PCS Move Checklist: 90 Days Before, 30 Days Before, Move Day

When Orders Drop: Immediate Actions

The moment official orders are in hand, the clock starts. Here's what to do in the first 48 to 72 hours:

• Make certified copies of your orders, you'll need at least 10
• Contact your gaining installation's housing office to get on the waiting list for on-post housing (even if you plan to live off-post)
• Request a household goods (HHG) move through your transportation office or DPS (Defense Personal Property System)
• Notify your current landlord in writing if you're renting, SCRA protections allow you to break a lease with 30 days' notice after orders are received
• Begin researching schools, neighborhoods, and cost of living at your gaining installation

90 Days Before Your Report Date

• Schedule a house-hunting trip (HHT) if your gaining command authorizes one
• Connect with a military-savvy real estate agent at your gaining installation
• Get pre-approved for your VA loan or update an existing pre-approval letter
• Research BAH rates for your new zip code and pay grade
• Contact EFMP coordinator at losing installation if you have a family member enrolled
• Begin decluttering, weight limits are real, and overages come out of your pocket
• Check your vehicle situation, OCONUS moves have specific SOFA and POV shipment rules
• Research pet import requirements if moving to Hawaii, Alaska, or overseas
• Update life insurance, Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI), and beneficiary designations

60 Days Before Your Report Date

• Book temporary lodging at your gaining installation (on-post guest lodging fills up fast)
• Coordinate school enrollment records, IEPs, 504 plans, and medical records for your children
• Schedule pack-out date with your moving company through DPS
• Start a high-value items inventory with photos and receipts for insurance purposes
• Notify DEERS of any upcoming address change
• Request official records: medical, dental, school transcripts, vet records for pets
• If you're selling your home, list it now, don't wait
• Contact your financial institution about out-of-state/OCONUS banking access

30 Days Before Your Report Date

• Confirm pack-out and pickup dates with your moving company
• File a change of address with USPS, and update addresses with banks, subscriptions, TRICARE, VA, and the IRS
• Transfer or cancel utilities at your current address
• Set up utilities at your new address if you've already secured housing
• Refill prescriptions (get 90-day supply if possible before losing your current PCM)
• Prepare a "first night" box: bedding, towels, toiletries, coffee maker, phone chargers, kids' comfort items
• Confirm vehicle shipping arrangements if applicable (POV shipment timing matters)
• Say your goodbyes, this part matters for military kids especially

Pack-Out Week

• Be present the entire time movers are in your home
• Document any existing damage to furniture before movers touch it
• Do not let movers pack items you need to keep with you (medications, important documents, car seats)
• Keep your orders, laptop, and critical documents in your personal vehicle or carry-on
• Do a room-by-room walkthrough before the truck leaves
• Get a copy of the inventory list (DD Form 1299) and review it carefully

Move Day / En Route

• Do a final walkthrough of your home, check every cabinet, closet, attic, and garage
• Take timestamped photos of every room after it's empty
• Return keys, base stickers, and any passes or credentials tied to your old installation
• Keep travel receipts, you may be reimbursed for lodging, mileage, and per diem en route
• Check in with your gaining unit's sponsor if you have one assigned

Delivery Day at Your New Home

• Inspect every item as movers unload, do not sign the delivery receipt before checking for damage
• Note any damage or missing items on the paperwork before the movers leave
• File a claim within 75 days of delivery for best results (up to 9 months for certain items)
• Update your new address with all the entities you notified before the move
• Get your kids into their new schools, consistency matters for military children
• Find your new PCM and schedule any pending medical appointments through TRICARE

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.