Tips for Navigating a Permanent Change of Station in the Military

Few words stir up as many emotions in military households as “PCS orders.” A permanent change of station (PCS) means it’s time to pack up your life — again, for many service members — and head to a new duty station. Excitement for new opportunities often comes with the stress of logistics, lots of paperwork, and the emotional weight of leaving behind a familiar home, school, or community.

Moving is consistently ranked as one of life’s most stressful events. For military families, who may relocate every two to three years, it’s a recurring test of patience and resilience. Beyond the emotional and logistical hurdles, PCS moves often bring unexpected financial pressures, from deposits and temporary lodging to out-of-pocket expenses that may not be fully reimbursed. Careful planning and budgeting are key to avoiding strain during the transition.

USAA, a corporate partner of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), provides guidance for active-duty service members planning their PCS move. USAA Advice Director Josh Andrews, a 20-year Air Force veteran with extensive PCS experience, shares valuable tips and advice to help make that transition smoother.

Financial Aspects of PCS

While the military covers many relocation-related expenses, there are still important financial considerations to understand — and some common surprises to avoid.

The military offers several entitlements to help ease the financial burden of a PCS:

• Travel and Transportation Allowance: Covers mileage, airfare, and shipment of household goods, with amounts  based on rank and number of dependents.
• Dislocation Allowance (DLA): A one-time payment to help with moving-related expenses.
• Temporary Lodging Expenses (TLE): Reimburses up to 14 days of hotel stays and meals at your current or new duty station.

While not an entitlement, there is also the option to move yourself. A personally procured move (PPM) is a full do-it-yourself move where service members can be reimbursed for moving themselves, often allowing them to pocket savings if done efficiently. There is also a partial PPM, in which the military moves some stuff, and the service member moves some stuff.  While a DIY move may give you more flexibility, it’s important to note that there may be less protection for items in a DIY move than when the military does the move.

Always keep detailed receipts and consult your transportation or finance office before making major decisions.

Beyond understanding your entitlements, Josh also reminds service members to check their budget. 

“With a move, income is going to change, and expenses are probably going to change, which means you need to revisit your budget,” Josh says. “Anytime we have a life event, we need to revisit our plan.”

“Following your budget enables you to spend less than you earn, which helps you accomplish all your other financial goals,” Josh says.

Other Financial Considerations

• Uncovered items: The military does not cover the transport of items like boats, RVs, or extra vehicles. You are responsible for these costs.
• Dual-income adjustments: Consider how a move may affect your household income. If a spouse has to leave their job during a move, this loss of income may feel significant. It can lead to a significant change in household income, especially when paired with new expenses.
• Changes in cost of living: The cost of living will likely change depending on your new location. The military adjusts BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) based on local housing costs, but it may not cover everything.

Josh also stresses the importance of understanding how far your BAH will stretch when setting your new budget.

“One needs to carefully consider how much you're willing or able to spend on rent because your BAH needs to cover your rent, utilities, cable, and renters' insurance,” Josh says. “Your income could be going toward other goals, like saving for retirement, paying down debt, and building an emergency fund.”

It’s also important to consider extracurricular activities when planning your budget. While cost-of-living and BAH adjustments help offset housing costs in a more expensive location, they don’t account for other expenses that may vary by location.

“Let’s say that the kids are involved in tennis. So, if you're in Georgia, perhaps your tennis lessons are $100 a month, then you move to California, and now they're $500 a month,” Josh says. “That’s not something the military takes into account.”

Tips for a Smoother PCS Move

1. Plan early

Once you receive orders, schedule your household goods shipment and start organizing your items for packing. Keep essential items with you, like IDs, school records, and medical documents.

2. Purge and prioritize

Don’t move what you don’t need. Donate, sell, or discard items to lighten your load.

3. Stay organized and expect the unexpected

Keep all orders, medical records, and moving documents in one easily accessible place. Delays and hiccups are common. Stay flexible and keep a small essentials bag ready.

4. Keep a PCS binder

Since moving is common in the military, keep track of any insights gained from each move and share your experience with others in your unit.

“Every single PCS, there’s going to be a lesson learned,” Josh says. “You’re going to have something you wish you had done differently. So, keep a PCS binder of those lessons learned ... When it comes up for PCS time again, you can pull out your binder.”

5. Communicate with family and plan ahead

Talk to your spouse, children, and others involved in the move. Explore school options, child care, pet transportation, and make arrangements to move any ongoing medical care.

“For service members moving their families to a new duty station, there are even more considerations to make,” Josh said. “For example, a spouse might have to leave their job, which will affect income, and childcare availability might differ drastically from your previous duty station.”

6. Make moving an adventure

Turning the move into an experience, especially with kids, can help ease stress and create lasting memories.

“Make it fun,” Josh says. “Instead of just getting from one place to the other, make it a journey ... Maybe even if you take a day of vacation and stop to do something fun along the way. That will help ease the transition, and it doesn’t seem as much of a dreadful event as a fun event to be enjoyed.”

7. Budget wisely and track expenses

Even with entitlements, out-of-pocket costs can add up. Create a PCS-specific budget and track every expense so you can file accurate claims and keep your finances in check.

More PCS advice from USAA.

PCS FAQs

Making the Most Out of a Move

A PCS can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With careful planning, financial awareness, and a bit of creativity, your next move can be smoother and even enjoyable.

There’s no perfect PCS. Each move will teach you something new. And with that experience, you’ll be better prepared for the next transition.

“The goal is to make every subsequent PCS less stressful,” he says.

Find out how WWP helps warriors with their financial futures.

Contact: — Paris Moulden, Public Relations, pmoulden@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.570.7910 

About Wounded Warrior Project  

Wounded Warrior Project is our nation’s leading veteran services organization, focused on the total well-being of post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured veterans. Our programs, advocacy, and awareness efforts help warriors thrive, provide essential lifelines to families and caregivers, and prevent veteran suicides. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.