checklist for a smooth pcs move

At the English Law Group, we understand that our military and veteran clients have unique needs. Whether you are active military and have just received your Permanent Change of Station (PCS), or you are a retired veteran moving to your forever home, we are here to help make the process go smoothly.

Six Months prior to PCS Move:

Servicemembers should have notification of orders prior to six months of their PCS move.

  • Begin checking out neighborhoods and schools in the area.

  • Begin checking commute times.

  • Begin checking access to daily necessities.

  • Determine if you will rent or buy. Property values vary greatly around the county. It might be advantageous to rent if you can’t afford it.

  • If you will be purchasing a home start shopping Realtors and get preapproved with a lender so you know your price range.

  • Start saving for non-reimbursable moving expenses.

Three Months prior to PCS Move:

Service members should start actively looking for housing:

  • The service member should have 10 days of house-hunting permissive leave (TDY) to visit the gaining duty location. Determine if this will be used, or if the military spouse will go alone to scout out the area and houses.

  • Choose your Realtor.

  • See if your Realtor offers long-distance relocation services (virtual consultation and showings)

  • Verify that you still qualify for the home purchase price. The fluctuation of rates can change the price of the home you can purchase.

  • Make an appointment for a counseling session at the base transportation office.

  • Start discussing relocation with children to reduce the stress of relocation.

  • Notify the landlord of relocation or prepare to sell or rent a current home.

  • Make sure children’s immunizations are up to date.

Two Months prior to PCS Move:

  • Service members should use due diligence efforts in making lists of all personal belongings and assets (make a detailed list/have photo evidence) and have items valued.

  • Put a pause on using mail-order services (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, eBay, etc.).

  • For civilian spouses - Complete or update all employment documents such as resumes, cover letters, job reference lists, headshots, etc.

  • Find daycare or childcare if needed.

  • Find out about the school application process if there are school-age children.

  • Get cars tuned up, rotate tires, and change the oil if making a long trip.

  • Create an insurance checklist to ensure all insured items/assets have adequate and up-to-date coverage.

  • For pet owners, have a thorough check-up through your local veterinarian and verify all required shots for a new location.

  • Investigate doctors, veterinarians, and dentists in a new location. Make sure they accept your insurance and set up a new client consult so you have service in place should you get sick.

  • See if your bank has branches at the new location. If not, choose a new bank that has a physical location where you will be and begin to go through the transfer/closure procedure for all accounts.

  • If necessary, have your current financial advisor/broker give recommendations for establishing a new connection in your new area.

  • Ensure that all credit/debit cards and military identification documents are not nearing expiration.

  • Get new IDs if they are expiring. You will need them for closing on a new home or signing a lease.

  • Look on https://drive.ky.gov/Pages/New-to-Kentucky.aspx to familiarize yourself with the requirements for obtaining new driver’s licenses and registrations.

  • Create a plan for your particularized moving process, along with budgeting.

  • Inform teachers of the move so they can help discuss the transition with your children.

  • Start looking for boxes, as on social media. People usually have boxes they aren’t using.

One MONTH Prior to PCS Move:

  • If purchasing real estate – try to get a closing date but remember that the closing date may move so you have to be flexible with signing.

  • Determine who will be at closing if a power of attorney or remote signing will be necessary

    • It’s always a good idea to have a power of attorney if a closing date gets moved and you can’t be there.

    • Please note that a power of attorney to purchase a home is different than a general power of attorney for everything else. They are usually lender specific.

  • Enroll children in school and daycare

  • Schedule a moving truck or moving company to help move.

  • Sell or donate any furniture that you don’t need

  • Discuss the move with your children and see if a going away party at school or home might help the transition.

  • Start packing and labeling all the boxes!

  • Make sure all important documents are readily available. Do not back closing documents from when you purchased your home. You might need them.

  • Do a change of address and let your family and friends know your new address

  • Forward all medical records to providers

One Week Prior to PCS Move:

  • Refill prescriptions.

  • Finish packing.

  • Confirm the method of payment for closing. Sometimes wire is required for funds. ALWAYS verbally confirm wiring instructions and don’t trust wiring instructions without verifying.

    • If you don’t bank locally there could be a holdup in getting funds.

  • Double-check with the moving company on timing.

  • Check with the lender to see if there is anything they are waiting on that might hold up the closing.

  • Have your Realtor check with the listing agent to make sure repairs will be done by the walkthrough.

  • Don’t pack important documents, valuables, or prescriptions. Keep them with you and not on the moving truck.

Moving day:

  • Have funds ready in the form that the landlord/title company requires.

  • Bring current photo ID.

  • If you sold a home, make sure to bring those documents as the lender could require them to verify how you got your money (proceeds of your sale).

  • Congratulations! You did it!

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