Checklist

PCS Move

A PCS is a project with real deadlines hiding in it. Work top to bottom; the flagged windows are the ones that cost families money when missed.

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Start your move in DPS (move.mil) and book your pack-out date the week you have ordersASAP — peak season slots vanishSummer moves book out weeks ahead; late booking = a personally procured move you didn't plan for.
Join the childcare waitlist at MilitaryChildCare.com for the NEW baseThe day you know the baseCDC waitlists run months to years; families report 2+ year waits at some bases.
Photograph/video every room and every high-value item before the packers arriveBefore pack-outYour claim later is only as good as your before-evidence. Serial numbers for electronics.
Hand-carry the folder: orders (10+ copies), passports, birth/marriage certificates, POAs, school and medical records, jewelry and irreplaceablesPack-out dayNever let the movers touch documents or the things you can't replace.
If enrolled in EFMP: complete the family member travel screening early and get continuity-of-care letters from current providersBefore orders are finalEFMP screening surprises can derail assignments late; provider letters are your rebuttal evidence.
Spouse: check your professional license in the new state (interstate compacts) and your unemployment-insurance eligibility for the moveBefore the moveMost states now grant UI to trailing military spouses — almost nobody claims it.
On arrival: update DEERS/TRICARE region, re-register vehicles, transfer school recordsFirst 2 weeksWrong TRICARE region = referrals and claims start bouncing.
Note LOSS or DAMAGE to household goods in writing to the TSP⏰ 75 days from deliveryMiss the notice window and the full-replacement-value claim gets much harder.
File the itemized HHG claim⏰ 9 months from delivery for full replacement valueAfter 9 months you're negotiating depreciated value at best. Don't accept a lowball first offer — rebut it.
Submit your travel voucher with every receiptWithin 5 days of arrivalSlow vouchers become GTC delinquency letters with your name on them.

Windows shift

Deadlines here state the general rule — your branch or situation can differ. When a date matters, verify it with your admin shop or the free official line at 800-342-9647 before you rely on it.

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