A little less unknown.
Orders bring a lot of decisions. Start with the people, dates and documents that make the rest of your move easier.
Start with these four things
Connect with your sponsor
Ask your gaining unit for reporting instructions, the duty location, arrival contact and after-hours plan. Keep a copy available when your phone has no signal.
Set the move in motion
Use your transportation office and the official moving resources to confirm the authorized shipment process, travel arrangements and reimbursement documentation. Keep orders and receipts in your own secure file.
Arrange a place to land
Contact Westwind Inn about availability and your household’s needs. Ask about pets, accessibility and a backup plan before travel; eligibility and reimbursement depend on your circumstances.
Give housing enough breathing room
Contact the Military Housing Office, test gate commutes and compare the full monthly cost of each option. Check school boundaries for an exact address before committing.
Build the dates around your orders
Use your report date to create a working checklist. If you have less than 120 days, work through the earlier tasks now and ask the responsible office which items need priority.
Add the details for your household
- Children: gather enrollment and support records, check district address tools and begin eligible childcare requests.
- Medical or EFMP: contact your care team about records, prescriptions, referrals and continuity before travel. Keep documents with you securely.
- Pets: confirm requirements with the airline, destination and veterinarian separately; lodging and rental policies need their own check.
- Coming from overseas: coordinate passenger travel, customs, POV arrangements and household-goods timing with the responsible offices. Build in a temporary transport plan.
- Unaccompanied: confirm your housing eligibility and reporting instructions with the gaining unit and MHO before applying off base.
Your first week
Complete the check-in instructions from your unit, document your housing’s condition, confirm medical coverage steps and school arrangements, and set up essential utilities. Use the settling-in guide to find everyday services.