---
title: Don't Forget These 5 Expenses in Your PCS Budget
description: Facing a PCS military move? Plan ahead for unexpected expenses!
image: https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/keys_money.jpg
---

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# Don't Forget These 5 Expenses in Your PCS Budget

![Jen McDonald](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/Blog%20Authors/Jen%20square%20profile.png)

## [Jen McDonald](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/author/jen-mcdonald)

April 24, 2020

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## Don't Forget These 5 Expenses in Your PCS Budget

If you've faced a military move, you've probably heard someone say, "Well, at least the military moves you!"

And while that may be true, there are still expenses--some expected and some unforeseen--that are part of a military relocation. 

MilitaryByOwner's free ebook, **[Quick and Easy Steps to Prepare for Your PCS Move](https://info.militarybyowner.com/quick-and-easy-steps-to-prepare-for-your-pcs-move?__hssc=115908825.2.1434401525521&__hstc=115908825.884af13c82fc17eff7a34b1bb4240a77.1414089923084.1434384302727.1434401525521.683&hsCtaTracking=86667362-faac-4e1f-a8ff-1c67bce3c542%7Caf9f125a-4038-4735-a6ee-148a109a0a18)**, includes a helpful section on budgeting for a PCS, including preparing for the unexpected. While you're likely familiar with the military's Dislocation Allowance and reimbursement for Personally Procured Moves, it's wise to plan ahead. For instance, have you considered setting aside funds for the following?

## Plan Ahead for These Expenses in Your PCS Budget

![Don't Forget These 5 Expenses in Your PCS Budget](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hs-fs/hubfs/All_images/Pinterest%20optimized%20images/Don't%20Forget%20These%205%20Expenses%20in%20Your%20PCS%20Budget.png?width=600&name=Don't%20Forget%20These%205%20Expenses%20in%20Your%20PCS%20Budget.png)

 

### 1) Maintenance and Repairs

Whether it's carpet stains, broken fixtures, or other damages in the house you've been renting, consider getting an estimate of how much repairs will set you back... and how much of your security deposit you'll be seeing again. 

If you're a homeowner, you may choose to have a [home inspection](https://info.militarybyowner.com/6-important-inspections-for-your-home-sale) before putting your house on the market to rent or sell, not to mention home staging, advertising, realty fees, and any needed repairs/maintenance. 

### 2) Mortgage Payment

If you're planning to put your home up for rent, there will likely be a gap between the day you move out and the day your tenants move in. Continued mortgage payments during this time could be the costliest part of your move. 

**Get more practical help in our [Guide for the Unexpected Military Landlord](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/a-guide-for-the-unexpected-military-landlord/). **

### 3) Pet Expenses

Vaccinations, health checks, quarantines, boarding fees, and [travel costs for your animals](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/6-resources-for-a-military-move-with-pets) can add up quickly. If you're flying your pet, you may also be required to purchase a crate that is airline approved. 

 

### 4) Moving Your Vehicles

If you have more than one car, think about whether you'll sell, ship, or drive the second vehicle. If you're moving stateside, you may end up renting a trailer for towing the second car, motorcycle, or other vehicle. You may choose to pay to [ship extra vehicles](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/tips-for-using-a-car-transport-service-for-your-pcs) in an overseas move, since the government will only ship one POV. 

### 5) Restocking Your New Home

If you're not able to move any perishables yourself, you'll be facing a pricey shopping trip or two to replace perishable goods, kitchen staples, cleaning supplies, and items like new curtains for the windows that aren't the same size as any of the curtains you currently own. 

 

While there's no way to foresee every possibility, expanded tips on the above areas as well as help with prepping your home for rent or sale are covered in much more detail in our free ebook, **Quick and Easy Steps to Prepare for Your PCS Move. **Simply click below to download!

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![Jen McDonald](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/Blog%20Authors/Jen%20square%20profile.png)

#### Author

## [Jen McDonald](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/author/jen-mcdonald)

Jen McDonald is the Content Editor for MilitaryByOwner Advertising, where she manages the team of in-house and guest writers and creates resources that help military families navigate PCS moves, homeownership, renting, and military life. Originally trained as a registered nurse, she transitioned into publishing in 2008 and joined MilitaryByOwner in 2014. She also holds professional editing and marketing certifications, including credentials from the Poynter Institute, ACES (American Copy Editors Society), and HubSpot.

As an Air Force spouse for over 30 years, Jen has spent much of her adult life moving between duty stations, managing deployments, and raising four children around the globe. She draws on those experiences to encourage and inform military families through her writing and speaking.

Jen is the award-winning author of *You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse* and *Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories*. She also produced and hosted the Milspouse Matters podcast for five years, sharing stories and resources with military spouses worldwide. Her writing has earned numerous honors, including a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America and a Silver Award from Foreword INDIES.

Now settled in Texas, Jen is writing her debut cozy mystery series, enjoying time with her grandchildren, and appreciating a season of life that doesn't involve unpacking moving boxes every few years. Connect with Jen at [jen-mcdonald.com](https://jen-mcdonald.com/) and on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/jenmcdonaldwriter), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jenmcdonald88/), and [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/jenmcdonald88/).

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