The Insider Guide to Surviving Military PCS Moves
The manual calls it a “Permanent Change of Station” or PCS moves. And it is definitely a change. But it’s anything but permanent. However, military moves are common drills in this life. We generally pick up and move every 3 years. After we receive a new assignment, we pack all our belongings– kids, furniture, and lives. Sometimes we move 3,000 miles away. And sometimes it’s into to new state. Either way, there are resources, procedures, and helpful tips to help with all the above.
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PCS or Permanent Change of Station
Military Moves
Almost immediately, you begin the search for permanent quarters. Not much has changed in that process over the years, except that you can use the Internet to learn what’s available before you arrive at your new duty station. However, a military family moving across the country (or world) is a much different process than a civilian family doing the same thing. To receive reimbursement, follow the rules, adhere to protocols, and uphold family cohesiveness.
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What are PCS Moves?
Military Moves
A PCS, also known as a permanent change of station order, assigns a military member to a new living location. When a military family receives their PCS orders, the first step is to contact the Transportation Management Office (TMO) to learn all the logistics for moves. Make sure every family member’s name is on the orders.
Ask Yourself a Few Questions
- Do you want to live on post or in a particular neighborhood? An apartment or single-family home?
- Are you looking for a garage, large backyard, close to the highway, or would you prefer
a short commute to work? - And most importantly, how much can you afford to pay? Rental prices are based loosely on BAH (basic allowance for housing) or OHA (overseas housing allowance). Do your homework. Knowing the answer to these preliminary questions will help speed up your search.
Getting a Sponsor
A sponsor is someone who is already located where you are going. With any luck, you’ll be assigned to housing prior to your arrival. You can also designate someone you already know. Your sponsor will help get you situated in your new assignment. You should be able to answer basic questions for the family before and after you arrive. Getting a good sponsor can make or break your acclimation to your new duty station.
What Stays and What Goes
Check with your sponsor to see which items and appliances you should bring or leave behind in storage. The government will pay for the storage of most items. You may want to ask if you have things like refrigerators, RVs, or multiple vehicles.
If you are moving overseas, the appliance and electronics may just take up space. Consider leaving them unless they are dual voltage.
Relocation & Reimbursements
Military families receive help from the government for most of our move. We need to attend a PCS Briefing before moves to find out our entitlements. Furthermore, military families could receive a travel card. It keeps us from having to pay for the high cost of moving out of pocket. And some costs may also be tax-deductible.
Reimbursement depends on many factors. Distance, weight, and rank are just a few of the things the government considers. They also provide transportation from one duty station to the next. They may issue tickets to fly or take a train or pay for a privately owned vehicle to make the move. Military families are also entitled to a daily per diem, which allows for meals and lodging for a certain time frame.
Military Housing Resources
Automated Housing Referral Network (AHRN.com) is an Internet resource sponsored by the Department of Defense and designed to assist Military Members and their families in securing available housing at your new assignment.
As a Military Member or DoD Civilian, once you have registered you can search for on-base housing, off-base rentals, military roommates, temporary lodging, and Military For Sale By Owner listings. Listings often include photos, maps, school information, and local housing office contacts.
Housing Referral Office
Since it’s mandatory for all reporting personnel to in-process through housing, all roads lead to the Housing Referral Office on the post. According to the Housing Office in Vogelweh, Germany if you want to live in government quarters, submit an advance application through your Housing Office along with your PCS orders. Your name will be placed on the Waiting List effective the day you clear your previous duty station.
Once you in process and quarters are available, request the keys and go take a look at the vacancies. If one meets your needs, your quest is over. Schedule a date and time for your inspection and receipt of the keys. However, if you are looking for off-post housing, request the listing of all the pre-approved, pre-inspected properties available for rent. Housing can help you make an appointment, give you a loaner GPS, and even provide transportation if necessary.
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Flexibility is Key
Be aware that you may be unable to find accommodations that meet every item on your checklist. Resist the urge to sign a contract based on aesthetics, price, or location alone. Make sure you can live there, comfortably, for the length of the contract, which is usually one to two years. Due diligence is recommended if you enlist the assistance of a realtor. They can be expensive; charging a hefty fee that may be equivalent to one month’s rent.If you’re responding to listings in the local paper, be sure to inquire about the presence of a realtor’s fee.
Be sure to inquire about Internet and satellite access, painting, the closest grocery stores, and shopping centers, lawn care, and snow removal. Take a tape measure with you to make sure your larger furniture will fit through doorways and staircases. Trust me; this has been an issue for many people. Moreover, ask about the type of heating system in use (gas, oil, or electric). If the house uses oil heating, are you or the landlord responsible for refilling the tank?
Moving In
Once you are satisfied you’ve found your new home, coordinate with housing on the move-in date, sign the lease, and remit the down payment. All service members are entitled to a 100 percent advance of required up-front rent payments and security deposits. Service members must pay back the advanced rent in 12 monthly payments. They may request to have repayment of the security deposits over $500 suspended until the termination of the rental contract.
Upon termination, the member is required to repay the full amount of the security advance.
For contact numbers, info about PCS moves, housing procedures, relocation assistance, installation floor plans, BAH/ OHA charts, utility estimations, and much more, visit the following websites: Army One Source at My Army One Source Navy Housing at Navy Housing.
