The Ultimate Military Family PCS Checklist
Moving is stressful, especially when balancing military requirements with family needs. Use this comprehensive timeline and checklist to keep your Permanent Change of Station (PCS) on track.
Timeline: Countdown to Moving Day
90 Days Out
- Create a "PCS Binder" for all physical documents.
- Research your new duty station (use our Base Guides).
- Decide between military housing, buying, or renting off-base.
- Schedule a pre-move counseling session with your local transportation office.
60 Days Out
- Submit your housing application (if living on base) or start contacting realtors/property managers.
- Notify current landlord or list your home for sale/rent.
- Schedule your pack and load dates in DPS (Defense Personal Property System).
- Start purging items you don't want to move (donate, sell, trash).
30 Days Out
- Confirm travel arrangements (flights, hotels en route).
- Schedule disconnect dates for current utilities and connection dates for the new home.
- Request medical, dental, and school records.
- Ensure vehicles are serviced if driving to the new location.
14 Days Out
- Pack your "Do Not Pack" room/closet (suitcases, essential documents, uniforms).
- Refill all necessary prescriptions.
- Forward your mail via USPS.
7 Days Out to Moving Day
- Empty and clean refrigerators/freezers.
- Supervise packers and movers; take photos of high-value items.
- Do a final walkthrough of the empty house.
- Keep your PCS Binder and essential luggage with you in the car/plane.
🏫 School & Childcare
- Obtain official transcripts and IEP/504 plans.
- Get copies of birth certificates and updated immunization records.
- Contact the School Liaison Officer (SLO) at the new base.
- Register for MilitaryChildCare.com for CDC waitlists immediately upon receiving orders.
🩺 Medical & Dental
- Pick up hard copies of family medical and dental records.
- Update TRICARE region and assign a new PCM once arrived.
- Request a 90-day supply of daily medications.
- Transfer EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program) coordination if applicable.
🏠 Housing & Utilities
- Terminate current lease (using SCRA if necessary) or list home.
- Schedule final move-out inspections.
- Call to cancel/transfer: Electric, Water, Gas, Trash.
- Call to cancel/transfer: Internet, Cable, Security System.
🐕 Pets
- Obtain a health certificate (usually required within 10 days of travel).
- Update microchip contact information.
- Book pet-friendly hotels along your travel route.
- Research base breed restrictions if planning to live in military housing.
The "Do Not Pack" Documents Binder
Never let the movers pack these items. Hand-carry this binder with you at all times during transit.
- Multiple copies of PCS Orders
- Military IDs and Driver's Licenses
- Passports and Social Security Cards
- Birth and Marriage Certificates
- Vehicle Titles and Registration
- Auto and Renters/Homeowners Insurance
- Medical, Dental, and School Records
- Inventory of household goods (with photos)
Moving Budget Checklist
Moving out-of-pocket expenses can add up quickly, even with DLA (Dislocation Allowance). Plan for:
- First month's rent and security deposit for new housing.
- Utility connection fees and deposits.
- Cleaning supplies or professional move-out cleaning services.
- Restocking the pantry and fridge at the new house.
- Pet transportation costs or boarding fees.
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