PCS season around Fort Carson can feel like a sprint. Orders arrive, the calendar fills up, and suddenly you’re juggling briefings, school records, and a house that still needs to be packed. We’ve walked Colorado Springs families through this many times, and a smooth PCS move from Fort Carson comes down to clear steps and local know‑how. At 5 Star Moving and Storage in Colorado Springs, we partner with military families every week, coordinating with base timelines, offering DoD‑approved packing, and providing short‑ or long‑term storage across the Front Range.
Know Your Orders and Timeline From Fort Carson
Key Dates and Briefings at Fort Carson
We start by confirming orders, report dates, and entitlements, then build the plan backward. Fort Carson briefings from the Military Housing Office and the Relocation Readiness Program are essential, especially if you’re weighing on‑post housing at your new duty station. We recommend checking key dates 90 days out, then locking in medical, school, and transportation appointments 60 to 45 days out. If you have EFMP needs, update paperwork early so the gaining installation is ready to support you.
A fast tip we share with families: keep a single PCS binder or secure digital folder. Include orders, amendments, medical and dental records, school records, pet records, and housing documents. When everyone asks for the same paperwork, you are ready in seconds.
Choosing HHG vs. PPM (DITY)
Both paths can work. HHG lets the Transportation Office schedule a carrier to pack and ship your household goods with fewer demands on your time. PPM gives you more control and the chance to pocket the difference if your costs are lower than the reimbursement. If you’re unsure, we can price both approaches, including hybrid options. Many Fort Carson families choose HHG for the main shipment and a small PPM for urgent items.
Consider:
- Time available before your report date
- Your comfort driving a rental truck through the Rockies
- Whether you need temporary storage in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, or near your next duty station
Building a 90-Day PCS Checklist
We like checklists that actually get used. Here’s the core:
- 90 days: review orders, confirm report date, start DPS registration, attend housing and relocation briefings.
- 60 days: schedule medical, dental, EFMP updates: request school records: research on‑post vs. off‑post neighborhoods at the gaining post.
- 45 days: lock in HHG pickup dates with DP3, decide on PPM if needed, reserve temporary lodging, and plan pet transport.
- 30 days: notify current housing, schedule final inspections, set utilities stop/start dates.
- 2 weeks: pack an Essentials Box with uniforms, documents, meds, kids’ comfort items, and first‑night kitchen basics. Photograph high‑value items and serial numbers.
Out-Processing at Fort Carson: What to Expect
CIF Turn-In and Soldier Readiness
CIF turn‑in can slow you down if gear is not clean and complete. We suggest scheduling early, then confirming you have every item on your hand receipt. In parallel, complete Soldier Readiness Processing for medical, dental, and admin checks. When CIF and SRP are done, the rest of your timeline opens up.
Housing Clearance and Final Inspection
Notify housing at least 30 days ahead, then plan a pre‑inspection to find any fixes you need. Small repairs and a focused deep clean often protect your deposit. We can coordinate move‑out timing with your inspection so you are not camping on the floor with tired kids.
Medical, Dental, and EFMP Transfers
Request copies of records for the whole family and confirm transfers to the gaining installation. EFMP families should verify category, services needed, and referral contacts at the new post. Keeping a printed summary in that PCS binder helps at check‑in if systems are busy.
Housing Decisions at the New Duty Station
On-Post vs. Off-Post Considerations
On‑post housing can mean short commutes and built‑in community. Off‑post may offer more space or school options. We weigh waitlists, BAH, commute, school ratings, and pet policies with families before they decide. If you’re headed from Fort Carson to the Denver or Boulder area on a new assignment, traffic and parking can change the math, so plan a scouting trip if possible.
Using Temporary Lodging (TLA/TLE) Wisely
Use TLA or TLE for short‑term stays while you house hunt or wait on HHG. Reserve early during PCS season. Properties near large posts fill quickly, especially pet‑friendly rooms. Keep all lodging receipts and note check‑in and check‑out dates for finance.
Finding Pet-Friendly Temporary Options
Call ahead about breed or size limits and fees. Candlewood Suites, on‑base lodging, and many extended‑stay properties along the Front Range accept pets, but rules vary. If your pet is sensitive to stress, keep a small kit with favorite toys, a blanket, and familiar food. That little bit of comfort helps everyone sleep.
Moving Your Stuff: HHG, Cars, and Special Items
Scheduling With the Transportation Office (DP3/TMO)
Book HHG dates as soon as your window opens. Peak PCS months around Colorado Springs, Fort Carson, and the broader Front Range get busy. If you need short‑term storage or a split shipment, let us set that up so you are not waiting weeks for the basics at the new duty station.
Packing Day Prep and High-Value Inventory
The day before packing, create a no‑pack zone for documents, uniforms, medications, and your Essentials Box. Photograph high‑value items, record serial numbers, and point out fragile or specialty pieces. We bring quality materials and crate items that need extra protection, from heirlooms to oversized artwork.
POV Shipment vs. Cross-Country Drive Plan
Shipping your POV works if time is tight or your new station is far. Driving can save money and gives you control of pets and essentials. If you plan to drive from Colorado, check mountain pass conditions and plan stops around Pueblo, Trinidad, or into Kansas if you need flatter routes. Keep fuel and lodging receipts for MALT and TLE.
