PCS timeline: month by month
Everything a PCS move needs, in the order it needs to happen.
A smooth PCS follows a predictable timeline. Starting about 60 to 90 days before your report date, you research housing and schedule the move; in the final weeks you confirm logistics and pack; on arrival you in-process and set up the new home. The checklist below breaks it down by phase.
Last updated: 2026-07-19
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 60-90 days out | Confirm orders, research the new base, look up BAH, and decide rent vs buy. Schedule your household goods move early, especially for a summer PCS. |
| 30-60 days out | Line up housing or a house-hunting trip. Get quotes for movers, auto transport, and storage. Start school records and medical record transfers. |
| 2-4 weeks out | Confirm move dates, set up utilities at the new place, and handle address changes. Build an essentials box for the first few days. |
| Move week | Supervise packing and loading, verify the inventory, and keep orders and key documents on you, not in the truck. |
| Arrival | In-process at the new base, receive your household goods, set up housing, and register kids for school. |
PCS timeline FAQ
How far in advance should I start planning a PCS?
Start as soon as you receive orders, usually two to four months out. The earliest tasks, like scheduling your household goods move and researching housing at the new base, fill up fast during peak summer PCS season. Booking early gives you the best pick of moving dates and the most time to find housing.
When should I look for housing at my new base?
Begin researching housing as soon as orders are confirmed, about 60 to 90 days out. Look up BAH for your rank, compare neighborhoods, and decide rent versus buy before you arrive. Many families line up a rental or schedule house-hunting around their report date so they are not paying for temporary lodging.
Know your next base before you move
Housing, neighborhoods, schools, and BAH for every major base.
Browse base guides