Everything that you need to get started on a Permanent Change of Station move

A military personnel’s first Permanent Change of Station (PCS) can be a nerve-wracking experience. It can even be more stressful if you have family and kids in tow. Although moving is part of military life, it can still feel overwhelming even for others that have done it many times before.

As the top military relocation professional in Las Vegas, I’m here to help you make the moving process a lot easier. Count on me, Loralee, to help ease your anxiety with the PCS move checklist I prepared to serve as your guide:

• Prepare your PCS binder
  It’s essential to have a PCS binder containing all the documentation you need when you arrive at your next duty station. Keep orders and moving documents, medical and school records, and other valuable family documents in your binder. Don’t forget to have this in your car when you move.

• Decide on the best moving option
  You have three options you can choose from to complete your PCS move:

  1. Traditional move
     A military-approved moving company completely takes care of your move. They’ll pack your things from your old home and deliver them to your next station. The military covers expenses, so you don’t have to shell out a lot of money. To avoid lost, damaged, or missing items, take the time to rearrange and prepare the movers’ items on your moving day. Taking this extra step will help save you from frustrations down the road.

  2. Personally Procured Move (PPM)
     If you opt out of a military moving service, prepare to move as an ordinary citizen would. Hire your own moving truck, pack and load all of your belongings, and drive the truck to your assigned location. The military will reimburse 95% of what it would pay a professional mover. Keep in mind that the repayment is an incentive based on the goods you actually transport that doesn’t exceed your authorized weight allowance. Do note that you bear most of the responsibility of mishaps that might occur during the move.

  3. Partial DIY
     When you decide to do a partial DIY, a moving company will take care of transporting your belongings in a truck that you load yourself. However, you will also be in charge of transporting belongings in your own vehicle. People who go for this option often have valuables like family heirlooms or breakable items they would rather transport themselves. The military covers the moving company and pays you for moving the things you load in your vehicle, based on weight.

• Decide if you want to sell or lease your house
  Ask yourself if you want to sell or lease your home once you leave. If you’re renting, let your landlord know immediately the date of your departure.

• Research your PCS station
  Look up your new area on Military Town Advisor. This will prove to be very helpful since it features firsthand reviews from your fellow military families. Learn more about places to visit, restaurants, schools, and other amenities in the area. Don’t forget to contribute to help out the next moving family.

• Set your household budget
  Prepare for changes in your Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) when you move. Your new allowance will help you decide your budget for your next home. Determine this amount even before you move so you can stay within your budget when you begin house hunting.

• Search for your new home
  MilitaryByOwner helps you find your next home, whether you’re buying or renting. Just enter your base, input your search criteria, and let the search begin!

• Speak with the local housing office
  Get in touch immediately with the local housing office if you choose to live on base at your next duty station. Base housing is minimal, often with a waitlist. If you want to increase your chances of securing your spot, speak with the local housing office as soon as possible. You can also go through their list of blacklisted properties so you know what to avoid.

• Don’t forget to hold mail and cancel utilities
  Details such as canceling utilities and holding mail are easy to overlook. Add these tasks to your to-do list so you can notify utility companies of your move and to avoid receiving notices of missed payments.

For further military relocation assistance, I’ll be more than happy to assist you! You need a military relocation Realtor that you can trust. I’m the #1 Military Relocation Specialist in Southern Nevada so let’s get you started today! Call me, Loralee, at 702.419.3212 or send an email at loralee(dotted)wood(at)cbvegas(dotted)com.