Receiving your first Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders is an exciting milestone — it means new adventures, new duty stations, and a fresh start on base or in the surrounding community. But for many service members and families, that first PCS can also feel overwhelming. Between packing, paperwork, housing, schools, and logistics, there’s a lot to juggle.

At AAS LLC, we’ve helped countless military families safely transport their vehicles during PCS moves using reliable drive-away services and open carrier transport. Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to help you navigate your first PCS with less stress and more confidence.

What Is a PCS Move?

A Permanent Change of Station is the military’s official term for a long-term relocation to a new duty station, typically lasting 2–4 years. Unlike temporary duty (TDY), a PCS involves moving your household goods, family, and often your vehicle(s). You’ll receive official orders that outline your entitlements, travel days, and allowances.

Step-by-Step Guide for Your First PCS

1. Start Planning as Soon as You Get Orders Don’t wait for the final paperwork. Begin researching your new duty station, creating a moving checklist, and attending a PCS briefing at your current installation’s Transportation or Relocation Assistance Office. Tools like Military OneSource’s “Plan My Move” can generate a personalized checklist.
2. Create a Detailed PCS Binder or Digital Folder Keep copies of orders, birth certificates, marriage license, medical records, pet records, school transcripts, and important financial documents in one place. Photograph everything you’re shipping for insurance purposes.
3. Decide on Housing: On-Base or Off-Base? Contact the new base’s Housing Office early. On-base housing is often convenient and affordable but can have waitlists. Off-base options give more flexibility. Factor in BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) when budgeting.
4. Plan Your Household Goods Move You can use government-contracted movers (most common), do a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY) for reimbursement, or a combination. Declutter early — the less you move, the smoother (and cheaper) it is.
5. Handle the Important Details
   • Update your DEERS and Tricare information
   • Arrange school transfers and EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program) if needed
   • Schedule pet travel or quarantine (especially for OCONUS moves)
   • Plan temporary lodging (TLE/TLA) and use all authorized travel days and per diem
6. Budget for Out-of-Pocket Expenses Even with military reimbursements, families often spend thousands on gas, hotels, storage, deposits, and unexpected costs. Build a PCS fund in advance.

Shipping Your Vehicle During a PCS – A Game-Changer for Many Families

One of the biggest decisions during a PCS is what to do with your car(s). Driving long distances adds wear and tear, increases fatigue (especially with kids or pets), and can lead to breakdowns at the worst time.

Your main options:

• Drive it yourself — You’ll get mileage reimbursement, but you pay for gas, tolls, and maintenance.
• Ship your POV (Personally Owned Vehicle) — For many CONUS-to-CONUS moves, shipping is at your expense, but it’s often worth it for convenience and vehicle protection. For certain OCONUS moves, the government may cover shipping one vehicle.

Drive-Away Services work well for reliable, running vehicles — a professional driver delivers it door-to-door so you can fly or travel separately with your family. Open Carrier Transport is popular for protecting mileage and condition over long distances, especially when moving cross-country.

Shipping your vehicle lets you arrive at your new base rested and focused on settling in rather than exhausted from a multi-day road trip.

Pro Tips for a Smoother First PCS

• Start early — the sooner you schedule movers and vehicle transport, the better.
• Document everything with photos and detailed inventories.
• Use all authorized travel and per diem days — it’s part of your entitlement.
• Connect with your new base’s Relocation Assistance Program and Military OneSource for free support.
• Be patient with yourself and the process — delays happen.

Life on Base After the Move

Once you arrive, focus on:

• Checking into your new unit
• Getting settled in housing
• Exploring base amenities (commissary, exchange, gym, child care, etc.)
• Building new connections through spouse groups, FRG (Family Readiness Group), or base events

Your first PCS sets the tone for future moves. With good planning, it becomes an exciting chapter instead of a chaotic one.

Have you completed your first PCS yet? Share your best tip or biggest “lesson learned” in the comments below — your experience could help another military family.

Need help shipping your vehicle for your next PCS? Contact AAS LLC today for a free, no-obligation quote on drive-away or open carrier auto transport. We specialize in reliable, insured vehicle shipping for military families so you can focus on the mission and life on base.