PCS Moving Checklist: A Stress-Free Relocation Guide for Military Families

PCS Moving Checklist: Your Stress-Free Relocation Guide

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move can be one of the most stressful experiences for military families. Whether it’s your first PCS or your tenth, proper planning and organization can make all the difference. This comprehensive PCS moving checklist is designed to help make your relocation as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Planning Your PCS Move

Receive and Understand Your Orders

Review Your PCS Orders: As soon as you receive your orders, read them thoroughly to understand the timeline and any specific requirements.
Contact the Transportation Office: Reach out to your installation’s transportation office promptly for guidance on the next steps and to schedule necessary appointments.
Understand Military Move Resources: Familiarize yourself with resources like Military OneSource for additional support.

Research Your New Duty Station

Explore the Base and Community: Learn about your new base and the surrounding area to familiarize yourself with what to expect.
Housing Options: Investigate on-base and off-base housing, considering factors like proximity to work, schools, and amenities.
Schools and Childcare: If you have children, research local schools and childcare facilities to find the best fit for your family.
Connect with the Community: Visit forums and social media groups related to your new duty station for insider tips.

Create a Moving Binder

Organize Important Documents: Keep all essential paperwork in one place, including orders, receipts, medical records, birth certificates, and contact numbers.
Track Expenses: Use the binder to store receipts and track expenses for reimbursement purposes.

Schedule Household Goods (HHG) Shipment

Book Early: Arrange your HHG shipment as early as possible to secure your preferred moving dates.
Understand Weight Allowances: Be aware of your weight allowances to avoid excess charges.
Use Military Moving Tools: Utilize tools like the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) for scheduling and tracking.

Plan Travel Arrangements

Decide on Transportation: Choose whether to drive or fly to your new location based on distance, cost, and personal preference.
Make Reservations: Book hotels, flights, or rental vehicles in advance to ensure availability.
Update Travel Documents: Ensure all IDs, passports, and travel documents are up-to-date for each family member.
Consider Temporary Lodging: Look into temporary lodging facilities at your new base if housing isn’t immediately available.

Packing Tips for a PCS Move

Declutter Your Belongings

Sort Through Items: Go through each room to decide what to keep, donate, or discard.
Downsize: Use this opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need to reduce moving costs and clutter.
Donate to Charity: Consider donating usable items to organizations like Goodwill or The Salvation Army.

Take Inventory

Document Your Possessions: Create a detailed list of your belongings, focusing on valuable items.
Photograph Items: Take pictures or videos to document the condition of your goods before the move.

Pack an Essentials Box

Prepare Immediate Needs: Pack a box with toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, snacks, and favorite toys for children.
Keep It Accessible: Ensure this box is easily accessible during the move and is the first one unpacked.

Label Everything Clearly

Use Clear Labels: Mark boxes with their contents and the room they belong to, such as “Kitchen – Dishes” or “Master Bedroom – Linens.”
Color-Code Boxes: Consider using colored stickers or tape to quickly identify boxes for each room.

Prepare for Movers

Separate Non-Pack Items: Clearly mark or set aside items that should not be packed.
Communicate with Movers: Inform the moving team about any special instructions or fragile items.
Stay Available: Be present on moving day to answer questions and oversee the process.

Settling in at Your New Base

Inspect Your Household Goods

Check for Damage: Upon arrival, inspect your items for any damage or missing pieces.
Use Your Inventory List: Cross-reference with your inventory to ensure everything has arrived.
File Claims Promptly: If needed, file any damage claims as soon as possible following the proper procedures.

Register with Your New Installation

In-Process Quickly: Visit the personnel office to complete in-processing requirements.
Update Information: Register vehicles, update your address, and enroll in base services.
Access Base Resources: Utilize facilities like the Air Force Aid Society for additional support.

Set Up Utilities and Services

Arrange Utilities: Contact local providers to set up electricity, water, gas, and internet services.
Schedule Installations: Plan for installation dates to ensure services are active when you move in.

Explore the Area

Familiarize Yourself: Take time to locate essential facilities like the commissary, exchange, medical clinic, and schools.
Community Resources: Visit the family support center to learn about local programs and resources.

Connect with Your New Community

Join Groups: Engage with spouse groups, social clubs, or community events on base.
Support Networks: Building relationships can help ease the transition for you and your family.
Visit AFCrashpad: For comfortable temporary lodging solutions, check out our AFCrashpad locations.

Additional Tips for a Stress-Free PCS Move

Stay Flexible

Expect the Unexpected: Be prepared for delays or changes in plans.
Backup Plans: Have alternative options in case things don’t go as expected.

Budget for Unexpected Expenses

Financial Cushion: Set aside extra funds to cover unforeseen costs during the move.
Track Spending: Keep receipts and monitor expenses for reimbursement and personal budgeting.

Communicate with Your Family

Keep Everyone Informed: Regularly update family members on plans and progress.
Assign Tasks: Delegate age-appropriate responsibilities to involve everyone in the process.

By following this PCS moving checklist, you can navigate your move with greater ease and confidence. Proper preparation and a positive attitude will go a long way in ensuring a successful relocation for you and your family.
For more tips on military moves and housing options, visit our PCS Resources page.