When it comes to moving, military families and couples face unique challenges in addition to the typical stressors associated with relocating. One of the most common questions is, “When can my wife move on to the Army base with me?” Creating a clear moving plan that aligns with the Permanent Change of Station (PSC) timeline helps reduce stress for Army couples and families while moving.
If you’re a newlywed, you can move in with your military spouse immediately. That is, as long as they’re not in barracks housing. Your military spouse will receive a higher Basic Allowance for Housing.
In some instances, such as when the service member spouse is deployed to certain areas, it may not be possible for the spouse to accompany them to their new service location.
Understanding the Army Relocation Process
The Army relocation process can seem daunting, but with proper planning, it becomes manageable. The military spouse PCS timeline starts when your orders arrive. These orders are official instructions for moving to a new duty station. The timeline for this process can vary depending on several factors, including your current location, the destination, and personal circumstances. While there’s no universal Army relocation process guide or a designated military move-in checklist for spouses, there are general steps you can take to prepare for the move.
Military Spouse PCS Timeline
The PCS move-in schedule for military spouses includes three phases. These are the pre-move, moving day, and post-move, and there are several steps involved in the Army spouse relocation timeline, including:
- Receiving PCS Orders – You’ll likely receive this paperwork three to six months before the move. This is the signal to begin planning immediately. Notify your spouse, inform your current landlord or housing office, and begin organizing your belongings. The sooner you start, the smoother your move will be.
- Budgeting for the Move – You might need to budget for certain out-of-pocket moving expenses up, and while you could receive reimbursement for them later on, you’ll still need to pay upfront. Account for these potential expenses in your budget a few months before moving.
- Briefing and Counseling – You should plan to attend a PSC briefing and counseling session about two to three months before moving. This step provides valuable information about your move, including entitlements, travel allowances, and the support available to you and your family.
- Preparing for Moving – To help simplify the transition, begin pre-moving plans roughly two to three months in advance. Gather important documents, such as medical records, school transcripts, and financial paperwork, and store them in a moving binder to keep everything in the same, easily accessible place.
- Making Housing Arrangements – You can ask about your housing options at your destination to better plan for your new living space. Contact the housing office at your new duty station to inquire about on-base housing availability. If on-base housing is not available, start looking for off-base housing options.
- Scheduling Movers – You’ll want to secure the moving arrangements roughly one to two months in advance to avoid unnecessary stress and possible delays during the move. Schedule a moving company through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). Provide accurate information about your household goods to ensure a smooth move.
- Transitioning Essential Information – To ensure a smooth transition for your family, transfer medical records to the new duty station. Families with school-aged children should also start transferring school records and enrolling them in new schools.
- Finalizing Travel Plans – You should finalize travel plans about a month before moving, including flights, lodging, and transportation. Ensure you have all necessary documents, such as travel orders and identification.
Streamlining the Move
Having a structured plan can help you implement the transition as smoothly as possible. There are additional steps you can take before, during, and after your move, including:
- Decluttering and Downsizing – Declutter your home and downsize your belongings by donating, selling, or disposing of items you no longer need or use. Doing this before moving prevents extra costs from transporting unnecessary items and clutter.
- Packing and Labeling Boxes – Begin packing non-essential items and label boxes clearly with contents and destination rooms. Create an inventory list to track your belongings.
- Supervising Packing and Loading – On your moving day, supervise the packing and loading process to ensure the successful transportation of your items without leaving anything behind.
- Keeping Essentials Available – Pack a suitcase or box with essential items. These can be medications, important documents, toiletries, and a few days’ worth of clothing.
- Communicating Consistently – Maintain regular communication with movers, family members, and anyone assisting with the move to address any issues or changes that may arise.
- Completing the Move-Out Inspection – Conduct a final walkthrough and inspection of your current residence with the landlord or housing office to note any damages and ensure you’ve met all move-out requirements.
- Unpacking and Settling In – Unpack boxes systematically, starting with essentials. Set up utilities, arrange furniture, and personalize your new living space to make it feel like home.
Tips for Handling Moving Timeline for Army Families
Moving can be grueling and time-consuming, leaving little time to focus on anything else. Still, it can be a challenging time for your family. There are steps you can take to support them, including:
- Communicate Regularly – Maintain open communication with your spouse, children, and support network throughout the moving process. Discuss expectations, responsibilities, and concerns to ensure everyone feels comfortable.
- Prioritize Self-Care – Moving can be stressful, so prioritize self-care and set aside time for family activities. Maintain routines as much as possible, especially for children, to provide stability during the transition.
- Stay Flexible – Prepare for unexpected changes or delays during moving. Stay adaptable and patient, and have contingency plans in place for potential challenges that may arise.
- Community Involvement – Once you arrive at your new duty station, get involved in the local community. Attend newcomer orientation events, join spouse groups or social clubs, and explore recreational opportunities. These help you and your family settle in.
Contact an Experienced Texas Family Law Attorney
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Call us today at (512) 277-3166 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation from our legal team. Let our law firm guide you through your legal journey with compassion and dedication. Your family’s future is our priority, and we are ready to advocate for your rights and interests. Check out our success stories to have the confidence to trust us with your case.