Whether it’s your first Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or your family’s fifth, learning that you have to relocate somewhere new comes with many different emotions and an even longer to-do list. If you’re part of a military family, you’ve probably heard the term “PCS” more times than you can count.
Despite the word “permanent,” these moves typically last two to four years. They’re long enough to settle in, build a community, and maybe even call a place “home,” but temporary enough to keep that moving checklist handy. PCS orders fall into two categories:
- CONUS: Continental U.S.—anywhere within the 48 states and D.C.
- OCONUS: Outside the continental U.S.—including Alaska, Hawaii, and overseas assignments.
When PCS orders drop, things move fast. One minute you’re settling into your routine, the next you’re mapping out a whole new life in a new zip code. But before the boxes come out to pack, it pays to pause and make a plan. Once you know where you’re headed and when, here are the key things to keep in mind:
1) Plan Your Travel
There are several ways to approach your PCS travel, and the right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and family situation. Whether you’re flying, driving, or splitting up responsibilities, a little planning goes a long way toward reducing stress.
- Send someone ahead: Have one family member travel early to set up the new home. This can make the transition smoother, especially when you’re relocating with young children or pets. Arriving at a more organized, prepared space helps everyone settle in faster.
- Make it a road trip: If time is on your side, consider turning your PCS into a cross-country adventure. With a few planned stops, the move becomes more of an opportunity to see new places and make some fun memories.
- Flying instead? Think about shipping your household items ahead of time. Traveling light reduces the stress of managing multiple bags, layovers, and carry-ons, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
- Tip: Book an extended-stay hotel. These properties often offer military discounts, pet-friendly rooms, and kitchenettes, providing the comfort of home during your first few days while you wait for your belongings or settle in.
2) Apply for Dislocation Allowance
When receiving orders for a PCS, there’s a lot to plan and plenty of expenses to consider. Dislocation Allowance (DLA) is a financial benefit designed to ease the burden by helping cover some of the out-of-pocket expenses associated with relocating your household.
DLA helps cover some of the expenses associated with moving your household, such as security deposits, setting up utilities, or purchasing a few new items for your home. It’s available whether you’re moving on your own or with dependents.
Keep in mind that DLA is intended to partially reimburse costs that aren’t already covered by other allowances. You can apply through your local finance office or the Defense Travel System (DTS). It probably won’t cover everything, but it can help mitigate those upfront expenses.
The amount you receive is based on your rank and whether or not you have dependents. And if there is any leftover money after your move, you can keep it. Applications can be submitted through your local finance office or the DTS.
3) Find Military Discounts
Moving expenses add up quickly, and every dollar counts when you’re trying to stay on a budget. Here are just a few companies that make it easier to relocate during a PCS move.
Truck & Moving Services
- U-Haul offers special pricing through its Military Move Program.
- Penske Truck Rental offers a 15% discount to active and veteran military personnel
- PODS: Service members can save up to 30% on moving and storage services.
- 1-800-PACK-RAT: Assists military members with local and long-distance moving
- Oz Moving & Storage: Offers up to 10% off and complimentary moving boxes to military members and veterans.
Hotel Chains
- Hilton: Offers exclusive military rates for active and retired military personnel and their families.
- Sonesta Choice Hotels: Offers special military rates for both personal and official travel.
- IHG Hotels: Military personnel can enjoy discounted rates at participating IHG hotels, including Holiday Inn Express and Crowne Plaza.
Storage Facilities
- Otter Self Storage: Provides a 10% military discount.
- EZ Storage: Offers a 10% monthly discount to active military personnel.
- AAA American Storage: Military members can lease a unit free of charge for the first month on federal military-driven holidays.
Moving Supplies/ Home Improvement
- Lowe’s: Provides a 10% discount for military families on eligible purchases.
- The Home Depot: Offers a 10% discount to active service members, veterans, and their spouses on eligible purchases.
Car Rentals
- Enterprise: All locations worldwide accept military car rental discounts for official and leisure travel.
- Hertz: Provides government and military discounts on car rentals for official business travel.
- Thrifty: Offers exclusive savings to military members and their families.
4) Decide Between Living On Base vs. Off Base
One of the biggest perks of living on base, especially in privatized military housing, is that your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) typically covers both rent and utilities, making monthly budgeting stress-free and straightforward. It also puts you right in the heart of the military community, which can make it easier to connect with fellow service members and their families.
Living on base is especially helpful if you’re living in a new country with language barriers, or even as a place to get your first home to settle in for the first year.
But living off base has its own set of advantages. For starters, it can be a great way to save money, especially if you find a rental below your full BAH rate. It also opens up more housing options, whether you’re looking to buy a home, find a spacious rental, or simply explore different neighborhoods in your new city.
If you don’t mind a bit of a commute, living off base can offer more flexibility and the chance to immerse yourself in the local community. While on-base living fosters strong military bonds, choosing to live off base can help you build connections with your new community and gain a sense of your new home from the perspective of a local.
5) PCS Moving Logistics for a Smooth Transition
With your move on the horizon, staying organized is key. Here are the essential steps to keep things running smoothly from packing to arrival.
Communicate with your moving company
Confirm moving dates, addresses, and special instructions in writing. Take photos of any valuable or fragile items before packing, and review insurance options in case something gets damaged or lost in transit.
Keep essential documents separate and accessible
Store a folder with laminated or protected documents such as PCS orders, birth certificates, housing paperwork, and essential financial information. Keep this folder within arm’s reach during the move.
Declutter before you pack
Moving to a new zip code is the perfect time to simplify. If you haven’t used an item in over a year, consider donating, recycling, or tossing it. Ask yourself: Is this really worth bringing to the next place?
Schedule a professional “move-in” clean
Hire a cleaning service to deep clean your new home before you arrive. This helps you start fresh and makes it easier to jump straight into unpacking.
Scout out nearby essentials in your new home.
Make a list of local hospitals, emergency vet clinics, pharmacies, and grocery stores near your new home. Having this information on hand can save time and stress if an unexpected issue arises.
Plan meals for the first week
Consider signing up for a meal kit service or scheduling a grocery delivery to your new home for your first few days. It’s a convenient way to settle into a new home and save money on takeout, especially when your kitchen isn’t fully unpacked yet.
Pack a “first night” essentials kit
Set aside a bag or box with everything you’ll need for the first 48 hours: toiletries, towels, pajamas, chargers, snacks, pet supplies, medications, and a change of clothes. It saves you from digging through boxes late at night.
Preparing for a PCS Move
Relocating for a PCS can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it becomes more manageable (and even a little exciting). With a solid plan in place, your PCS can be the beginning of your next great adventure.