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PCS Resources Starter Library

A calm place to begin when orders arrive: a few grounded next steps, thoughtful prompts, and official places to continue your research.

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First 72 Hours After PCS Orders

Receive a calm, one-page starting point for the first calls, dates, and official-resource prompts to keep close when orders arrive.

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The first 72 hours after orders

You do not need a perfect plan right away. These early actions can help turn an overwhelming moment into a steadier starting point.

  1. Save a copy of your orders and start one simple place for move-related notes, dates, and contacts.

  2. Ask your sponsor or gaining installation where your family should look first for check-in, housing, and local support.

  3. Confirm the dates that shape everything else: report date, travel window, lease or housing timeline, and school calendar.

  4. Choose one next action for today. A PCS has many moving parts; you do not have to solve all of them at once.

A few things to know

Before you move

Keep official guidance close: policies, allowances, and local procedures can differ by installation and move type.

Start destination research with practical questions: Where will we stay first? What is the commute like? Who helps with school and housing questions?

Write down the household details that affect your move—children, pets, vehicles, medical needs, and timing—before the busy weeks arrive.

Continue your research

A small official-resource directory

These are useful places to begin. Let your installation and official contacts guide the details for your specific move.

Military OneSource PCS guidanceUse the official PCS and military move hub to orient yourself to relocation support and planning resources.Open official resource Your installation, sponsor, and relocation officeFind your gaining installation and ask your sponsor or Relocation Assistance Program which local steps come first.Open official resource Housing and school-transition researchAs you compare locations, ask the installation housing office and school liaison about local processes, timing, and transition support.Open official resource

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Full Progression includes the deeper private Resources Hub, task-linked resources, a research workspace, and a personalized Moving Plan.

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