PCS Move Timeline Checklist 2026: Complete Military Relocation Guide

July 6, 2026 | 14 min read | By Military Life Tools

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is one of the most stressful events in military family life. Roughly 30% of active-duty service members relocate every year, and the average military family moves 8-12 times during a 20-year career. The good news: with the right timeline and checklist, a PCS can be smooth instead of chaotic.

This guide walks you through every step of a 2026 PCS move, from 12 months before you receive orders to your first week at the new duty station. Use it as a master checklist, then bookmark this page so you can refer back at each phase.

12 Months Before Your PCS: Lay the Groundwork

What to do a year out

Confirm your rotation date with your detailer (officers) or career counselor (enlisted)
Start researching the new duty station: cost of living, school districts, BAH rates, and local military spouse job market
Update your Record of Emergency Data (RED/DA Form 31) with your current family information
Verify all family members' information in DEERS is current and correct
If you have pets, begin researching the new location's quarantine, vaccination, and licensing requirements
For OCONUS moves: begin passport renewal 12 months early (some countries require 6+ months validity beyond your move date)

9-10 Months Before: Receive and Review Orders

Your official PCS orders will arrive 6-9 months before your report date for CONUS moves, and 9-12 months for OCONUS. Treat the day orders arrive as the start of a focused sprint:

Read every line of your orders, including authorized delays, dependent travel, and any special instructions
Contact the losing and gaining personnel offices for in-processing requirements
Schedule a counseling session with your unit's transportation office (TO) to discuss HHG shipment options
Begin comparing military housing options at the new duty station (on-base vs. off-base)

Pro Tip: Use Our Free Calculators

Before you sign a lease at the new location, check your projected BAH with our BAH Calculator and your total military compensation with the Military Pay Calculator. Knowing your housing allowance and total pay before you arrive prevents sticker shock.

6 Months Before: Lock In Major Decisions

The 6-month sprint

School research: If you have school-age children, contact the gaining school district and arrange records transfers
Medical records: Request copies of all medical and dental records, including immunization history
Spouse employment: If your spouse works, research labor laws, professional licensing reciprocity, and remote work options at the new location
Vehicle registration: Check emissions, safety inspection, and registration requirements in the new state
Vote by mail: Register at your new duty station's state and request absentee ballots
Home sale or rental: If you own a home at the losing station, decide whether to sell or rent (consider BAH rates vs. mortgage at the new station)

3 Months Before: Book Movers and Travel

This is when the logistics kick into high gear. The Defense Personal Property Program (DPS) lets you schedule your move online, and you have several options:

Government-Arranged Move (HHG)

The military contracts a moving company to pack, transport, and unpack your household goods (HHG). Pros: least work for you. Cons: less control over timing, occasional damage. Your shipment is typically delivered within 30 days for CONUS moves.

Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY)

You arrange your own move and keep any savings below the government's cost estimate. For 2026, the incentive rate is 95% of the estimated cost. This option works well for families with light household goods who can drive a rental truck themselves.

Partial DITY

You can combine a government move for major furniture with a self-move for boxes and small items. Many families use this hybrid approach to save money.

2026 Weight Allowances (Quick Reference)

Weight allowances depend on rank and family status. Approximate CONUS allowances for HHG:

E-1 to E-4 single: 5,000 lbs
E-5 single: 8,000 lbs
E-5 with dependents: 18,000 lbs
E-7 with dependents: 20,000 lbs
O-1 to O-3 with dependents: 18,000 lbs
O-4 and above with dependents: 20,000 lbs

Plus 2,000 lbs of professional gear (uniforms, books, equipment) for most ranks. Always verify with your transportation office.

