Free PCS Planning Toolkit — Military Families Since 2016

Your Personal Guide to Every Military Move

Whether it’s your first PCS or your fifth, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Get a free personalized plan covering housing, neighborhoods, schools, VA loans, and timing — built around your orders.

100% Free — No Hidden Fees

Built by Military Families

Support Groups at Every Base

Verified Housing & Rentals

Your Free PCS Plan ©

Everything You Need for a Stress-Free Move

Your PCS Plan © isn’t a generic checklist. It’s a personalized roadmap built around your orders, your family, and your next duty station. Here’s what’s inside.

Tailored Housing
Solutions

Whether you're buying, renting, or moving into on-base housing, we match your options to your BAH rate, family size, and timeline. No guesswork — just clear choices that fit your life.

Neighborhood &
School Intel

Get honest, local insight on neighborhoods, school districts, commute times, and community resources — from people who actually live near your new base, not a generic website.

Your Personal PCS Ambassador

Every family is paired with a PCS Pay-It-Forward® Ambassador — a local real estate expert, who is also a military spouse or veteran already stationed near your next base who's been through the same move and is ready to help.

Step-by-Step Move Roadmap

A personalized guide that tells you exactly what to do before, during, and after your PCS — so you're never left wondering what comes next or feeling behind on your timeline.

Built-In Military
Community

Join your base's local support group — a real community of active duty families who share advice, local recommendations, and real-time answers to your toughest PCS questions.

VA Loan & Financial Guidance

Understand your VA home loan benefits, BAH rates, dislocation allowances, and reimbursement options — with plain-English explanations from people who've used them.

Ready to Stop Stressing About Your Move?

Join 125,000+ military families who’ve used a free PCS Plan © to arrive at their next duty station prepared, connected, and confident.

Your Military Move Checklist —Step by Step

Planning ahead is the single best way to reduce PCS stress. Use this checklist as a starting point, your free PCS Plan © gives you a version personalized to your timeline and duty station.

Preparing For Your PCS

Moving is part of military life, but that doesn’t mean it has to be overwhelming. Whether you’re on your first move or your fifth, PCS Pay It Forward® is here to help you feel prepared, supported and even excited about what comes next. Below you’ll find a comprehensive guide that explains the moving process, breaks down your benefits, and offers friendly guidance to make your transition as smooth as possible.

Join your bases military support group for local housing resources and start your PCS PLAN© to get personal support streamlining your move.

When Orders Arrive
(12+ Weeks Out)

Contact your installation's Transportation Office immediately
Register in Defense Personal Property System (DPS)
Start your free PCS Plan © to get a personal ambassador
Notify landlord & review SCRA lease termination rights
Research housing options & BAH rates at new duty station
Check VA home loan eligibility if considering buying
Talk with your family — kids need time to adjust

Preparing to Move
(4–8 Weeks Out)

Choose your move type: Government, DITY/PPM, or Partial
Catalog & photograph all household goods
Gather medical, dental & school records for entire family
Collect pet vaccination records & research destination rules
Create a moving budget including unexpected costs
Update passports, IDs, and vehicle registration
Book lodging for long-haul travel if driving

Moving Week

Supervise movers & verify items on inventory sheet
Keep important documents & valuables with you — never in shipment
Photograph condition of home before handing over keys
Pack a "first night" box: essentials, kids' items, medications
Confirm delivery window with TSP in writing
Notify USPS of address change & forward mail

Arriving at Your New Duty Station

In-process at your new installation as soon as possible
Inspect & document any HHG damage before signing delivery receipt
File damage claims within 180 days via DPS
Enroll children in school & connect with EFMP if applicable
Update banking, insurance & vehicle registration
Submit reimbursement claims with all receipts

PCS Resources: The Complete Military Moving Toolkit

Every PCS PLAN comes with a full PCS Planning Toolkit — Free

Get everything you need to plan your PCS in one place: binder, checklists, school and neighborhood guides, pet resources, and simple financial education.All free with your PCS PLAN ©

New to PCS? Here's What You Need to Know About Your First PCS

Military moves come with a language of their own. Here are the most important terms and concepts that every service member should understand before their next move.

PCS vs. TDY

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocates you and your household to a new installation for one to four years. A Temporary Duty (TDY) is a short-term assignment — like a business trip — where you return to your original duty station. PCS Pay-It-Forward® focuses on PCS moves, though many of our resources help TDY travelers too.

CONUS vs. OCONUS

CONUS means Continental United States — moves within the lower 48 states. OCONUS means Outside the Continental United States, including overseas assignments, Hawaii, and Alaska. OCONUS moves involve different allowances, shipping rules, and pet/vehicle requirements. Knowing which you’re facing shapes your entire planning strategy.

PCS Entitlements

The DoD provides significant benefits to offset PCS costs: per diem for lodging and meals, dislocation allowance, temporary lodging expenses, mileage reimbursement, household goods shipping, and vehicle shipment for OCONUS moves. Review the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) early — knowing your entitlements prevents expensive surprises.

3 Ways to Execute Your Military Move

Understanding your options before your move date means you can choose the approach that saves the most money — or sanity — for your family.

Government Move

The military arranges packing, loading, transport, and delivery through Transportation Service Providers (TSPs). Movers are liable for damage or loss. Best for families who prefer professionals to handle the heavy lifting.

Best for: Busy families, OCONUS moves

PPM Move

Formerly referred to as a DITY move. You pack, load, and transport everything yourself or hire your own movers. You’re reimbursed up to what the government would have spent. Keep all receipts and weigh your truck. Many families actually make money on this option.

