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Introduction
As a seasoned Army spouse, I still experience high levels of stress during a PCS move. It certainly doesn’t help when the news of an impending move is broken like this- hey babe, good news bad news. Only to find that both news proves to be bad or even worse.
Does this sound all too familiar? If so, I can sympathize with you, and I completely relate to the dread you likely feel as your family prepares to embark on your next military PCS move.
Over the years, we have moved across the country numerous times, to include both full-DITY and partial-DITY moves. These types of moves are considered ‘Do-it-Yourself’ moves and allows you to be reimbursed for moving your household goods yourselves.
While many military families typically do not recommend attempting this today because of the level of stress it brings and less money being reimbursed, we did it during a time where the benefits exceeded all of the hassle. At least, that is what I choose to tell myself.
The information I have put together is meant to be a helpful guide for Army families preparing for their next PCS move. It will be based on our own experiences, with the type of PCS moves we have successfully done. However, I am not qualified to speak to the financial aspect of the PCS move but I can recommend resources here that may be better able to assist you.
When to Start Preparing
I think this is where a tremendous amount of stress begins as some may want to begin the process of moving before their active-duty spouse receives their finalized orders for the PCS move.
While there are some tasks you may choose to begin, I would warn against jumping too far ahead with planning until you have orders cemented and confirmed.
I have often seen families go so far as to put an offer down on a home located at their supposed next duty station but have to back out of the deal because their final orders reveal they are moving elsewhere- ultimately causing them to forfeit the earnest money they’d provided for the home.
Please, save yourself the trouble and the money- only begin preparing for housing options once you have physical orders in hand.
Regardless of how the housing market may be at your next duty station, don’t begin the purchasing process until you have solidified PCS orders that you are moving to this location.
Additionally, do not place an offer on a home unless you view it in person. Virtual walk-throughs are great and a kind service your realtor may offer, but do not rely on this alone when deciding on a home to purchase.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a definitive answer to how much time you may have from date of finalized orders to report date at the next duty station. This can vary significantly for each soldier and with each PCS move- the many things which contribute to the frustration and stress levels during relocation.
However, there are a few things you may consider planning once you do learn of your upcoming PCS move.
Task checklist- before you receive PCS move orders:
- Locating important documents (passports, birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
- Obtain copy of medical records for each family member (immunization records, past medical records, ongoing medical records, etc.)
- Update immunizations, dental visits, PCM visits/physicals/routine care.
- Update any legal documents such as power of attorney.
- Obtain and update immunizations for any pets. If ongoing treatment, get medical records for pets.
- Consider which family/friends to tell that you will be moving
- Decide whether to do a DITY, partial DITY move or allow the Army to move you. You may find an official guide to your responsibilities during a DITY move here.
- Note your PCS weight allowance (by rank). You can find this information here.
- If your family has decided on a DITY move, you may decide at this time to create a list of daily essential items. These are items such as cookware, utensils, foods, clothes, toiletries, bed, etc. The things your family uses daily and need to be left unpacked. All other items that are not deemed essential may be organized and prepared for packing.
- If purchasing items for packing (DITY move) save all receipts. Placing them into a specific PCS file folder is helpful.
- If your family has decided to allow the Military movers to move you, look through this list and consider what movers will pack and will not pack and plan ahead.
The checklist noted above are all of the tasks I would recommend doing before actually receiving PCS orders. Anything more and you may run into trouble if the PCS move is either delayed or the duty station is changed.
PCS Orders in-hand
At this point you know precisely what duty station your family will be headed next, and the exact date that your soldier is required to report to their next unit.
Once your soldier has received their PCS move orders the following tasks may be completed:
- If allowing Military Movers to move your HHG see above link provided for considerations and to set up date for movers. Some things to note, do not attempt to pack before movers arrive- they will remove items from boxes and repack them. You will want to be there while they are packing your HHG, it can take 2-3 days to complete. Remember there are items which they cannot pack, so prepare how you are going to move these items in advance.
- Your family may decide to travel by plane or drive to your next duty station. If driving, you will want to create a travel plan to include hotel stays and route.
- If doing a DITY, create a travel plan. Include dates such as when your HHG will be packed, the route you plan to take, and confirm hotel reservations for each stop. Note that you will be driving a moving truck, so carefully consider your route with regards to mountain passes, etc.
- Reserve a moving truck. Be sure to keep receipts. Again, note the PCS weight limit- this is the amount of weight that you will be reimbursed for.
- Make a plan for your pets. How do you plan to transfer them?
- If you have firearms that are needing to be transported, note state laws for each state that you cross. You may consider having these shipped to you at your next location.
- Locate a nearby weight station. You will want to obtain a weight of all vehicles that are carrying HHG- while empty and when full. Keep these records in your PCS move file.
- Consider housing at new duty station. Will you be living on or off post? Renting or buying? You may decide to either.
- A move during the school year can occur. Note which neighborhoods are associated with which school districts at your next duty station.
- Contact Tricare to establish care for dependents, once you’ve arrived at your duty station. You may want to keep the contact number linked above available, in case of an emergency during your travel.
- Note your per diem allowance for travel which includes meals, lodging and incidental allowances. An updated travel allowance can be found here.
- Locate a realtor at next location or contact Corvias if choosing to live on-post.
- Find helpful Facebook groups at next duty station. There are typically established Facebook ‘wives’ groups at each duty station. These are great resources when wanting to learn about an area or neighborhood.
- Place your mail on hold. Contact your local postal service.
- Keep all receipts in your PCS file folder. Personally, I would keep the food receipts, lodging receipts, and miscellaneous receipts separate in this folder. Your soldier will require these for reimbursement for travel.
During Travel
While PCS moves are generally stressful, there are plenty of moments where it can be fun as well!
As you plan your route, whether you are flying or driving, it is perfectly okay to include stops where your family can go to relax and let loose. Perhaps, stop at your hometown for several nights to visit with your family and friends.
Many families follow a road trip route that include national parks, cities with endless activities, or even add an amusement park or two. Just remember to keep your soldier’s report date at the next duty station in mind during travel.
The following are belongings to keep with you as you travel:
- Luggage that includes clothing. toiletries, etc. that will last you until your HHG arrives.
- Medications, etc. to last you the duration of your travel and until you are able to get your medical care established at the next duty station
- Important documents, travel tickets, PCS file folder
- Extra cash
- If you are doing a partial DITY, or employed military movers be sure to have packed essential household goods with you to be able to cook, clean etc. as you wait for your HHG to arrive. Unfortunately, the wait time for HHG can vary significantly.
Summary
A PCS move can be incredibly stressful. There are many things to consider before you even begin the process of the actual move. The primary things to note are:
- Keep all receipts organized in a PCS file folder. Place all receipts related to travel in this folder. If in doubt, store it in the folder.
- Do not attempt purchase or rent a home until you have physical PCS orders.
- Keep important documents/medical records with you during travel.
- If military movers are going to help with your move, be present in your home during those days and note the link provided to what household goods are able to be packed and what isn’t. Also note that movers will pack dirty dishes, trash, laundry, small pets, etc. if you are not careful.
- Keep important contact information to establish medical care.
- Plan a little bit of fun during your travel!
This guide is non-exhaustive and there may be some important things missed. There are several links provided within this blog post that are helpful if you have further questions.
Let us know in the comments below if there are any PCS move essential tips that we should have highlighted!