Your OCONUS Move: Planning, Resources and Tips

An overseas PCS requires lots of preparation. Explore all the resources you and your family need to master your OCONUS move through Military OneSource and the military Relocation Assistance Program. Find information on housing and packing tips, scheduling shipments, financial readiness, the Exceptional Family Member Program, school liaisons, sponsorship and more.

Planning for your overseas PCS

Planning and preparation are key to any military mission. Keep in mind that although you can start planning early, you will need orders to take certain actions. Consider these tools and resources:

• Command sponsorship — Obtain command sponsorship if you intend to take your family with you overseas. This designation appears on your orders and ensures your family receives travel compensation, housing support and legal protection in your host country.
• Moving resources and information — Find moving guides, entitlement brochures, FAQs about shipping your personal property and more on Military OneSource:
• PCS & Military Moves landing page
• Moving and Family Logistics for OCONUS Moves
• Overseas Living

• Plan My Move — Use Plan My Move, Military OneSource’s online moving tool, to create customizable checklists of tasks to keep you organized and stay on target.
• Moving logistics —Reach out to your local transportation office as soon as you receive PCS orders for help with:
• Entitlements and moving allowances
• Household goods shipments
• Issues with your moving company during packing, moving and delivery

For additional personal property support, each service branch has its own PCS customer service contacts.

• Housing — Contact your new installation housing office to explore available housing options and Overseas Housing Allowance if installation housing is not available.
• Find temporary lodging, at home and abroad, through Department of Defense Lodging.
• Use HOMES.mil to find rentals near military bases worldwide.

• Finances — Contact your installation personal financial management services office for help with budgeting and relocation benefits eligibility.
• Learn how to plan for last-minute surprises.
• Keep records of reimbursable costs.
• Learn more about what to expect when living overseas on military pay.
• Take advantage of Military OneSource financial support services to help you stay fiscally fit.

• Overseas Cost of Living Allowance — An OCOLA is a nontaxable allowance that offsets the higher overseas prices of non-housing goods and services.
• OCOLA varies by location, pay grade, years of service and number of dependents.
• The rate can fluctuate based on the exchange rate and should not be considered as part of your monthly budget.
• Learn more about OCOLA and the 2023 adjustment process.

• Packing — Check out these packing tips before you begin, and remember that household goods can take a while to arrive.
• Make sure you understand your moving entitlements and weight allowance so you know what and how much you can bring.
• Make an inventory of all your belongings before movers arrive, and decide what you’ll really need.
• Don’t overpack. If you don’t need it, don’t bring it.
• Learn more about how to get your personal goods overseas.

Support when you need it most

• Reach out to your installation Relocation Assistance Program office to get answers and personalized moving support for your overseas PCS. They offer:
• One-on-one consultations
• Referrals to workshops, classes and other resources
• Newcomer programs to learn about local language, customs and community
• Contact your installation Military and Family Support Center to access at-the-ready resources and free support to ensure mission readiness for every step of your OCONUS move.
• Request a military sponsor. Military sponsorship is different from command sponsorship. A military sponsor helps you and your family settle in, which is especially helpful if you are moving overseas. Your unit will assign you a sponsor, typically a service member of similar rank and family status, to help you learn the ropes at your new location.
• Use Military OneSource, your 24/7 resource, for an overseas PCS. Access tools, courses and self-help resources to help you get organized. Individual assistance is also available through Military OneSource. Call 800-342-9647 or log in to start a secure live chat.
• Check out MilitaryINSTALLATIONS, an online directory of information about U.S. military installations worldwide. Find installation details, programs and services contacts and more. Learn how to explore your base and beyond with MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.
• Contact TRICARE to notify them of your move and discuss your options for health care at your new location.

Tips to prepare for your new home and community

Living overseas gives military families a wonderful opportunity to experience the world as very few others can. Even the most seasoned travelers may be surprised when moving to a new country. It may take some work, but with the right preparation you can have the adventure of a lifetime.

• Prepare for a new culture: New languages, new food and customs can take some getting used to.
• Find online courses in more than 70 languages and tips for cultural adjustment through the Mango Languages application from the DOD MWR Libraries.
• Contact your installation Military and Family Support Center upon arrival to take advantage of newcomer programs and opportunities to explore your local community.

• Use translation services: Military OneSource offers free 24/7 simultaneous language interpretations by phone in more than 150 languages and document translation to anyone eligible for Military OneSource services. Learn more about document translation and interpretation services.

• Settle in to your new installation: Check out MilitaryINSTALLATIONS, the DOW directory for more than 300 military installations worldwide. Find office contacts, photos and maps to help you get connected to your installation and surrounding community.
• Get to know your new community: Explore ways to lean on your military community to settle into your new home.
• Visit your Military and Family Support Center.
• Ask your military sponsor for assistance, tips and guidance.

Connect with Military OneSource for relocation support for your OCONUS move. Our consultants are available 24/7/365 to help answer your questions and connect you with the resources you need to master your move. Call 800-342-9647, use OCONUS calling options or log in to start a secure live chat to schedule a consultation.