The Ultimate PCS Checklist for Active Duty Servicemembers

Receiving PCS orders is both exciting and challenging. As a military family, you can expect to move to a new duty station every 2-4 years. This means you’ll become experts at packing up and starting fresh—sometimes without much notice! Don’t worry—you’re not alone. PCS moves affect about 400,000 Active Duty Servicemembers annually.

Whether you’re moving within the continental United States (CONUS) or to an international location (OCONUS), a successful move requires careful planning and organization. Use our ultimate PCS checklist to confidently navigate every stage of your PCS journey, from getting your orders until you settle into your new community.

Here’s what you’ll find in this checklist:

Preparing for your move

• Confirm your orders and moving timeline
• Research your new location and choose housing
• Take action on your current housing
• Choose how you’ll move
• Review your finances
• Gather documents and update information
• Support your spouse and children
• Attend to health care needs
• Prep your pets for travel
• Schedule leave and make travel arrangements
• Arrange to buy, move, store or sell vehicles
• Declutter, inventory and pack your belongings
• Prepare to leave your home

Planning for smooth travels

• Supervise the loading of your belongings
• Do a final walkthrough before leaving
• Confirm travel arrangements
• Pack up your last-minute items
• Travel to your new home

Adjusting to your new location

• Check in at your new duty station
• Unpack and settle into your new home
• Continue your house-hunting, if needed
• Update personal information
• Get familiar with the community
• Reflect on your PCS transition

Let's get started!

Confirm your orders and moving timeline

The time between receiving orders and your reporting date can vary from a few weeks to several months, so it’s important to confirm all details as soon as possible. PCS season generally spans from May to September, which can affect housing availability and moving services.

• Verify your report date at your new duty station and work backward to create your moving timeline.
• Make sure any family members who need to travel with you are included in your orders.
• Verify your marital status. If you or your spouse recently married or changed your name, update your last name and marital status across all military and financial accounts.
• Identify what information and documents you’ll need to meet your moving timeline and be prepared when you arrive at your new location.
• Contact the Personal Property Office for guidance on logistics related to moving, such as learning about government-arranged services and self-managed moves.

Research your new location and choose housing

Understanding your new duty station and securing housing are key priorities now. Start researching housing options as soon as you know your destination so you’ll have a place to call “home” when you arrive.

• Gather information about your new duty station, including base facilities, gate locations and command resources. 
• Research housing options, schools, childcare providers, healthcare facilities and local amenities to help decide where to live. 
• Join online military community groups for your new location to get recommendations on housing, schools, childcare and local services.
• Request a sponsor at your new duty station who can answer your questions and provide local insights. Include your spouse in these conversations and ask to connect with your assigned sponsor’s spouse (when applicable). 
• Decide between on-base or off-base housing. Your choice may depend on what’s available, waitlist times, commute, schools and your family’s preferences. 
• If you expect to need short-term or long-term rental housing while waiting for permanent housing, check out hotels and temporary rental listings in your new community.
• Review your Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) for your new location to understand your housing budget.
• Look into Permissive Temporary Duty (PTDY), or house-hunting leave, which could provide up to 10 days to find housing before your reporting date.
• Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) to schedule your move and get estimated arrival dates for your belongings. Keep in mind that CONUS shipments typically arrive faster than OCONUS shipments.
• Consider working with a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) who understands your unique needs.
• If you plan to buy a home, start your mortgage preapproval process and explore VA^{Footnote 1} loan options. 

Take action on your current housing

While you’re planning for your new home, you’ll also need to decide how to handle your current housing. Whether you’re renting or own your home, take care of these details early to help make your PCS transition smoother.

• If you’re renting, let your landlord know about your PCS orders as soon as possible. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) allows you to end your lease early without penalty when you receive PCS orders.
• Schedule any necessary repairs or updates to prepare your home for sale or rental. Minor improvements can significantly increase your property’s value or rental appeal.
• Gather documents about your current housing to simplify the closing or transition process. This includes your lease, mortgage information and utility accounts.
• If you own your home, decide whether you’ll sell or keep the property.

Choose how you’ll move

The military offers several moving options, including a Personally Procured Move (PPM) and a government-arranged Household Goods (HHG) shipment. Depending on your choice, certain allowances and reimbursements may be available. Each option has its benefits and considerations, so it’s important to decide what works best for your situation.

