The Complete PCS Planning Guide: Essential Military Move Tips

You received your PCS orders. No big deal. Just sit back and kick up your feet, because it'll be a breeze. Nope. Come on, you know there are more moving parts in a military move than a non-military move. So follow these tips to get organized and make your move a little easier. Before telling your family, check your orders. I know, Uncle Sam wouldn't make a mistake, but to be safe, make sure all your information is correct. If somehow you do find any errors, contact the relevant office right away. Now tell your family, because they're kind of important. Remember, a move can be a real emotional rollercoaster for your family, especially your kids. Get them involved early. Encourage them to ask questions. Tell them about your new base and unit. Explore the new neighborhood online. Get a squeaky toy for the family dog. Schedule your appointment with the transportation office. Don't drag your feet. Make the appointment as early as possible. Learn about your moving options and decide on the type of move right for you. Diddy? Not that diddy. Or HHG. There's no such thing as overplanning. I refuse to believe that. Maybe don't go around putting sticky notes everywhere in the house, but do create a PCS binder for the mountain of important paperwork to track. Orders and leave forms, check-in procedures at your new duty station, passports, personal documents, medical records, insurance documents, marriage license, car titles, moving receipts, and expenses. Now comes the big question. Where are you going to live? There are several choices. Private military housing, government-owned military housing, single military housing, renting a home off-base, and buying a home off-base. If you're planning on buying a home at your new location, get pre-qualified for a mortgage before you start looking. Remember, your BA age can change when you move, so take that into consideration. It goes without saying that getting to know your neighborhood before moving is a great way to gain a bit of footing. Here are some things to check out. The town website. Research the schools and child care options. Find a veterinarian. Join local organizations and clubs. Find the local hotspots. Breaking up is hard to do, but to quote the great scholar Jerry Seinfeld, do it like a Band-Aid. One motion, right off. Reach out to your current service providers and let them know of your upcoming move. Just let them down easy. Thanks for watching. Be sure to check out the rest of our PCS video series for more helpful tips, brought to you by Navy Federal Credit Union.