Complete Military PCS Checklist: 180-Day POAM Timeline for Your 2025 Move

A military PCS (Permanent Change of Station) move is often described as one of the most stressful events in a service member's career, but with a solid plan, it can be managed effectively. This comprehensive Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM) checklist is designed to help you navigate your upcoming PCS, no matter your current living situation or your plans for your next duty station.

Important Note: This POAM begins approximately 180 days out from your anticipated PCS notification or desired move date. Adjust timelines based on your specific orders and circumstances. Always prioritize official guidance from your Transportation Office (TMO) / Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) and Housing Office.

Why You Need a PCS POAM (Plan of Action & Milestones)

Disclaimer: This is a general guide. Your specific circumstances, service branch regulations, and location-specific procedures may vary. Always verify information with official military resources.

180+ Days Before PCS: Initial Planning Phase

Universal Tasks:

• Discuss PCS Expectations: Talk with your spouse/family about potential next duty stations, career goals, and desired living situations (e.g., base housing, renting, buying).

• Research Potential Duty Stations: Explore base amenities, local schools, job markets (for spouse), and general cost of living.

• Review Entitlements: Familiarize yourself with your PCS entitlements (TLA, DLA, weight allowances, Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE), etc.) on sites like MilitaryOneSource or your branch's official PCS guides.

• Start a PCS Binder/Digital Folder: Begin collecting all PCS-related documents, contacts, and notes.

IF HOMEOWNER at Origin:

• Assess Home Value: Research local market trends and get a preliminary idea of your home's worth.

• Consider Selling vs. Renting: Evaluate the pros and cons of selling your home now vs. renting it out (e.g., market conditions, desire to be a landlord, future plans).

• Research Real Estate Agents: Look for military-friendly realtors or those with a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification.

IF RENTER at Origin:

• Review Lease Agreement: Understand your lease terms, notice requirements for moving out, and any early termination clauses/penalties.

IF LIVING IN BASE HOUSING at Origin:

• Review Base Housing Policies: Understand move-out procedures, cleaning requirements, and notice periods.

120-150 Days Out: Orders Received Checklist

Universal Tasks:

• Official Orders in Hand: Review them carefully for accuracy (dates, duty station, dependents).

• Notify Command: Inform your chain of command of your official PCS dates.

• Attend PCS Briefings: Schedule and attend required TMO/PPSO and finance briefings. These are CRITICAL.

• Create a PCS Budget: Factor in unexpected costs, temporary lodging, food during transit, etc.

• Start a "Move File" for Important Documents: Begin gathering birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports, medical records, school records, car titles, etc. (Keep these with you, NOT with movers).

• Contact TMO/PPSO: Schedule your initial counseling and discuss household goods (HHG) shipment options (full HHG, unaccompanied baggage, personally procured move/DITY). Get estimates for your weight allowance.

• Start Decluttering: Begin sorting through possessions. Decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard.

IF HOMEOWNER at Origin:

• Interview & Select Realtor: Choose a realtor and sign a listing agreement.

• Prepare Home for Sale: Address minor repairs, paint, and enhance curb appeal.

• Begin Staging & Deep Cleaning: Make your home ready for showings.

IF RENTER at Origin:

• Give Official Notice to Landlord: Provide written notice of your intent to vacate according to your lease terms.

• Review Move-Out Checklist: Understand landlord expectations for cleaning and condition to ensure full deposit return.

IF LIVING IN BASE HOUSING at Origin:

• Notify Base Housing Office: Inform them of your PCS and tentative move-out date.

• Schedule Pre-Inspection: Understand what will be checked and what repairs/cleaning are expected.

Destination Planning (Start Now):

IF MOVING INTO BASE HOUSING at Destination:

• Apply for Base Housing: Submit your application as early as possible. Inquire about waitlists and estimated move-in times.

• Research Base Housing Amenities/Rules: Understand pet policies, community features, etc.

IF RENTING at Destination:

• Research Rental Markets: Identify neighborhoods, average rental costs, and available properties.

• Understand Rental Requirements: Credit checks, income requirements, pet policies.

IF BUYING A HOME at Destination:

• Research Lenders (especially VA Loan Specialists): Get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage.

• Connect with a Realtor: Find a military-friendly realtor in the new location.

