Upcoming Military Move? 4 Tips for a Smooth PCS

Permanent change of station (PCS) is part of military life, but that doesn’t make the move any less stressful. Between coordinating logistics, deciding where to live, and sorting out finances, there's a lot to navigate. These four tips can help make your next military move as smooth and stress-free as possible.

1. Start Early and Stay Organized

Once you have your PCS orders, the clock starts ticking. Typically, you’ll have 2-4 months to prepare, but the exact timeline can vary. Although that might sound like plenty of time to plan a move, when you start digging into the details, there’s a lot to accomplish, so it’s important to act quickly and methodically. 

Be sure to: 

• Notify your chain of command as soon as possible.
• Update your Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) information to avoid disruptions to personnel or medical records.
• Schedule your move through your installation’s Transportation Office using MilMove or Military OneSource.
• Start a PCS binder or digital folder to keep your orders, receipts, checklists, and housing documents in one place.

2. Decide Whether to Buy or Rent at Your New Station

One of the biggest decisions you will have to make is whether to rent or buy a house at your new station.

If you will only be at the new station for a couple of years, renting may be the most cost-effective option. If you will be there for more than two years and the housing market is stable, buying a home could be a smart investment, especially if you utilize your Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan benefit.

Our Rent vs. Buy Calculator can help you weigh costs against long-term benefits to make the best choice for your family and financial goals.

3. Leverage Your VA Loan Benefit

If you decide to buy a home, a VA loan is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal.

A VA home loan allows eligible buyers to purchase a home with no down payment, no private mortgage insurance, limited closing costs, and competitive interest rates, which can significantly lower the cost of homeownership.

If you’re planning to use a VA loan, there are a few things to consider:

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Your COE confirms your entitlement to VA loan benefits and shows lenders that you meet the service requirements to qualify. 
• Pre-approval: Getting pre-approved for a mortgage gives you a clear picture of your budget and helps you move quickly when you find a home. 
• Timeline: Try to coordinate your home search and closing date with your PCS timeline to avoid housing gaps.
• Qualifications: Not every home will qualify for VA financing, so working with a real estate agent who knows VA loans is key.

4. Plan for Out-of-Pocket Costs

Even with government assistance, including Dislocation Allowance (DLA), Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE), and per diem reimbursements, military moves often come with significant out-of-pocket costs. 

Building expenses into your budget for travel, pet transport, temporary lodging, and utility setup fees can help reduce financial stress. If you’re buying a home at your new station, be sure to plan for upfront costs such as inspections, closing fees, or repairs.

Bonus Tip: Speak with a Mortgage Lender Early

If you’re considering buying a home at your new station, we recommend speaking with a mortgage lender as soon as possible to help take some of the stress out of your move. Getting pre-approved for a VA loan or other type of mortgage not only helps you establish a realistic housing budget but also strengthens your buying power in a competitive housing market. 

FFB Mortgage Lenders specializes in VA home loans, so we know how stressful military moves can be. Let us give you peace of mind during a hectic time so you can focus on what matters most—settling into your new home and starting your next chapter.