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A PCS (Permanent Change of Station) has a lot of moving parts. As per numbers, around 30% of service members and their families move to a new duty station each year. And since it’s pretty intimidating to figure out where to start, what to do and when to do it, we’ve put together the ultimate PCS moving checklist for military families to help you make your move smoother. We’ll walk you through each stage, from PCS moving timelines and planning to essential documents for a military move and arrival at your new duty station with your sanity intact.
PCS Timeline
Military moves don’t follow a one-size-fits-all schedule. Unlike civilian relocations, there’s no set interval between PCS orders. It all hinges on the needs of the military and the available positions tied to your service member’s career progression. Some families get 6 months’ notice; others receive orders just 30 days out. Although you can’t predict exactly when a move is on the horizon, staying proactive helps. For instance, if your service member is up for promotion or nearing the end of a tour, start organizing all the PCS paperwork early. Keep digital and physical copies of your orders, as these dictate your report date, entitlements, and move type.
PCS Pre-Planning Checklist (Upon Receiving Orders)
The moment military orders land, shift into planning mode. First, create an all-important PCS binder, a centralized hub to keep track of everything from leave forms to move-out checklists, inventory forms, and critical documents like passports or lease agreements. Update this binder along the way as you gather new paperwork.
Next, loop in your family. While personal preference varies, some families love an elaborate PCS announcement with maps or countdowns, children especially benefit from early conversations. Give them time to process the change and ask questions.
Don’t forget logistics. Contact your transportation office to confirm shipment dates and entitlements. If you’re managing a Personally Procured Move (PPM), a well-structured PCS planner can help you track moving tasks, expenses, and important deadlines. Finally, scan and back up all records (medical, school, financial) to a secure cloud service. A little prep now prevents panic later.
Preparing for your PCS Move Checklists (One Month Before)
- Schedule Final Medical Appointments: If you or your child needs a physical for school, sports, or enrollment at the next location, now’s the time. Contact your primary care manager (PCM) to knock this out before arriving. For pets, book final vet visits to refill a 90-day supply of their medications and secure a health certificate (required no more than 10 days prior to departure if you are going OCONUS).
- Confirm Shipment Weight Limits: How much weight you’re allowed for your full HHG move depends on your rank and number of dependents. Separate out items you’ll carry personally (like valuables or essentials) to avoid exceeding limits.
- Book Travel & Finalize Move Details: Use your government travel card to book your flight to the new duty station. Confirm pack-out day with the transportation office, especially if you’re handling a PPM or DITY move. For renters, review your lease to see how many days after vacating you must return keys or complete repairs.
Tie Up Loose Ends at Home
Cancel monthly mail subscriptions (magazines, meal kits) and utilities—but keep services on until the day specified in your lease. Return items loaned or borrowed from the local or school library, church, Scouts, or neighbors (think tools or yard equipment). Start spring cleaning by getting rid of clothes that do not fit, toys the kids no longer play with, and items that are not sentimental or no longer serve a purpose.
Packing & Moving Supplies
For PCSing move-out day, you’ll need:
- Packing tape with dispensers
- Bubble wrap
- Moving boxes or plastic bins (check your installation’s Lending Closet)
- Labels and markers
- Wardrobe boxes
Taking Home Inventory for PCS Move
A thorough home inventory is your first line of defense against lost or damaged items during a move. Start by taking pictures or a video of each room, focusing on high-value items like electronics, jewelry, or antiques. Test appliances to ensure they’re plugged in and turned on. Documenting their work pre-move simplifies claims later. For large items (e.g., furniture), use shipping boxes or blankets to protect them during transit.
Create a pre-inventory list to share with movers. This helps them know how many people to bring and expect it to take based on your home’s size. Tape off the room or area containing items you’re keeping (like a “do not pack” zone) so movers know what area to skip. Store these items in a locked closet or your car to avoid mixing things up.
Final Preparations (One to Two Weeks Before)
With your official move date approaching, finalize what you want to take with you in your suitcases or car. Gather essentials like clothing, medications, service member uniforms and equipment, pet supplies, air mattresses, and one towel set per person. Label these clearly so they’re packed in your bags, not the truck.
Tackle maintenance items:
- Remove pictures from the walls and patch holes with touch-up paint.
- Clean out fridges and freezers, defrosting if required.
- Dispose of hazardous materials (paint, propane tanks) per local laws.
Complete a general cleaning using your PCS move-out cleaning checklist, focusing on floors, cabinets, and bathrooms. This ensures you’ll pass the final inspection.
Loading Day (Day of PCS Move)
On loading day, you don’t have to do much beyond supervising. When movers arrive, walk them through your home, pointing out the designated “do not pack” area and special items needing extra care (e.g., fragile heirlooms). Discuss parking and the loading path to avoid delays.
Keep pets secured in a quiet room or with a neighbor to reduce stress. As items are loaded, check boxes off the inventory list and note any pre-existing damage. Before the truck leaves, double-check each room for overlooked items and ensure that the garbage or recycling is cleared.
After Move
At your new duty station, prioritize administrative tasks:
- Update your address with your command, banks, and subscriptions.
- Update your TRICARE region and find a new primary care manager.
- Set up utilities, enroll children in school, and secure a new driver’s license if required.
When unloading, check boxes off the inventory list as they come off the truck. Inspect items for damage. If issues arise, fill out the “Loss or Damage at Delivery” form immediately. You have 180 days to file your claim for full replacement value (FRV). For depreciated claims, you have up to two years to file with the military claims office (MCO). Finally, sign the forms only after verifying everything’s accounted for. With the heavy lifting done, take a breath—you’ve earned it.
Finish Home Set-Up PCS Checklist
Now that the PCS move is nearing its conclusion, focus on settling into your new home and community. Start by unpacking and organizing essentials first, such as kitchen items, toiletries, and bedding, to create a functional space quickly. Take time to explore your surroundings, locate nearby grocery stores, medical facilities, and other important services. Building connections with your neighbors and local community can ease the transition and provide valuable support networks. Besides, ensure all moving-related documents are stored securely for future reference. Reflect on lessons learned during this process to streamline future relocations. Finally, give yourself and your family time to adjust—moving to a new duty station is a major life event, and adapting to changes doesn’t happen overnight.
Wrapping Up…
A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is more than a logistical challenge—it’s a test of resilience for military families. But with the Military PCS moving checklist as your guide, what feels chaotic can become controlled. By breaking the process into phases—from pre-planning to post-move tasks—you’ll tackle critical steps like updating documents, managing shipments, and settling into your new community with clarity. Whether handling a full HHG move or a DITY relocation, this roadmap ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