Shipping Firearms and Outdoor Gear From Colorado
Follow state laws at both ends and your carrier’s rules. Declare firearms, separate ammo, and pack them locked and inventoried. For outdoor gear, clean tents, stoves, and bikes so there is no residue that could delay your shipment. We help label and log everything for a clean paper trail.
Mid‑move and need flexibility? 5 Star Moving and Storage offers storage in Colorado Springs with secure, climate‑appropriate options and fast release when housing is ready.
Family Logistics: Kids, Schools, and Spouse Careers
School Records and Interstate Compact Protections
The Interstate Compact supports smooth transfers for military kids. Request unofficial and official transcripts, IEPs or 504 plans, immunization records, and testing data. Many schools will enroll with unofficial records while they wait for the official set, which helps your student stay on track.
Childcare, Youth Sports, and Waitlists
Childcare and youth programs fill quickly at popular posts. Get on waitlists early and ask about CDC, School‑Age Care, and local community options. If your kids are active in sports, contact clubs ahead of time about tryouts and transfer policies so they do not miss a season.
Spouse Employment and License Transfers
If a spouse holds a professional license, confirm reciprocity or temporary practice privileges at the new station. Gather proof of hours, transcripts, and background checks. For remote or hybrid work, confirm tax and HR updates tied to your new state. We share local employer lists across Colorado and the Midwest when families pass through Denver or Boulder and need connections.
Money and Entitlements for a Fort Carson PCS
Per Diem, MALT, and Dislocation Allowance
Track entitlements from day one. Per diem covers meals and incidentals during travel. MALT reimburses mileage when you drive a POV. Dislocation Allowance helps with move‑related set‑up costs. Confirm rates and eligibility in advance, then match your receipts to the dates on your travel orders.
Advance Pay, Allotments, and Receipts to Keep
If cash flow is tight, ask finance about advance pay. Keep a digital folder of every receipt, including lodging, fuel, tolls, pet fees if applicable, and storage. Clear, organized documentation makes voucher filing faster and helps if anything is questioned.
Claims, Damages, and After-Action Reports
If items arrive damaged, document immediately, take photos, and file through the DPS claims process within deadlines. Having a high‑value inventory speeds this up. After the dust settles, complete an after‑action review. It helps the next family and improves your own process for the next PCS.
We build our services around this exact flow. As one of the few military‑approved, DoD shippers and packers in Colorado Springs, 5 Star Moving and Storage brings the discipline of base moves to every household, whether you are heading across town to Pueblo or across the country.
Conclusion
A smooth PCS move from Fort Carson is never about luck. It is about a clear timeline, good records, and reliable partners who know the local terrain. We live and work here in Colorado Springs, and we serve families across the Front Range, from Fort Carson to Pueblo and up toward Denver and Boulder. If you want full‑service packing, careful loading, storage that buys you time, or just a dependable crew that shows up when the schedule says, we are ready to help.
Let’s map your dates, protect your budget, and get you settled faster. Contact 5 Star Moving and Storage to talk with a local moving expert and get a custom PCS plan that fits your orders. We treat your household like our own, and we would be honored to earn your trust on this move.
Frequently Asked Questions
What timeline should I follow for a smooth PCS move from Fort Carson?
Start 90 days out: review orders, register in DPS, and attend Fort Carson housing/relocation briefings. At 60–45 days, lock medical, dental, EFMP updates, school records, and HHG/PPM decisions. At 30 days, notify housing and utilities. Two weeks out, prep an Essentials Box and photograph high‑value items.
HHG vs. PPM from Fort Carson—how do I choose?
Household Goods (HHG) reduces time demands by having a carrier pack/ship through the Transportation Office. Personally Procured Move (PPM) offers control and potential reimbursement savings. Consider your report date, comfort driving through mountain passes, and need for temporary storage. Many families use a hybrid: HHG main shipment, small PPM for urgent items.
What should go in a PCS Essentials Box for a Fort Carson PCS?
Pack uniforms, orders and IDs, medications, chargers, a small toolkit, first‑night kitchen items, kids’ comfort items, pet supplies, and basic linens. Keep a no‑pack zone for these and your documents. Photograph serial numbers and high‑value pieces to streamline inventory and claims if anything is delayed or damaged.
How do TLA/TLE work during a smooth PCS move from Fort Carson?
Use Temporary Lodging Allowance/Expense for short stays while house‑hunting or awaiting HHG delivery. Book early during PCS season and keep all receipts with check‑in/out dates that match travel orders. Pet‑friendly rooms near large installations fill fast, so call ahead about fees, breed/size limits, and availability.
When is PCS season busiest at Fort Carson, and how early should I book movers?
Peak demand typically runs May through August, with additional spikes around winter report dates. To secure preferred HHG pickup windows in Colorado Springs, book as soon as your scheduling window opens—ideally 6–8 weeks in advance for peak months—and discuss split shipments or storage if timing is tight.
What are the DPS claims deadlines if my HHG arrives damaged?
Document issues at delivery, take photos, and file a Notice of Loss/Damage in DPS within 180 days of delivery. To receive Full Replacement Value, submit your claim within 9 months; you have up to 2 years for a standard claim. A detailed high‑value inventory speeds resolution and valuations.