PCS: How To Handle It Like a Pro

Military members know all about the PCS life. Everyone and everything will soon be moving after you get your orders. Sounds a little stressful, right? Let's be honest, its is. BUT you can make is a lot easier by being prepared and knowledgeable on what to expect. Get excited and take charge of your relocation!

Whether it's your first time PCSing, or the fifth, or you're traveling alone, or with family, the PCS Pros are here to guide you through the process.

Okay, PCS people, let's do it!

What are orders? PCS moved start with orders including your rank, the length of the job, and where you're being assigned. PCS orders mean you are being stationed somewhere for at least 20 weeks for training or a job. A complete household move is a part of your PCS, or permanent change of station. 

When do you receive orders?

Usually every two to four years you will receive orders. The peak PCS season is May 15th to September 30th. If you don't have orders yet, you can start preparing by purging your household items while you are waiting. Remember, less it better! You can take a personal inventory of your belongings, this way you know what you have when you get orders. It will also help you when/if filing a loss or damage claim. 

PCS Process:

Did you receive orders? Great! Are you going OCONUS or CONUS? OCONUS means outside the Continental United States. CONUS means inside the continental United States, and they are the more common PCS moves. You will need to start scheduling the movers and preparing for them to pack your home. A transportation provider will provide a household goods move for the government, if you choose to have the military move you! During this time, your belongings will be packed and transported for you to your new location. If you prefer to move yourself, you will need to coordinate your own move, pack all your belongings, and transport them yourself to your new duty station. 

Here's a quick checklist once you receive your orders:

1. Make an appointment to take your orders to your transportation office.

2. Visit Move.mil to set up your Defense Property System account.

3. Search your new duty station via the internet, ask around about the area, decide if you're living on post or off! Sometimes your BAH will go further off post, and we can help you with your real estate needs! (www.thepcsproteam.com)

Next, you'll need to schedule your PCS move in DPS:

Estimated shipping weights, Pick-up and delivery dates and locations, Specialty item list (boat, guns, R.V., large electronics), Professional Books, Paper and Equipment list and weight, Your preferred moving company.

When you take your DPS forms to your local transportation office, you will then be assigned a moving company!

During the move, try to keep pets and kids out of the house or isolated during the packing day. You want to be focused on the movers packing your belongings, and it's much easier if you don't have to calm a spooked animal or a distressed child. If you are wanting to move some of your own belongings such as laptops, valuables, medicines, car titles, family heirlooms, jewelry, and moving paperwork, lock them in your car to avoid being packed. Pay close attention to he mover's inventory, and compare it to the inventory that you made (if you made one prior). Be sure to include descriptive info on the items you shipped. It's important to have the moving company's info on hand in case you have questions during the transport. 

Finally, make your way o your next duty station, close on your new home, and have the movers deliver your household goods! It is time to start exploring your new town, duty station, and make new memories in your home! Congratulations, you did it!