1 Month Before: Final Paperwork

Schedule final medical and dental appointments to refill prescriptions (90-day supply recommended)
Transfer or close local gym memberships, subscription boxes, and recurring services
Forward mail through USPS or change your address online at usps.com
Notify your bank, credit card companies, and insurance providers of your new address
Pull together all PCS-related receipts (mileage, lodging, meals) for later reimbursement
Verify your DD Form 214 (if separating) or DD Form 2058 (state of legal residence)
Download offline copies of orders, medical records, and school records to your phone

2 Weeks Before: Pack and Say Goodbye

Last-minute checklist

Pack a "first-night" bag: sheets, towels, toiletries, medications, phone chargers, snacks
Take photos of valuable items (electronics, antiques) for insurance claims
Drain lawn equipment, water heaters, and washing machines if movers are handling them
Clean out the freezer and pantry to minimize food waste
Say goodbye to friends, neighbors, and any routine medical providers
Empty your safety deposit box (if applicable) and consolidate valuables

Day of Move: Hand Off the Keys

On moving day, walk through the home with the movers and document any pre-existing damage. Take timestamped photos. Keep a detailed inventory of every box. Hand the keys to your landlord or real estate agent only after the final walkthrough and after you've documented meter readings.

Travel Days: Don't Forget DLA

Dislocation Allowance (DLA) reimburses you for the cost of moving your family and dependents. For 2026, DLA is calculated as:

With dependents: Two months of BAH at the losing station's "with dependents" rate
Without dependents: One month of BAH at the losing station's "without dependents" rate

DLA is taxable income but is paid separately from regular pay, and you can use our BAH Calculator to estimate your DLA payout.

First 30 Days at the New Duty Station

Once you arrive, hit the ground running with these high-priority tasks:

Day 1-3: Check in with your gaining command and complete in-processing
Day 1-7: Update DEERS and TRICARE enrollment at the new location
Day 1-7: Update vehicle registration and get new state driver's license
Day 7-30: Apply for on-base housing or finalize off-base lease
Day 7-30: Enroll children in school (if not already done)
Day 14-60: If living in temporary lodging, file for TLA reimbursement weekly
Day 30+: Update your will, power of attorney, and SGLI beneficiaries if any family changes occurred

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I start planning a PCS move?

Start planning 10-12 months before your projected move date. The military recommends beginning preliminary research 12 months out, with concrete steps starting around 6 months before your move. The earlier you start, the better your housing, school, and shipment choices will be.

Who is eligible for DLA (Dislocation Allowance)?

Active duty service members on PCS orders who relocate their dependents are eligible for DLA. The amount is typically one to two months of basic allowance for housing (BAH), depending on whether you have dependents and whether you're making a primary residence move. Use our BAH calculator to estimate your DLA amount.

What is the weight allowance for a PCS move?

Weight allowance depends on rank and family status. For example, an E-5 with dependents is authorized 18,000 pounds (HHG) plus 2,000 pounds for professional gear. Officers and senior NCOs have higher allowances. Check the Defense Personal Property Program (DPS) for your specific allowance before scheduling your move.

Can I do a DITY (Do-It-Yourself) move?

Yes, service members can choose a Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly called DITY. You'll receive the same government payment it would cost a contracted mover, plus an incentive (typically 95% of the estimated cost). You keep any savings if you move for less. Renting a truck and recruiting friends is a common approach.

How long does a PCS move take from orders to arrival?

From receiving orders to reporting at the new duty station is typically 6-18 months, depending on CONUS vs. OCONUS, availability of housing, and personal leave. CONUS moves average 4-6 months of lead time; OCONUS moves often require 9-12 months for passports, visas, and pet quarantine.

What is a TLA (Temporary Lodging Allowance)?

TLA reimburses service members for lodging and meals when they are at a new duty station but do not yet have permanent housing. OCONUS service members typically receive TLA for up to 60 days; CONUS members in some locations may also qualify. Rates vary by location and family size.

Official Resources

For the most accurate and up-to-date PCS information, always start with these official sources:

Military OneSource PCS Center — counseling, moving resources, and spouse career help
move.mil (DPS) — schedule HHG shipments, PPM, and claim filing
DFAS — DLA, TLA, and travel pay processing
TRICARE — enrollment and DEERS updates

Plan Your Move With Our Free Tools

Track your departure date and calculate your military compensation before you arrive at your new duty station:

ETS Countdown Timer — Track separation date milestones
BAH Calculator 2026 — Estimate housing allowance at your new location
Military Pay Calculator — See total compensation including BAH and BAS
Military Time Converter — Decode 24-hour clock in orders and shipping schedules