PCS season at Fort Carson can feel like a whirlwind. One day you’re settled into your routine in Colorado Springs, and the next you’re knee-deep in orders, paperwork, and the mental gymnastics of moving your entire household across the country (or overseas). Whether this is your first Permanent Change of Station or your fifth, the process never quite gets “easy.” But it can absolutely get easier with the right preparation.
At 5 Star Moving and Storage, we’ve helped countless military families navigate PCS moves from Fort Carson to destinations across the U.S. and beyond. As one of just three military-approved, DoD shippers and packers in Colorado Springs, we’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what causes unnecessary stress. This guide breaks down the key steps to prepare for PCS season so you can focus on what matters most: your family and your mission.
Key Takeaways
- Start preparing for PCS season at Fort Carson as early as possible—timelines can span 60 to 90 days or longer for OCONUS moves.
- Never take irreversible actions like signing leases or selling vehicles until your official PCS orders are in hand.
- Organize all important documents (orders, passports, medical records) in a dedicated folder that travels with you, not on the moving truck.
- Schedule medical and dental clearances early, especially during peak PCS season (May–August), to avoid delays.
- Contact JPPSO immediately after receiving orders to secure your household goods shipment before peak-season slots fill up.
- Take advantage of Fort Carson resources like MPD, Army Community Service, and the Digital Garrison app to reduce stress and stay organized.
Understanding the PCS Timeline and Orders
PCS moves don’t happen overnight, even though they can sometimes feel that way. Typically, service members relocate every two to four years, and the timeline from receiving orders to actually arriving at your new duty station involves several key milestones.
Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:
- Receiving orders: This is your official green light. Orders come through IPPS-A, and any amendments require an O-5 signature.
- Notifying your command: Let your chain of command know as soon as possible so they can plan accordingly.
- Scheduling your move: Contact Transportation (JPPSO) to book your household goods shipment.
- Completing paperwork: Submit required documents like DA Form 4787 and DD Form 1172-2 to S1 for processing.
- Out-processing and clearing: This includes CIF turn-in, medical clearances, and final appointments.
- Travel and settling in: Arrive at your new duty station, complete in-processing, and get your family settled.
One critical piece of advice: don’t take any irreversible actions before your orders are official. We’ve seen families sign leases or sell vehicles prematurely, only to have orders delayed or changed. Wait until you have that paperwork in hand.
The PCS timeline can stretch anywhere from 60 to 90 days (or longer for OCONUS moves), so the earlier you start planning, the better. Build a calendar with key deadlines and work backward from your report date to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Organizing Important Documents and Records
If there’s one thing that can make or break a PCS move, it’s your paperwork. Lost documents lead to delays, headaches, and sometimes real financial consequences. Before you start packing boxes, get your important files in order.
Create a dedicated folder (physical and digital) for these essentials:
- PCS orders and any amendments
- Passports and birth certificates for all family members
- Marriage certificate
- Medical and dental records
- Housing paperwork (lease agreements, proof of residency)
- Vehicle titles and registration
- Power of attorney documents
- School records for children
Make copies of everything. Keep originals in a folder that travels with you, not in a box on the moving truck. You don’t want to be digging through storage containers in New Mexico trying to find your spouse’s passport.
Also, don’t forget to forward your mail and update your address with banks, insurance companies, and any subscriptions. The USPS mail forwarding service is helpful, but it’s not foolproof. Take an afternoon to log into all your accounts and update your information directly.
Medical and Dental Clearances
Medical clearances are non-negotiable for PCS moves. You’ll need to complete DD Form 2792 (Family Member Medical Summary) and ensure your E-EFMP status is updated via IPPS-A if any family members have special medical needs.
Schedule appointments early in your PCS timeline. Medical and dental facilities at Fort Carson can get backed up during peak PCS season (typically May through August), and the last thing you want is a delayed clearance holding up your entire move.
Make sure you meet all Soldier Readiness Requirements (SRR) before your departure date. This includes dental readiness, immunizations, and any specialty care referrals that need to be transferred to your new duty station. If your family receives ongoing medical treatment, coordinate with Tricare to ensure continuity of care at your next location.