• Research Housing Market: Understand inventory, pricing, and specific area considerations.

60-90 Days Before PCS: Deep Dive into Logistics Planning

Universal Tasks:

• Medical & Dental Records: Obtain copies or arrange for transfer of all family medical, dental, and immunization records. Get new prescriptions if needed.

• School Enrollment: Research and begin the enrollment process for children at the new duty station. Request transcripts if needed.

• Vehicle Shipping: If shipping a vehicle overseas, begin the process with POV shipping office.

• Pet Travel Plans: Research pet travel requirements (vaccinations, microchip, crates, airline rules, quarantine at destination). Book flights for pets if necessary.

• Financial Preparation: Notify banks/credit card companies of your upcoming move. Set up new bank accounts if moving to a different region or overseas.

• Update Addresses: Start a running list of companies/subscriptions that need your new address.

IF HOMEOWNER at Origin:

• Manage Showings: Work with your realtor to accommodate showings.

• Prepare for Inspection/Appraisal: Have any necessary documentation ready.

• Continue Decluttering/Packing Non-Essentials: Box up seasonal items, books, decor.

IF RENTER at Origin:

• Schedule Final Walk-Through: Arrange a date with your landlord.

• Begin Deep Cleaning: Tackle areas that accumulate grime over time.

IF LIVING IN BASE HOUSING at Origin:

• Final Pre-Inspection: If applicable, complete this. Address any findings.

• Begin Packing Non-Essentials: Focus on items you won't need until after the move.

Destination Planning:

• IF MOVING INTO BASE HOUSING at Destination:

  • Confirm Application Status: Follow up on your housing application.

  • Plan for Temporary Lodging: If housing isn't immediately available. Make reservations.

IF RENTING at Destination:

• Start Viewing Rentals: Conduct virtual tours or plan a house-hunting trip.

• Submit Applications: Be ready with necessary documents (LES, credit report, references).

• Secure Rental & Pay Deposit: Sign lease agreement.

IF BUYING A HOME at Destination:

• Begin House Hunting: Actively look for homes that meet your criteria.

• Make Offers: Work with your realtor to submit competitive offers.

• Schedule Home Inspection & Appraisal: Once under contract.

30-60 Days Out: The Final Countdown

Universal Tasks:

• Inventory & Label: Take detailed photos/videos of your HHG. Create an itemized inventory list.

• Arrange Specialty Item Moves: If you have pianos, safes, or other oversized/delicate items, coordinate with TMO.

• Change Addresses: Notify postal service, banks, credit cards, insurance, subscriptions, utilities.

• Pack a "First Day" Box: Essentials for immediate use at the new location (toiletries, medications, a few changes of clothes, sheets/towels).

• Pack a "Hand-Carry" Bag: All critical documents, valuables, electronics, essential medications, and items you can't live without.

• Schedule Utility Disconnect/Transfer: For your old home and new home.

IF HOMEOWNER at Origin:

• Negotiate Offers: Work with your realtor on offers and counter-offers.

• Prepare for Closing: Coordinate with title company/attorney.

• Finish Packing: Focus on items not needed for daily living.

IF RENTER at Origin:

• Deep Clean (Cont.): Aim for sparkling clean to maximize deposit return.

• Arrange for Utility Shut-Off: Schedule disconnects for the day after you vacate.

IF LIVING IN BASE HOUSING at Origin:

• Schedule Final Move-Out Inspection: Confirm date and time.

• Deep Clean: Prepare the home for the final inspection.

Destination Planning:

• IF MOVING INTO BASE HOUSING at Destination:

  • Confirm Move-In Date & Time: Finalize plans with the housing office.

  • Reserve Temporary Lodging: If you'll need it before move-in.

IF RENTING at Destination:

• Confirm Move-In Time: With landlord/property manager.

• Set Up Utilities: Gas, electricity, water, internet, cable for your new rental.

• Obtain Renter's Insurance: Highly recommended.

IF BUYING A HOME at Destination:

• Finalize Loan Processing: Work closely with your lender.

• Schedule Final Walk-Through: Before closing.

• Coordinate Closing: Confirm date, time, and location with realtor and title company/attorney.

• Set Up Utilities: For your new home.