• Confirm your weight allowance and entitlements based on your rank and dependent status. This helps you know what’s covered and what you’ll need to budget for.
• If you choose a government-arranged move, schedule it through your local transportation office. Be aware that an HHG delivery can take time, especially for OCONUS moves.
• For a PPM, get quotes from several moving companies and compare them against your potential reimbursement. Keep detailed records of all expenses for reimbursement claims.
• Meet with your installation’s transportation office to understand all paperwork requirements and deadlines for the moving option you choose.
• Research storage options if you can’t take everything with you. Check what items are prohibited in storage facilities and make alternate arrangements for those belongings. For OCONUS moves, ask your local transportation office what long-term storage options might be available.
• Consider your family’s needs when planning your move timeline, especially if you have school-aged children. You might choose to have your family move separately to minimize disruptions.

Review your finances

A PCS move can involve unexpected expenses. Even with military allowances and reimbursements, you may need to cover some costs upfront before you get paid back. Calculate how much money you might need and start saving money as soon as you can.

• Create a PCS budget that accounts for all potential expenses. Include anything you’ll need to pay for before reimbursement, as well as any non-reimbursable costs.
• Meet with your finance office to understand entitlements and allowances. Research and apply for entitlements like Dislocation Allowance (DLA), Per Diem, Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) and advance travel pay to help cover moving costs.
• Make sure your Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) is active and not expired if you’ll be using it for PCS expenses. Get familiar with expenses that are allowed and payment timelines.
• Explore financial options for covering upfront costs. This can include savings accounts, advance pay, a personal loan or a credit card with a lower introductory APR. Check out our PCS Hub to explore your options.
• If your spouse will be managing finances during the move, make sure they have access to accounts. Consider setting up joint ownership or Military Power of Attorney, just in case. Make sure to update your will as well.
• Use our monthly spending calculator to compare your current budget with anticipated expenses at your new location. This is especially important if the cost of living differs significantly.
• Estimate how much your move will impact your budget with our moving budget calculator. This helps ensure you’re financially prepared when you move to your new location.
• Start or add to your emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Consider setting aside a portion of each paycheck, bonuses or tax refunds for future PCS moves.

Gather documents and update information

There’s plenty of paperwork involved in a PCS so keep your important documents handy. You’ll also need to update your contact information with various organizations before your move to make sure your mail gets to your new location. 

• Create a PCS binder with physical copies of essential documents and digital backups. Include this moving checklist as your guide.
• Compile multiple copies of your PCS orders, military ID cards, birth certificates, Social Security cards, marriage license, vehicle registration and car insurance.
• If moving OCONUS, confirm passport and visa requirements for all family members. Process these documents early—they may take weeks or months to receive.
• Check if your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers moving and storage. If not, consider additional personal property insurance for your belongings during transit.
• Collect receipts for high-value items, take photos of your belongings and record videos of your electronic devices working to document their condition before the move.
• File a change of address form with the United States Postal Service (USPS) at least 2 weeks before your move. You can do this online or in person at your local post office.
• Create a list of accounts that will need your updated address. Start with financial institutions, insurance providers, subscriptions and retailers to help avoid lapses in service.
• Update your address with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) through myPay so your Leave and Earnings Statements (LES) and tax documents will be sent to your new location.
• Contact your current utility companies to schedule service disconnection, request final bills and arrange for any deposits to be returned.
• Set up utilities at your new residence in advance if possible. Schedule connection dates to coincide with your arrival.

Support your spouse and children

Military moves affect the whole family. Taking time to prepare everyone for the transition will help everyone adjust more smoothly to your new duty station. 

Attend to health care needs

Maintaining health care during your move requires advance planning. Taking care of medical needs before your move and setting up care at your new location will help prevent gaps in treatment and keep your family healthy.

• Schedule final medical and dental appointments for your family at your current location. This should include any necessary physical exams for new school enrollment.
• Request copies of medical and dental records for each family member. Include vaccination records, prescription information and treatment histories.
• Refill prescriptions with enough supplies to last through your move and the initial settling-in period at your new location.
• Verify your TRICARE coverage at your new duty station. Find out about any changes to your benefits that may occur with your move, especially for OCONUS relocations.
• Research health care providers at your new location that accept TRICARE and are taking new patients. Ask your current providers for referrals if applicable.
• Create a medical “go-file” with important health information for each family member. Make sure it includes blood types, allergies, current medications and emergency contacts.

Prep your pets for travel

Our furry family members need special attention during a PCS move. Planning for their transportation, lodging and other needs will reduce stress for both you and your pets.