Housing Options at Your New Duty Station
Finding housing at your new duty station can feel like a puzzle, especially if you’re moving somewhere you’ve never visited. Start your search early and use all the resources available to you.
HOMES.mil is the official DoD housing portal, and it’s a good starting point for on-post options and approved off-post rentals near Fort Carson or wherever you’re headed. You can filter by bedroom count, pet policies, and proximity to the installation.
For those arriving at Fort Carson, in-processing happens at the Replacement Center in Building 1456. You can reach them at 719-526-6961 with questions about housing availability and waitlists.
Consider your family’s needs during TDY or training periods. If you have temporary duty before reporting, your family has a few options: they can stay in your current quarters until you’re settled, move ahead of you, or meet you at the new duty station after TDY ends. Each choice has trade-offs, so talk it through together.
If you’re looking off-post in the Colorado Springs area or anywhere along the Front Range, keep in mind that rental markets can be competitive. Having your paperwork ready (LES, orders, references) will help you move quickly when you find the right place. Some landlords near military installations are familiar with BAH and PCS timelines, which can make the process smoother.
Scheduling Your Household Goods Move
Your household goods shipment is one of the biggest logistical pieces of a PCS move. Contact JPPSO (Joint Personal Property Shipping Office) as soon as you have orders to schedule your move. During peak season, slots fill up fast, and waiting too long can mean delays or inconvenient pickup dates.
Your weight allowance depends on your rank and whether you have dependents. Make sure you understand your entitlements before you pack so you don’t end up paying out of pocket for excess weight.
You’ll use a Letter of Authorization (LOA) after completing your Member Elections to officially book your shipment. For OCONUS moves, coordinate with MPD (Military Personnel Division) for port calls and any additional requirements.
A few practical tips for moving day:
- Be present during packing and loading. Supervise the movers to ensure fragile items are handled properly and nothing gets missed.
- Inventory everything. Check the inventory list carefully before signing. Note any pre-existing damage and make sure high-value items are documented.
- Ask questions. If something doesn’t look right, speak up. It’s much easier to address concerns before the truck leaves than after.
If you’re looking for a military-approved moving company that understands DoD standards, 5 Star Moving and Storage has been serving the Fort Carson and Colorado Springs community since 2007. We handle everything from packing and loading to long-distance transport, and we’re backed by a nationwide network as an Interstate Agent for Wheaton World Wide Moving.
Preparing Your Vehicle and Personal Property
Moving your vehicle is another item that requires attention. If you’re driving to your new duty station, schedule any maintenance before you hit the road. Oil changes, tire checks, and brake inspections are worth the time investment when you’re looking at a cross-country drive.
For OCONUS moves, you may need to ship your vehicle through the Vehicle Processing Center. Check the current requirements and timelines, as shipping can take several weeks depending on your destination.
As for your personal property, now is the perfect time to declutter. Moving is expensive, and every pound counts toward your weight allowance. Go room by room and sort items into keep, donate, sell, or trash piles. Be honest with yourself about what you actually use versus what’s been sitting in a closet for three years.
Packing efficiently matters too. If you’re doing a partial self-pack, use quality materials. Sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper protect your belongings better than old newspaper and grocery bags.
Don’t forget about CIF (Central Issue Facility) turn-in. You’ll need to return all issued gear before clearing post. If your timeline is tight, you can arrange an early turn-in with a commander’s memo. Contact CIF at 719-526-3321 to schedule your appointment.
Finally, make sure your Government Travel Card (GTC) is activated and ready to use for authorized travel expenses.
Utilizing Fort Carson Resources and Support Services
Fort Carson offers a variety of resources to help families through PCS season. Take advantage of them.
Military Personnel Division (MPD): For orders, amendments, and administrative questions, contact MPD at [email protected].
Sponsorship Program: Connect with a sponsor at your new duty station who can answer questions, help with housing searches, and make your arrival smoother.
CWT Sato Travel: Book official travel through Sato to ensure you’re getting authorized rates and proper documentation.