14 Days Out: Pre-Move Hustle

Universal Tasks:

• Separate HHG: Clearly designate items for full HHG, unaccompanied baggage (express shipment), and items you're personally carrying.

• Confirm TMO Dates: Double-check pack-out and load-out dates/times.

• Prepare Appliances: Defrost freezer, clean oven, disconnect washer/dryer, drain hoses.

• Drain Fluids: From lawnmowers, grills, or other outdoor equipment.

• Childcare/Pet Care: Arrange for childcare and/or pet care on pack-out and load-out days.

• Set Up Mail Forwarding: With the USPS.

• Get Prescriptions Filled: Ensure you have enough medication to last until you establish care at the new location.

IF HOMEOWNER at Origin:

• Finalize Closing Details: Confirm funds needed, keys handover, etc.

IF RENTER at Origin:

• Gather Cleaning Supplies: For final clean after movers leave.

IF LIVING IN BASE HOUSING at Origin:

• Prepare for Final Inspection: One last pass on cleaning.

7 Days Out: Last Minute Checks

Universal Tasks:

• Pack Last-Minute Essentials: Medications, important documents, toiletries, a few changes of clothes, chargers, basic tools.

• Empty Trash Cans: And clean them thoroughly.

• Charge Electronics: Laptops, phones, tablets.

• Confirm Travel Arrangements: Flights, hotels, car rental.

• Notify Post Office: For final mail forwarding.

• Get Cash: For tips for movers (optional) or unexpected expenses.

IF HOMEOWNER/Renter/Base Housing:

• Final Utility Readings: Coordinate with providers for final readings on move-out day.

PCS Moving Day: Critical Tasks Checklist (Pack-Out & Load-Out)

Universal Tasks:

• Be Present & Engaged: You (or a designated adult representative) must be present for the entire pack-out and load-out.

• Supervise Movers: Ensure they pack fragile items correctly and don't pack anything you've marked as "Do Not Pack."

• Review Inventory: Carefully check off items on the inventory sheet as they are loaded. Note any pre-existing damage. Sign only when satisfied.

• Secure Important Documents/Valuables: Keep your "hand-carry" bag/box with you.

• Final Walk-Through: After movers leave, do a final sweep for anything left behind.

• Clean-Up: (If applicable) Perform final cleaning.

IF HOMEOWNER at Origin:

• Final Closing: Attend closing or arrange for power of attorney if already left. Hand over keys.

IF RENTER at Origin:

• Final Walk-Through with Landlord: Document condition, return keys.

IF LIVING IN BASE HOUSING at Origin:

• Final Inspection: With the housing office. Return keys.

Upon Arrival: New Duty Station Checklist

Universal Tasks:

• Report to Command: Check in as soon as possible.

• Check into Temporary Lodging: If you haven't secured permanent housing yet.

• Initiate HHG Delivery: Contact your assigned moving company to schedule delivery.

• Begin TLE/TLA Process: Understand your entitlements for temporary lodging.

• De-register Vehicles: If moving from overseas.

Destination Specific:

IF MOVING INTO BASE HOUSING at Destination:

• Housing Orientation: Complete any required base housing orientation.

• Receive Keys: Get access to your new home.

IF RENTING at Destination:

• Collect Keys: From landlord/property manager.

• Conduct Move-In Inspection: Document any pre-existing damage with photos/video.

IF BUYING A HOME at Destination:

• Collect Keys: After closing.

• Conduct Move-In Inspection: Document any pre-existing damage.

Crucial Items for Your "Hand-Carry" Bag/Box:

• Military ID cards

• Official Orders (multiple copies)

• Driver's Licenses, Passports, Visas

• Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificates, Social Security Cards

• School Records, Immunization Records, Medical/Dental Records

• Vehicle Titles/Registration

• Proof of Insurance (home, auto, renter's)

• Banking Information (account numbers, checkbook)

• Power of Attorney documents

• Jewelry and small valuables

• Laptop, phone, chargers

• Medications (prescription and OTC)

• Eyeglasses/Contact Lenses

• Basic toiletries

• A few changes of clothes

• Cash/Credit Cards

• Pet records/food (if traveling with pets)

• Kids' comfort items/toys

By following this detailed POAM, you can significantly reduce the stress associated with a military PCS, allowing you to focus on the exciting new chapter ahead!