How does USMilitaryMoves work?

USMilitaryMoves connects military families with verified veteran and military-spouse real estate agents. Families browse agents for free, submit referrals, and get matched with agents who understand VA loans, BAH, and PCS timelines. The platform is completely free, no fees, no commissions, no catch.

Is USMilitaryMoves free for military families?

Yes, completely free for military families and for agents. There are no fees, no subscriptions, no commissions, and no obligations. This platform exists solely to serve the military community.

What is BAH and how is it calculated?

BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly tax-free housing stipend paid to service members who live off base. It is calculated based on three factors: your paygrade (rank), your duty station zip code, and whether you have dependents. BAH is set annually by the Department of Defense and is designed to cover median housing costs in each local market. Use the free BAH Calculator at usmilitarymoves.com/bah-calculator to look up rates by rank and installation.

What is a VA loan and can I use it more than once?

A VA loan is a mortgage benefit for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Key benefits include no down payment required, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), competitive interest rates, and no prepayment penalties. Yes, you can use your VA loan benefit multiple times as long as you have remaining entitlement or have paid off and restored a previous VA loan.

What is PCS and how long does a PCS move take to plan?

PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station, the military's process of ordering a service member to relocate to a new duty assignment. Ideally, PCS planning begins 6 months before your report date. Key milestones include receiving orders, submitting housing applications, completing a house-hunting trip, locking in housing, coordinating TMO or DITY move logistics, and in-processing at the gaining unit. Use the free PCS Mission Planner at usmilitarymoves.com/pcs-planner to generate a personalized T-minus timeline.

How do I find a military-friendly real estate agent at my new duty station?

Browse our verified agent directory at usmilitarymoves.com/agents. Every agent in the network has been identity-verified as a veteran or military spouse. You can filter by state, installation, branch of service, and VA loan experience. Each agent profile shows their military background, transaction history, and reviews from military families they have served.

What military installations have base guides on USMilitaryMoves?

USMilitaryMoves publishes comprehensive PCS guides for major military installations including Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg) NC, Camp Pendleton CA, Joint Base Lewis-McChord WA, Fort Campbell KY, Joint Base San Antonio TX, Naval Station Norfolk VA, Joint Base Charleston SC, Fort Carson CO, and MacDill AFB FL. Each guide covers neighborhoods, school ratings, BAH rates, housing intel, commute tips, and insider advice from military families. Find all base guides at usmilitarymoves.com/bases.

What is the difference between a DITY move and a government move (TMO)?

A government move (TMO or Transportation Management Office move) means the military contracts and pays movers to pack and transport your household goods. A DITY move (Do-It-Yourself, now called PPM, Personally Procured Move) means you move your own belongings and the military reimburses you based on the weight you move. A hybrid move combines both: the government ships large items and you move the rest for additional reimbursement. DITY moves can result in profit if you move efficiently, but require more planning and effort.

Can military families use their BAH to pay a mortgage?

Yes, many military families use their BAH allowance to cover their mortgage payment. With a VA loan, you can purchase a home with zero down payment and no PMI, which often results in a monthly payment comparable to or lower than local rents. A verified military real estate agent can help you determine whether your BAH will cover a mortgage payment in your new duty station market.

Who can submit a referral on USMilitaryMoves?

Anyone can submit a referral on USMilitaryMoves, no real estate license required. Military family members, command spouse leaders, chaplains, VA loan officers, out-of-area agents, and community members are all eligible. It's free to submit and free for the family. Submit a referral at usmilitarymoves.com/refer.

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Military Transition Checklist

USMilitaryMoves.com — Your Military Life. Simplified.

Print this checklist or save as PDF. Check off each item as you complete it.

Transition Timeline

12 Months Out

Begin TAP (Transition Assistance Program) registrationRequest a copy of your service record and medical recordsStart documenting all service-connected conditions for VA claimResearch civilian career paths and required certificationsTransfer GI Bill to dependents if desired (must be done on active duty)Attend pre-separation counseling with your commandResearch state benefits at your planned landing locationConnect with a VSO (DAV, VFW, American Legion) for free claims help

6 Months Out

File VA disability claim through Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)Enroll in VA healthcare (VA Form 10-10EZ)Begin MyCAA scholarship application for eligible spousesGet VA loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE)Research housing near your landing zone, connect with an agentReview TSP options: roll over vs. keep in TSP accountBegin job search and resume developmentResearch GI Bill schools and vocational programs if applicable

3 Months Out

Complete TAP workshops and capstone eventConfirm TRICARE coverage dates and research CHCBP if neededUpdate DEERS and beneficiary designationsCoordinate household goods shipment and final PCS moveResearch school enrollment requirements at new location (MIC3)Schedule house-hunting trip and meet with your VA agentNotify current lenders, banks, and financial accounts of address changeBegin civilian employment applications or school enrollment process

Separation Day

Receive DD-214: verify every field before signingEnsure CHCBP enrollment submitted within 60 daysActivate VA healthcare and schedule first appointmentBegin civilian employment or GI Bill school enrollmentRegister vehicles and update driver license in new stateFile for state-level veteran property tax exemptionsUpdate voter registrationNotify Social Security Administration of address change

VA Benefits Checklist

Most of these have deadlines. Do not wait until after you separate.

File VA disability claim (BDD) up to 180 days before ETS↗ Learn moreEnroll in VA healthcare within 1 year of separation (Form 10-10EZ)↗ Learn moreApply for GI Bill education benefits (Chapter 33)↗ Learn moreCheck Chapter 31 VR&E eligibility if service-connected disabled↗ Learn moreObtain VA loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE)Transfer GI Bill to dependents while still on active duty↗ Learn moreResearch CRSC/CRDP if retiring with VA disability ratingRoll TSP into IRA or new employer plan (do not cash out)↗ Learn more

Family Benefits Checklist

Your spouse and dependents have their own benefits. Do not skip these.

Apply for MyCAA scholarship (eligible spouses E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, O-1 to O-2)Verify spouse professional license reciprocity in gaining stateEnroll in CHCBP within 60 days of separation (TRICARE continuation)Research SECO spouse career counseling servicesConfirm school enrollment rights under MIC3 compactUpdate all dependent records in DEERSPlan housing timeline around BAH terminal leave window

USMilitaryMoves.com — Free tools and resources for every military family

BAH Calculator · PCS Planner · Career Matcher · State Benefits · Find an Agent

Military Transition Checklist

Transition Timeline

VA Benefits Checklist

Family Benefits Checklist

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