Best for: Organized families, shorter moves

Partial DITY Move

Let the TSP handle large furniture and bulky items, while you personally transport valuables, irreplaceables, or anything you don’t trust in a shipping container. Flexible and increasingly popular with military families.

Best for: Families with valuables or pets

PCS Entitlements & Financial Benefits You Shouldn't Leave Behind

Thousands of military families leave money on the table every PCS season by not claiming every benefit they’re entitled to. Here’s what to know:

Dislocation Allowance (DLA)

A one-time payment to offset the cost of establishing a new household. Based on your rank and dependency status — claim it as soon as you in-process at your new installation.

Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)

Covers up to 10 days of lodging and meals while you’re between permanent housing at your new duty station. Keep all receipts and submit through your finance office.

Mileage & Travel Reimbursement

If you drive your POV to your new duty station, you’re entitled to mileage reimbursement plus per diem for lodging and meals along the way. Plan your route and save every receipt.

Weight Allowance for HHG

Every service member receives a household goods weight allowance based on rank and dependency status. Exceeding your limit means out-of-pocket costs — declutter early and use a weight estimator tool before moving day.

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)

BAH is calculated by duty station zip code, pay grade, and dependency status. Research your new BAH rate as soon as orders are issued — it directly determines your housing budget and options.

POV Shipment (OCONUS Moves)

If you’re moving OCONUS, the government can ship your privately owned vehicle. You may also be eligible for vehicle storage if a car isn’t permitted at your new overseas location.

125,000+ Families Can't Be Wrong

Key Resources for Your Military Relocation

Beyond PCS Pay-It-Forward®, these official agencies and programs are essential tools for any military family navigating a PCS move.

Defense Personal Property System (DPS)

DPS is the hub for managing your move. It lets you schedule relocations, track shipments and file claims if something goes wrong. Register as soon as you receive orders, upload required documents (such as DD Forms 1299 and 1797), and use DPS to communicate with your TSP.

Not sure how to navigate DPS for the first time? Read our step-by-step guide: DPS Move Mil: What It Is and How to Use It for Your PCS →

HHG, UB & POV

Military moves use several acronyms. Here are some important ones to know:

HHG (Household Goods) Move – your household items are packed, shipped and delivered by the TSP..
UB (Unaccompanied Baggage) – a small shipment (often up to 2,000 lbs.) that is shipped via air so you have essentials waiting for you at an OCONUS location..
POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) Shipment and Storage – the government can ship your vehicle if you can’t drive or are moving OCONUS. You may also be eligible for vehicle storage if a car isn’t permitted in your new country.

Non‑Temporary Storage

When your household goods exceed your weight allowance or your new home won’t accommodate everything, you may use non‑temporary storage (NTS). The government sometimes pays for storage if you meet certain criteria, such as moving to an isolated or overseas location. Coordinate with your TSP and complete the required DD Form 1299 to apply for NTS.

Supporting Family & Pets on Your PCS Move

Supporting Spouses & Children

A PCS isn’t just a logistical move—it’s an emotional one. Talk openly with your spouse about career changes, new opportunities and concerns. Encourage children to write letters or make videos for friends they’re leaving behind, and plan a special celebration before you go.

Resources for Children & EFMP Families

If your family includes children with special needs, the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) can help coordinate medical and educational services at your new location. Military OneSource’s “Changing Schools Guide” and organisations like the Military Child Education Coalition provide tips for school transitions. Sesame Street for Military Families offers videos and activities to help younger kids understand relocation.

Official Resources & Support Programs

PCS Pay-it-Forward® Personal Support for Your Military Move

Established in 2016, PCS Pay It Forward® has supported over 125,000 military moves. This grassroots movement was created by military members for military members to provide better support and resources for PCS moves.

Services include customized PCS Plans, verified housing lists, neighborhood breakdowns, school information, local meet‑ups for military spouses and kids, and more. PCS Pay It Forward® has a base support group for each military installation, with over 1,000 active‑duty military personnel—find your base and join today!

Military OneSource & Plan My Move

Military OneSource offers 24/7 support—from relocation assistance and financial counselling to spouse employment resources. Its Plan My Move tool creates custom checklists, calendars and location‑specific guides. Sign in to build a schedule tailored to your move dates and circumstances.

Local Transportation Office

Your installation’s Transportation Office is a key partner. They can explain your entitlements, clarify responsibilities and provide local guidances. Book an appointment immediately after receiving your orders and keep them in the loop if anything changes.

Key Agencies: USTRANSCOM & SDDC

Several agencies oversee military relocations. U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) manages the Defense Personal Property Program, while the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) handles the movement of household goods. Knowing these acronyms helps you understand who’s behind the systems you use.

PCS Joint Task Force & 24‑Hour PCS Help Hotline

To improve the moving experience for service members, the Department of Defense established a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Joint Task Force (JTF). In August 2025 the PCS JTF launched a 24/7 call center to provide around‑the‑clock support for PCS issues. Service members and families who need help with a government household‑goods move can:

Call the hotline: 833‑MIL‑MOVE (833‑645‑6683); trained military personnel will triage your issue and, if needed, elevate it to the PCS JTF call centerarmy.mil.
Get case ownership: A dedicated team tracks each call from start to finish, providing regular, personalised updates until your problem is resolvedarmy.mil.
Reach out anytime, anywhere: The call center operates 24 hours a day, ensuring global support regardless of your time zonearmy.mil.

This resource reflects the Department of Defense’s ongoing commitment to smooth and responsive relocations. You can also email PCSCallCenter@mail.mil or visit the PCS JTF webpage via Defense.gov for additional support.

As of 2025, the Joint PCS Task Force is very new, and we have yet to receive feedback or reviews from military members.

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