A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) can reshape the daily rhythm of a Military family’s life. New routines, new schools, new communities and new responsibilities often arrive all at once.
Newrez is proud to offer specialized service to Military and Veteran borrowers looking to reach their homeownership goals. We are providing this supportive step-by-step PCS guide to help Military families stay organized from the moment orders arrive to the day they settle in.
What Is a PCS Move? (CONUS and OCONUS Explained)
A PCS is a long-term relocation to a new duty station that typically lasts several years. Your move will fall into one of two categories: CONUS (within the contiguous U.S.) or OCONUS (outside the contiguous U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii or overseas).
Your PCS orders will authorize entitlements, outline your duty location, and confirm eligibility for services such as household goods transportation, travel allowances and relocation programs. You cannot schedule or ship household goods until you have your official orders in hand.
Your PCS Timeline and Checklist
Before the Move
- Review orders and confirm reporting dates
- Contact your installation Relocation Assistance Program
- Log into DPS (Defense Personal Property System) to schedule shipments
- Request your unit-assigned sponsor
- Gather school, medical and financial documents
- Begin home inventory, downsizing and donation plans
- Research base services through MilitaryINSTALLATIONS
- Build your PCS budget and track reimbursable expenses
- For OCONUS: confirm passports, pet requirements and screenings early
During the Move
- Conduct a walkthrough with movers
- Photograph valuables and note any serial numbers
- Carry critical documents close to you (don’t pack them away)
- Keep children’s essential items accessible for the journey
- Track shipments through DPS and maintain copies of all forms
After Arrival
- Check in with your command
- Work with your sponsor for installation orientation
- File any moving claims promptly
- Register children for school and youth programs
- Meet with relocation, housing and spouse employment support offices
- Explore base and local community services to settle in faster
Relocation Assistance Programs Every PCS Family Should Use
The Military OneSource website provides several resources for Military families to help them stay organized and get them hooked in with the local community once they arrive.
Links to resources here:
Relocation Assistance Program
MilitaryINSTALLATIONS
Plan My Move
Military Sponsorship
Exceptional Family Member Program
Using these early could help reduce surprises and strengthen your planning.
Personally Procured Move (PPM) vs. Military-Coordinated HHG Move
When Military families receive orders to relocate, they typically have two main options for moving their household goods:
- Military-coordinated Household Goods (HHG) move: The Military takes the lead by hiring professional movers to pack, transport and deliver your belongings. This option is ideal for families who prefer a more hands-off approach and want to minimize the stress of coordinating logistics themselves.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM): Sometimes called a "do-it-yourself" move, a PPM puts the servicemember in charge of planning and executing the move. This includes packing, transporting and unloading their own items, often using rental trucks or shipping containers. While this route involves more effort and responsibility, it could offer greater flexibility in terms of timing and control over how belongings are handled. Additionally, if the total cost of the move comes in under the government’s reimbursement cap, the servicemember may pocket the difference, making it a potentially cost-effective option for those willing to take on the extra work.
Essential PCS Documents to Hand-Carry
Certain documents you may want to have easily accessible, rather than packed away where you can’t find them quickly:
- Orders and amendments
- Passports, birth certificates and Social Security cards
- Medical, dental and vaccination records
- PCS budget and receipts
- Marriage or adoption records
- School documents
- Pet shot records and travel documents
- Inventory lists and shipment numbers
We Wish You Luck with Your Move!
A PCS move can sometimes be overwhelming, but there are several extremely helpful services designed to help Military individuals and families navigate the change. We hope you’re able to settle in smoothly and connect with your local community.
Searching for a lender who knows the ins and outs of VA loans? Newrez mortgage experts are more than happy to help our Military and Veteran borrowers. Reach out today.