Preparing for a PCS move? Use this ultimate PCS checklist to stay organized and reduce stress before, during, and after your move.

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is an inevitable part of military life. Whether it’s your first move or your fifth, planning ahead can help reduce stress and keep everything organized. From handling paperwork to preparing your family for the transition, there are many moving parts to manage. Without a solid plan, PCS moves can quickly become overwhelming, leading to last-minute packing, lost documents, and unnecessary stress for the entire family.

To help make the process smoother, we’ve created this Ultimate PCS Checklist to guide you every step of the way! This checklist is now fully aligned with our free printable version, ensuring you don’t miss any critical tasks.

Step 1: 60-90 Days Before the Move

The first phase of your PCS move is all about preparation. This is the time to start laying the groundwork for a smooth transition by gathering documents, researching your new duty station, and organizing your household belongings.

✅ Confirm your PCS orders and review important details to ensure there are no discrepancies.
✅ Research your new duty station and housing options. Whether you plan to live on-base or off-base, knowing your housing situation in advance can help reduce stress.
✅ Create a PCS binder to organize paperwork and records, including:

• Birth certificates
• Passports
• Marriage certificate
• Social security cards
• Military orders
• Power of attorney (if applicable)
  ✅ Notify your child’s school and begin the PCS school transition process. Schools may require transfer paperwork and educational records, so getting ahead of this step is crucial.
  ✅ Start decluttering and downsizing—donate or sell unwanted items to lighten your load. Moving is the perfect opportunity to simplify and remove things you no longer need.
  ✅ Research moving options: Government-contracted movers or Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY). Each has its own benefits, so weigh your options carefully.
  ✅ Contact your base’s Transportation Office to schedule your move and confirm deadlines.
  ✅ Look into spouse and family support programs at your new location to help ease the transition. Many bases offer resources to help military families adjust.

📦 Packing & Moving Essentials

📌 Heavy-Duty Moving Boxes & Kits – Sturdy, reinforced boxes for safe packing.
📌 Vacuum Storage Bags – Save space by compressing clothes and bedding.
📌 Furniture Sliders & Moving Blankets – Protect furniture and floors during the move.

📌 Step 2: 30 Days Before the Move

At this stage, the PCS move starts to feel real. With only a month to go, it’s important to start taking action on travel arrangements, utilities, and finalizing any necessary paperwork.

✅ Arrange temporary lodging if necessary (hotel, base housing, or short-term rental). Many military families face a gap between moving out and moving into their next home, so securing accommodations in advance is important.
✅ Schedule home repairs or cleaning if leaving base housing. If you are renting, you may need to complete inspections and repairs to avoid penalties.
✅ Contact utility companies to schedule service disconnections and new service setups. Ensure that you won’t be charged for services at your old home once you’ve moved.
✅ Begin packing non-essential items and clearly label boxes. A well-labeled box will make unpacking at your new home much easier.
✅ Confirm travel plans, book flights, or plan your driving route. If driving, map out gas stations and overnight stops.
✅ Update your address with USPS, banks, credit cards, and subscriptions. Many companies allow you to update your address online.
✅ Research local schools, child care, and community resources to make the transition smoother for your children.
✅ Check pet transportation regulations and gather necessary records if moving with pets. If you’re flying, check airline policies for pet travel.

(A few additional items are included in the printable checklist!)

🗂️ PCS Organization & Paperwork

📌 PCS Moving Journal – Track dates, budgets, and moving details.
📌 Expandable File Folder – Keep orders, birth certificates, and records safe.
📌 Digital Document Scanner – Quickly scan and store important paperwork.
📌 Portable File Box – Securely store all essential PCS documents.

📌 Step 3: One Week Before the Move

With just one week left, it’s time to finalize all the moving details. This is a great time to double-check everything and ensure that your transition is as seamless as possible.

✅ Pack an essentials box with important items for the first few days:

• Clothing for a week
• Toiletries
• Medications
• Important paperwork
• Snacks and travel essentials
  ✅ Confirm moving company details and pickup date. Be sure to get a copy of the final moving inventory.
  ✅ Say goodbye to friends and neighbors—exchange contact information so you can stay in touch.
  ✅ Clean your current home or schedule a professional cleaning, especially if required for a security deposit refund.
  ✅ Take inventory of packed items and ensure valuables are accounted for. High-value items should be documented and possibly carried with you instead of packed with movers.

🚗 Travel & Road Trip Essentials

📌 Noise-Canceling Headphones – Block out distractions for stress-free travel.
📌 Car Backseat Organizer – Keep snacks, electronics, and essentials handy.
📌 First Aid Kit – Be prepared for minor injuries on the road.

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📌 Step 4: Moving Day

Moving day is here! While this day can be stressful, staying calm and organized will help make the process easier.

✅ Keep important documents and valuables with you at all times.
✅ Supervise the movers and take a detailed inventory of your household goods. Photograph or document expensive and fragile items before they are packed.
✅ Conduct a final walkthrough of your home to check for forgotten items. Open all closets, cabinets, and storage areas before locking up.
✅ Confirm the delivery timeline for your household goods so you know when to expect them.
✅ Have a backup plan in case of delays. Sometimes household goods take longer than expected to arrive. Have extra clothes and essential supplies ready just in case.

🏡 New Home Setup & Unpacking

📌 Military Family Planner – Organize home setup, schedules, and PCS plans.
📌 Cordless Handheld Vacuum – Clean moving messes and temporary lodging.

📌 Step 5: After the Move

Congratulations! You’ve made it to your new duty station. Now it’s time to settle in and adjust to your new home and community.

✅ Check in with your new duty station and complete any required paperwork. This step is essential for ensuring that your relocation benefits are processed correctly.
✅ Register your child at their new school and submit school records as soon as possible.
✅ Unpack essentials first and gradually settle into your new home. Prioritize bedrooms, bathrooms, and the kitchen to make the transition smoother.
✅ Explore your new community and connect with military spouse groups. Many military families find support in local spouse networks and base-sponsored activities.
✅ Keep track of moving expenses for potential reimbursement. Save all receipts related to your move.
✅ Schedule home utility setups and ensure internet service is installed. Getting your home fully functional will help your family adjust more quickly.

📩 Conclusion 

A PCS move is a big adjustment, but with proper planning and organization, you can make the process much smoother. Following this Ultimate PCS Checklist will help ensure nothing gets overlooked.

➡️ Want a free printable PCS Checklist? Sign up for my email list to get your downloadable copy, which includes exclusive bonus tasks not listed here!

What are your top PCS moving tips? Share them in the comments below! 📦✈️