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PCS Moving

You Got PCS Orders. Now What? The Military Move Checklist Nobody Gives You

USUSMilitaryMoves Team
Updated September 16, 202610 min read
Sailors carry a box of household goods during a move, used as the share image for the PCS move checklist.

Orders in hand start the clock. This is the practical PCS timeline from day one through delivery day: HHG, SCRA, TLE, pack-out, claims, and the housing decisions that blow up moves when you ignore them.

Key Takeaways

  • Treat orders as a countdown: HHG, housing, schools, and money share one calendar.
  • Book household goods through your Personal Property Office and DPS; HomeSafe is terminated.
  • File HHG damage claims within 75 days of delivery and photograph high-value items first.
  • SCRA can break a qualifying lease with proper written notice after orders.
  • CONUS TLE covers up to 21 days of lodging help normally, or up to 60 with a qualifying shipping-delay extension; keep receipts.

The Short Version

Treat a PCS like a countdown. Orders start the clock. Work household goods through your Personal Property Office and DPS, use SCRA if you need to break a lease, book TLE early, and protect claims with photos.

Sailors carry a box of household goods during a move
Orders start the clock. HHG, SCRA, TLE, and claims share one checklist.

DPS is the Defense Personal Property System. TLE is Temporary Lodging Expense. SCRA can end a residential lease early with proper notice on qualifying orders.

  • Immediate: Copy orders, housing waitlist, HHG request, landlord notice, gaining-area research.
  • 90 / 60 / 30 days: House-hunting, agent and VA pre-approval, school and medical records, pack-out date, utilities, first-night box.
  • Move and delivery: Stay with movers, keep critical documents with you, inspect on unload, file claims within 75 days.
  • Tool: Free PCS planner.

When Orders Drop: First 72 Hours

  • Make certified copies of orders (keep at least 10).
  • Contact gaining housing even if you think you will live off base.
  • Request HHG through your PPO and DPS. HomeSafe is over.
  • Notify your landlord in writing if you rent.
  • Start schools, neighborhoods, and cost of living research with the matching base guide and BAH calculator.

Service members load household goods onto a truck during a PCS
Photograph high-value items before pack-out and file claims within 75 days of delivery.
90 Days Out

  • Schedule a house-hunting trip if authorized.
  • Connect with a military-savvy agent if buying.
  • Get or update VA pre-approval. Read before you buy.
  • Contact EFMP if enrolled. See the EFMP guide.
  • Declutter. Weight limits are real and overages come out of pocket.
  • Check POV and pet rules for OCONUS or Hawaii moves.

60 and 30 Days Out

Book lodging (TLE up to 21 days CONUS). Coordinate school and medical records. Schedule pack-out. Inventory high-value items with photos. File change of address. Transfer utilities. Build the first-night box.

Spouses should run the spouse checklist in parallel. If the clock is already inside 60 days, use the 60-day playbook.

Pack-Out, Travel, Delivery

  • Be present with movers. Keep meds, orders, laptops, and car seats with you.
  • Photograph empty rooms. Keep travel receipts.
  • Inspect on delivery before you sign. File claims within 75 days.
  • Budget the cash gaps covered in PCS expenses nobody warns you about.

Confirm entitlements with transportation and finance before you spend. Assignment rules vary by service.

What to Do Next

  1. Open your DPS move request today if you have not already.
  2. Put 90 / 60 / 30 day tasks on one shared calendar.
  3. Decide buy, rent, or on base using this framework before you tour randomly.
  4. Photograph high-value items the week before pack-out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do the day PCS orders drop?
Make certified copies of orders, contact gaining housing, open a household-goods move in DPS through your Personal Property Office, notify your landlord in writing if you rent, and start school and neighborhood research at the gaining installation.
How much Temporary Lodging Expense do I get for a CONUS PCS?
CONUS-to-CONUS Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) normally covers up to 21 days of hotel and meals. A September 2026 JTR update allows up to 60 days when international shipping restrictions delay HHG and other conditions are met. Keep receipts. Book on-post guest lodging early.
Can SCRA break my lease when I PCS?
Yes. Valid PCS or deployment orders of 90 days or more let you terminate a residential lease with proper written notice. Give notice as soon as orders are in hand.
How long do I have to file a household-goods claim?
File damage or loss claims in DPS within 75 days of delivery for best results. Photograph high-value items before pack-out.
Is HomeSafe Alliance still handling PCS moves?
No. The Global Household Goods Contract with HomeSafe Alliance was terminated. Book through your installation Personal Property Office and DPS.

Ready to put this into action?

Connect with a verified military real estate agent at your gaining installation, or start planning your PCS with our free Mission Planner tool.

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