---
title: "PCS Basics Explained: Orders, Entitlements & Timelines"
url: https://stacklist.com/card/6ed61b58-6a41-4579-be0f-cb66d00744b6
source_url: "https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-pcs/plan-to-move/pcs-permanent-change-of-station-basics/"
stack: https://stacklist.com/c/places/stack/07136d83-6dbe-4e9f-b1c7-c1c34b18db25
summary: "This article covers the basics of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves for military service members and their families. It outlines relocation resources provided by the War Department to support families before, during, and after a PCS move."
tags: "pcs, military-moving, relocation, permanent-change-of-station, military-family, military-life, housing"
key_entities: "Military OneSource (organization), War Department (organization), Defense Personal Property System (DPS) (technology), MilTax (technology), Permanent Change of Station (PCS) (concept), Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) (concept), SpouseWorks (SECO) (organization)"
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---

# PCS Basics Explained: Orders, Entitlements & Timelines

Skip to content My Military OneSource App Install Support for Military Personnel & Their Families Menu Close Support for Military Personnel & Their Families Get Personal Support Get Personal Support Get quick answers or work through challenges; you can talk to us 24/7/365 by calling or logging in to a secure chat. Learn about eligibility Quick guidance & answers 800-342-9647 Secure Live Chat Call Us OCONUS Call us TTY/TDD Coaching & consultations Navigate military life — from managing money to better relationships. Counseling For individuals, couples and families to tackle life’s challenges. Explore Tools Explore Tools Use these digital tools and resources made for your military life. Benefits Finder Explore benefits for travel, education, taxes, PCS and more. Resources Finder Browse resources for child care, spouse scholarships, MFLC support and more. 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The War Department provides a variety of relocation resources to help make your PCS as easy and safe as possible — before, during and after your move. In this article, we break down what you need to know about a PCS. What your PCS orders include Received PCS orders? Military OneSource consultants can provide guidance on moving resources, relocation planning and connecting with installation support services. CALL 800-342-9647 Overseas? OCONUS dialing options . Start a secure live chat. Unlike temporary duty assignments, PCS orders are a longer-term assignment, based on where you’re needed most, which generally lasts two to four years. Broadly speaking, your orders will tell you where you’ll be moving to — either inside the continental U.S., known as CONUS, or outside the continental U.S., known as OCONUS. These destinations are specifically defined as: CONUS: Any location within the 48 continental, or contiguous, states and the District of Columbia, excluding Alaska and Hawaii OCONUS: Any location outside the 48 continental, or contiguous, states and the District of Columbia, including Alaska and Hawaii Organizing your move You may receive a PCS notification before official orders arrive, but it’s important to remember you will not be able to schedule your move until official orders are in hand, because they include important information related to your authorizations and entitlements. While moving can be a challenge, the following resources can help make your PCS as easy and safe as possible. The Military OneSource Moving Your Personal Property page offers all of your personal property resources and information in one convenient location, including links to: Defense Personal Property System , or DPS, login link and information to schedule your move, track your shipment or file a claim Personal property customer service contacts Personal property resources such as packing guides and tips, entitlement brochures, FAQs about shipping your household goods, moving videos and podcasts, and more PCS Entitlements , where you can find out how much and what types of items you’re allowed to move Plan My Move is an online tool that helps you create, organize and manage your PCS through customized checklists so that you can stay on top of important to-dos as you get ready to move. Answer a couple of questions and you’re on your way to building that checklist. Military OneSource is available 24/7 anywhere in the world with expert moving consultants and online tools and resources to help you get organized and settled. Call anytime to speak with a consultant, or log in to start a secure live chat . Learn more about arranging a personal property shipment , and find out how our experts can help you manage the stress of a PCS. Relocation assistance and resources Access a variety of online and installation-based resources that help you before, during and after your move: Pinning Down PCS Success Looking to pin down resources to get ahead of your move? From your local Relocation Assistance Program office to the Plan My Move, Defense Personal Property System and MilitaryINSTALLATIONS tools, you can get answers to questions and take control of your move. WATCH VIDEO Your Relocation Assistance Program offers excellent local support for moving and getting settled at your new duty station. Relocation experts at each installation offer predeparture briefings, newcomer orientations, one-on-one support, and information about job