Permanent Change of Station (PCS) season is ramping up, which means hundreds of thousands of military families will be packing up and moving to new duty stations. As an experienced real estate agent who assists military members with relocating, I want to provide some guidance to smooth your PCS move. Here are my top tips for military families navigating their next change of duty station:
Start planning early – As soon as you receive PCS orders, kickoff the moving process. Have housing lined up at your new duty station at least 30-60 days prior to your report date. This gives you time to prepare and avoids last minute stresses. A realtor that can provide video showings for you can be a game changer! ( I know a gal!)
Research your new location – Get to know the layout, school districts, commute times to base, cost of living. This helps you find the right home to meet your needs. Reach out to local military spouse groups to get insights.
Get your paperwork in order – Update important documents like power of attorney, wills, passports. Gather previous tax returns, medical/dental records, school transcripts, etc. Have all the needed documents ready for your VA lender. This makes transitions much easier.
Consider on-base housing – If available, on-base housing has perks like no security deposit and shorter commutes. But act fast, as waitlists can be long. I can check availability and submit applications for you.
Schedule movers early – Reputable moving companies book up quickly during peak PCS season. I have trusted movers I can recommend to handle your household goods. If the military is taking care of your move, check and double check on your move date and plan. Make sure all the right boxes are checked, or you could be in for a bumpy ride!
Organize personal items – Decide what’s going with you, being sold/donated, or stored. This cuts down on moving costs and clutter in your new home.
Change your address – Notify your banks, credit cards, magazines, etc. of your new address so nothing gets lost.
Backup important documents – Make copies of medical records, school transcripts, insurance policies. Digital copies are easiest when moving.
Clean and declutter – Purge items you no longer need and deep clean your old place. This makes packing easier and your new home move-in ready.
Use military discounts – Many businesses offer military members special discounts that add up on moving costs. Don’t be shy about asking!
Schedule final inspections – Coordinate turn-in inspections for housing and HHGs ahead of time to avoid delays or fees.
Pack an arrival box – Essentials like clothes, toiletries, dishes, etc. that can tide you over until the movers arrive.
Change duty stations on social media – Update your location on Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. Makes it easier to connect with new military neighbors.
With some advance planning and the right support team, PCS moves can be exciting adventures rather than headaches! I’m herPermanent Change of Station (PCS) season is ramping up, which means hundreds of thousands of military families will be packing up and moving to new duty stations. As an experienced real estate agent who assists military members with relocating, I want to provide some guidance to smooth your PCS move. Here are my top tips for military families navigating their next change of duty station:
Start planning early – As soon as you receive PCS orders, kickoff the moving process. Have housing lined up at your new duty station at least 30-60 days prior to your report date. This gives you time to prepare and avoids last minute stresses. A realtor that can provide video showings for you can be a game changer! ( I know a gal!)
Research your new location – Get to know the layout, school districts, commute times to base, cost of living. This helps you find the right home to meet your needs. Reach out to local military spouse groups to get insights.
Get your paperwork in order – Update important documents like power of attorney, wills, passports. Gather previous tax returns, medical/dental records, school transcripts, etc. Have all the needed documents ready for your VA lender. This makes transitions much easier.
Consider on-base housing – If available, on-base housing has perks like no security deposit and shorter commutes. But act fast, as waitlists can be long. I can check availability and submit applications for you.
Schedule movers early – Reputable moving companies book up quickly during peak PCS season. I have trusted movers I can recommend to handle your household goods. If the military is taking care of your move, check and double check on your move date and plan. Make sure all the right boxes are checked, or you could be in for a bumpy ride!
Organize personal items – Decide what’s going with you, being sold/donated, or stored. This cuts down on moving costs and clutter in your new home.
Change your address – Notify your banks, credit cards, magazines, etc. of your new address so nothing gets lost.
Backup important documents – Make copies of medical records, school transcripts, insurance policies. Digital copies are easiest when moving.
Clean and declutter – Purge items you no longer need and deep clean your old place. This makes packing easier and your new home move-in ready.
Use military discounts – Many businesses offer military members special discounts that add up on moving costs. Don’t be shy about asking!
Schedule final inspections – Coordinate turn-in inspections for housing and HHGs ahead of time to avoid delays or fees.
Pack an arrival box – Essentials like clothes, toiletries, dishes, etc. that can tide you over until the movers arrive.
Change duty stations on social media – Update your location on Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. Makes it easier to connect with new military neighbors.
With some advance planning and the right support team, PCS moves can be exciting adventures rather than headaches! I’m here to help every step of the way. Wishing all military families smooth transitions ahead!e to help every step of the way. Wishing all military families smooth transitions ahead!
