The Military

Wife

Binde
r

1
Table of Contents
MASTER Deployment Checklist......................................................................3
LEGAL Checklist........................................................................................... 4
VEHICLE Maintenance Checklist..................................................................... 5
HOME Maintenance Checklist........................................................................6
HOME Maintenance Checklist (continued)......................................................7
DOCUMENT Must-Have Checklist...................................................................8
ACCOUNT Information List............................................................................9
BUDGET Worksheet....................................................................................10
BUDGET Worksheet (continued)..................................................................11
BUDGET (continued)................................................................................... 12
PASSWORD Information List........................................................................13
EMERGENCY Phone Number List..................................................................14
OPSEC-PERSEC Guidelines ..........................................................................15
GOALS Checklist......................................................................................... 16
GOALS Checklist (continued).......................................................................17
GOALS Checklist (continued).......................................................................18
CARE Packages........................................................................................... 19
CARE Packages........................................................................................... 20

MASTER
2
 Deployment
Checklist
Four weeks until deployment
☐ Complete Legal Checklist. Schedule necessary appointments.
☐ Complete Vehicle Maintenance Checklist. Schedule needed repairs.
☐ Complete Home Maintenance Checklist. Schedule needed repairs.

Three weeks until deployment

☐ Complete Must-Have Document Checklist. Ensure none will expire
during Deployment.
☐ Complete Account Checklist. Open, close, or update any accounts.
☐ Create Deployment Budget together.

Two weeks until deployment

☐ Complete Password List.
☐ Complete Emergency Phone Number Checklist.
☐ Complete Deployment Goals, if desired.
☐ Review OPSEC Checklist.

One week until deployment

☐ Cross check all Checklists.
☐ Prepare “Open When” letters to send with Service Member, if
desired.
☐ Have family photos taken.
☐ Write in Deployment APO / FPO Address in Care Package Checklist, if
known in advance.
☐ Enjoy time together!
☐

LEGAL
Checklist
3
 Legal Matters
☐ Make an appointment your Base Legal Office to create a Power of Attorney
(POA) for free. They can help you determine which type of POA you need for
your individual situation.
☐ Create and/or update your will. You may use the Base Legal Office for this
service.
☐ If you have children, you will want to specify Guardianship for your
children in your will if anything happens to both you and your Spouse.
☐ Review and discuss end of life wishes in your wills before
Deployment.
☐ Establish one joint bank account with your Spouse so that bills can be
easily paid. Or set-up Allotments, if desired.
☐ Update names, addresses and beneficiaries on all bank accounts,
investment accounts and insurance accounts.
☐ Review your current life insurance coverage, as well as home insurance,
renters insurance, and auto insurance to ensure policies are in accordance
with your desired level of coverage.
☐ Confirm your Service Members Group Life Insurance (SGLI) Beneficiaries
are correct and update if necessary.

Other Legal Matters Notes:

☐

VEHICLE

4
 Maintenance Checklist
Vehicle 1 Vehicle 1
Date Completed
Vehicle 2
Date Completed
Make:
Mileage
Model:
VIN:
Oil Change
License Plate:
Expiration: Washer
Warranty Location: Fluid
Car Title location:
Wiper
Registration Blades
Location:
Renewal Due:
Spare Keys Battery
Location:

Brakes
Vehicle 2
Make:
Air Filter
Model:
VIN:
Tires
License Plate:
Expiration:
Spark Plugs
Warranty Location:
Car Title location:
Registration
Location:
Renewal Due:
Spare Keys
Location:

Roadside Emergency Kit

Items to keep in vehicle: • Paper towels
• Spray bottle with washer fluid
• First-Aid kit
• Tool kit with screwdrivers, pliers,
• Jumper cables
adjustable wrench, pocket knife
• Tire pressure gauge
• Pen and paper
• Gallon of coolant
• Granola or energy bars
• Quart or more of motor oil
• Bottled water
• Fix-a-Flat
• Ice scraper
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Blanket or space blanket
• Flares or triangle reflectors

5
HOME

6
 Maintenance Checklist
Yearly Home Maintenance Due Date
Complete
d
Service Heating / Air Conditioning System
Clean Fireplace and Chimney Flue
Check Door Seals on Fridge, Dishwasher and Oven
Check Window and Door Seals
Drain Exterior Faucets, Hoses, Sprinklers in Autumn /
Winter.
Cover Exterior Faucets With Styrofoam In Winter
Inspect, Clean and Reseal Decks As Needed
Trim Overgrown Vegetation Around Home
Check Siding, Caulk and Repaint As Needed.
Have Chimney Inspected For Cracks
Clean Air Ducts

