Just Got PCS Orders? Here's What to Do First

Your military PCS checklist: 7 steps to make your next move easier, from housing and BAH to finding the right neighborhood and real estate agent.

Orders are in! Maybe you're excited about a new adventure, or maybe you're already wondering how you're going to get everything done before your report date.

A PCS move comes with a long to do list. Between coordinating the move, researching schools, figuring out housing, and helping your family adjust, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

The good news is that you don't have to figure everything out on your own.

At Coast2Coast Connect, we help military families research their next duty station and connect with real estate professionals who understand military relocation and VA home loans.

Here are seven things to do after receiving PCS orders to help you get started.

1. Start With Your PCS Timeline

Before you start house hunting, get familiar with your timeline. Make a list of your key dates, including your report date, expected departure, housing needs, and any school or childcare deadlines. Check with your installation's relocation office or Military and Family Support Center for resources specific to your move. Also, review your orders and coordinate with your transportation office about your authorized move and household goods shipment.

Your first step: Create a PCS calendar so important deadlines don't sneak up on you.

2. Figure Out Your Housing Budget and BAH

One of the biggest questions is where you'll live and how much you can comfortably afford. Your Basic Allowance for Housing, or BAH, is intended to help eligible service members cover housing costs when government quarters aren't provided. The amount generally depends on your pay grade, dependency status, and duty station.

Before deciding what you can spend, look at your full financial picture. Your BAH isn't necessarily the same as your mortgage qualification, and lenders will evaluate your income, debts, credit, and other factors.

Start researching your current BAH rate at the new duty station, typical rental prices in the area, home prices in neighborhoods you're considering, expected commute times, and transportation costs.

You'll also want to consider whether buying or renting makes more sense for your family.

Your second step: Compare your BAH with local housing costs before setting a budget.

3. Decide Whether to Buy or Rent

There isn't one right answer for every military family. Buying may make sense if you expect to stay long enough, can comfortably afford the costs, and want to explore building equity. Renting may offer more flexibility if your assignment is short, your plans are uncertain, or purchasing doesn't fit your financial situation.

If you're considering buying, explore your VA home loan benefit. Eligible buyers may be able to purchase with no down payment, subject to eligibility, lender approval, and other requirements.

Think beyond your current assignment, too. If you buy a home, would you potentially keep it as a rental when your next PCS arrives? If so, research the rental market and make sure the property could work financially.

Your third step: Decide what fits your family's timeline, finances, and long term goals rather than feeling pressured to buy.

4. Research Neighborhoods Before You Arrive

Where you live can have a big impact on your daily life at a new duty station.

The closest neighborhood to the installation isn't always the best fit for your family. Consider commute times, school options, childcare, access to shopping and healthcare, recreation, and your spouse's employment needs.

You may also want to compare living on base with living off base. Before choosing an area, research typical commute times during peak traffic, school boundaries and enrollment requirements, local rental prices and home values, access to airports and hospitals, and family friendly attractions.

Remember that online estimates are only a starting point. Traffic patterns, neighborhood conditions, and housing costs can vary significantly even within the same city.

Your fourth step: Narrow your search to two or three areas that fit your family's priorities.

5. Get Connected With a Real Estate Agent Who Understands Military Moves

Buying a home in an unfamiliar city can be challenging, especially when you're coordinating everything from another state.

Finding the right real estate agent can make a huge difference. You want someone who understands military relocation, is familiar with the local neighborhoods, and knows how to navigate the homebuying process with a PCS timeline in mind. That's where Coast2Coast Connect comes in.

Instead of spending hours searching for agents and trying to figure out who has experience working with military families, let us do the research for you. We connect military families with vetted real estate professionals who understand the unique needs of military buyers and the VA home loan process.

Whether you're buying your first home, relocating with your family, or looking for a property that could become a rental in the future, we'll help connect you with an agent who fits your needs and your new location.

Your fifth step: Tell Coast2Coast Connect where you're headed, and we'll help connect you with a local real estate professional who understands military life.

6. Get Your Family Ready for the Move

PCS orders affect the whole family, not just the service member. If you have children, talk with them about the move in an age appropriate way. Research schools, enrollment requirements, childcare availability, and activities that could help them settle in.

If you're moving with pets, check housing restrictions, travel arrangements, and any requirements that apply to your destination.

This is also a good time to gather important documents, review medical and dental arrangements, and make a list of tasks that need to be completed before departure.

Don't forget about yourself, either. Moving can be emotionally exhausting, especially when you're leaving friends and a community behind.

Your sixth step: Make a family specific checklist alongside your official PCS tasks.

7. Learn About Your New Duty Station Before You Arrive

Knowing a little about your new city can make the transition feel much less overwhelming.

Where do military families typically live? What are the local restaurants, parks, and weekend activities? Which airports are nearby? What should you know about the commute to base? That's exactly why we created Coast2Coast Connect.

Our duty station guides help military families explore their next location, discover nearby communities, and begin researching the practical details of everyday life.

You can start learning about your next home before you even pack the first box.

Your seventh step: Explore our city guides and start getting familiar with your new surroundings.

Your Next Move Starts Here

A PCS move comes with plenty of unknowns, but you don't have to tackle everything at once.

Start with your timeline, understand your housing budget, research your options, and build a team of people who can help you navigate the process.

Whether you're planning to rent, buy your first home, or explore keeping a property as a future rental, having the right information can make a big difference.

Let Coast2Coast Connect Help With Your PCS

Moving to a new duty station? We help military families connect with real estate agents who understand military relocation and VA home loans.

Tell us where you're headed, and we'll help you find a local professional who can guide you through your housing options.

Find a Military Friendly Realtor

Your next duty station is more than a new address. It's the beginning of another chapter for your family, and we're here to help you get started.