Navigating Relocation and PCS Moves: Tips for Military Families

For military families, the only constant is change. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders arrive with clockwork regularity, setting in motion a complex choreography of logistics, housing decisions, and family adjustments. With over 400,000 service members relocating annually, PCS moves represent both a significant challenge and an opportunity to explore new communities across America and beyond. As someone who has guided countless military families through this process, I’ve compiled essential strategies to transform this potentially stressful transition into a successful new chapter. To find more, check on www.heroSOLD.com

Planning Your Timeline: The 120-Day Countdown

A successful PCS begins long before the moving trucks arrive. Ideally, families should activate their relocation plan as soon as orders are received, typically following this timeline:

120 Days Out:

• Schedule a meeting with your base’s relocation assistance office
• Research BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) rates for your destination
• Begin investigating schools, neighborhoods, and housing markets
• Consider whether to live on-base or off-base at your destination

90 Days Out:

• Contact the Transportation Office to schedule your move
• Decide between a government-arranged move or DITY (Do-It-Yourself)/PPM (Personally Procured Move)
• Begin gathering important documents (medical records, school transcripts, pet vaccination records)
• Connect with a military-friendly real estate agent at your destination

60 Days Out:

• Make housing decisions—whether to rent, buy, or use military housing
• Schedule property viewings (virtual or in-person during house-hunting leave)
• Begin decluttering and downsizing
• For homeowners, decide whether to sell or rent your current property

30 Days Out:

• Confirm moving details with transportation office
• Update your address with USPS, financial institutions, and subscription services
• Schedule final property walk-throughs
• Create an “essentials” box that travels with you rather than with movers

Understanding Your Housing Options

The rent-vs-buy decision becomes particularly complex for military families. Consider these factors when weighing your options:

On-Base Housing:

• Simplifies BAH management (typically directly applied to housing)
• Offers built-in community with fellow military families
• Provides proximity to base facilities and services
• Often includes utilities and maintenance
• May have waitlists at popular installations

Renting Off-Base:

• Offers flexibility for short assignments (less than three years)
• Reduces maintenance responsibilities
• Eliminates concerns about selling during future relocations
• May provide more housing options than are available on-base

Buying at Your New Station:

• Builds equity with each mortgage payment
• Offers potential rental income for future PCS moves
• Provides tax advantages through deductions
• Can be financially advantageous for 3+ year assignments
• VA loans allow for $0 down with no PMI

Leveraging Military-Specific Benefits

Military families have access to specialized relocation benefits that can significantly reduce financial strain:

Military Installation Housing Office: Beyond just on-base housing information, these offices often maintain lists of military-friendly landlords, short-term housing options, and rental scam warnings specific to the area.

Military OneSource: This comprehensive resource offers free relocation assistance including personalized planning services, financial counseling, and even specialized support for exceptional family members.

Dislocation Allowance (DLA): This often-overlooked benefit provides funds to cover miscellaneous moving expenses. Rates vary by rank and dependency status, but can provide substantial assistance.

Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE): This allowance helps cover lodging and meal costs for up to 10 days when moving within the continental United States.

House-Hunting TDY: In some circumstances, the military provides Temporary Duty orders specifically for finding housing at your new location before your permanent move.

School Transition Strategies

For families with children, educational continuity represents one of the most significant relocation challenges:

Interstate Compact: The Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) establishes consistent policies across states regarding enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility, and graduation for military children.

School Liaison Officers: These specialists at military installations serve as dedicated resources to help families navigate local education options and address transition challenges.

Records Management: Maintain a binder with original transcripts, test scores, IEP/504 plans, and work samples to facilitate smoother school transitions. Digital backups provide additional security.

Financial Considerations

Smart financial management can transform a PCS from a financial burden to a strategic opportunity:

PCS Advance Pay: Service members can request advance pay of up to three months to cover relocation expenses, repaid through future paychecks.

VA Loan Considerations: For homeowners, understand that while VA loan benefits can be restored after selling a property, maintaining two VA loans simultaneously is possible when staying within entitlement limits.

Tax Implications: Track unreimbursed moving expenses—while the 2017 tax law changes eliminated many moving deductions for civilians, active duty military members relocating under orders can still deduct qualifying expenses.

The Emotional Aspect of Military Moves

Beyond logistics and finances, successful relocations require emotional preparation:

Family Communication: Include children in age-appropriate discussions about the move, highlighting exciting aspects of the new location while acknowledging natural feelings of loss.

Community Building: Utilize social media groups for your new duty station to begin forming connections before arrival. Many installations have spouse groups, unit support networks, and neighborhood communities online.

Continuity Planning: Identify ways to maintain important routines and traditions during transition to provide stability, especially for younger family members.

Military relocations bring unique challenges, but with proper planning, understanding of benefits, and community support, they also offer rich opportunities for growth and adventure. By approaching your PCS strategically, you transform what could be a stressful upheaval into another successful mission accomplished.