• Schedule a veterinary visit for a health check-up, updated vaccinations and to get any health certificates required for travel or OCONUS moves.
• Research pet travel regulations for domestic or international moves, including quarantine requirements, breed restrictions and airline or country-specific rules.
• Decide on your pet transportation method based on distance, pet size and destination requirements. Options include traveling with you by car, flying in-cabin as checked baggage or through professional pet shipping services.
• Make sure pets are microchipped and have updated ID tags with your current contact information before traveling.
• Prepare a pet travel kit with food, water, medications, favorite toys, bedding and cleaning supplies to keep your pet comfortable during transit.
• Research pet-friendly accommodations along your travel route if driving or near your new duty station if you’ll need temporary housing upon arrival.

Schedule leave and make travel arrangements

Careful planning of your travel itinerary can help your move go smoothly, whether you’re driving to a new state or flying overseas. Coordinating your time off and planning your travel details together can make it easier to focus on each step of the journey.

• Discuss your PCS timeline with your command as early as possible to coordinate appropriate leave options. These can include regular leave, permissive TDY for house hunting and travel days.
• If your spouse works, confirm upcoming move details and plan any necessary time off based on your confirmed timeline.
• Request leave to give yourself time before and after your moving days in case of any unexpected delays.
• Decide how you’ll travel (driving, flying or a combination) based on distance, timeline, family needs and costs.
• Reserve hotels along your route or at your destination well in advance. Peak PCS season is also the peak spring and summer vacation season, which means reservations can book up quickly.
• Look for military lodging options through the Department of Defense Lodging program. You may find significant savings compared with commercial hotels.
• Research dining options along your route, including restaurants that offer military discounts. Pack non-perishable snacks and a cooler for drinks to save time and money.

Arrange to buy, move, store or sell vehicles

Depending on your new destination, vehicles may require special consideration during a PCS move. Whether you’re taking it with you, leaving it behind or selling it, you need to make a plan for your vehicle.

• Research vehicle shipping allowances for your specific orders. For CONUS moves, shipping may be covered for travel over 600 miles. For OCONUS moves, the government typically will ship 1 Privately Owned Vehicle (POV). Additional vehicles would be at your expense.
• If you’re shipping a vehicle overseas, verify that it meets all requirements for your destination country, including emissions standards, safety features and size restrictions. If you’re moving to a country where they drive on the other side of the road, you may consider buying or leasing a vehicle with the steering wheel on the correct side rather than shipping your current vehicle.
• Clean your vehicle thoroughly before shipping it. Remove personal items and document its condition with detailed photos to support potential damage claims.
• Schedule a maintenance check for your vehicle, whether you plan to drive to your new location or have it shipped there.
• Research state-specific requirements for vehicle registration, inspections and insurance at your new location. These vary across states and countries.
• If you’re selling a vehicle, gather its maintenance records and have it detailed and cleaned thoroughly to maximize its resale value.
• If you’re buying a vehicle, be sure to check out car buying services and Military AutoSource for competitive pricing and simplified purchasing.
• Consider storage options for any vehicles you won’t be taking to your new duty station. Options include long-term storage facilities or letting a family member keep them while you’re gone. If you need to store your car for a long time, contact your insurance company about car storage insurance options. It may be possible to reduce full coverage.

Declutter, inventory and pack your belongings

Before the packing process starts, sort through your belongings and create a detailed inventory to streamline your move. Declutter, downsize and decide what you’ll bring with you. Be strategic about packing for your PCS to make unpacking easier.

• Begin decluttering at least 2-3 months before your move date, if possible. Focus on one room at a time to make the process manageable.
• Sort items into 4 categories: keep, donate, sell or discard. Consider whether items are worth moving based on condition, replacement cost and sentimental value.
• Research weight allowances for your rank and dependent status to understand your shipping limits. If you exceed these limits, you might have to pay out-of-pocket expenses.
• Create a detailed inventory of items you’re keeping. Take photos or videos to document their condition. This will be helpful in case you have to make any damage claims.
• If you’re using government movers, be present during packing to make sure items are properly handled and inventoried. Label your boxes with rooms in your new home so the movers will know where to put them.
• For DIY moves, pack up room by room. Clearly label each box with its contents and destination room.
• Use a notebook or moving app to keep a detailed inventory of what’s in each box. That will help you track items and quickly locate necessities when you get to your new home.
• Set aside items that movers won’t transport, including hazardous materials, liquids and perishables, as well as any fragile items, sentimental or irreplaceable items, valuables and important documents you want to protect. Plan to transport these items yourself.
• Pack an “essentials box” for each family member. It should contain several days’ worth of clothing, toiletries, medications and comfort items to use while waiting for your full shipment to arrive.
• Create a “first day” box with household necessities like basic cleaning supplies, toilet paper, shower curtain, towels and bedding that you’ll need right away.

