The 90-Day PCS Checklist

Read every line — check report date, TDY en route, and dependent travel authorization. Errors now = pay problems later.

Keep copies of orders, travel vouchers, weight tickets, receipts, and medical records in one place. You WILL need them.

Join the base Facebook group and search housing — real reviews beat any official website. Check BAH rates at the new location.

Waitlists can be 6+ months at popular bases. Apply NOW even if you are undecided — you can always decline later.

SCRA protects you — you can break a lease with 30 days notice + copy of PCS orders. Send notice via certified mail.

You are owed DLA, MALT, per diem, TLE/TLA, and possibly PPM money. Most people leave $1,000-5,000+ on the table by not claiming everything.

You can get up to 3 months base pay as an advance + travel advance for estimated costs. File through finance EARLY.

Summer PCS season books up FAST. Schedule within 2 weeks of getting orders or you will get stuck with bad dates.

Partial PPM = the military ships most of your stuff AND you get paid to move the rest yourself. Best of both worlds.

This takes longer than you think. Start now. You need copies of immunization records, dental panorex, and any ongoing treatment docs.

EFMP screening can take 4-6 weeks and can BLOCK your entire PCS if not completed. This is the #1 timeline killer.

Contact the School Liaison Officer at the gaining installation — they know every school in the area and can help with transfers.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) program gives priority hiring at federal jobs at the new base. Apply on USAJobs early.

Get the checklist from your CSS/orderly room NOW. Some items take weeks (security clearance transfer, unit supply turn-in).

Tourist passport + no-fee official passport + SOFA stamp. Start immediately — passport processing alone can take 6-8 weeks.

Get your dates in writing. If TMO gives you dates that do not work, push back NOW — it only gets harder to change later.

Every pound you do not ship saves hassle. Plus if you are doing a PPM, less weight = easier move. Facebook Marketplace is your friend.

VPC slots fill up in summer. Book early. Your car needs to be clean, under 1/4 tank gas, no personal items inside.

Do a pre-inspection 30 days before move-out. Fix any issues they flag so you do not get charged at final inspection.

If renting off-base, most landlords will not hold a place for 60 days. Focus on narrowing neighborhoods and getting pre-approved.

Out-of-pocket costs hit before reimbursements. Budget $2,000-5,000 cash buffer for gas, hotels, food, deposits, and surprises.

Get copies of everything. Do not trust the system to transfer your records correctly — hand-carry backups.

Tricare mail-order pharmacy can do 90-day fills. Get this done before your PCM transfers your care.

If anything has changed — new spouse, new kid, new beneficiary — update these NOW. Do not PCS with outdated emergency info.

Get official sealed copies. Some schools take 2-3 weeks to process. Include immunization records and IEP/504 plans if applicable.

Schedule disconnects for 1-2 days after your move-out date, not the day of. You need lights and internet on moving day.

Walk through every room and photograph valuables BEFORE packers arrive. This is your proof if anything gets damaged or lost.

Set aside items you are hand-carrying: important docs, medications, laptops, valuables, kid essentials, 1 week of clothes.

Check with finance that your DLA is processing. If you requested advances, confirm they are hitting your account before you leave.

Forward mail to a trusted address or your new one. Set the start date 2-3 days before you leave.

For on-base housing: they WILL charge you for anything not spotless. Oven, blinds, baseboards — all of it. Hire a cleaner if needed.

SFL-TAP (Army), AFVEC (AF), etc. Do not let mandatory appointments stack up in your last week.

Some states require you to register within 30 days of arrival. Research your gaining state rules now.

Rates vary massively by state. Get quotes before you move — some areas are 2x more expensive.

Many DoDEA schools allow pre-registration. For off-base schools, call the front office and ask about mid-year enrollment process.

Orders (10 copies), marriage cert, birth certs, POA, vehicle titles, medical records, pet records, lease. All in one place.

Call TMO to triple-confirm. If movers no-show, call TMO immediately — they can escalate and reschedule within days.

Packers will pack EVERYTHING — trash, half-eaten food, dirty laundry. Separate what you do not want packed and lock it in your car.

TLE is now up to 21 days CONUS at $290/day max. Book a hotel with a kitchenette near base to save on food.

Do not wait until the last day. Some offices only sign during certain hours. Finance and medical are the usual bottlenecks.

Missing gear = paycheck deductions. Do a 100% inventory with supply NOW, not on your last day.

1 suitcase per person + snacks + entertainment for kids + important docs + medications. Assume HHG will not arrive for 2-8 weeks.

Check your orders — government-funded flights are usually booked through SATO/CWT. Confirm baggage allowance for extra luggage.

BE THERE the entire time. Check every box label, note damage on the inventory sheet, and photograph everything before it goes on the truck.

Weigh your vehicle full and empty at a certified scale (CAT scale at truck stops works). Keep BOTH tickets — you need both for reimbursement.

Walk through with the inspector. Get a signed copy of the inspection report. Take photos of every room after cleaning.

Get your commander signature on the out-processing checklist. Say goodbye to your people — you might serve with them again.

Check MyPay. Make sure your BAH reflects the correct rate and that DLA shows as pending or paid.

Gym, CDC/youth programs, library, auto hobby shop — cancel or transfer everything. Unreturned items = charges.

Gas, tolls, hotels, meals (if per diem does not cover) — save EVERY receipt. You will need them for your travel voucher.

MALT is $0.21/mile (2025). Use Google Maps for official distance or DTMO mileage calculator. You are also entitled to per diem for each travel day.

Airlines have seasonal pet embargoes (too hot/cold). OCONUS moves may require breed-specific import permits and quarantine. Check months ahead.

Hit the MPF/IPAC/PSD first to get into the system. Then finance, medical, housing, and your unit — in that order.

The faster you file, the faster you get reimbursed. Have your orders, receipts, weight tickets, and mileage ready. Do not wait.

PPM pays 100% of govt cost (130% in summer 2025). Submit full and empty weight tickets plus fuel/toll receipts. This is where the money is.

Check your first LES at the new base. BAH should reflect your new zip code rate. If it is wrong, go to finance THAT DAY.

Use your TLE days (up to 21 CONUS) while house hunting. Do not rush into a bad lease — you have time.

Check EVERY item against the inventory sheet. Note ALL damage on the delivery form BEFORE the driver leaves. You have 75 days to file a claim.

File through DPS or your claims office. Take photos, keep the inventory sheet, and file within 75 days. Do not let this slip.

Most states give military members 30-60 days. Check your new state rules — some require it immediately. SCRA may exempt you.

If dependents IDs are expiring within 6 months, renew them now while you are already at the MPF.

Register with the new MTF/clinic and establish care with a new PCM. Transfer dental — Tricare dental does not auto-transfer.

DLA, MALT, per diem, TLE reimbursement, PPM — check that every dollar hit your account. If anything is missing after 30 days, go to finance with your voucher.