Checklists, Ready to Print

The full military move, from orders to arrival. Tick items off as you go and print it for the fridge.

1. Confirm orders and report date; mark the PCS window on the family calendar
2. Complete EFMP screening if it applies to any family member
3. Apply for on-base housing or start the off-base search
4. Request temporary lodging and book it early (peak season fills fast)
5. Get VA loan pre-approval from a military-friendly lender
6. Obtain Certificate of Eligibility (COE) if using the VA loan
7. Schedule household goods pickup through the Defense Personal Property System
8. Decide DITY/PPM vs. full move, or a hybrid
9. Shop neighborhoods and schools with a local agent
10. Buy or lease the new home; add a military clause if buying
11. Update official records: DEERS, Tricare, bank, insurance, voters
12. Transfer utilities to the new address and cancel at the old one
13. File change of address with USPS, DMV, and subscriptions
14. Request school records and enroll the kids
15. Transfer prescriptions, medical records, and dental records
16. Update vehicle registration and driver license after arrival
17. Arrange pet transport, vet records, and microchip info
18. Pack a first-night box: toiletries, chargers, sheets, snacks, tools
19. Travel day: passports/dependents IDs, moving paperwork, receipts
20. Arrive, check in, get IDs done, and start the new routine

A calm, proven order for right-sizing the family home without the overwhelm.

1. Decide the destination: 55+ community, condo, villa, or smaller home
2. Compare communities, fees, rules, and waitlists with your agent
3. Run the numbers: equity, proceeds, new-home costs, taxes
4. Map every room: keep, donate, sell, or trash
5. Start with the easiest room to build momentum
6. Use the 12-month rule for clothes, tools, and kitchen gear
7. Photograph sentimental items, then let most of them go
8. Contact an estate sale company or donation pickup for the big lots
9. Pull valuables and papers: jewelry, deeds, wills, tax records
10. Schedule a dumpster or haul-away for what leaves as trash
11. Fresh paint in neutral tones where it matters most
12. Stage with your best furniture, edited down
13. Hire the photographer and list with a priced-to-sell strategy
14. Coordinate closing with your new home move-in
15. Change of address, utilities, and subscriptions
16. Breathe: the new chapter starts at the new front door

Everything to set up in your first week so the new house feels like home.

1. Confirm electricity and gas are active at the new address
2. Set up internet and cable; book the install appointment
3. Water, sewer, and trash service in the new municipality
4. Register vehicles and transfer the driver license
5. Get dependents registered with the installation and ID office
6. Voter registration for the new precinct
7. Find the closest urgent care, pharmacy, and primary care office
8. Locate the post office, library, grocery, and gas station
9. Enroll kids in school and connect with the school liaison
10. Meet the neighbors and join the community or HOA groups
11. Notify banks and insurers of the new address
12. Defrost and settle in: unpack the kitchen first, then bedrooms