MAS Far East Car Blog

MAS Far East Car Blog

Car buying insights for U.S. Military serving overseas

PCS Checklist: A Clear, Calm Plan for Your Next Move

PCS orders bring a lot at once, paperwork, timelines, kids’ routines, pets, cars, shipping, and a new duty station to learn. Here’s a streamlined, friendly plan you can reuse, share, and check off as you go.

Your Timeline at a Glance

90–60 days out

  • Confirm orders and command approvals. Schedule your relocation briefing with your Transportation Office (TMO/PPSO).

  • Set up or update your profile in the official household goods portal (see links at the end).

  • Decide on shipment types: Household Goods (HHG) vs. Unaccompanied Baggage (UB). Start a purge sell, donate, or recycle.

  • Gather key documents: orders (all pages), amendments, passports/visas (OCONUS), vehicle titles, pet records.

60–30 days out

  • Book packing, pickup, and (if needed) storage dates through the official system.

  • If OCONUS, confirm POV (personally owned vehicle) shipment eligibility, drop-off location, and required forms.

  • Reserve flights (as applicable), pet travel, and temporary lodging.

  • Create a “carry-on binder”: orders, IDs, school records, medical/dental, lease/closing docs, inventories, and photos of high-value items.

30–7 days out

  • Separate “do not pack” items (documents, meds, valuables, devices, uniforms for travel).

  • Photograph electronics/serial numbers and pre-existing furniture conditions.

  • Label rooms clearly; stage UB vs. HHG.

  • Confirm delivery address or storage instructions at gaining location.

Arrival week

  • Check in with your new TMO/PPSO. Update contact info for delivery.

  • Walk the inventory at delivery; note damage or loss on the forms before signing.

Start school, Tricare, and housing in-processing. Keep copies of all claims and receipts.

What to Book

  • Household Goods (HHG) & UB: Use the Defense Personal Property Program portal to request counseling and book shipments. Keep a copy of your approved weights, pickup dates, and destination.

     

  • Storage-in-Transit (SIT): If quarters aren’t ready, confirm authorized SIT and maximum days.

     

  • POV Shipping (OCONUS): Some locations permit one POV shipment; others do not. Verify eligibility, inspection steps, and drop-off site early.

     

  • Pets: Airlines and routes fill quickly in peak season. Check crate standards, breed restrictions, and heat embargo windows.

Smarter Packing, Fewer Headaches

  • Color-code by room: Tape a color card on the door and matching tape on each box.

     

  • First-week box: Bedding for each bed, towels, shower curtain, basic cookware, kid comfort items, router/power strip.

     

  • High-value items: List them on the High Value/High Risk form. Photograph condition and keep receipts.

     

  • Electronics & 220V regions: For OCONUS, label dual-voltage devices, pack step-down transformers separately, and keep adapters in your first-week box.

Financial & Paperwork Quick Hits

  • Entitlements vary: Confirm dislocation allowance, per diem, mileage, and temporary lodging with your service finance office.

     

  • Leave/PTDY: Check your branch policy and local approval steps if you plan house-hunting or staging time.

     

  • Claims clock: Inspect at delivery and submit loss/damage notices within the required window through the claims portal.

Families, Singles, and Pet Owners: Targeted Tips

  • Families with school-age kids: Request unofficial copies of records, IEP/504 documentation, and immunizations; pre-register where possible.

     

  • Singles & couples traveling light: Consider partial HHG plus UB for speed, and verify furnished or loaner furniture options at destination.

     

  • Pet owners: Build a pet packet; vaccinations, microchip, import rules (OCONUS), airline approvals, and an extra leash/collar in your carry-on.

OCONUS Notes (Europe & Indo-Pacific)

  • Passports/visas & SOFA: Start early; some posts require command sponsorship before applications.

  • Driver’s license & vehicle: Check host-nation licensing tests, insurance requirements, and inspection standards.

  • Housing lead time: Expect waitlists in peak season; confirm interim lodging eligibility and book as soon as orders hit.

One-Page PCS Mini-Checklist

We created a streamlined check list you can use, reuse, and share.

View Checklist

Bottom Line

A smooth PCS comes from early counseling, booking in the official system, and a few small habits, photographing valuables, staging a first-week box, and labeling rooms. Keep your carry-on binder close, confirm dates twice, and sync with your gaining TMO/PPSO as soon as you land. You’ll handle the move and the first week in your new community with less stress and more control.

Helpful Official Resources