PCS Strategy Playbook: Your Ultimate Guide to Relocating with Ease

Moving can be one of the most stressful parts of military life, but with the right strategy, it can also be an exciting and seamless experience. This PCS Strategy Playbook provides you with a step-by-step approach to help you plan, organize, and execute your military relocation, ensuring you're prepared for the transition ahead.

At Homefront Initiative we believe in empowering homeowners with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions, we act as a neutral party to your transaction and advise you for free without bias 100% of the time. Contact us if you would like our assistance!

1. Begin Early: Pre-PCS Planning

The earlier you start, the smoother the process will be. Here’s how to prepare before the big move:

Key Tasks to Complete Early:

• Receive PCS Orders: As soon as your PCS orders are received, begin reviewing them to understand timelines and required paperwork.

• Use our PCS Checklist: Click here to download and print it out. Write down all tasks that need to be

  

  completed in the months before the move. Consider making a PCS Binder to stay organized with receipts or records and break it into categories (i.e., housing, transportation, packing, etc.) to stay organized.

• Schedule Appointments: Arrange any necessary medical, dental, and administrative appointments for before you leave and request hard copy of records.

• Research Your New Duty Station: Familiarize yourself with your new location—look into housing options, the cost of living, the base facilities, schools, and the surrounding area. (Ask Homefront Initiative for referrals to Base ambassadors)
  Pro Tip: Join base or community Facebook groups to connect with other service members and their families for local tips and support.

• Update Your Family's Information: Ensure dependents' documents (ID cards, school records, etc.) are in order and that your family is ready for the move.

Pro Tip: Set up a dedicated PCS Binder (physical or digital) to store important documents related to the move, like orders, receipts, and housing information.

2. Housing & Living Arrangements

One of the biggest decisions during a PCS is where you’ll live. There are a few different options, depending on your preferences and what’s available at your new duty station.

Explore Housing Options:

• On-Base Housing: On-base housing is often a convenient and less stressful choice. Begin by contacting the base housing office to check availability and start the application process.

  

• Off-Base Housing: If you prefer off-base housing, research local rental listings, pricing, and school districts (if applicable). Don’t forget to ask about military-friendly leases.
  PRO TIP: A military-friendly lease is typically just a normal lease plus an addendum that states if you get hard orders you won't be subject to extreme lease break fees.

• Temporary Lodging: If you’re not ready to move into permanent housing right away, arrange temporary lodging (TLA) for the duration of your transition. Research options like hotels, Airbnbs, or temporary military housing like a Military Lodge.

• Buy a House: Some Military members choose to buy a house at each duty station they are attached to. There are many benefits to this choice which are explained in more detail below.

Pro Tip: Contact your new base’s Housing Office as early as possible to understand the waitlists and availability of on-base housing.

The housing situation may be difficult for you because the waitlist for base housing is too long or off-base housing has limited options.

Consider buying a home at your next duty station.

Perks of buying include:

• Making your BAH pay you instead of giving it back to the military (base housing) or a landlord/company who bought a home and are now renting it out (off-base housing).

• Investing in your financial future by paying down your mortgage balance while the local market's appreciation brings up the value of your home.

• Upfront buying costs are about the same as upfront renting costs. When renting you'll need first month’s rent, last months and a deposit which typically is the rental amount x3. Closing Costs for buying are about the same amount considering your VA Loan is zero down-payment and the VA Funding Fee can be wrapped into your loan.

• When using your VA Loan benefits you can save hundreds of dollars over using a different loan type (Conventional/FHA/USDA) There are also other fees that the VA prohibits you from paying and you can "double up" on other military savings if you use a program like Homefront Initiative to help you find a Real Estate Agent and Mortgage Lender who offer additional credits at closing.

Pro Tip: If you have short orders (2-3 years) consider renting out your home to other incoming military members once you PCS out. You can self-manage or hire a private property management company.

3. Personal Property & Shipping

Relocating your personal belongings is a big part of the PCS process. Military members are eligible for government-paid moving services, but there are steps to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Key Tasks to Consider:

• Request a Household Goods (HHG) Shipment: Coordinate with the Personal Property Office to schedule your HHG shipment. Review your inventory and make sure everything is properly packed, labeled, and documented.