Prepare to leave your home

Whether you’re moving out of a rental property or preparing your home for sale, a thorough cleaning is an important final step before you head out.

• Consider hiring a professional cleaning service, especially if you’re short on time or dealing with a large property. This expense may be reimbursable depending on your housing situation.
• If you’re cleaning the property yourself, clean room by room, starting with areas least used to keep high-traffic areas tidy until departure day.
• Give special focus to areas that often get close attention during inspections: appliances, bathrooms, floors and windows.
• Clean carpets and treat any stains, either professionally or with rented equipment.
• Check for and repair any minor damage to walls, doors or fixtures that could result in fees or affect your home’s sale appeal.
• Schedule your final inspection with plenty of time before your departure date so you can address any issues identified during the walkthrough.

Supervise the loading of your belongings

Being present while your possessions are loaded can help make sure your household goods are handled and listed correctly. This can cut down on the chances of anything getting damaged, lost or mislabeled.

• Get a copy of all signed paperwork before the moving truck leaves, including your complete household goods inventory and condition reports.
• Verify that all items are loaded before signing the inventory sheet. Once you’ve signed this document, it becomes the official record of what was transported.
• Get clear information about when your belongings are expected to arrive at your new location, including a delivery window and contact information for tracking.
• Ask your movers about their tracking procedures and how you can get updates about your shipment’s location during transit.
• Keep the contact information for your moving company, transportation office and claims department in your PCS binder.

Do a final walkthrough before leaving

A thorough final inspection of your home can help ensure you don’t leave anything behind. It’s also a chance to document the condition of the property when you leave. This is especially important for rental properties and military housing.

• Check every room, closet, cabinet, drawer and storage area to make sure nothing was overlooked during the packing process.
• Verify that the property meets any move-out requirements specified in your lease or housing agreement, such as cleaning standards or removal of personal installations.
• If you’re currently in military housing, review your move-out checklist carefully. Ask housing office personnel to clarify any requirements you’re not sure about.
• Take photos or videos of your clean, empty home to document its condition when you leave. This can be helpful if disputes come up later.
• Make sure all utilities are turned off or transferred as needed. Programmable thermostats should be set to maintain an unoccupied home.
• Secure all windows and doors. If winterizing is necessary, confirm that water lines are properly drained to prevent freezing.
• Return all keys, access cards, garage door openers and other property-related items to the appropriate party (landlord, housing office, etc.).

Confirm travel arrangements

Verifying all travel details before heading out helps prevent unexpected complications during your journey to your new duty station. Last-minute confirmation can give you peace of mind that your plans are still valid and may allow time to adjust if necessary.

• Double-check all reservations for flights, rental cars or hotels to verify dates, times and confirmation numbers.
• If flying, check in online as soon as available (typically 24 hours before departure) to secure your seats together if you’re traveling with family.
• Confirm that your Government Travel Charge Card is activated if you’ll be using it for travel expenses.
• Share your complete travel itinerary with trusted family members or friends who aren’t traveling with you so someone will know your expected whereabouts.
• Verify pet accommodations if you’re traveling with animals. Confirm that your reserved hotels still have your pet-friendly room available.
• Confirm your temporary lodging reservations at your destination, especially if you’re arriving after regular check-in hours.

Pack up your last-minute items

The final items you pack are often the most essential during travel and when you arrive at your destination. Carefully organizing these items can help make your moving process go more smoothly.

• Gather all your “must-have” documents and items, including your PCS binder, ID cards, medical information and financial documents.
• Make sure all prescription medications are accessible, properly labeled and in enough quantities to last until you can establish medical care at your new location.
• Pack a cooler with snacks, water bottles and meals for your journey, especially if traveling by car.
• Include entertainment options for children, such as books, games, tablets with downloaded content and comfort items.
• Have adequate cash on hand for unexpected expenses during travel, particularly if moving to a location where your financial institution doesn’t have branches.
• Double-check that chargers for all electronic devices are packed so that you can easily access them during your journey.

Travel to your new home

It’s go time! The physical journey to your new duty station is a major part of the PCS experience. Whether driving across the country or flying to an overseas location, all your preparations will help make travel as smooth and stress-free as possible.

• Follow your planned route if driving, but be flexible if road conditions, weather or other factors necessitate changes.
• Keep important documents, including your orders, ID cards and travel itinerary, easily accessible but secure during travel.
• Maintain a travel log if you’re completing a PPM move. Document mileage, receipts and weight tickets for reimbursement.
• Save all receipts for lodging, tolls and other travel expenses that may be reimbursable under your PCS entitlements.

Check in at your new duty station

One of your first priorities upon arrival is to report to your new command and complete the required check-in procedures. This establishes your presence at the new duty station and kicks off important administrative actions.

