When you’re moving, preparing a list ahead of time ensures you have all items accounted for. A list like the one below can also help you develop a schedule so your move goes smoothly.
Military-Required Steps When Planning a PCS Move
Here’s a guide to help you with all facets of a PCS move:
Step 1: Make an announcement
Inform your family and friends of your upcoming move. You will want to comply with any security requirements before sharing details of your move online.
Step 2: Choose your PCS method (if applicable)
In situations where you have the option to choose the type of your PCS move, you’ll want to consider how much time you have relative to whether you’ll want the military to assist with your government or military relocation. You can also check your local installation for any military briefs, which can outline details of the move and any entitlements you might receive.
Step 3: Create a budget
After your briefing, you’ll have a better idea of the details of your move. You can then create a budget, which allows you to plan out your PCS move by accounting for expenses you’ll need to pay out of pocket or for any insurance concerns — such as ensuring you have a private policy to protect your belongings if you use a moving company.
Step 4: Obtain orders
You’ll need official orders detailing your move before you’re able to access flights for your relocation or see if you can use vehicle shipping or unaccompanied baggage (UAB) or non-temporary storage (NTS) shipments.
Step 5: Register your move on Defense Personal Property System through Military OneSource
Ideally, you’ll do this step as soon as you do receive your orders. If this is your first time doing a military PCS move, you’ll need to visit your local transportation office to assist you in planning. Keep in mind you don’t need a specific address of where you’re going, just a general location to provide your local office. While at the transportation office, you can also set up shipments of your personal property and vehicle.
Step 6: Notify housing of moving out
If you rented an apartment, you’ll need to contact your real estate leasing agent and inform them of your move. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act requires a 30-day notice to move out with your relocation orders. At this time, verify the remaining rent due and receive a moving-out checklist with your landlord.
Step 7: Shop for new housing
Once you have your final orders, you can contact a realtor near your new military installation to see which properties are being sold in your new area. If you plan to rent, you can search for apartments online and schedule tours, expediting the process of seeing ample properties when you do visit your new city.
Step 8: Do final medical visits
Should your kids need physicals before they start a new school, you’ll want to schedule and do these before you move. That way, you don’t experience any delays with getting them enrolled in a new school. The same applies to any dental or medical visits you have. And for pets, if they need medication, make sure to order a 90-day supply so they have what they need while you settle in your new home.
Step 9: Double-check your insurance coverages
Each state has its own insurance criteria for auto, home, renter’s and more. Notify your insurance carrier as soon as your moving orders are official, and they can help ensure your policies are compliant with North Carolina laws.
Step 10: Conduct a personal inventory while you or another company packs
An inventory includes all supplies you plan to move with you. If you’re doing a move that requires a lot of driving, you’ll also want to create an inventory checklist in your car. Include clothes, medications, expensive electronics and any other items you might need during your trip.
Step 11: Notify utilities
You’ll want to notify your utilities ahead of time about your move. When you find a new home or apartment, set up new utilities around two weeks before you move. Doing so ensures you have the lights on when you arrive and makes it easier for internet/cable installers to work around your schedule.
Step 12: Update your new address
Once you have a new address, create a forwarding address with the U.S. Post Office. They’ll automatically forward any regular mail for a year following your request. You can keep using this service afterwards, but you’ll need to pay for it: it’s $19.95 for six more months and $29.95 for a full year more. You’ll also want to update your address with all your creditors, banks and other companies with which you have autopay set up.