An overseas move is any relocation where either your origin or destination is outside the continental U.S. (OCONUS), including Alaska and Hawaii. Whether you are moving to an overseas location or from an overseas location back to the U.S., you will have access to special shipment options designed to make the transition easier.

Your local transportation office will talk you through your specific entitlements during your individual counseling session, but you can use the following tips to help get you started.

What Makes an OCONUS Move Different?

The key differences in an OCONUS move are the use of multiple shipment types (sea and air), long-term storage options, and the requirement to clear customs.

Your OCONUS Shipment Options

Unlike a standard domestic move, an OCONUS move gives you several ways to transport your belongings. It's important to discuss these with your local transportation office at both your origin and destination to understand your authorizations.

• Household Goods (HHG) Shipment: This is your main shipment, which travels by sea and has the longest transit time. It will hold the bulk of your belongings that you won't need immediately upon arrival.

• Unaccompanied Baggage (UB): This is a smaller, separate shipment sent by air with a much shorter transit time. It’s perfect for the essential items you'll need to set up your home while you wait for your main shipment, like linens, kitchen basics, uniforms, and a few toys for the kids.

• Non-Temporary Storage (NTS): If you are moving to or from a location with smaller housing or government-provided furniture, you may be authorized to place some of your belongings into long-term storage at the government's expense.
  For more information, see our Topic Guide on Non-Temporary Storage.  

Getting Your Vehicle Overseas

In most cases, you will be authorized to ship one Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) at government expense, but it's crucial to first understand the restrictions on vehicle size, modifications, and what can be packed inside.

The process for shipping your car is handled completely separately from your household goods shipment and has its own strict timelines and paperwork. Once your vehicle arrives at your new duty station, you will need to follow local licensing and registration laws, which can be very different from what you're used to. Be sure to research these requirements with your sponsor or local support services before you arrive to avoid any fines or delays.

As soon as you have your orders, contact your local transportation office. They are your experts for OCONUS moves and will give you specific counseling on your entitlements. During the pre-move survey, you must clearly identify for the moving company which items are going into which shipment: HHG, UB, or NTS. Using colored stickers or sticky notes to physically label your belongings before the movers arrive is the best way to prevent confusion.
 

Understanding Customs and Restrictions

Every country has its own rules about what can and cannot be imported, and this includes the United States. It is your responsibility to know these rules for your destination. Prohibited items can be confiscated by customs, and you may even face fines.
 

• Common Prohibited Items: This often includes certain agricultural products (soil, plants, some foods), firearms, and hazardous materials. When returning to the U.S., there are strict rules about foreign-made automobiles and other goods.

• Appliance and Electronic Concerns: When moving to a foreign country, remember that voltage and outlet types are different. When returning to the U.S., your 220-volt foreign appliances will require a transformer.

• Customs Forms: Your moving company will provide you with the necessary customs forms for your destination. Fill these out completely and accurately to avoid delays.

The packing and loading process for an OCONUS move often involves sealing your belongings in large wooden crates for their journey.

Because your shipments have different transit times, your settling-in process will happen in stages. You’ll first receive your Unaccompanied Baggage, which will allow you to live comfortably while you wait for your main HHG shipment to arrive. Delivery will be scheduled for each shipment separately. Just as with any other move, be sure to inspect your items upon arrival and document any loss or damage immediately.

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