Independent Resource Notice: The PCS Guide is a private, for-profit organization. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized by the U.S. Department of Defense, any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, or any government entity. We are not the U.S. military. Official resources are always linked directly. We deeply respect and honor all who serve.
For Military Families · All Branches · All Ranks

The PCS Guide.
Your move, simplified.

Free PCS checklist, official resource directory, state benefits, and base guides for military families navigating every relocation — no matter where orders send you.

40+
Checklist Items
50
States Covered
Free
Core Checklist
All
Branches Welcome
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Check off items as you complete them — progress saves in your browser.

PCS Checklist

Free
8–12 Weeks Out
Upon receiving orders
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Read orders carefully — verify name spelling, rank, unit, and report date
Make 10–15 copies of orders (TMO, housing, schools, landlord, banks)
Contact Transportation Management Office (TMO) to schedule HHG move
Research new duty station: on-base housing waitlists, schools, cost of living
Notify current landlord in writing — SCRA protects early lease termination
Request school records and medical records from all current providers
Update emergency contact info and beneficiaries in DEERS/TRICARE
4–8 Weeks Out
Getting organized
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2–4 Weeks Out
Locking things in
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Moving Week
The big push
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Post-Move
Getting settled
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Official Resources

Always Free
Military OneSourceOfficial
24/7 support, Plan My Move tool, relocation guides
MilitaryINSTALLATIONSOfficial
Directory of all bases — housing, schools, services
PCS HotlineOfficial
833-MIL-MOVE — household goods move issues, case tracking
TRICAREOfficial
Find new healthcare providers after every PCS move
SCRA RightsLegal
Lease termination, interest rate caps, protections
Defense Finance (DFAS)Finance
BAH, DLA, and move entitlements — what you're owed

State Military Benefits

Top States
⭐Texas
  • No state income tax
  • Strong property tax exemptions for disabled vets
  • Home to Fort Cavazos, Fort Sam Houston, JBSA, and more
🌴Florida
  • Property tax exemptions for 10%+ VA disability
  • C.W. Bill Young free tuition program for dependents
  • Sales tax exemptions on many purchases
🎰Nevada
  • No state income tax
  • Property tax abatement for veterans
  • Hunting/fishing license discounts
🏛️Virginia
  • Major installations: Norfolk, Quantico, Langley, Ft. Belvoir
  • Strong employment protections for military spouses
  • Vehicle tax exemptions for active duty
🌲North Carolina
  • Military retirement pay partially exempt from state tax
  • Home to Fort Liberty, Camp Lejeune, Seymour Johnson
  • Strong military spouse licensing reciprocity
🏔️Colorado
  • Military retirement income tax exemption
  • Home to Fort Carson, Peterson, Schriever, Buckley
  • State parks free for active duty families
Showing 6 of 50 states. Full 50-state breakdown available in the complete guide.
🌍 Coming Soon

International PCS.
OCONUS resources on the way.

Orders sending you overseas? We are building a dedicated resource hub for every major OCONUS duty station — SOFA rights, overseas driver's licenses, dependent schooling, housing, and country-specific guidance for military families.

🇩🇪Germany
USAG Germany
Europe's largest US military community — Ramstein, Grafenwöhr, Wiesbaden & more
🇯🇵Japan
USFJ
Okinawa, Yokosuka, Misawa — includes SOFA rights, driver's license, and housing
🇰🇷South Korea
USFK
Camp Humphreys, Yongsan — SOFA, Korean driver's license, and dependent schooling
🇬🇧United Kingdom
USAFE / RAF
Lakenheath, Mildenhall, Alconbury — NATO SOFA, UK driving permit, and housing
🇮🇹Italy
SETAF / NSA Naples
Vicenza, Aviano, Naples — NATO protections, Italian bureaucracy guide, schooling
🇧🇭Bahrain
NSA Bahrain
NAVCENT HQ — smaller footprint, SOFA and dependent resources
🔔International resources are coming soon. Unlock the full guide for $7 to get early access when OCONUS content launches — you will be notified the moment it is available.
Full Access · One-Time Unlock

Everything you need.
One small price.

The complete guide — every state, every base, every benefit.

✓ All 50 States Resource Guide✓ Major Base Directory✓ BAH by Zip Calculator✓ Military Spouse Job Resources✓ Housing Negotiation Tips✓ Full Printable Checklist PDF✓ Discounts Database✓ Overseas PCS Guide
$7
One time · No subscription · Yours forever
Stripe checkout coming soon. Join the waitlist to be first when it launches.

Common PCS Questions

What does PCS stand for?+
What is BAH and how is it calculated?+
Can I break my lease early for a PCS move?+
What is DLA (Dislocation Allowance)?+
What is TLE and who qualifies?+
What if my household goods are lost or damaged?+
Is this site affiliated with the U.S. military or DoD?+

Important Disclaimer

The PCS Guide is an independent, for-profit resource. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, authorized by, or sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Military, or any branch of the Armed Forces. We are a private company operated by NovaVerse Platform LLC. All official government resources are linked directly and clearly labeled. Information provided is for general guidance only — always verify entitlements and benefits with your unit's chain of command, your service branch's official resources, and military legal assistance offices. We deeply honor and respect the men and women who serve and their families.

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