Twice a Year Home Maintenance Due Date

Complete
d
Flush Hot Water Tank
Replace Smoke Detector Batteries
Check / Tighten Garbage Disposal Fittings and Hose
Connectors
Vacuum Lint From Dryer and Hose Attachments
Check Water Hoses / Fittings
Clean Refrigerator Coils
Check Faucets For Leaks
Check Crawl Spaces For Moisture / Pests
Clean Gutters / Drains
Check Downspouts
Spray For Ants and Insects, If Applicable.
Check Roof Vents
Check Range Hood

HOME

7
 Maintenance Checklist
Monthly Home Maintenance Due Date
Complete
d
Check Fire Extinguishers
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Clean Faucets and Showerheads
Run Hot Water / Baking Soda Down Drains
Clean Garbage Disposal

Other Home Maintenance Due Date

Complete
d

Notes:

DOCUMENT

8
 Must-Have
Checklist
Must Have Documents Have Need
PCS Orders (original and several copies)
Overseas area Clearance/Dependent Entry Approval
(original and copies, if applicable)
Family Care Plan
Passports (one for each Family Member, if applicable)
Current driver's licenses, Identification Cards, and/or permits
for each person
Immunization records for each Family Member
Medical and dental records
Original birth certificates
Naturalization paperwork (if applicable)
Social Security Cards (including children)
Marriage licenses and/or divorce decrees
All education documentation (including kids school
transcripts)
Deeds and titles to all real estate, vehicles and property
Insurance policies
Adoption papers (if applicable)
Wills and Power of Attorney documents
State and Federal Income Tax Returns
Exceptional Family Member Program (if applicable)
Product warranties

Other Documents Have Need

ACCOUNT
9
Information List

10
 List important bank accounts, credit card accounts,
Account Name: insurance information, utility
Account accounts, and more!
Name:
Account Account
Number: Number:
Phone Number: Phone Number:
Website: Website:

Account Name: Account Name:

Account Account
Number: Number:
Phone Number: Phone Number:
Website: Website:

Account Name: Account Name:

Account Account
Number: Number:
Phone Number: Phone Number:
Website: Website:

Account Name: Account Name:

Account Account
Number: Number:
Phone Number: Phone Number:
Website: Website:

Account Name: Account Name:

Account Account
Number: Number:
Phone Number: Phone Number:
Website: Website:

Account Name: Account Name:

Account Account
Number: Number:
Phone Number: Phone Number:
Website: Website:

Account Name: Account Name:

Account Account
Number: Number:
Phone Number: Phone Number:
Website: Website:

BUDGET

11
 Worksheet
Monthly Budget Projecte Actual
Over-
Projecte Actual Net
d Monthl d Annua Balanc
Under
Monthly y Annual l e
Income
Income # 1
Income # 2
Other Income
TOTAL:
Necessary Expenses
Rent
Water
Sewer
Gas
Trash
Electricity
Mobile Phone
Cable
Internet
Grocery (Food, Toiletries)
Gasoline
Child Care (If have Children)
Car Maintenance
Home Maintenance
Health/Dental Insurance
Auto Insurance
Life Insurance
Renter/Owner Insurance
Car Payment
Credit Card #1
Credit Card #2
Medical Bill(s)

TOTAL:

BUDGET
Worksheet
Projecte Actual Projecte Actual Net
Over-
Monthly Budget d Monthl
Under
d Annua Balanc
Monthly y Annual l e

12
 Discretionary Expenses
Spending Money #1
Spending Money # 2
Spending Money
(Child)
Entertainment
Date Night Budget
Gift Budget
Christmas Budget
Travel & Vacation
Clothing Budget
Subscriptions
Care Packages
Miscellaneous

TOTAL:

Savings Plan
Savings
Retirement # 1
Retirement # 2
College Fund for Kids

TOTAL:

Other Expenses

TOTAL:

BUDGET
Worksheet
Results Projected Monthly Actual Monthly

13
Total Income:
Total Expenses:
Total Savings:
Savings Overflow:
End of Month Account Balances
Checking #1
Checking #2
Savings #1
Savings #2
Investment Account #1
Investment Account #2
Total:
Current Retirement & College Balances
Retirement Account #1
Retirement Account #2
College Fund

Total:
Total Net Worth
Notes:

PASSWORD
Information List

14
 It’s important to keep your passwords and accounts pages separate
Account Name: in order to protect yourself from Name:
Account an ugly identity theft mess.
Website: Responsibly
Website:organize!
Username: Username:
Password: Password:

Account Name: Account Name:

Website: Website:
Username: Username:
Password: Password:

Account Name: Account Name:

Website: Website:
Username: Username:
Password: Password:

Account Name: Account Name:

Website: Website:
Username: Username:
Password: Password:

Account Name: Account Name:

Website: Website:
Username: Username:
Password: Password:

Account Name: Account Name:

Website: Website:
Username: Username:
Password: Password:

Account Name: Account Name:

Website: Website:
Username: Username:
Password: Password:

Contacts

15
You Need To Know

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 Throughout your PCS, you'll refer to some phone numbers and emails consistently
so it's a good idea to keep them handy. We've listed some suggestions and left
room for you to fill in more! Clear and timely communication (plus double
checking dates and following up) are key components of a smooth PCS.

Common Contacts
Landlord/Housing:
Cable/Satellite:
Electric/Power Company:
Gas:
Water:
Trash:
Telephone:
PCM:
TRICARE Regional
Provider:
Pediatrician:
Lodging:
Schools:
Transportation
(outbound):
Finance Office:

What will you need?

EMERGENCY

17
 Phone Number List
Emergency Contact #1 Emergency Contact #2
Name: Name:
Mobile Mobile:
:
Work: Work:
Home: Home:
Email: Email:

Emergency Contact #3 Emergency Contact #4

Name: Name:

Mobile Mobile:
:
Work: Work:
Home: Home:
Email: Email:

Command Point of Family Readiness Group

Contact
Name: Name:
Number Number
: :
Email:
Email:

Other Emergency Notes:

Numbers
Emergency 911
Doctor #1
Doctor #2
Dentist
Urgent Care
Hospital
Poison Control
School
Veterinarian
Electric Company
Gas Company
Water Company
Plumber
Electrician
Home Insurance
Auto Insurance
Other

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OPSEC-PERSEC

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 OPSEC-PERSEC stands for Operational and Personal Security. This is how we
keep Service Members and their Families safe. Use this list as a guide for any
social interaction involving your Service Member and/or the Military.

Guidelines

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1. Do not post detailed information about the mission of assigned Units.
2. Do not post details on locations and times of Unit Deployments.
3. Do not list your Spouse’s specific job on Social Media.
4. Do not list your current location or city where you live on social media.
5. Do not post where your Spouse is ported.
6. Do not post about Personnel transactions that occur in large numbers (Example: Pay
information, Powers of Attorney, wills, Deployment information).
7. Do not post details on locations and times of Unit Trainings.
8. Do not post Unit/Service Member itineraries.
9. Do not post references to trends in Unit Morale or Personnel problems.
10. Do not post details concerning security procedures, response time, tactics.
11. Do not post details Personal Identifying Information (PII).
12. Do not post exact Redeployment dates.
13. Do not reveal camp locations, including nearby cities. After the Deployment is
officially announced by Military Officials, you may discuss locations that have been
released, normally on the Country level.
14. Do not discuss Convoy routes (“He travelled through ‘XYZ’ on his way to “X”).
15. Do not discuss Equipment or lack thereof. This includes Training Equipment.
16. Avoid the use of count-up or count-down tickers. If you do decide to use one, make
sure only YOU and those you trust are able to see it.
17. Be very careful if posting pictures of your Service Member. Avoid images that show
significant landmarks near their Base of Operations, and blackout last names and Unit
affiliations.
18. Do not, EVER, post information about casualties (coalition or enemy) before the
official release of the information.
19. Do not facilitate the sharing of rumors. For example, “I heard they’re coming home
early” or “There is a special group that will have to remain Deployed longer.”
20. Set your social media accounts to private and “Friends Only.” Remember that anyone
can screenshot something they see on your Social Media accounts and share it publicly.
Avoid posting ANY information that could compromise safety. As a rule of thumb, it is best
to only post things after they happened, rather than before or during.
21. Turn your cellphone’s location settings to off. Good example: Geotagging on photos.

GOALS

21
 Checklist
 Make up a planned routine on a calendar.
 A few hours after your Service Member leaves, pick up a friend and go to
lunch.
 Buy crafting supplies and create a new project for yourself.
 Create a new workout regimen and get your friends in on it too.
 Make the Deployment feel like a girls’ vacation to help keep your calendar full
and having fun.
 Take a class through a local community college.
 Keep regular invitations on your calendar to hang with your girlfriends.
 Go back to school.
 Focus on a goal or something that you can control.
 If you’re struggling, talk it out with an objective third party like a counselor or
pastor.
 Join a yoga class or do yoga at home.
 Journaling...create and write in a journal every day.
 Have a dog to take care of and cuddle with.
 Always invite friends and family to visit you to keep a steady stream of
visitors coming.
 Plan care packages! It’s one of the best ways to stay connected and your
Spouse will love them.
 What helped me the most this last Deployment was bettering myself. One
spouse lost 60 pounds in the 8 months he was gone. I love meal prep books.
 Learn ways to manage your emotions and communicate better.
 Learn better ways to save and budget money so you can in turn teach him
when he comes home.
 Make a date with a friend to come over once a week. Take turns cleaning each
other’s homes together and watching each other’s kids.
 Don’t limit your participation to an activity/event planned by the Base/Post,
Spouse Club, FRG, etc... there’s almost always something going on in the
local area – no matter where you are.
 If you don’t know what’s going on in your local area, don’t be afraid to ask
your fellow Military Spouses.
 If most of your friends live in other States and other countries, schedule
regular dates and times to chat.
 One of the most helpful things is putting yourself in positive environments.
 Utilize people who offer to babysit. Be willing to take the help.
 Trying to do things you know you’ll enjoy doing like baking & then take it to
work or to your neighbors so others can enjoy it too.
 Fly a kite at your local park every Saturday.

GOALS
Checklist

22
 Redecorate a room or two in the house or something to the garden, not
telling him any details and then look forward to a big surprise when he gets
home.
 Splurge and spend a bit of money on something just for YOU (within
reason)
 Clean out your wardrobe and organize your closet.
 Try a new beauty routine. I love using essential oils to create DIY beauty
products.
 Create fancy hot chocolate recipes and consider spiking it.
 Learn to crochet, knit or paint.
 Create a list of 10 local hiking trips and do one per week.
 Plan a road trip with a fellow Military Spouse.
 Clean out your computer files and organize them onto a hard drive.
 Create and order photo books to document all the things you did during
Deployment.
 Plan out a Deployment movie list and watch one a week (or day).
 Learn how to ride a motorcycle.
 Get a telescope and identify the stars and planets in the sky at night.
 Have a yard sale to clean out your house or donate items to a thrift shop.
 Plant an herb garden in your kitchen.
 Play classic board games several times per week with friends over wine.
 Grab a variety of jigsaw puzzles and work on one for 20 minutes each
morning to clear your mind.
 Do 10 random acts of kindness for 10 Spouses in your community. This is a
great icebreaker if you are looking to connect more and make friends.
 Take a photo everyday to document the Deployment.
 Visit as many National Parks as you can.
 Try a new haircut and surprise him with your new look.

GOALS

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Checklist

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CARE

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 Packages
Service Member’s
Address
Free Military Care Kit
The Postal Service created a “Military
Care-Kit” containing all the packaging
items you’ll need to send a care
package.
Call 800-610-8734 to order your free
kit.
Each kit contains:
• Two Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate
Boxes.
• Two Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate
Boxes.
• Priority Mail tape.
• Priority Mail address labels.
• Appropriate customs forms.
Items Not to Send
• Alcohol
• Animals
• Carbonated beverages
(may explode during transit)
• Drugs or narcotics
• Explosives or fireworks
• Firearms and ammunition
• Flammable items
• Fresh fruits or vegetables
• Lithium batteries
• Living plants
• Precious metals or large quantities of
cash (hopefully you wouldn’t be sending
this anyway)
• Products in aerosol cans
(may explode during transit)
Best Items to Send
Drink Mixes
Easy Protein
Condiments
Easy Snacks
Toiletries
Personal Hygiene
Health Items
Entertainment
A Little Piece of Home
Items in the Gray
Area
• Pork products or byproducts
• Images of objects that might be
considered obscene, pornographic,
immoral, or sexually suggestive (this
includes photographs or drawings of
nude or semi-nude people)
• Cigarettes
• Coffee
• Unauthorized political material
• Printed material that are contrary to
the Islamic faith
Religious items in bulk (you can bring
whatever you want as long as it’s for
personal use; a crate of Bibles could be
a big problem)
• Radio receivers or transmitters
• Radioactive material
* Find a comprehensive list items
prohibited country-to-country from the
United States Postal Service’s website.
26
CARE

27
 Packages
Safe Items List Toiletries
Always cross-check your Care Package • Shaving Cream
with the “No’s” List to ensure that your • Shampoo
package arrives safely. • Body Wash
• Deodorant
• Razors
• Baby Wipes
Drink Mixes •
•
Eye Drops
Toothpaste
During Deployment, drink mixes offer a • Dental Floss
quick and fast way to enjoy something • Hand Sanitizer
besides water. Many Service Members • Lip Balm
may have access to a coffee pot. • Sunblock
• Hot Cocoa • Toothbrush
• Tea Bags • Cough Drops
• Creamer (dried) • Icy Hot
• Lemonade • Vick’s Vapor Rub
• Iced Tea

Easy Condiments Easy Protein

• Hot Sauce • Energy Bars
• Relish • Granola Bars
• Mustard • Tuna Fish
• Ketchup • Beef Jerky
• Cheez-Whiz • Summer Sausage
• Honey • Slim Jim Sticks
• Nutella • Canned Chicken
• Peanut Butter
• Jelly

Easy Snacks Entertainment Items

• Books
• Graham Crackers
• Magazines
• Saltine Crackers
• Crosswords
• Cookies
• Newspapers
• Gum
• Puzzles
• Non-Chocolate Candy
• Movies
• Nuts
• Thumb Drive
• Trail Mix
• Games
• Dried Fruit
• Batteries
• Reminders From Home
• Small Electronic Devices
• Photos From Home

28
 PCS
Binder
Welcome to
Your PCS Toolkit!
 In ten years as a Military Spouse, my Family has moved seven times and PCS’d
five times. Trial and error, plenty of mistakes, and the advice of more experienced
friends taught me necessary lessons about navigating a successful Military Move.
In this PCS Toolkit, I have partnered information, resources and printable
worksheets to keep your move organized.

Discover Your Tools

PCS Checklist – Broken down into timeline recommendations to help you prioritize,
the Checklist streamlines your PCS To-Do List. Missed steps can be both expensive
and time consuming!
Entitlements Estimate – Moving is expensive even when you choose a
Government procured move. It is vital that you understand what entitlements you
have access to and how to get them to minimize the out of pocket cost.
PCS Budget – Keep the costs in check by tracking your expenses from start to
finish. The Budget worksheet will also help you to submit your reimbursable
expenses on arrival at your new Duty Station.

Protect Yourself With A Home Inventory – Between many moves, storage and
catastrophic weather, a thorough Home Inventory protects your belongings and
simplifies any PCS claims you may need to make!

Document Checklist – When it comes to packing out your household goods, there
are some things that need to stay accessible and with you! The Document
Checklist walks you through which documents you will need to hand carry during
your PCS.

YOUR PCS
Checklist
1 Year
Even before you have Orders, know that a PCS could be in the
___ cards.

Build a savings to prepare you for the out of pocket and

___ reimbursable expenses of a PCS.

If you know your timeline, list your home for sale or rent.
___
6 Months
Orders can come down 6 months or earlier ahead of your
___ report date. This offers plenty of time to gather information and
possibly make a trip to take a look at your new installation in person.

___ If you know your timeline, list your home for sale or rent.

90 Days Out
• FOR THE SERVICE MEMBER

Set up transportation counseling with your current Installation

___ Transportation Office or do self-counseling on move.mil.

Have a PCS specific Power of Attorney or Letter of Authority

___ drawn up if your spouse will be handling any of the details without
you present.
• DECISIONS TO MAKE

• • Decide whether a Government Move (DTO), personally

___ procured move (PPM) or partially personally procured move (partial
PPM) is the best fit for your family.

• • Determine if you will need to ship a vehicle (this requires some

___ prior planning!).

• • Determine your BAH and decide if you want to live on or off

___ base/post.
• FINANCES

Estimate your moving expenses and create a budget.

