The Ultimate PCS Guide for Veterans
A smooth PCS starts with airtight documentation. Hand-carry originals and two copies of orders, IDs, vital records, medical and school files, travel and finance details, housing and vehicle papers, and any court or custody documents. Organize with tabs and a digital backup so in-processing, reimbursements, enrollment, and base access happen without last-minute scrambles or costly delays.
Quick Facts
- Carry originals plus two copies of PCS orders, IDs, passports, and vital records for all family members.
- Bundle medical, dental, optical, immunization, EFMP, and prescription lists—include pet vaccination records.
- Pack school transcripts, report cards, and IEP/504 plans to streamline immediate enrollment.
- Include lease or mortgage, mover inventory, car title/lease, registration, and insurance proof.
- Keep travel e-tickets, government travel card, recent bank statements, and emergency contacts together.
Mini FAQ
What absolutely must stay on my person during travel?
Keep original PCS orders, military and dependent IDs, passports, and a compact wallet of critical contacts on you—not in checked bags or household goods. These items control base access, lodging check-in, and in-processing. Losing them in transit can stall reimbursements, housing, and medical enrollment at your gaining installation.
How should I organize medical and school records?
Create separate sleeves per family member: immunizations, prescriptions, referral letters, EFMP files, and dental/optical records. For students, add transcripts, report cards, testing, and IEP/504 plans. A labeled index page speeds clinics and registrars, prevents repeat exams, and secures appropriate services without waiting for files to transfer between duty stations.
What financial and housing papers prevent delays?
Carry recent bank statements, travel card data, routing/account numbers, and a reimbursement receipt folder. For housing, include lease or mortgage, move-out checklist, BAH documentation, and your mover’s signed inventory with photos of high-value items. These documents accelerate lodging reimbursement, utilities setup, and claim resolution if items arrive damaged or missing.
Key Takeaways
- PCS orders are the foundation of your move—double-check rank, dates, dependents, and allowances like Dislocation Allowance to avoid costly delays.
- Plan HHG shipment through DPS early, ideally 30–60 days out, and document valuables to streamline claims and stay within weight limits.
- Understand BAH changes—your new rate takes effect upon arrival and can significantly impact your budget, especially if moving to a lower-cost area.
- Housing options vary—compare on-base wait times, off-base rental prices, and the benefits of using VA loan benefits to buy a home with BAH.
- School and healthcare planning is critical—transfer records early, research local schools, and update TRICARE to avoid disruptions for your family.
- Temporary lodging and PCS-related costs add up—save $1,000–$2,000 to cover gaps, and know how to use TLA, per diem, and BAH transit rates.
What Is a PCS Move—and Why Preparation Matters
A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is a Military-ordered relocation to a new duty station, stateside or overseas. Success depends on early planning across housing, household goods (HHG), travel allowances, school transitions, and healthcare. Proactive prep prevents delays, protects your budget, and reduces stress—especially for families with kids, pets, or tight move timelines.
Moving isn’t just packing boxes; it’s establishing stability in a new community, managing BAH and allowances, and setting your family up to thrive from day one. Use this guide to sequence tasks, avoid common pitfalls, and convert orders into a smooth, confident relocation.
Your 2026 PCS Move Checklist
1. Review Your PCS Orders
Your orders anchor every PCS decision: reporting date, funded travel, dependents, and authorizations. Validate accuracy immediately, then contact your finance office with questions. Early corrections prevent pay issues, HHG delays, and incorrect BAH or leave calculations that can ripple through your entire move timeline.
- Verify names, rank, dependents, report date, and authorized travel days. Flag errors the same day to your administrative and finance offices so pay, allowances, and shipment eligibility are properly established.
- Confirm allowances such as Dislocation Allowance (DLA) and per diem, then plan lodging against those amounts. Understand reimbursement rules before reservations to avoid out-of-policy charges or missed payments.
- Estimate new BAH with the DoD resources and your finance office. Lock a budget for deposits, temporary lodging, utilities, and overlap rent during the transition.
- Tip: Small order mistakes create big delays. Fix them early so your HHG, BAH, and travel claims process cleanly the first time.
2. Plan Your Household Goods (HHG) Shipment
The Defense Personal Property System (DPS) manages packing, pickup, and delivery. Book early for preferred dates, document your inventory, and understand liability rules. Consider whether a Personally Procured Move (PPM) fits your schedule, flexibility needs, and potential reimbursement trade-offs.
- Request pack-out and pickup in DPS thirty to sixty days in advance. Peak season fills quickly, so move windows and special-handling items should be requested as early as possible.
- Photograph high-value items and create a room-by-room inventory with serial numbers. Accurate records speed claims, simplify unpacking, and protect you if cartons are mislabeled or misplaced.
- Know your rank-based weight allowance and plan purges. Overages are costly, so scale down before pack day and consider a PPM for items you want direct control over.
3. Verify BAH and Financial Planning
BAH adjusts at your new duty station’s ZIP code. Temporary lodging, deposits, and travel days can create cash-flow gaps. Build a cushion, understand BAH RC/Transit, and align debt payments to prevent interest charges while reimbursements are pending.
