Posted June 3, 2024

10 Essential Steps for Military Service Members When PCSing to a New Duty Station

Moving as a military service member is a familiar part of life, but it doesn't make it any less daunting. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders come with a flurry of tasks and decisions, each crucial for a smooth transition to the next duty station. Whether it's your first or fifth move, ensuring you're well-prepared can alleviate stress and make the process more manageable. Here are the top ten most important things an active duty military service member must do when they receive orders to PCS:

Review Orders and Timeline: Take the time to thoroughly understand your PCS orders. Note important dates such as report-by date and any specific requirements outlined. Understanding your timeline will help you plan the rest of your move effectively.Create a Moving Binder: Organize all documents related to your move in a designated binder. This includes orders, medical records, housing paperwork, and any other important documents. Keeping everything in one place will save you time and stress during the chaotic moving process.

Notify Necessary Parties: Inform your chain of command, the housing office at your current duty station, and any other relevant parties about your upcoming move. This ensures a smooth transition and allows for necessary paperwork to be initiated promptly 

Inventory and Sort Belongings: Start decluttering and organizing your belongings well in advance. Take inventory of items you plan to keep, donate, sell, or dispose of. This not only streamlines your move but also helps lighten your load and reduce moving expenses.

Research Your New Duty Station: Familiarize yourself with your new duty station, including housing options, schools (if applicable), and local amenities. Understanding the area will ease the transition and help you make informed decisions about your new living arrangements.

Secure Housing: If you're not living on base, start researching housing options in the area of your new duty station. Reach out to the housing office for assistance and guidance. If you own a home at your current location, decide whether to sell or rent it out and initiate the necessary steps accordingly.

Arrange Transportation: Decide whether you'll be shipping your vehicle(s) or driving them to your new duty station. Coordinate transportation arrangements well in advance to ensure your vehicles arrive on time. If you're flying to your new duty station, book your flights early to secure the best rates.

Update Contact Information: Notify relevant parties of your change of address, including banks, insurance providers, and any subscriptions or memberships. Ensure your mail is forwarded to your new address to prevent any disruption in services.

Complete Required Training: Some duty stations may require specific training or certifications before your arrival. Ensure you complete any mandatory training beforehand to avoid delays or complications upon arrival.Prepare Financially: Moving expenses can add up quickly, so it's essential to budget accordingly. Take advantage of military discounts and benefits wherever possible. Additionally, set aside funds for unexpected expenses that may arise during the moving process.

In addition to these general steps, here are a few specific considerations for service members who own a home at their current duty station:

Sell or Rent Out Property: Decide whether to sell or rent out your property based on your financial goals and market conditions. If you choose to sell, start preparing your home for sale well in advance by completing necessary repairs and staging. If renting out, familiarize yourself with landlord responsibilities and consider hiring a property management company if you'll be stationed far from your rental property

Notify Mortgage Lender or Landlord: Inform your mortgage lender or landlord of your upcoming move and discuss any necessary arrangements, such as terminating your lease or transferring ownership.

Arrange for Property Management: If you're renting out your property, consider hiring a reputable property management company to handle tenant placement, maintenance, and rent collection on your behalf. This can alleviate the stress of managing a rental property from a distance.

By following these essential steps, military service members can ensure a smooth and successful transition to their new duty station. While PCS moves can be challenging, proper planning and preparation can minimize stress and help you settle into your new home with ease. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or go directly to my application page by CLICKING HERE to get started with your new home loan: