The Ultimate Military & PCS Move Checklist for a Stress-Free Move

A well-organized PCS move checklist is the difference between a chaotic relocation and a smooth transition to your new duty station. Whether this is your first or tenth military move, having a comprehensive military PCS checklist keeps you organized, reduces stress, and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

At Stewart Moving & Storage, we've helped thousands of military families execute successful PCS moves over the past 20 years. This military PCS move checklist covers everything from choosing your move type to settling into your new home.

Consider your PCS Move Type

Before diving into preparation, understand your moving options. Each has different requirements and benefits.

1. PPM/DITY (Personally Procured Move)

You handle your own move and receive reimbursement based on what the government would have paid.

Pros:

Potential to pocket the difference between reimbursement and actual costs

Complete control over your move timeline and process

Choose your own movers or do it yourself

Cons:

Pay upfront costs before reimbursement

Responsible for all logistics and coordination

Must obtain weight tickets and documentation

Best for: Organized families comfortable managing logistics who want to maximize financial benefit.

2. Military-Contracted Movers

The government arranges and pays for professional movers through the Defense Personal Property Program.

Pros:

No upfront costs

Movers handle packing, loading, transport, and delivery

Government-backed moving coverage

Cons:

Less control over the timeline and process

Must work within the military contractor's schedule

Limited choice in moving company

Best for: Flexible families who prefer hands-off moving and don't want financial responsibility.

3. Hybrid Move

Combine PPM and military-contracted moving, shipping some items yourself while the government moves others.

Pros:

• Keep valuable or essential items with you
• Some financial benefit from the PPM portion
• Professional handling of bulk household goods

Cons:

• More complex coordination
• Must manage two separate moves
• Requires careful planning and documentation

Best for: Families wanting control over specific items while leaving bulk goods to government contractors.

1. Prepare for Your PCS Move

6-8 Weeks Before Move:

• Review PCS orders and confirm move dates
• Contact installation transportation office
• Decide on move type (PPM, military-contracted, or hybrid)
• Research and contact moving companies if doing PPM
• Request moving quotes and compare options
• Schedule in-home estimate with chosen mover
• Create detailed budget including hidden costs
• Start PCS fund for out-of-pocket expenses
• Research new duty station location and housing
• Join Facebook groups for new installation
• Notify children's schools of withdrawal dates
• Request school records and transcripts

4-6 Weeks Before Move:

• Begin decluttering room by room
• Sell unwanted items online or at garage sale
• Donate items to charity (get receipt for taxes)
• Create comprehensive inventory of household goods
• Photograph valuable items and electronics
• Arrange vehicle transportation if needed
• Schedule utility disconnection at current home
• Research utility providers at new location
• Submit change of address with USPS
• Notify banks, insurance companies, and creditors
• Update address with military personnel office
• Schedule housing inspections if living on-base

2-4 Weeks Before Move:

• Confirm move date with transportation office and movers
• Order packing supplies if doing PPM/DITY
• Reserve moving truck and equipment if needed
• Arrange temporary lodging if required
• Book pet boarding or transportation
• Schedule final medical/dental appointments
• Request medical and dental records
• Refill all prescriptions
• Transfer prescriptions to new pharmacy
• Gather important documents (birth certificates, military orders, medical records)
• Create moving binder with all documentation
• Notify landlord if renting off-base
• Schedule final walkthrough inspection

1-2 Weeks Before Move:

• Confirm all appointments and reservations
• Prepare "do not pack" zone with essentials
• Pack "open first" box with immediate necessities
• Clean and defrost refrigerator/freezer
• Dispose of hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, propane)
• Drain gas from lawn equipment
• Return borrowed items
• Collect items you've loaned out
• Arrange childcare for moving day
• Withdraw cash for tips and immediate expenses
• Fill vehicle with gas
• Charge all electronic devices

2. Start Packing for Military PCS Move

Packing Essentials:

• Gather quality packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers)
• Label boxes clearly with room and contents
• Pack room by room, starting with rarely used items
• Use clothing and linens to wrap fragile items
• Pack heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes
• Disassemble furniture and keep hardware in labeled bags
• Pack electronics in original boxes when possible
• Take photos of electronics connections before disconnecting
• Keep cables and remotes with corresponding devices

Military-Specific Packing Tips:

• Don't pack hazardous materials (flammables, propane, ammunition)
• Keep valuables, jewelry, and important documents with you
• Pack medications separately in clearly marked container
• Remove prohibited items before movers arrive
• Create detailed inventory list with item descriptions
• Note existing damage on inventory forms
• Take photos of packed rooms and boxes
• Obtain weight tickets if doing PPM (empty vehicle first, then loaded)

Do Not Pack Zone Items:

• PCS orders and military documents
• Birth certificates, passports, and IDs
• Medical and dental records
• Current medications
• Jewelry and valuables
• Electronics and chargers
• Change of clothes for each family member
• Toiletries and personal hygiene items
• Children's comfort items
• Pet supplies and records
• Cleaning supplies for final cleanup
• Snacks and beverages for travel

3. Moving Day Checklist

Before Movers Arrive:

• Wake up early and prepare for long day
• Eat substantial breakfast
• Have coffee/beverages available for yourself
• Secure pets in safe location away from movers
• Keep children occupied or arrange childcare
• Have moving binder and documents accessible
• Charge phone fully
• Protect floors and doorways if needed

During Loading:

• Be present during entire loading process
• Walk through home with movers, showing items to move
• Point out fragile or valuable items requiring special care
• Verify "do not pack" zone is clearly marked
• Answer mover questions promptly
• Review inventory documents as items are loaded
• Note any pre-existing damage on forms
• Take photos of loaded truck
• Verify all items are loaded before truck departs
• Get copies of all paperwork and inventory
• Obtain mover contact information and delivery window

After Movers Depart:

• Do final walkthrough of entire home
• Check closets, cabinets, attic, basement, garage
• Turn off lights and lock all windows
• Adjust thermostat appropriately
• Complete final cleaning if required
• Turn in keys to landlord or housing office
• Complete final walkthrough inspection
• Document property condition with photos
• Disconnect remaining utilities
• Leave forwarding address information

4. Delivery Day PCS Checklist

Before Delivery:

• Confirm delivery date and time window
• Be present for entire delivery
• Have copy of inventory list ready
• Clear pathways in new home
• Protect floors if needed
• Have plan for furniture placement
• Secure pets away from delivery area
• Keep children safe and occupied

During Delivery:

• Check each item against inventory as it's unloaded
• Inspect furniture and boxes for damage
• Note any damage immediately on delivery forms
• Take photos of damaged items with timestamps
• Don't sign off on delivery until everything is inspected
• Direct movers on furniture placement
• Verify all boxes and items are delivered
• Note any missing items on paperwork
• Keep all delivery documentation

After Delivery:

• Unpack and inspect contents of boxes
• Document any hidden damage discovered
• Report damage to moving company within required timeframe
• File claims for damaged or missing items
• Keep all documentation and photos for claims
• Begin unpacking essential rooms first
• Dispose of packing materials responsibly

5. Home Set-Up PCS Checklist

First Week:

• Connect utilities (electric, gas, water, internet)
• Set up essential rooms (bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen)
• Unpack "open first" boxes
• Make beds with clean linens
• Stock kitchen with basic supplies
• Set up bathrooms with toiletries and towels
• Test all appliances and systems
• Locate circuit breaker, water shutoff, and utilities
• Change locks or re-key if necessary
• Update security system if applicable
• Install smoke detector batteries
• Set up trash and recycling service

First Month:

• Register vehicles in new state
• Obtain new driver's licenses
• Update vehicle insurance and registration
• Register to vote in new location
• Find new healthcare providers (doctors, dentists)
• Transfer medical and dental records
• Enroll children in new schools
• Submit school records and transcripts
• Find childcare if needed
• Locate grocery stores, pharmacies, and services
• Join new installation's family programs
• Attend newcomer orientations
• Connect with military spouse groups
• Update address with remaining organizations
• File for moving expense reimbursements
• Submit receipts and documentation to finance office

Settling In:

• Explore new community and installation
• Find recreational activities and amenities
• Establish new routines for family
• Introduce yourself to neighbors
• Find places of worship if desired
• Research local military resources
• Update emergency contact information
• Create list of local emergency numbers
• Finish unpacking all boxes
• Organize and arrange home
• Hang pictures and personalize space
• Dispose of moving materials

Download the Military & PCS Move Checklist - PDF

Make your PCS move easier with our printable military moving checklist! Download the PDF version to:

• Print and check off tasks as you complete them
• Keep a physical reference throughout your move
• Share with family members to divide responsibilities
• Stay organized during every phase of your relocation

The downloadable Army PCS checklist includes all the tasks outlined above in an easy-to-use format designed specifically for military families. Keep it with your moving binder for quick reference.