Receiving Permanent Change of Station or PCS orders in the military can be an overwhelming and stressful experience for everyone involved. Once you’ve had time to digest the news, you’ll want to start getting ready for the lengthy process. Staying organized and knowing what to expect will make the experience much more pleasant and less stressful, even if this isn’t your first time going through the process. Keep these seven steps in mind as you prepare for a PCS relocation, whether you use professional movers or go the DITY route.
1. Meet with the transportation office
The name of the office you need to meet with depends on which branch of the military you or your loved one is in. Make an appointment as soon as possible to give yourself time to get in, learn what you can, and put the arrangements for your move into action. Be aware that you always have the option to request a DITY move. Per www.cheapmoverlasvegas.com (101 N Pecos Rd Suite 113, Las Vegas, NV 89101, (702) 660-4699), a military mover for Nellis Air Force Base, with a PPM move, you can hire your own moving company or rent a U-Haul and drive yourself to the new base. The government reimburses you based on your rank and number of dependents.
2. Contact the family center
Give the military family center where you’re moving to a call to get information about moving. They are an excellent resource to make the move as smooth as possible for you. Family centers offer a Relocation Assistance Program or RAP to handle all your questions and concerns about the process.
3. Research
Learn about the area you’re moving to. Look at schools, employment opportunities for you if your spouse is in the military, climate, healthcare, and housing. Looking up the specific duty station will typically get you more information that applies to your situation.
4. Notify housing
Let your government housing office know when you’re going to be moving. They can give you information on what needs to be done beforehand. There are likely going to be specific cleaning requirements before you move to make the living quarters inhabitable for the next tenants.
5. Go to the finance office
Moving can be very costly, but the military offers financial assistance to make the process more bearable for your wallet. Learn what entitlements you may be eligible for so you can organize the move and prepare in as far advance as possible. Some benefits you may qualify for include:
- Time to find new housing that doesn’t count as leave
- Lodging and meal expenses for temporary housing or when traveling to the new station
- Airline tickets or fuel costs
- Cost to ship your items
- Storage for personal belongings
6. Create checklists
Make a list of what needs to be done chronologically. Ideally, you should start planning three months, and more responsibilities and actions will need to be done closer to the actual date. You’ll also need to wrap things up after you relocate to complete the process.
7. Important documents
Keep your important documents such as social security cards, birth certificates, cash, and credit cards with you at all times. Don’t trust movers to keep these items safe, especially because they are often difficult and a hassle to replace.
Don’t start panicking once you receive PCS orders. With careful planning and time, the move won’t be nearly as stressful, and the process will likely include fewer complications.
