PCS Moving Checklist for South Jersey and Philadelphia

By Albert Moore, Military Relocation Professional (MRP)
Moore Property Group | Better Homes and Gardens Realty Connect

A permanent change of station (PCS) can put your housing search, travel plans, and household goods shipment on three different calendars. Getting those pieces to line up takes preparation.

As a veteran who served overseas and relocated back to the United States, I understand how much there is to organize. This checklist gives you a practical sequence to follow when moving to South Jersey or the Philadelphia area. Adjust the timing to your orders and your family's needs.

1. When orders arrive: build your move folder

• Record your report date, travel dates, housing target date, and expected shipment window.
• Keep orders, identification, moving paperwork, and key contacts accessible.
• Contact your installation transportation office about shipment scheduling, authorized options, and storage questions.

Military OneSource explains that your outbound transportation office helps arrange the shipment, while the inbound office assists with receiving it. Ask what happens if delivery and your housing date do not match. Transportation office guidance.

You can also build a personalized checklist using Military OneSource's Plan My Move. Build your moving checklist.

2. Before house hunting: identify your arrival costs

List the money you may need before your first normal month in the new home: lodging, travel, rental move-in funds or purchase closing expenses, utilities, and basic supplies. Ask the appropriate military office which expenses are authorized and what records it requires.

If buying with a VA-backed loan, discuss your Certificate of Eligibility and loan requirements with your lender early. Financing also depends on applicable credit, income, and occupancy requirements. VA home loan eligibility.

3. Before committing to housing: check the daily logistics

For Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, confirm your actual work location and expected gate before comparing homes. For a Philadelphia assignment or workplace, review the route, parking, and any bridge crossings. Check travel times during the hours you expect to commute.

• Confirm when you can receive keys and begin occupancy.
• Ask about parking, pets, accessibility needs, and utility setup.
• For a rental, review the lease and move-in requirements; for a purchase, coordinate financing, inspections, and closing dates.
• Have a lodging plan if your home is not ready when you arrive.

4. Several weeks before departure: arrange family continuity

Request school records and ask the receiving school about enrollment documents. Coordinate medical records, appointments, and prescription needs with your providers. For pets, confirm travel arrangements, lodging policies, and veterinary paperwork.

Families heading to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst can use its official newcomers page to locate housing, child care, and school liaison resources. Contact the relevant office to confirm current procedures. Joint Base newcomers resources.

5. Before packing: document belongings and separate essentials

• Photograph furniture, electronics, and other valuable belongings; record serial numbers where useful.
• Review the movers' inventory and make sure condition notes are accurate before signing.
• Set aside documents, medications, valuables, chargers, keys, and items needed during travel.
• Pack a first-night bag with clothing, toiletries, bedding, and essentials for children or pets.

Keep these items separate from the shipment so they remain available if your household goods arrive later than expected. Military OneSource personal property resources.

6. On moving day: check both homes and track the shipment

Before leaving, walk through closets, storage areas, cabinets, and outdoor spaces. Photograph the condition of the home and confirm the key-return arrangements. Keep receipts and shipment paperwork together.

At your destination, confirm the delivery address, contact number, and any building restrictions with the moving provider. Before unloading, check access and parking. Review delivered items and document concerns promptly; ask your transportation office about the applicable reporting and claims process.

7. During your first week: finish the arrival checklist

• Complete the check-in steps provided by your unit or sponsor.
• Confirm utilities and internet service, and check that accounts are in the correct name.
• Update your mailing address and important contacts.
• Follow up on school enrollment and care appointments.
• Review your actual housing and commuting costs against your original budget.

Keep a short list of unresolved items so a shipment issue, missing document, or account problem does not get lost in the unpacking.

Get help with the housing part of your PCS

I am Albert Moore, a veteran and Military Relocation Professional with Better Homes and Gardens Realty Connect. My team, Moore Property Group, helps clients buy, sell, and rent in South Jersey and Greater Philadelphia.

Tell us your destination, timeline, and housing needs. We can help you organize the next steps for your search. Request Military Relocation Help.