankets
• Remove batteries (prevent corrosion)
• Label cables (easier reassembly later)

Clothing:

• Clean before storage (stains set over time)
• Use wardrobe boxes (hang suits, dresses)
• Vacuum-seal seasonal clothes (saves space)
• Add mothballs (prevent damage)

Books:

• Pack flat (prevent spine damage)
• Use small boxes (books = heavy)
• Wrap valuable books in acid-free paper

Kitchen items:

• Wrap dishes individually
• Use dish pack boxes (reinforced)
• Label "Fragile" clearly

Avoid storing:

• ❌ Food (attracts pests)
• ❌ Liquids (leak, damage other items)
• ❌ Hazmat (paint, chemicals, batteries)
• ❌ Firearms/ammo (special regulations)

Climate Control (Worth It?)

Climate-controlled storage:

• Temperature: 55-85°F (prevents warping, cracking)
• Humidity: 30-50% (prevents mold, rust)
• Cost: +$30-$50/month (government NTS usually not climate-controlled)

Items needing climate control:

• Wood furniture (warps in heat/humidity)
• Electronics (sensitive to temperature swings)
• Leather (cracks in dry heat)
• Musical instruments (warping, damage)
• Photos, documents (yellowing, mold)

If using government NTS: Can't request climate control (assigned warehouse may or may not have it)

If using private storage: Worth paying extra for valuables

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Retrieving Items from Storage

Government NTS Retrieval

How to request delivery:

1. Contact TMO at current duty station
2. Provide storage lot number
3. Request delivery to current address
4. Wait 30-60 days (delivery timeline)

Cost: $0 (government pays)

Timeline:

• Request: Submit 45-60 days before needed
• Coordination: TMO schedules with storage company
• Delivery: 7-30 days (after coordination complete)

Tip: Request delivery EARLY (if you need items by specific date, add 60-day buffer)

Partial Retrieval (Can You Get Some Items, Not All?)

Short answer: Difficult

Government NTS: Usually "all or nothing" (entire lot delivered at once, not piecemeal)

Workaround: If you stored specific high-value items separately, MAY be able to request just those (case-by-case)

Best practice: Assume you can't access storage until permanent retrieval

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Storage Damage Claims

How to File Claim

Damage discovered at delivery:

1. Note damage on delivery inventory (right away)
2. Take photos (damaged items + packing materials)
3. Get estimates (repair or replacement costs)
4. File claim with moving company (within 75 days of delivery for full replacement value, 9 months for depreciated value)

Common storage damage:

• Mold (humidity in non-climate-controlled storage)
• Water damage (roof leaks, flooding)
• Broken furniture (poor handling during moves)
• Missing items (theft, lost in warehouse)

Claim limits:

• Full Replacement Value (FRV): Up to $6,000 per pound (max $40,000 total)
• Depreciated value: Lower payout

Timeline:

• File claim: Within 75 days (FRV) or 9 months (depreciated)
• Company responds: 30-60 days
• Settlement: 60-120 days (if approved)

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Common PCS Storage Mistakes

❌ Mistake #1: Storing Everything (Wasting Weight Allowance)

Reality:

• Store 8,000 lbs during OCONUS tour
• Return, retrieve everything
• Realize you didn't need half of it (purge at new duty station)

Fix: Purge BEFORE storage (sell, donate, trash). Only store items you KNOW you want to keep.

Rule: If you haven't used it in 2 years, you don't need it. Donate it.

❌ Mistake #2: Not Inventorying Stored Items

Reality:

• Store boxes labeled "Misc"
• Retrieve 3 years later
• Open boxes: "What is this? Why did I keep this?"
• Also: Can't prove items missing if no detailed inventory

Fix: Detailed inventory (photos, list per box). Easier to file claim if items missing/damaged.

❌ Mistake #3: Storing Perishables/Prohibited Items

Reality:

• Store food, cleaning supplies, paint
• Items leak, attract pests, damage other belongings
• Moving company rejects claim (prohibited items)

Fix: Purge perishables, hazmat, liquids before pack

❌ Mistake #4: Not Requesting Delivery Early Enough

Reality:

• PCS back from OCONUS
• Request storage delivery 2 weeks before report date
• TMO: "It takes 60 days"
• You have no furniture for 6 weeks

Fix: Request delivery 60-90 days ahead

❌ Mistake #5: Using Storage for Hoarding

Reality:

• Store items "just in case"
• Pay for private storage for 5+ years ($5,000-$10,000 total)
• Never use items

Fix: Be ruthless. If you wouldn't buy it again today for storage cost, don't store it.

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Action Steps

90 Days Before OCONUS PCS:

1. ✅ Contact TMO (confirm storage authorization)
2. ✅ Purge (sell, donate 30-50% of belongings)
3. ✅ Decide: What to ship vs. what to store

60 Days Before:

1. ✅ Submit storage request (TMO or military.move.mil)
2. ✅ Inventory items going to storage (photos, detailed list)
3. ✅ Label boxes clearly ("Storage - Living Room", etc.)

30 Days Before:

1. ✅ Prep items for storage (clean, disassemble, wrap)
2. ✅ Schedule pickup (coordinate with TMO)

Day of Pickup:

1. ✅ Supervise movers (ensure right items go to storage)
2. ✅ Sign inventory (verify list is accurate)
3. ✅ Get storage lot number (keep in safe place)

During OCONUS Tour:

1. ✅ Keep storage documents safe (need lot number for retrieval)
2. ✅ Don't forget what you stored (maintain inventory list)

60-90 Days Before OCONUS Tour Ends:

1. ✅ Request storage delivery (TMO at current duty station)
2. ✅ Provide delivery address (new PCS location)

Delivery Day:

1. ✅ Inspect items (check for damage)
2. ✅ Note damage on inventory immediately
3. ✅ File claim within 75 days if needed

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Related Guides

• OCONUS PCS Complete Guide
• Weight Allowance Optimization
• PCS Damage Claims Step-by-Step

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Remember: Storage is a tool, not a solution for hoarding. Purge ruthlessly before storing. Only keep items you KNOW you want long-term. Government NTS is free (if authorized) but inaccessible during storage. Private storage costs $50-$300/month but gives you access. Plan retrieval 60-90 days ahead to avoid delays.