Digital Garrison App: Download this app for updates, announcements, and quick access to installation resources.
MWR PCS Guide: The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation office publishes a PCS guide with helpful checklists and local information.
Army Community Service (ACS): ACS offers relocation assistance, financial counseling, and family support services. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, they’re a good place to start.
These resources exist because the Army knows PCS moves are stressful. There’s no reason to go it alone when trained professionals are available to help you navigate the process.
Financial Planning and Travel Reimbursement
PCS moves come with expenses, but the military provides entitlements to help offset costs. Understanding what you’re entitled to and how to claim it can save you money and frustration.
DFAS (Defense Finance and Accounting Service) processes PCS travel advances and reimbursements. You can request an advance to cover anticipated expenses like lodging, meals, and fuel during travel. Just be aware that advances are deducted from your final reimbursement, so budget accordingly.
Common PCS entitlements include:
- Per diem: Daily allowances for lodging and meals during travel
- Mileage reimbursement: If you’re driving your POV to your new duty station
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA): A one-time payment to help cover moving-related expenses
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE): Reimbursement for temporary housing near your old or new duty station
Keep all your receipts. Seriously, all of them. Lodging, tolls, meals, even that emergency tire repair in Kansas. Having documentation makes the reimbursement process much smoother.
If you have questions about your specific entitlements, talk to your commanding officer or reach out to Military OneSource. They can clarify what you’re eligible for and help you avoid common mistakes.
Once you’ve arrived at your new duty station and completed in-processing, finalize your travel voucher promptly. Delays in submitting paperwork can lead to delays in getting reimbursed.
Conclusion
PCS season at Fort Carson doesn’t have to be chaos. With early planning, organized paperwork, and the right support, you can make your move as smooth as possible. Start with your orders, build a timeline, and tackle each step methodically. Use the resources available to you, from MPD to ACS to the Digital Garrison app.
And when it comes to the actual move, work with people who understand military standards. At 5 Star Moving and Storage, we’ve been helping Fort Carson families relocate since 2007. As a military-approved DoD shipper and packer right here in Colorado Springs, we know what it takes to get your household goods where they need to go, safely and on time.
If you’re gearing up for PCS season and want a team that treats your family like our own, give us a call. We’ll put together a plan that fits your timeline, your budget, and your unique situation. Your mission is important. Let us handle the moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start preparing for PCS season at Fort Carson?
Start preparing as soon as you receive orders—ideally 60 to 90 days before your report date. During peak PCS season (May through August), JPPSO slots and medical appointments fill quickly. Build a calendar working backward from your move date to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
What documents do I need to organize before a PCS move from Fort Carson?
Gather PCS orders, passports, birth and marriage certificates, medical and dental records, housing paperwork, vehicle titles, power of attorney, and school records. Keep originals in a folder that travels with you—not on the moving truck—and make digital backups of everything.
How do I schedule my household goods shipment for a Fort Carson PCS?
Contact JPPSO (Joint Personal Property Shipping Office) as soon as you have orders. Use your Letter of Authorization after completing Member Elections to book your shipment. For OCONUS moves, coordinate with MPD for port calls. Peak season fills fast, so don’t delay.
What PCS travel entitlements can military families claim?
Common entitlements include per diem for lodging and meals, mileage reimbursement for driving your POV, Dislocation Allowance (DLA), and Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE). Keep all receipts and finalize your travel voucher promptly after arriving to avoid reimbursement delays.
Is 5 Star Moving and Storage a military-approved mover for Fort Carson PCS moves?
Yes, 5 Star Moving and Storage is one of just three military-approved, DoD shippers and packers in Colorado Springs. Serving Fort Carson families since 2007, they offer full-service packing, long-distance transport, and secure storage—all meeting strict DoD guidelines.
What resources does Fort Carson offer to help families during PCS season?
Fort Carson provides MPD for orders and administrative support, the Sponsorship Program for new duty station assistance, Army Community Service for relocation counseling, the Digital Garrison app for updates, and the MWR PCS Guide with helpful checklists and local information.