- Model your first ninety days: overlap rent, utility deposits, pet fees, and lodging taxes. Create a move-only budget so recurring bills won’t be disrupted by one-time expenses.
- Track entitlements like per diem, mileage, and TLA. Keep receipts and submit vouchers quickly to accelerate reimbursements and reduce out-of-pocket float time.
- Maintain an emergency fund of one to two thousand dollars for delays, reschedules, or vehicle issues. Rebuild savings after reimbursements deposit to restore your safety margin.
4. Explore Housing Options
Evaluate on-base housing, off-base rentals, or purchasing with a VA loan. Waitlists, commute times, schools, and BAH set the decision framework. Decide early so you can schedule showings, submit applications, and time your HHG delivery effectively.
- On-base housing: Apply as soon as orders are issued; high-demand bases see three to six month waits. Review bedroom criteria, pet policies, and lease terms on Military OneSource housing pages.
- Off-base rentals: Compare rents to BAH and map commute patterns. Ask about Military clauses, prorated move-ins, and utility averages to avoid budget creep after signing.
- Homebuying: A VA loan paired with BAH can deliver stable payments. Pre-approve early, confirm occupancy timing, and coordinate closing with HHG arrival and temporary lodging end dates.
5. Arrange School Enrollment for Kids
Records, timelines, and placement drive smooth transitions. Ask about registration windows, immunizations, and transportation zones. The Military Interstate Children’s Compact helps align credits, placement, and activities so students don’t lose progress during mid-year moves.
- Request official records, IEPs, 504 plans, and immunization forms from the current school. Keep scanned copies accessible so enrollment can proceed even if hard copies are packed.
- Contact the new district or DoDEA campus sixty to ninety days ahead. Clarify zoning, documents required, and start dates to reduce gaps and avoid last-minute scrambles.
- Discuss placement for advanced courses, sports, and activities. Early communication prevents missed tryouts and ensures students land in appropriate classes quickly.
6. Update Healthcare and TRICARE
Shift TRICARE enrollment, move prescriptions, and confirm provider availability. For installation clinics, request appointments as soon as you have an address and report date. Keep a thirty-day medication buffer in case shipment or schedule changes push timelines.
- Transfer to your new region through TRICARE’s website and update DEERS. Verify PCM assignments for each dependent to avoid referral delays after arrival.
- Move prescriptions to a local pharmacy or base pharmacy. Carry paper copies and dosage details in your hand-carry folder for emergencies during travel days.
- If using on-base care, request registration and first appointments early. Ask about urgent care policies, referrals, and specialty access in your new market.
7. Handle Vehicle Registration and Licenses
States usually require registration within thirty to ninety days. Confirm Military exemptions, inspection requirements, and emissions rules so you can schedule DMV visits around work in-processing without multiple trips or missed documents.
- Bring proof of insurance, title or lienholder letter, and ID. Some states waive fees for active-duty with Military ID; check eligibility and required forms before arriving.
- Update driver’s licenses where residency will be established. Spouses should confirm domicile rules and how they affect taxes, voting, and vehicle registration timelines.
- Schedule inspections and emissions tests early. Peak days book fast and can delay registration, risking penalties or parking pass issues on base.
8. Connect with Base Resources
Newcomer programs, employment support, childcare, and EFMP provide immediate assistance. Plug in quickly to reduce isolation, accelerate spouse employment, and secure services that fill up during peak PCS seasons.
- Attend Newcomer’s Orientation to learn base processes, finance contacts, and community offerings. Capture key phone numbers and office hours in your move binder.
- Explore spouse employment assistance, resume workshops, and hiring events. Early networking reduces job gaps and improves household cash-flow stability post-move.
- Enroll in EFMP or update your file as needed. Correct coding improves access to specialty care and school supports near your new installation.
9. Settle into Your New Community
Well-being improves when you learn the area, rebuild routines, and make connections. Use weekends to map commutes, find parks, and test childcare options. Join groups so your family forms new friendships faster.
- Explore local attractions, museums, and community centers. Low-cost outings help kids adjust and give you quick wins while waiting for activities to start.
- Join support or professional groups on base and in town. Shared experiences reduce stress and often surface trusted service providers quickly.
- Identify parks, gyms, worship communities, and youth programs. Building a weekly rhythm stabilizes finances, sleep patterns, and morale after the move.
BAH Changes During a PCS
BAH resets to your new duty station once you report, reflecting local housing costs. Expect short-term cash-flow pressure from deposits and lodging, and remember BAH RC/Transit is a national amount that may be lower than local rates during travel and in-processing days.
| Duty Station | 2026 BAH | 2024 BAH | Impact on Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA | $2,943 | $2,790 | +5.4%, covers $2,800 rent |
| San Antonio, TX | $1,980 | $1,989 | -0.4%, covers $1,290 rent |
| Norfolk, VA | $2,100 | $2,004 | +4.8%, covers $1,600 rent |
- BAH RC/Transit: During travel you may receive a national RC/Transit rate (e.g., $1,134.60 for E-5 with dependents). Budget for lodging differences and keep receipts to expedite reimbursement.
