PCS moving tips

The PCS timeline

1. Upon receiving orders / 90+ days out

   • Read your orders closely: report date, dependents authorized, accompanied or unaccompanied, and any special instructions.
   • Log in to DPS and complete move counseling, then request pack and pickup dates as early as possible; peak season (May to September) fills fast.
   • Decide on a government move, a PPM or a mix of both, and talk with your transportation office about the trade-offs.
   • Request a sponsor from your gaining unit and contact the gaining installation's family center and school liaison.
   • Apply for on-base housing and submit a child care request on MilitaryChildCare.com.
   • Start or update EFMP enrollment if anyone in the family has special needs; overseas moves also need family member screening.
   • If renting, give your landlord written notice with a copy of your orders under the SCRA.
   • Build a PCS budget and look up your new BAH or OHA, DLA and TLE or TLA rules.

2. 60 days out

   • Start purging: sell, donate or toss items you do not want to pay to move or store.
   • Gather school records, immunization records and IEP or 504 plans; ask for unofficial copies to hand-carry.
   • Ask your doctors for referrals to the new area and schedule any last appointments.
   • Book pet appointments for health certificates, microchips and vaccines; overseas moves may need many months of lead time.
   • Get powers of attorney from legal assistance if one spouse will handle part of the move alone.
   • Spouses: contact the new state's licensing board or confirm a licensure compact, and book a SpouseWorks career coaching session.
   • Arrange lodging for travel days and temporary housing at both ends.

3. 30 days out

   • Confirm pack and pickup dates with the mover and your transportation office.
   • Set aside a do-not-pack area for documents, medications, laptops, chargers and the items you will need for the first weeks.
   • Take photos or video of valuables and electronics (including serial numbers) for claims.
   • Schedule utility shutoff at the old home and setup at the new one.
   • Submit change-of-address forms and update your bank, insurance and subscriptions.
   • Request advance pay or advance DLA if you need cash before the move.
   • Service your vehicles and plan your driving route and travel days.

4. Pack-out week

   • Be home for the full pack and load, and keep one adult watching the packers.
   • Separate pro-gear and make sure it is weighed and listed on its own.
   • Read the inventory before signing; note existing damage accurately and question vague descriptions.
   • Get copies of every inventory page and the bill of lading.
   • For a PPM, get certified empty and full weight tickets.
   • Clean the home and complete the housing or landlord move-out inspection.

5. On the road / in transit

   • Keep all lodging, fuel and pet-related receipts for your travel voucher.
   • Carry orders, ID, medical records and school records in a hand-carry folder.
   • Stay in touch with your mover or transportation office about delivery windows.
   • Use USO lounges at airports and plan rest stops if driving with kids and pets.
   • For OCONUS moves, confirm Patriot Express or commercial flight details and pet bookings.

6. First 30 days after arrival

   • Sign in to your unit and file your travel voucher promptly to settle DLA, TLE and travel pay.
   • Update your address in DEERS through milConnect, then confirm or change your TRICARE plan within 90 days.
   • Enroll kids in school and introduce yourself to the school counselor and school liaison.
   • Check out loan closet items from the family center while waiting for your household goods.
   • At delivery, check every item against the inventory and note damage on the delivery paperwork.
   • Register vehicles and update driver's licenses as the new state requires (many states exempt active duty).
   • Attend the installation newcomer orientation.

7. After arrival (30-90 days)

   • Report loss or damage in DPS within 75 days of delivery, then file the full claim before the deadline.
   • Complete your PPM closeout with weight tickets and receipts if you did one.
   • Submit pet expense and spouse relicensing receipts for reimbursement.
   • Connect with local groups such as family readiness groups, spouse clubs or Blue Star Families chapters.
   • Review your budget against your new BAH or OHA and adjust.
   • Schedule well visits with your new primary care manager and get established with a dentist.