As a military family, receiving PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Every move has its challenges, but PCS moves come with their own unique set of issues and uncertainties. Whether you’re wondering how to start with your orders or feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of paperwork and logistics, this blog is here to break the process down into practical steps to help you navigate the process.
Here at Scobey Moving & Storage, we’ve helped hundreds of service members and their families navigate PCS moves. In this article, we’re walking you through a PCS move checklist to help you stay organized, feel supported, and move with confidence.
1. Understand Your PCS Orders
Knowing your PCS orders is the first big step in managing your move. This lays the groundwork for determining your entitlements and move type.
Do you understand your moving options? As an active-duty service member, you have several options for your move. For a quick overview of these options, we’ve created a downloadable reference sheet.
- Review moving allowances and entitlements:
Read through your PCS orders carefully to understand what funds and benefits you are eligible for, like a Dislocation Allowance (DLA) and Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA). - Determine your move type:
Decide whether your move is government-arranged, a Personally Procured Move (PPM), or a combination. Each type has different procedures and paperwork.
Why it’s important: Clarifying your orders early sets clear expectations and prevents last-minute surprises. Have you double-checked your orders for any special instructions?
2. Create a Moving Timeline
Establishing your moving timeline is crucial for keeping track of the moving parts and deadlines of a PCS. Breaking the process into manageable steps can also help set realistic expectations.
- Set key dates:
Include dates for packing, transportation, and settling in at your new location. - Plan for temporary housing:
If needed, figure out your options for temporary housing and set a deadline to finalize arrangements.
Tip: Write down each date and create a digital calendar reminder — this can help ensure you don’t miss any steps in your PCS move checklist.
3. Organize Important Documents
During a PCS move, keeping your documents organized is a must. Your paperwork is the key to a smooth transition and access to benefits on the move.
- Gather essential documents:
Collect orders, passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, and medical records. - Digital backup:
Scan or photograph your documents and save them in a secure online location for easy access.
Action point: Making digital copies protects you from loss or damage and allows you to quickly access vital information when you need it.
4. Research Your New Duty Station
Feeling prepared also means knowing your destination. As a step on your PCS move checklist, make sure to familiarize yourself with your new environment. This can go a long way toward easing stress for you and your family.
- On-base and off-base housing options:
Understand what housing is available, so you can plan for a comfortable transition. - Explore schools, childcare, and medical facilities:
Look into community options and local support to smooth settling in.
Action point: Do you know where to find your nearest hospital or school? Researching this information can help ease anxieties about the unknowns of your new location.
5. Sort and Downsize Belongings
Weight limits and space constraints can make it necessary to declutter before a PCS move. Reducing the load isn’t just practical — it can lower stress levels too!
- Declutter effectively:
Evaluate your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or sell. - Be mindful of weight limits:
Prioritize the items that are essential and have additional sentimental or practical value.
Why it matters: By reducing clutter, you also reduce packing time and potential moving costs. Streamlining now saves you headaches later.
6. Packing Strategies for a PCS Move
When you reach the packing stage of the PCS move checklist, make sure you have a clear labeling system for boxes. Clearly mark boxes that contain your essentials. Smart packing is an art that can simplify the moving process.
- Label boxes clearly:
Indicate both content and destination room to ensure an organized unpacking process. - Pack an essentials box:
Include items you will need immediately, such as toiletries, change of clothes, and critical documents.
Action steps: Create a checklist for each room and mark completed boxes. Taking a systematic approach sets you up for successful packing (and unpacking when you arrive at your new home).
7. Handling Transportation & Travel Arrangements
Logistics are key in a successful PCS move (which is one reason why using a PCS move checklist to track details is so important). Make travel arrangements in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
- Plan your travel:
Decide whether you will fly, drive, or use a combination of transportation methods. - Arrange pet transport if needed:
Make sure your furry friends are safe and secure with proper travel plans.
Note: Check with your potential travel arrangements, ensuring reliable and stress-free transport logistics.
8. Understanding Military Move Reimbursements & Benefits
Have you researched which costs will be reimbursed during your move? Getting this information can help alleviate financial concerns and help you plan your budget effectively. A moving partner with experience working with military moves can help you get the best value for your relocation.
- Review coverage for moving expenses:
Familiarize yourself with benefits like Per Diem, DLA, and TLA. - Track receipts meticulously:
Create an organized method to track all your receipts for reimbursement claims.
Implementation tips: Use a dedicated folder or digital app for your receipts. Accurate tracking helps make sure you receive reimbursement.
9. Arriving & Settling In
Once you’ve reached your new duty station, it’s time to start settling in and making your new location feel like home.
- Unpack efficiently:
Begin with the essentials, and then gradually organize other belongings. - Inspect items for damage or loss:
Note any issues early on to resolve potential claims with moving services. - Connect with your local community:
Reach out to neighborhood groups and military support networks to build connections.
Personal connection: Remember, every step is progress. Even if things don’t go perfectly, each small win brings you closer to settling in.
10. Final Tips for a Smooth PCS Move
Finally, here are a few tips to help you have a streamlined, lower-stress move. Using resources (like a PCS move checklist) can make your moving experience smoother and help you start off on the right foot.
- Use available resources:
Leverage platforms such as Military OneSource and Relocation Assistance Programs. - Stay flexible and prepared:
Be ready for last-minute changes and adjustments that are common in military moves. - Partner with experienced, professional movers:
Here at Scobey, we understand the unique needs of military families. We’re here to make your move streamlined and efficient, as well as empower you to start this next chapter with confidence.
Why this matters: Every military family’s journey is unique, but a prepared approach helps to ease stress and sets you up for a smooth start.
Stepping Into the PCS Process With Confidence
