Moving is never easy, but for military spouses, a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) brings a unique set of challenges. Whether it’s navigating the logistics of packing up your life, coordinating with your service member’s schedule, or supporting your family through the emotional ups and downs, a PCS can feel like an overwhelming whirlwind. But it doesn’t have to be. With the right planning and preparation, you can tackle each step with confidence and maybe even a little humor along the way.
To help you on this journey, we’ve created a PCS Checklist designed specifically for military spouses. This comprehensive resource will guide you through every stage of the moving process, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. Let’s dive into what you need to know as you gear up for your next move.
12 Weeks Before the Move: Start Preparing Early
- Research Your New Duty Station: Dive into housing options, schools, and local amenities. Look for Facebook groups or community forums that can provide helpful insights.
- Contact the Transportation Office: Schedule your moving date and begin the paperwork process for household goods shipment if you’re doing a military move.
- Create a Moving Budget: Estimate costs for supplies, lodging, and other expenses. Know what reimbursements you’re entitled to, like Temporary Lodging Allowance or per diem.
- Gather Important Documents: Organize passports, birth certificates, medical records, and military orders in a secure folder or mini-safe.
- Determine Your Move Type: Decide if you’ll do a DITY (Do-It-Yourself) move, a partial DITY, or a military-provided move.
- Schedule Annual Appointments: Get medical, dental, and vision checkups done. Request updated records at these appointments.
- Contact a Realtor: Begin working with a local expert to find a home for rent or purchase.
10 Weeks Before the Move: Get the Ball Rolling
- Contact Property Management Companies: If renting out your home, start vetting management companies. Be sure to read reviews.
- Schedule Vet Appointments: Update vaccinations and gather medical records for your pets.
- Update Legal Paperwork: Ensure Powers of Attorney, wills, and living wills are up-to-date.
- Notify Your Leasing Company: If renting, provide written notice along with a copy of military orders.
- Work with Your Realtor: Aim to secure housing at least one month before moving.
8 Weeks Before the Move: Declutter and Clean
- Begin Decluttering: Go room by room and create piles to keep, donate, or trash. Be relentless.
- Schedule a Cleaner: Whether renting or owning, book a professional move-out clean to save time later.
6 Weeks Before the Move: Get Organized
- Take Video Inventory: Record all items in your home, focusing on high-value items and large furniture.
- Start Job Searching: If planning to work at the new duty station, begin your search now.
- Purge Your Pantry: Use up perishables to avoid waste—and the movers packing open food.
4 Weeks Before the Move: Tackle the Details
- Schedule a Walkthrough with Movers: Be present when they survey your household goods.
- Finalize Housing: Sign a lease or close on your new home. Don’t forget renters’ or homeowners’ insurance.
- Contact Utility Companies: Schedule utility cut-offs at your current duty station.
- Book Temporary Housing: If needed, secure short-term accommodations and confirm what’s covered by allowances.
- Join Local Groups: Find military spouse or community groups near your new station for advice and connections.
- Cancel Subscriptions: Ensure any recurring services tied to your old address are canceled or updated.
- Service Your Vehicle: Get oil changes, brake checks, and other maintenance done before the move.
2 Weeks Before the Move: Final Prep
- Pack a “First Week” Box: Include essentials like toiletries, clothes, and important documents. This box stays with you.
- Plan for High-Value Items: Decide which items will travel with you, such as family heirlooms or irreplaceable items.
- Arrange Childcare for Moving Day: Simplify the day by ensuring kids and pets are cared for.
- Disassemble Furniture: Decide what you’ll take apart yourself versus leaving for the movers.
- Update Medical Information: Notify Tricare of your new region.
- Request School Records: Obtain both paper and digital copies for your children.
1 Week Before the Move: Tie Up Loose Ends
- Update Financial Information: Notify banks and credit cards of your address change.
- Set Up Utilities at Your New Home: Schedule activations for water, electricity, internet, and other essentials.
- Pack Snacks and Entertainment: Keep everyone happy during travel with snacks, games, or activities.
- Confirm Moving Plans: Reconfirm mover arrival times and delivery dates.
- Refill Prescriptions: Ensure you have enough medications to cover the transition.
- Return Borrowed Items: Drop off library books or borrowed items from friends.
- Submit a Change of Address: File with USPS to forward mail to your new location.
Moving Day: Execute with Confidence
- Drop Off Kids and Pets: Keep the day focused by ensuring they’re cared for elsewhere.
- Order Food for Movers: A small gesture of appreciation can go a long way.
- Double-Check “Do Not Pack” Items: Ensure these are clearly separated.
- Load Personal Vehicles: Pack your essentials and do a final vehicle check.
- Confirm Household Goods Delivery: Verify arrival timelines and plan accordingly.
Upon Arrival: Settle In
- Unpack the “First Week” Box: Focus on essentials to make your new space functional quickly.
- Enroll in Schools or Find Childcare: Complete these tasks early to ease the transition.
- Explore Your Community: Use local groups or recommendations to discover must-visit spots.
Ready to PCS Like a Pro?
Moving doesn’t have to be chaotic or stressful. With the right preparation and tools, you can make your PCS a smoother experience for yourself and your family. Download our PCS Checklist today and tackle your move with confidence. It’s free, comprehensive, and designed with military families in mind.
If you happen to be moving to the Fort Liberty area, we can continue to help you find, insure, and finance your home and would love to chat! Fill out our contact form and we will be in touch.