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Moving comes with military life. Every few years, Steven and I pack up and start over. Sometimes it’s 3,000 miles away; sometimes it’s just the next state. But the challenge stays the same. We move the furniture and all our memories to a place we barely know.
The manual calls it a “Permanent Change of Station,” but nothing about it feels permanent. After many moves, I’ve learned that no two are ever the same. Still, a few key steps can make it easier. This guide shares practical tips, real stories, and trusted resources to help make your next PCS a little less stressful—and maybe even a little more meaningful.
Table of Contents
- Before the Move: Preparation is Key
- During the Move: What You Need to Know
- Handling Housing: On and Off Base Tips
- After the Move: Settling In Smoothly
- Like it? Pin it!
- Final Thoughts
Before the Move: Preparation is Key
A PCS starts long before the movers show up. As soon as we get orders, preparation begins. I’ve learned that breaking the process into small, manageable steps helps.
First, I gather all the paperwork—orders, family documents, and transportation forms. Then I research housing, schools, and medical care at the new duty station. The sooner you start, the smoother it goes. Because with PCS moves, early effort always pays off later.
During the Move: What You Need to Know
Moving day can feel like controlled chaos. I’ve found that staying organized is the best defense. Keep your orders, IDs, and essentials close—especially if you’re flying overseas.
Military moves follow strict rules for reimbursement and logistics. Always check in with the Transportation Management Office (TMO), confirm your weight limits, and double-check that everyone is correctly listed on the paperwork. A single typo can delay everything. Experience has taught me that PCS paperwork loves to test your patience—so stay calm and triple-check.
Handling Housing: On and Off Base Tips
Finding the right place to live is one of the biggest decisions during a PCS. Start by registering with the Automated Housing Referral Network (AHRN.com), a Department of Defense resource that helps you find both on-base and off-base options.
If you are moving abroad, your first stop should be the local Housing Office. They maintain an updated list of approved real estate agencies that understand the rules, contracts, and expectations for military families. These agencies can guide you through the local housing market, translate lease agreements, and make sure the property meets base safety and inspection standards.
It also helps to use a mix of local and online rental platforms. Sites like Homes.mil, MilitaryByOwner.com, and non-military services such as Zillow.com, Realtor.com, and Apartments.com provide searchable listings near U.S. installations worldwide. You can compare prices, photos, and commute times before you even arrive. Pairing these online searches with in-person visits through the Housing Office gives you a realistic sense of what’s available and what fits your needs.
Don’t forget to connect with your sponsor—a fellow service member and spouse who volunteer to help guide you through your new assignment. They can share first-hand advice, point you toward trustworthy landlords, and even warn you about neighborhoods that look great online but aren’t as convenient or safe in person.
After the Move: Settling In Smoothly
Once you arrive, the first priority is finding permanent quarters. Whether you’re considering on-base or off-base housing, start your search early. Take time to visit potential homes, ask about local amenities, and make sure the space meets your needs.
During delivery, remember that the moving company is under contract to set up your furniture, unpack all the boxes, and take all the packing materials and trash with them. This helps me get settled quickly.
PCS moves can feel chaotic, but organizing your new life early—setting up utilities, registering for local services, and creating a comfortable space—helps everything fall into place more smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Our first PCS move was back in 1995. We moved into our first house after getting married in Colorado Springs. It was the first time we saw how his stuff looked next to my stuff. Trust that when I say we had completely different styles, I really mean it. My hubby had the ugliest black panther-on-glass side tables I’ve ever seen. But I packed them up to our next duty station in Georgia without hesitation. Imagine my surprise when one arrived broken, and sadly, we had to put it in the trash. But for three years, I dusted it, trying not to think about how ugly it was.
Three years passed, and it was time to pack up and PCS to Colorado again. Surprise, surprise—the other panther paw was severed. I had to feign disappointment while my insides were doing cartwheels.
A PCS in the military is like an adventure you didn’t sign up for. Each time, you’re saying goodbye to one chapter and diving headfirst into another, packing up not just boxes but pieces of your life. With each move, we’d watch our mix of furniture get battered by the journey, like that panther table that somehow made it through multiple moves (even when I secretly wished it wouldn’t).
Each PCS brings its own surprises—broken furniture, lost items, and sometimes, unexpected laughs. It teaches you to be flexible, to let go, and to adapt to new spaces with what you have (and what’s left standing). That black panther? It might have been ugly, but it survived right along with us, reminding me that no PCS is complete without a little chaos—and a lot of resilience.
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I love sharing my travel stories, lessons from life abroad, and tips for curious travelers. If my work has inspired you or made you smile, please buy me a coffee.
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