___

Create a way of tracking moving related expenses (you will

___ need to account for your expenses and have receipts for
reimbursements).
Try to keep a sense of humor and remember that everything will be a story
later!

YOUR PCS
Checklist
Tasks
___ Notify your landlord that you will be moving, but leave the date
open—a lot can still change especially the timing of your PCS.

___ Take care of needed medical/dental appointments.

___ Start or update your personal property inventory.

___ Organize personal records and determine if any need to be replaced

(you’ll need birth certificates for most schools).

___ Notify clubs and volunteer organizations you are a part of that you
will be moving.

___ Make sure there are no stickers left from previous moves on
furniture.

___ Identify any repairs you need to do to your home before move
cleaning (paint, putty holes, clean carpets).

___ Begin researching your new area and choose how you will organize
and consolidate information (a binder, a notebook, an app like
Evernote).
60 Days Out
FOR THE SERVICE MEMBER
___ If you are authorized to ship a vehicle (OCONUS moves), let your
Duty Station’s Transportation Office begin the set up process. You
will need to know your vehicle’s estimated weight.

___ Attend the pre-clearing brief to get details of your Installation’s

Clearing Process ( some Installations have a set timeline for this).
DECISIONS TO MAKE
___ Evaluate Housing options on AHRN.com, establish your BAH and
keep notes!

FINANCES
___ Check expiration dates on any credit/debit cards you plan to use
during your move. Order new ones if necessary.
Tasks
___ Complete any needed auto maintenance.

___ Make a vet appointment for your pets. Update any needed
vaccinations and make sure your pet is micro chipped. Get a full
copy of your pet’s medical records to take with you.
___ Donate or sell any unwanted items.

___ Identify school requirements for children (if applicable).

___ Post home for rent or sale on AHRN.com.

Focus on the things you can do now.

YOUR PCS
Checklist
30 Days Out
• FOR THE SERVICE MEMBER
Attend Finance Brief to set up any needed PCS advances and get
___
paperwork.

If you haven’t already, attend the pre-clearing brief.

___

Begin Out Processing.

___

Confirm packing, pick up and delivery dates with

___ movers/transportation office.

Tasks
___ Begin using up the contents of your freezer and pantry.

Label items/boxes that you will need easy access to just before and
___
after your move.

Designate a folder for important documents and put them there!

___

If you have your new address, forward your mail and submit a change
___
of address.

___ Evaluate whether you need storage options.

___ Arrange for temporary lodging.

___ Dispose of any leftover unwanted items and items that cannot be
transported.

___ Ensure that all insurance is up to date and your insurers have a
forwarding address and transit contact information.

___ Return any borrowed items (like library books).

___ Record serial numbers of electronics and other valuables on personal

property inventory.

___ Fill out IRS change of address form.

___ Notify utilities of your move out date and make arrangements to close
out accounts.

___ Electric ___ Waste Disposal ___ Water

___ Telephone ___ Internet/cable ___ Lawn Care

___ Cancel any subscriptions and memberships (newspaper or gym).

___ Settle all outstanding bills that can be paid in advance of your
departure.

___ Get all prescriptions refilled (Tricare recommends 90 days worth).

___ Get paper copies of all prescriptions (medications, contacts and

glasses).

___ Separate Pro Gear for both the Service Member and Spouse, if
applicable.

Take a deep breath! You’re almost done.

 PCS
Document Checklist
If you chose to have a Military Contracted company move your household goods, there are some
things that areworth holding on to for the trip – these important documents among them. It is
recommended that you back up all originals with a digital copy stored on a device that you also
keep with you. Documents that do not require an original signature (like your resume and
household inventory) only need the digital copy.