• Report to your new command according to the date and instructions specified in your PCS orders. If you’re arriving early, contact your sponsor or command to determine if early reporting is possible.
• Complete all required in-processing paperwork. This typically includes updating your contact information, emergency contacts and dependent information.
• Attend any mandatory newcomer orientations or briefings to learn valuable information about your new installation and local area.
• Visit the housing office to finalize any on-base housing arrangements or receive guidance on off-base options if you haven’t secured permanent housing yet.
• Register with the base ID card office to make sure the ID cards for yourself and your family members are updated with your new duty station information.

Unpack and settle into your new home

Making your new house feel like home takes time, but it’s important to set up the basics first. The quicker you settle in, the sooner you can start enjoying your new surroundings.

• Conduct a thorough move-in inspection of your new home. Document any pre-existing damage with photos and report issues to your landlord or housing office.
• Set up essential living areas first, such as bedrooms, bathrooms and the kitchen.
• Inspect delivered items carefully as you unpack, noting any damaged or missing items for claims purposes.
• File claims for any damaged or lost items through the proper channels. Be sure to follow any requirements for deadlines and documentation.
• Submit all necessary paperwork for reimbursement of authorized PCS moving expenses. Keep copies for your records.
• Set up utilities and services you didn’t activate before arrival, such as internet, cable, trash collection and lawn service.
• Consider renting furniture if your household goods shipment is delayed or if you’re in temporary housing.
• Make sure your washer, dryer and other laundry room essentials are functional (if included in your home).
• Register any pets if required.

Continue your house hunting, if needed

If you’re in temporary accommodations, house hunting is likely a top priority. After you unpack your essentials, start looking for permanent housing options. Laying down roots quickly will help reduce PCS disruptions to your family and your finances.

• If you want on-base housing, meet with the housing office again to review current options and waitlist status.
• Review the rules regarding TLE reimbursement, including time limits and requirements for showing active housing search efforts.
• Work with your real estate agent or property manager to schedule viewings of homes that meet your criteria.
• Plan your second move if transitioning from temporary to permanent housing. Consider whether you’ll need any professional moving assistance.
• Update your address again with necessary parties once you move from temporary to permanent housing.

Update personal information

If you couldn’t update all your personal and contact information before moving, finish that task now. Completing location-specific updates to your documentation and registrations is an important part of establishing residency in your new community.

• Register your vehicles according to local requirements. This may include emissions testing, safety inspections and new license plates.
• Get a new driver’s license or state ID within the timeframe required by your new state (typically 30-90 days).
• Update your voter registration to reflect your new address. This usually can be done when you get your new driver’s license.
• Revise insurance policies, including auto, homeowner’s or renter’s and personal property coverage to reflect your new location and circumstances.
• Update your address on your passport if you plan to travel internationally soon (as applicable).
• Register with the base tax center if you’re in a state that has different tax requirements than your previous location, especially if you’re moving overseas.
• Review your withholding status and state tax obligations. Military families may have special considerations depending on state of legal residence.

Get familiar with the community

Building connections in your new community will help you and your family feel at home more quickly. Take time to explore and establish new relationships and get involved in local activities.

• Meet with your assigned sponsor to learn more about your new community. This person can be an excellent resource for settling in and creating new routines.
• Explore base facilities, including the commissary, exchange, recreation centers and other amenities.
• Attend newcomer events on base and in the community to start building your social network.
• Join social media groups for your installation, housing area or local community to connect with neighbors and learn about local events.
• Consider joining military-affiliated organizations such as spouse clubs, Family Readiness Groups or recreational sports teams.

Reflect on your PCS transition

Congratulations, you’ve completed your PCS! Before you officially put it all behind you, take time to process your moving experience. Capping off your relocation with a bit of reflection can help complete the transition and prepare you for any future PCS moves.

• Document lessons learned from this PCS move. Keep notes in your PCS binder about what worked well and what you’d do differently next time.
• Check if there are any outstanding reimbursements or claims related to your move that still need to be addressed.
• Celebrate your successful move by establishing new traditions in your new home, such as a special meal or outing that can become a regular family activity.
• Discuss the experience with your family. Acknowledge what went well and any challenges you experienced to help everyone process the transition emotionally.
• Address any ongoing adjustment issues for family members, particularly children who may be having difficulty adapting to new schools or making friends.
• Consider seeking support from military family life consultants or counselors if anyone in your family is having significant difficulties with the transition.
• Start getting ready financially for your next potential move, even if it might be several years away, by setting up a PCS savings fund.