60+ Days Out — Orders in Hand
The first days after receiving PCS orders set the tone for your entire move. Read your orders thoroughly and note the report-not-later-than date, your authorized weight allowance, and any special instructions. Schedule your TMO counseling appointment the same week — during peak PCS season (May through August), slots fill quickly.
Contact your gaining unit's sponsorship coordinator to request a sponsor at your new installation. Research BAH rates for your new duty station and start browsing housing options. If you have children, begin researching schools near your new base. Notify your landlord or begin the on-base housing checkout process.
30 Days Out — Locking In Details
By the 30-day mark, your household goods pickup should be scheduled and your housing situation at the new station should be taking shape. Confirm your pack and pickup dates with your moving company or finalize plans for a Personally Procured Move. Transfer or obtain medical and dental records for every family member — military treatment facilities need time to process record requests.
Notify your auto insurance, bank, and other financial institutions of your address change. Submit a USPS mail forwarding request. Arrange for pet travel if needed, especially for OCONUS moves that require veterinary health certificates and quarantine documentation.
2 Weeks Out — Final Preparations
Two weeks before your move, begin sorting and decluttering. Anything you no longer need reduces your weight and simplifies unpacking. Photograph valuable items and electronics (including serial numbers) for your inventory. Separate items you will hand-carry — important documents, medications, electronics, and irreplaceable personal items should travel with you, not on the moving truck.
Confirm utility disconnection dates, schedule your final housing inspection, and arrange cleaning if required. Prepare a suitcase for each family member with enough clothing for at least a week in case of household goods delivery delays.
Moving Week — Pack and Go
On pack-out day, be present and supervise the movers. Walk through every room and verify items against the inventory sheet before signing. Note any pre-existing damage on the inventory form — this protects you if you need to file a claim later. Once the truck departs, do a final walkthrough, return keys, and complete installation checkout.
Keep all travel receipts for your travel voucher. Lodging, fuel, tolls, and meals can all be claimed or reimbursed. Save receipts digitally and physically.
First Week at New Station
Upon arrival, check in with your gaining unit and complete inprocessing requirements. Visit the housing office, register vehicles on base, enroll dependents at the medical facility, and register children for school. When your household goods are delivered, inspect every item before signing the delivery inventory. Report damage within 75 days through the Defense Personal Property System. Finally, file your travel voucher through DTS or your finance office within five days of arrival to receive your travel reimbursement promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start my PCS checklist?
Begin your PCS checklist immediately after receiving orders. Ideally, you should start taking action within the first week. Key tasks like scheduling your TMO appointment, contacting your gaining unit, and researching housing should happen in the first 10 days.
What is the most important thing to do first after receiving PCS orders?
Your first step should be to review your orders carefully, confirm your report-not-later-than date, and schedule a Transportation Management Office (TMO) counseling appointment. TMO will walk you through your move options and help you book your household goods shipment.
How do I transfer my kids' school records during a PCS?
Contact your children's current school at least 30 days before your move to request official transcripts, immunization records, and any IEP or special education documents. The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children ensures receiving schools will enroll your children promptly, even if paperwork is still in transit.
What documents should I keep in my PCS binder?
Your PCS binder should contain copies of your orders, travel vouchers, weight tickets (for PPM moves), lodging and meal receipts, vehicle registration, medical and dental records, school transcripts, birth certificates, marriage certificate, passports, and any housing lease or termination paperwork.
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Use our interactive tools to plan your PCS move and estimate your housing allowance.