opportunities, child care, school liaisons and more. Support is available for all stages of your PCS at your leaving and arriving installations . MilitaryINSTALLATIONS provides comprehensive information about military installations worldwide. Search for programs and services, and access information on health care, temporary housing, check-in procedures, schools, surrounding communities, contact information and more. Explore your base and beyond with MilitaryINSTALLATIONS. Your military sponsor , when assigned by your gaining institution, can help you prepare for relocation and connect you with resources at your new duty station. Finding housing that fits your PCS You may have several housing options to consider for your PCS — government owned or privatized military housing, off-base rentals or privately owned homes. In some situations, service members may qualify for options that allow early moves or temporary arrangements during a PCS.   Whether you’re deciding between renting or buying or need help finding affordable temporary or permanent housing, Military OneSource offers guidance to help you weigh costs, availability and protections before you commit: Military housing options Authorized housing flexibility options Renting vs. buying support and guidance Blog Brigade offers insider moving tips, stories and military life insights from other military spouses, including what to expect with housing, managing separations from loved ones, and settling in at a new duty station. If you’re moving with pets, regulations and reimbursements vary by location, especially for overseas assignments. Be sure to research requirements early and review authorized expenses before finalizing your move. If you’re moving with pets, regulations and reimbursements vary by location, especially for overseas assignments. Be sure to research requirements early and review authorized expenses before finalizing your move. Managing stress during a PCS It’s normal for PCS moves to increase stress and isolation. Children change schools, spouses may need to transfer a license or certification, and you’re saying goodbye to familiar routines, friends and support networks. Find support from people who understand: Building Healthy Relationships Specialty Consultation Military and Family Life Counseling Confidential Counseling Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate Locator If you or someone in your household is experiencing abuse or feels unsafe at home, confidential help is available wherever you are. This tool connects you with a trained victim advocate near your location. FIND HELP Personally procured moves for do-it-yourself movers Ensure a safe and smooth PPM Moving yourself? Consult this fact sheet to learn how to identify a reputable commercial moving company for your personally procured move. Read More If you prefer to organize your move yourself, you may be able to choose a personally procured move, or PPM. You are eligible for a PPM when you have PCS or temporary duty orders or are separating, retiring, or moving to, from or between government quarters. During a PPM, you coordinate the move of your household goods yourself without using any military-contracted moving services. While this option offers greater control and flexibility, it also means you are responsible for all the planning and communications that a military-coordinated move usually handles. Avoid added stress and possible problems by learning the ins and outs of a PPM: Conducting a Personally Procured Move podcast Personal Property Resources Combined moves Military moves don’t have to be exclusively one or the other. You can use some military moving services and manage other parts of the move yourself. For more information, contact your local transportation office or ask a Military OneSource moving expert . Support for special moving situations Find support for special circumstances that affect moves. Foreign-born spouse — The Relocation Assistance Program is the place to go for help with resources and referrals about immigration and naturalization, as well as translation services and English language programs. Special needs — The DOW’s Exceptional Family Member Program ensures a family’s special medical or educational needs are considered during the assignment. Your local school liaison can help connect you with the Exceptional Family Member Program in your new location, help find a school at your new location that best fits your child’s educational needs and more. EFMP Family Support can help with educational planning, provide guidance on transferring Individualized Education Programs, coordinate with schools and connect you to services at the new location. Emergency financial aid — A move can sometimes stretch already tight finances. Personal financial counseling is available for free to service members. Military relief organizations may also be able to help those in need. Whether this is your first PCS or you’re a seasoned professional, let Military OneSource help you master your move so you can get on with your mission. Was this page helpful? Was this page helpful? Yes No Report an issue Close Related Articles Youth Sponsorship   How to Find Affordable, Quality and Licensed Childcare   Military Spouse Jobs Overseas   Managing Your Career as a Military Spouse During a PCS   Learn about military bases worldwide. Get installation overviews, check-in procedures, housing, contacts for programs and services, photos and more. 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