Real-World Scenario: BAH Transition
You’re an E-7 PCSing from Honolulu ($3,243 BAH) to Fort Bliss ($1,593 BAH). Your family remains in Hawaii for two months, so you temporarily retain Honolulu’s rate. After they move, BAH drops, but Fort Bliss rent is lower. Save $2,000 for gaps and temporary lodging while entitlements finalize.
Homebuying During a PCS
VA loans pair naturally with BAH. Because BAH is non-taxable, many lenders “gross up” for qualifying, increasing purchasing power. Pre-approval at the new station clarifies your price range and helps you compare buying versus renting with accurate, installation-specific numbers.
| Duty Station | BAH | Grossed-Up Value | Approx. Loan Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio, TX | $1,980 | $2,475 | $250,000 |
| San Diego, CA | $2,943 | $3,679 | $400,000 |
| Fort Bliss, TX | $1,593 | $1,991 | $200,000 |
Note: Assumes a 30-year fixed VA loan at 6% interest, DTI under 41%, and no other debts. Actual approvals vary by credit, income stability, reserves, and lender overlays.
Real-World Scenario: Homebuying Post-PCS
You’re an O-3 moving to Norfolk ($2,208 BAH). Grossed to $2,760 and paired with $6,469 base pay, effective income is $9,229. With $1,500 debts, DTI is about sixteen percent, supporting an estimated $350,000 home—subject to underwriting and property eligibility.
Common PCS Pitfalls to Avoid
Most problems stem from timing, documentation, or mismatched expectations. Book early, document thoroughly, and communicate continuously. Build a budget buffer and confirm policies in writing to avoid surprise costs, shipment conflicts, or benefit delays that strain cash-flow and morale.
- Delayed paperwork: Late orders postpone HHG scheduling, BAH changes, and reimbursements. Submit everything immediately and track status with screen captures and confirmation numbers.
- BAH gaps: Moving to a lower-BAH area can shock your budget. Model new cash-flow and renegotiate subscriptions, insurance, and discretionary expenses to match local costs.
- Housing waitlists: On-base delays drive temporary rentals. Reserve lodging early and confirm pet policies, taxes, and reimbursement eligibility to control out-of-pocket exposure.
- School enrollment: Late registration disrupts classes and activities. Send records early and meet counselors promptly to secure appropriate placement without missed credits.
Next Steps for a Successful PCS Move
Start with orders verification, book HHG in DPS, and model new BAH. Choose housing, enroll kids, and transfer TRICARE.
Connect with base resources and build community quickly. If buying, pair a VA pre-approval with your BAH.
A disciplined checklist transforms a complex relocation into a manageable series of wins.
Frequently Asked Questions About PCS Moves
What is a PCS move?
A PCS is a Military-ordered relocation to a new duty station. It includes housing decisions, HHG shipment, travel allowances, and BAH adjustments. Planning early reduces delays, protects cash-flow, and keeps your family on track throughout the move.
When does BAH change after a PCS?
BAH typically changes when you report to the new installation and in-process. Temporary RC/Transit BAH may apply during travel. Submit orders promptly and monitor your LES to catch delays or overpayments quickly.
How do I ship household goods during a PCS?
Schedule through DPS thirty to sixty days ahead, confirm weight allowances, and inventory high-value items. Photos and serial numbers speed claims if cartons are lost, mislabeled, or damaged during packing, transit, or delivery.
Can I keep my old BAH if my family stays behind?
Sometimes, with command approval. You may temporarily retain the previous rate until dependents relocate. Confirm timelines in writing, then update finance when your family joins you at the gaining installation.
What is Dislocation Allowance (DLA)?
DLA is a one-time payment to offset PCS costs such as deposits, supplies, and short-term lodging. The amount depends on rank and dependent status. Ask finance how and when it’s paid after reporting.
How do I enroll kids in school after a PCS?
Request records from your current school, then contact the new district or DoDEA campus sixty to ninety days in advance. Ask about zoning, bus routes, placement, and documents required for a seamless start.
What is BAH RC/Transit during a PCS?
BAH RC/Transit is a national, temporary housing allowance paid during travel and certain in-processing periods. It is often lower than local BAH, so plan lodging and receipts to manage short-term gaps.
Can I use BAH for a VA loan after a PCS?
Yes. BAH is non-taxable and often “grossed up” for qualifying, which can increase purchasing power. Get pre-approved at the gaining station’s BAH to align budget and property search with local prices.
How long does an HHG shipment take?
Typically two to six weeks depending on distance and season. Book early for preferred dates, and maintain a hand-carry kit so essential documents and medications never ride in the moving truck.
What if my BAH update is delayed?
Submit orders and documentation to finance immediately, then monitor your LES. If delays occur, contact finance to correct underpayment or resolve overpayments quickly, avoiding debt or budget stress.