• Consider doing a PPM (Personally Procured Move) also known as a DITY or do-it-yourself move) This is where you pay for your moving expenses and get reimbursed for what the government would have spent on movers. This means you keep the remaining funds after paying for the move.

• Plan for Unaccompanied Baggage: If you need certain items right away (e.g., clothing, essential electronics), pack them as unaccompanied baggage, which will be shipped separately and should arrive faster.

• Sort and Downsize: PCS moves are the perfect time to declutter. Get rid of any items you no longer need, donate, or sell things that don’t make sense to bring to your new location.

• Vehicle Shipping: If you need to ship your car, contact the Vehicle Processing Center to get information on how to ship your vehicle (car, motorcycle, etc.).

Pro Tip: Take inventory of all items being shipped and document their condition. This will help in case anything is damaged during the move.

4. Financial Planning & Budgeting

A PCS move comes with some expenses, so it's crucial to plan your budget ahead of time.

Consider These Financial Aspects:

• PCS Allowances: Check your eligible allowances (e.g., Temporary Lodging Allowance, Dislocation Allowance) and how they’ll be reimbursed. Make sure to save receipts for eligible expenses.

• Moving Costs: While the military typically covers shipping and storage costs, some out-of-pocket expenses may arise, such as moving supplies, gas, meals, or temporary lodging.

• Cost of Living: Research the cost of living in your new location, as it might affect your budgeting for housing, transportation, and everyday expenses.

• Tax Considerations: PCS moves may have tax implications for deductions or reimbursements, so keep detailed records of all move-related expenses.

5. Transitioning with Family & Pets

Relocating with a family (paws included) requires careful planning to ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved.

Important Family Considerations:

• Schools & Childcare: If you have children, research schools or daycare options at your new location. Many bases have school liaison officers to help with educational transitions.

• Spouse Employment: If your spouse works, start researching job opportunities in your new location. The Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) offers great resources for job searches.

• Medical Care: Schedule medical and dental appointments for your family before you leave, and update your information with the Tricare office for medical care at your new duty station.

• Veterinary Clinics: Research veterinary clinics near your new duty station, referrals are the best recommendation and you can find those on Military Spouse/Family group pages and online reviews. 

6. The Day of the Move

Your moving day is finally here! Make sure you’re ready to execute a smooth relocation.

To-Do List for Moving Day:

• Supervise the Pack-Out: Be present when the movers arrive to supervise the pack-out and ensure they follow your inventory list. Make sure they’re careful with fragile items.

• Keep Essentials with You: Pack a “go-bag” with essential items (important documents, medications, chargers, clothes, toiletries) so you’re ready no matter what.

• Final Walk-Through: Once the movers leave, do a final walk-through of your old home to check for forgotten items and ensure the place is left in good condition.

Pro Tip: Double-check that all keys, garage door openers, and other property-related items are returned to the landlord or base housing office.

7. Settling In at Your New Duty Station

Once you arrive, the final step is settling into your new home and location.

Key Post-Move Tasks:

• Unpack and Organize: Set aside time to unpack and settle into your new home. If possible, get the essentials (kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms) unpacked first so that your family can feel comfortable quickly.

• Register Vehicles & Update Info: Update your vehicle registration, driver’s license, and other official documents according to the new state or base requirements.

• Explore the Area: Take time to explore your new duty station and the surrounding area. Familiarize yourself with grocery stores, hospitals, schools, and recreational options.

Pro Tip: Join base or community Facebook groups to connect with other service members and their families for local tips and support.

8. Keep a Positive PCS Mindset

PCS moves can be stressful, but with proper planning and an open mindset, you can make the transition as smooth as possible. Remember that this move is an opportunity to explore new places, meet new people, and grow both personally and professionally.

The PCS process may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right strategy and resources in place like Homefront Initiative, it can be a smooth and even exciting experience. Contact us today for a more personalized and detailed PCS Plan for your specific Duty Station. We are connected with many trusted local experts across the USA.