Create an Effective PCS Plan for Your Family to Cover Each Stage of Your Move

Moving is part of life for military families. Although you do not have much control over where you move, getting new Permanent Change of Station or PCS orders can be exciting. Whether you’re moving within the U.S. or overseas, careful planning can help make your PCS easier on your family and your bank account.

Planning for a PCS should start before you receive your orders. Financial experts recommend you have an emergency fund with a minimum of $1,000 but ideally enough to cover three to six months of living expenses. Additionally, you should consider keeping a separate “PCS fund” to be prepared for your next change of station orders. It will help you create a plan with the security to tackle those unexpected financial snags and situations. We have a comprehensive resource online to help you, but the tips below are the highlights.

Things to Consider as You Budget for Your Move

• Packing Materials — if you’re doing a Personally Procured Move (PPM), also called DITY move, consider the cost of packing expenses including boxes, packing materials and other expenses related to moving out of your existing home
• Transportation and Trip Expenses — gas, lodging, food, auto maintenance, etc.
• Utilities and Account Fees — costs associated with disconnecting current utilities and closing accounts, as well as the costs to establish utility accounts at your new location
• Insurance, Taxes and Other Area-Specific Expenses — auto registrations and insurance premiums plus any city and state tax increases
• New Housing — should you live on the installation, rent or buy a home

Take less than two minutes to hear Lakesha, a military spouse of 17 years, talk about PCS lessons she’s learned over the years.

Receiving new PCS orders is inevitable for military families and creating a detailed PCS plan and budgeting for expected and unexpected expenses is the key to completing a successful move. Move.mil is one trusted DoD resource for your military moves. Use this and other resources and delegate tasks to other family members. Make your military move a team effort. Set goals and expectations along the way to stay on track with your plan, so that the next phase in your new home can begin on a positive note.

Three Phases of Your PCS Move

Phase #1 – Before You Move

Anticipate the PCS expenses you might incur before your move, during your move, and after you arrive at your new duty station. Account for changes in both your family income and expenses. Make sure there are no obligations you need to clear before leaving your current duty station. Have enough money available to pay for expenses until they’re reimbursed and consider speaking with a personal financial manager or counselor at your installation’s Military and Family Support Center. The Estimated Travel Cost for a PCS Move  and Financial Planning for a PCS Move worksheets can help you get started.

Phase #2 – During a PCS

Remember to keep all of your receipts! That will make it easier for you to file your claim immediately upon arrival at your next duty station. Keep medication for your family and your pets with you and separate from your household goods. Personally pack and move important legal and financial documentation, valuables, and keys during a PCS. Do not have the movers transport these items. Make sure to carefully transport all moving documentation and any boxes with furniture parts yourself. Do NOT lose these.

Phase #3 – After a PCS

Remember to use the resources on your installation to help you settle in more easily and save money. Consider visiting your installation’s loan closet if you’re waiting on household goods. Click here to check availability at your new location. There’s no need to buy a new coffee maker. Borrow one! Visit your installation’s thrift store for great finds to help make your house a home or get creative with the furnishings you already own. Listen as Maria, a military spouse of 17 years with 15 moves, provides tips on how to PCS-proof your finances and make your new house a home.

MilSpouse Money Mission^® is a Department of Defense resource that offers FREE personal financial education specifically geared toward spouses. There is a Money Ready guide for various stages of financial life, a MilLife Milestones section to help you through the big moments in your military journey, a blog, spouse videos, quizzes, calculators and more! Join the mission to lead your family to a stronger financial future. Get started, here! Connect with us on social media and share this post.