The Ultimate Guide for Military Personnel: Relocation Tips, PCS Advice, and Resources

Relocating as a military service member or veteran can be one of the most daunting aspects of your career. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned PCS (Permanent Change of Station) veteran, every move presents unique challenges. Fortunately, your next move can be much smoother with proper planning and some key resources. Here’s your ultimate guide to military relocation, offering helpful tips, tricks, and resources to make your transition easier.

1. Understanding PCS Orders and What to Expect

When you receive your PCS notification, you must understand the specifics of your orders. These orders, which dictate your moving time and location, usually come with a wealth of paperwork. Understanding these details will empower you and your family during this transition.

What to Do:

• Review Your Orders:

Ensure you understand the dates and locations. Pay attention to specific instructions related to housing, moving expenses, and family support.

• Clarify Your Entitlements:

You may be entitled to specific allowances, such as relocation, dependent allowances, and moving expenses. Could you check with your personnel office to confirm these?

2. Organizing Your Move: What to Pack and When

A PCS move involves packing everything from home and office to vehicles and pets. With the right planning, you can ensure that everything is packed and ready to go in an organized manner.

What to Do:

• Make a Checklist:

You can start by creating a checklist for packing, selling, donating, or storing.

• Schedule Moving Assistance:

Use the military’s official moving service or hire a company approved by the military. If it’s an authorized move, the government will cover the moving costs.

• Vehicle Shipping:

If you need to ship your car, consider military-approved shipping services to avoid unexpected costs.

3. Housing: Finding Your New Home

When you arrive at your new station, the next big task is finding a home for you and your family. Whether you’re renting or buying, there are several things to consider.

What to Do:

• Temporary Housing:

Upon arrival, you may need temporary housing until you find a permanent residence. Look into Military Family Housing (MFH) or use temporary lodging (like hotels or Airbnb).

• Use Housing Resources:

Military bases often provide helpful resources for locating off-base housing. Many bases also offer on-base housing, but the waitlist can be long. Don’t forget to reach out to military housing offices for up-to-date listings.

• Use Real Estate Agents:

Some service members find it helpful to connect with real estate agents who specialize in working with military families. They can help you find homes that fit your budget and needs.

4. The Financial Side of PCS

PCS moves can be costly, but numerous allowances and financial benefits are available. Understanding your financial situation is key to reducing stress during the move.

What to Do:

• Military Relocation Allowances:

The military will cover most moving-related expenses, but it is important to know what is covered and what isn’t. This includes moving household goods, storage, travel, and meals.

• Tax Deductions:

Depending on your specific situation, you may be eligible for tax deductions related to your PCS. This could include moving expenses and home sale costs. Talk to a tax advisor for guidance.

• Bahrain & International Travel:

If you’re stationed abroad, ensure you know about per diem, overseas allowances, and how the military covers international travel expenses.

5. Managing Your Family’s Transition

If you have a family, the transition process can be more complex. It is crucial to help them settle into a new city, school, and routine.

What to Do:

• School Search:

Check the schools available near your new home. The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) offers schools on military installations, but you may need to consider local public or private schools if you’re living off-base.

• Healthcare:

Relocating means you will need to update your medical coverage. Transfer your TRICARE plan and set up appointments with a new doctor.

• Community Resources:

Many military bases have family support centers, which can help with everything from finding local services to connecting with other military families.

6. Settling into Your New Base or Community

Once you’ve arrived and are starting to settle in, you should focus on integrating into your new environment.

What to Do:

• Explore Your Base:

Your base will have various services and amenities, such as gyms, recreational facilities, and military stores. Take the time to explore what’s available to you.

• Connect with Other Families:

Don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with other military families. Many installations host meet-ups or social events for newcomers.

• Get Involved:

Many service members find it helpful to join local organizations or groups, such as the local American Legion or military spouses’ associations, to build a network and get more involved in their new community.

7. Useful Military Resources for Relocation

• MyArmyBenefits: A one-stop website that helps you navigate financial benefits, allowances, and services for military families.

• Military OneSource: A free resource that assists with finances, child care, and relocation.

• Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO): This resource provides information on moving, travel, and associated allowances.

• Service-Specific Housing Offices: Most military branches have housing assistance programs offering great tools for finding homes.

• PCS with Pets: Check out relocation resources specifically for pets, as military families can often have special allowances for moving animals.

Final Thoughts

PCS moves can be stressful, but with the right planning and resources, you can successfully transition to your new duty station. Take advantage of all the tools and resources available to military families, and remember, you’re not alone—there’s a whole community out there ready to support you!

Contact a real estate agent familiar with military relocations for personalized assistance finding your next home during a PCS move. They can make this process easier for you and your family.

Best of luck with your move, and thank you for your service!

My Personal Experience with Relocation and PCS Moves

As a combat veteran with 16 years of service in the United States Army, I’ve had my fair share of relocations. Throughout my career, I’ve relocated to over five different duty stations and completed three deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation New Dawn (OND) campaigns. Each move brought challenges but gave me invaluable insights into the unique struggles and experiences that military families face during a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) relocation.

During my time in the U.S. Army, I spent over 4 years living in Europe, stationed in Germany, and traveled to many other European countries. My time abroad wasn’t just about duty but also about immersing myself in different cultures, adapting to new environments, and understanding various cultural norms. Through my travels, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing firsthand how diverse societies operate, learning to communicate and connect with people from all walks of life.

This cross-cultural knowledge has given me a unique perspective on navigating international transitions and challenges. I bring this perspective into my work as a real estate professional, particularly when working with clients from diverse backgrounds or those relocating internationally. My global experience allows me to approach every move with a deeper understanding of the cultural nuances and considerations that go into relocation, making me a trusted resource for anyone navigating cross-cultural challenges in their personal or professional life.

Having lived and worked in diverse environments, I know firsthand the complexities of managing a family during a military move—finding housing, settling into a new community, and adjusting to life at a new base. These experiences have equipped me with the knowledge and empathy to guide other service members through their PCS journey, ensuring their transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

I'll use my experience to help you with your next move. Whether it’s navigating housing options, understanding allowances, or simply providing guidance on what to expect, I’m here to help.