Relocation & PCS Moves
Your First PCS: A Step-by-Step Checklist
A calm, ordered checklist for your first military move — orders, household goods, housing, schools, and the deadlines that actually matter.
- Start the moment you have orders: set up your move in DPS and decide PPM vs. government move early.
- Housing, school enrollment and finding new doctors are the long-lead items — start them before you arrive.
- Build a 'first 72 hours' box: documents, meds, chargers, a few days of clothes.
- Our Plan My Move tool turns all of this into one timeline tailored to your family and date.
The free official program
Plan My Move / MilitaryINSTALLATIONS (official, free) — Move scheduling/tracking is via DPS at move.mil; installation info is free through the official program. Call 833-645-6683.
Frequently asked
When should I start planning a PCS?
The day you receive orders. Booking your move, deciding PPM vs. government move, and starting housing/school searches early are what prevent the last-minute scramble.
Tools that help
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