A military move can be stressful on a good day. But short-notice relocations can disrupt even the most organized families.
The key? A clear, actionable checklist.
Here’s your ultimate guide to navigating a short-notice PCS move with as little stress and as much sanity as possible.
1. Get PCS Orders in Writing
Before doing anything else, ensure you have official PCS orders. Verbal confirmation or soft orders won’t cut it when it comes to scheduling movers, arranging travel, or dealing with housing/landlords.
Once you have hard orders in hand:
- Double-check the details: report date, duty station, and dependents.
- Make copies: You’ll need them for everything from shipping household goods, enrolling kids in school, applying for housing, to transporting pets.
2. Contact Your Transportation Office ASAP
Reach out to your base’s Transportation Office (often called the Personal Property Office).
They'll guide you through:
- HHG (Household Goods) shipment
- Non-temporary storage (NTS)
- Personally Procured Move (PPM) options
They’ll also ensure you have access to DPS (Defense Personal Property System), where you’ll manage your move online.
Pro Tip: Summer PCS season gets hectic fast. Short notice or not, earlier scheduling means better options.
3. Inventory Everything You Own
It comes as no surprise that military movers have broken a few things here and there. Save yourself some stress by documenting what you own now to note any damaged or lost items later.
- Take photos or videos of each room.
- List high-value items and their condition.
- Separate what you’ll carry with you versus what gets packed.
A clear record helps with reimbursement claims and organization through your move.
4. Declutter Ruthlessly
Though it might feel low on the priority list, purge what you don't need. While it adds just one more thing to your list on the front end of your move, it will save grief on the back end trying to find appropriate donation spots and bulk trash rules.
Remove emotions and pass along items that you no longer use or need:
- Trash it if it’s broken or expired.
- Donate or sell lightly-used items.
- Label these items to ensure the movers don't pack them if you don't have time to donate before.
- Less stuff means fewer things to move, which equals a faster, cheaper PCS, especially if you're doing a DITY/Personally Procured Move (PPM).
5. Secure Temporary Lodging and Travel Plans
While some service members are able to line up housing without gaps, it's unlikely with a short-notice move. Map out your travel route and book proper accommodations along the way.
- Book TLFs (Temporary Lodging Facilities) early. They fill up quickly.
- Ask about per diem rates and lodging entitlements to ensure you don't spend more than the given rates.
- Keep receipts for all travel expenses. You’ll need them for reimbursement.
6. Update Your Paperwork and Important Documents
PCS moves are paperwork heavy. Organize a folder or binder for:
- Orders (originals + copies)
- IDs and passports
- Birth certificates, marriage license
- Medical and school records
- Pet vaccination records
- Vehicle titles and registration
- Any other important legal documents
Keep this folder with you during the move—it’s your lifeline.
Photo by Jacob Lund via Canva.com
7. Coordinate with Housing (Old and New)
Whether you're leaving base housing, a rental, or a home you own, you’ll need to:
- Give notice according to your lease or housing office
- Schedule a final walkthrough
- Clean or arrange cleaning services
- Get your home ready to sell or rent
If you plan to live in military housing at your new duty station, get on the housing waitlist immediately. Overseas locations have sponsors or relocation assistance programs to help incoming families. Otherwise, you can begin researching homes for sale or houses for rent.
8. Handle Utilities and Mail
Don't overlook the logistics of leaving. Here's a short checklist to make a clean break:
- Transfer back to the owner or cancel electric, water, trash, and gas accounts.
- Cancel internet and cable.
- File a change of address with USPS. Or, if you don't have a forwarding address yet, you can hold your mail for up to 30 days.
- Update address with banks, credit card companies, insurance, and subscriptions.
9. Prepare a PCS Essentials Bag
You need a survival kit to cover your travel plus however long it takes to get your household goods.
It should include:
- 7-14 days of clothes for each family member
- Toiletries, bedding, a few essential kitchen items, and towels
- Important documents (your PCS binder you created in step 6)
- Medications and first aid kit
- Snacks, chargers, school supplies, and entertainment
- Pet food and supplies (if applicable)
It's like packing for a two-week-long vacation, but with more paperwork and stress. And instead of an all-inclusive resort, it's an empty house to camp in!
10. Stay Flexible and Ask for Help
No military relocation, especially a short-notice one, goes 100% according to plan. Be prepared to pivot.
- Use military spouse networks or Facebook PCS groups for local insight.
- Contact the local School Liaison Officer (SLO) to help your kids transition smoothly.
Ask for extensions or exceptions if needed. While military timelines are often inflexible, there are times when things can shift.
Short-notice PCS orders can throw you for a loop. But with a solid checklist and a proactive mindset, you can handle it like a pro. Remember: flexibility, organization, and a bit of humor go a long way. The military lifestyle is unpredictable, but every move is a new chapter waiting to be written.
You’ve got this.