Family Member Files

___ Military IDs

___ Drivers Licenses

___ Social Security cards

___ Passports

___ Birth Certificates

___ Marriage Certificates

___ Naturalization Certificates (if a Naturalized Citizen)

Vehicle Documentation
___ Title/lease information

___ Proof of Vehicle Inspection

___ Registration

___ Insurance
Financial Documents
Personal checks (keep all of your personal checks with you and out
___
of your household goods)

___ Hard copies of bank statements

___ Credit and debit cards

___ Copies of last 6 month’s LES (Leave and Earnings Statement)

Household/Housing Information
Household
___ Household inventory with supporting images and video (Need help?
Check out page 8 )

___ Contact information for your moving company and gaining

Installation Transportation Office
Legal Documents
___ Powers of Attorney

___ Wills

___ Custody Agreements (If applicable)

___ Divorce Decrees (If applicable)

___ Adoption paperwork (If applicable)

Your PCS
Entitlements
1 Year
While out processing your losing Installation, you will be briefed on your PCS
entitlements and how to receive the maximum reimbursement. It is vital that you
keep any documentation you are given and all receipts.

There are a number of different entitlements and payments you will receive
during your PCS that should cover the cost of your move. To receive your
moving payments, you will need to file the proper paperwork. Using this
worksheet, you can create an estimate the amount owed to you. The
regulations applied to these payments are updated constantly and there are
some Branch specific regulations that apply. Please get amounts specific to
your situation from your Installation Finance Brief.

How Far Are You Going?

The DOD expects you to travel 350 miles each day during your PCS. This
calculation is used to figure out how much of each per diem you earn.
Total miles to your next Duty Station / 350 = days of travel.

Tasks
Dislocation Allowance (check chart)

Travel Per Diem

# of Service Members X ($123 X ______ days of travel)

# of Dependents over 12 X ($92.25 X ______ days of travel)

# of Dependents under 12 X ($61.50 X ______ days of travel)

Total Travel per diem

MALT

+ + =

If you are traveling in your own vehicle, the Government will pay you $.235/mile
in reimbursement for each vehicle.

# of vehicles being driven x ( $.235 x total miles of travel) =

PPM/Partial-PPM

If you choose a Personally Procured Move or Partially Personally Procured Move,

you will be paid approximately 95% of what your move would cost the
Government to contract out. Speak with your Travel Office to determine the
payout for your specific move. There is a PPM specific briefing that will give the current
rates and regulations.

Your
PCS Budget
ARE YOU SELLING YOUR HOME?
ESTIMATED ACTUAL
$ $
Pre-Listing Maintenance and Repairs
$ $
Advertising and Staging
$ $
Agent Costs + Commission
$ $
Mortgage Payments Until Sale (After Your PCS)

ARE YOU DRIVING TO YOUR NEXT

DUTY?
Prepare your vehicle!
$ $
Pre-trip tune-up and oil change

Weatherizing (if you are moving to a different $ $

climate)

DO YOU HAVE PETS?

$ $
Update Vaccinations
$ $
Microchip

MOVE OUT PREP

$ $
Cleaning supplies or service

Move Out Repairs (Paint, Spackle, Light Bulbs, $ $

etc.)
$ $
Yard Work: Reseeding, Fence Repair, etc.
 Eating Out Expense for once Kitchen is $ $
clean/packed

Your

PCS Budget
ON THE MOVE
ESTIMATED ACTUAL
$ $
Temporary lodging at your losing Duty Station

Temporary lodging at your gaining Duty $ $

Station
$ $
Boarding pets (does your hotel allow pets?)
$ $
Trip activities and entertainment
$ $
Gas (If you are driving)
$ $
Food While in Transit

AFTER YOUR ARRIVAL

$ $
Restocking the kitchen and household items
$ $
Toiletries

PREPPING FOR SCHOOL

$ $
School/day care registration and tuition
$ $
School Uniforms
$ $
Kids sports registration
 $ $
Updated Clothing For New Climates

EXTRA EXPENSES
$ $

$ $

$ $

$ $

$ $

$ $

$ $

$ $

$ $

Choose The Right

Home For Your Family
• YOUR NEW BAH
•
Estimated Utilities
•
Target Rent

•
• HOME STATS
Ideal Bedrooms •
Ideal Bathrooms •
Ideal Parking •
Needed Pet Policy •
Fenced Yard •

Townhome Apartment

House Roommate

What room of the house does your family spend the most time in?

What are your favorite aspects of previous homes?

What are your least liked aspects of previous homes?

What’s the maximum travel time in your ideal commute?

SCHOOLS/DAYCARE
What Education options will you need?

Private Public Daycare Homeschool

Notes:

Choose The Right

Home For Your
Family
Neighborhood
 What makes a neighborhood feel like home for you?

