Tips for Moving with the Military in Greece
Relocating as part of military service is a significant undertaking. Whether it’s a first Permanent Change of Station or a fifth, early preparation makes all the difference. Service members and their families moving across Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, and beyond benefit from a clear plan well before the moving truck ever arrives.
Start Planning as Soon as You Receive Your PCS Orders
The moment PCS orders come through, the moving process should begin. Early planning significantly increases the odds of securing preferred move dates, especially during the busy summer months when moving companies are in high demand across Greece.
Choose Your Planning Method
There are two main paths for managing a military move:
- Attend a Relocation Briefing: Visit the local installation transportation office or personal property shipping office (PPSO) for direct guidance.
- Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS): Accessible at www.move.mil, this system supports self-managed relocations with tutorials, forms, and tracking tools throughout the process.
Create a Digital Moving Calendar
A centralized digital calendar with embedded checklists, contact details, and important links helps keep every deadline visible and reduces last-minute surprises — a tip recommended by the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command.
Stay Flexible with Your Moving Dates
Even requested dates aren’t finalized until confirmed with the assigned moving company. Weekday scheduling should be expected, and keeping contact information current in the DPS ensures real-time communication with the movers handling the shipment.
Know Your Weight Allowance
Understanding weight entitlements before packing avoids unexpected out-of-pocket costs. The “Weight Allowance” section on www.move.mil includes a Weight Estimator tool — if the estimate runs high, decluttering and donating items in advance helps stay within limits, which is especially important for international moves to or from Greece.
Coordinate with All Key Contacts
Any issues or concerns should go first to the installation transportation office, with active, ongoing communication maintained with the moving company for updates and support throughout the relocation.
Why Choose Allied The Careful Movers Greece?
Movers with offices in Athens and Thessaloniki understand the specific logistics of moving within Greece, while international network affiliations support seamless relocations across Europe and beyond — including specialized services tailored to the unique regulations and timelines of military families.
For more on preparing the household ahead of the move, see Seven Ways to Make Your Home ‘Move Out’ Ready and Tips on Budgeting Moving Expenses. Return to the Family Guide to Moving hub, or explore International Moving for full cross-border relocation support.