Convenient Shopping Quiet Downtown feel

Parks

Acreage Sidewalks Streetlights

Military Community

Need Vs. Want

Prioritize the qualities in a home that you most need and
want.
Needs Wants
1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

Research Notes
Interesting/Recommended
Neighborhoods:

Preferred Schools:

Recommended Property Managers:

Potential Homes (List Address of The

Home):
My
Pe t Resume
 My Pet is
My pet's training history:

My back up pet care plan:

My pet has references from:

Type of Pet/Breed:

Age: Weight:

Spay/Neuter:

My Pet's Story:

PCS
Document Checklist
School/Employment

___ Transcripts

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) (If Applicable)

___
___ Report Cards

___ Additional registration required documents

Resume and letters of reference (if Spouses or kids

___ will be job hunting)

___ Contact list for future/former schools

Medical Records
Full copy of each Family Member’s medical and dental
___ records (and any needed x-rays)

___ Vaccination records

___ Any current prescriptions

Just For Your Family

Other: _____________________
___

Other: _____________________
___

Other: _____________________
___

Other: _____________________
___
 Other: _____________________
___

Other: _____________________
___

Other: _____________________
___

Other: _____________________
___

Other: _____________________
___

Your
Home Inventory
Protecting your household goods while they are out of your possession starts long before
the movers arrive to pack. Home inventories are one of the most useful and overlooked
investments you can make in protecting yourself from theft and damage.

If you utilize a "Military Move" - with contracted packers and drivers- they will
create a log of your packed belongings. However, this leaves you at the
mercy of their accuracy should you need to file a claim at the end of your
move. A thorough home inventory completed by you will help keep track of
your belongings through the move, assess how much insurance you need,
file any needed claims for damage or loss, and can provide supporting
documentation when you file taxes.

Creating A Home Inventory

There are many methods available for creating a home inventory, depending on your
personal preference.
Notebook Or Spreadsheet: Hand-made lists or spreadsheets can be listed room-by-room
or grouped by category, like listing every television you own in your home, then
cameras, and so on.
 Picture Documentation: Photograph each item, ensuring you get images of
serial numbers and showing the item is functional.
Video Documentation: With video, you can narrate and add details of each
item.
Digital Inventory: There are websites and apps available online, just make
sure you have a physical back up.
Not sure where to start with your Home Inventory? We have included a
sample page in your toolkit - print as many copies you need if you prefer
pen and paper. You can also go digital with our Google Spreadsheet
version, saving to your Google Drive for from-anywhere digital access. Find
more home inventory resources and tools at http://blog.ahrn.com/protect-
your-pcs-with-a-home-inventory.

Home
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Inventory
QUANTITY & DESCRIPTION VALUE DETAILS & NOTES
 Resources
Need more help or information? We’ve put together some of our
favorite PCS resources!
• PREPARING FOR
YOUR MOVE
5 Things Your Need To Do After Getting
Orders [Video]
Decisions: To Live On or Off Base/Post
What Is A PCS Weight Allowance?
Preparing for A New School
Military Child Education Coalition
Save Money By Doing a DITY with
uShip

• BECOMING A
LANDLORD
How To Find A Property Management
Company
How To Determine Fair Market Value
For Your Rental
5 Tips For Self-Managing Your Rental

• FINDING YOUR NEW

HOME
Creating A Pet Resume
Roommates For Different Seasons
Housing For The Single Service
Member
Storage Solutions with Sparefoot

• DITY MOVES
Make The Most of Your Partial PPM
Is A DITY Move Right For You?
5 Reasons To DITY Move
5 Tips For A Better DITY Move
Permanent Change of Station (NTS) Weight Allowance (Pounds) for
(PCS) and Non-Temporary Storage CONUS moves
 PCS
PCS
With
Rank Without
Dependent
Dependents
s
O-10 18,000 18,000
O-9 18,000 18,000
O-8 18,000 18,000
O-7 18,000 18,000
O-6 18,000 18,000
O-5/W-5 16,000 17,500
O-4/W-4 14,000 17,000
O-3/W-3 13,000 14,500
O-2/W-2 12,500 13,500
O-1/W-1 10,000 12,000
E-9 13,000 15,000
E-8 12,000 14,000
E-7 11,000 13,000
E-6 8,000 11,000
E-5 7,000 9,000
E-4 7,000 8,000
E-3 5,000 8,000
E-2/E-1 5,000 8,000