An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Preparing For Your Move

Every year, approximately a third of our Sailors and their families execute a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). Assuming this is your lucky year, the best thing you can do is prepare for your PCS.

Here are a few tips from your Fleet & Family Support Program's Relocation Assistance Program to help your PCS be a success:

  • Get started early. There is no rule that says you must wait until you receive orders before you can begin purging and prepping your house, meeting with FFSC’s Relocation counselors, speaking to a School Liaison Officer regarding transferring your child’s student records, making vet appointments for your pet’s travel, and more.
  • Check your documents
    • Complete change of address forms.
    • Notify TRICARE.
    • Notify your bank(s) you will be moving.
    • Ensure your identification cards, credit cards, passports, etc., will not expire mid-travel.
  • Attend a Household Goods webinar to learn about your entitlements and the Navy’s moving process.
  • Request a sponsor and be proactive about communicating. Nobody is going to take care of you better than you.
    • Share your anticipated timeline and needs.
    • Ask them questions and see if their spouse is willing to “sponsor” yours.
    • Most importantly, provide them with personal contact information so that when you leave your command and lose your work phone/email, they still have a way of reaching you.
  • Check out the MyNavyHR’s PCS Guide for more recommendations.
Updated 21 August 2025
 

Google Translation Disclaimer

  • Google Translate, a third party service provided by Google, performs all translations directly and dynamically.
  • Commander, Navy Region Japan, cnrj.cnic.navy.mil has no control over the features, functions, or performance of the Google Translate service.
  • The automated translations should not be considered exact and should be used only as an approximation of the original English language content.
  • This service is meant solely for the assistance of limited English-speaking users of the website.
  • Commander, Navy Region Japan, cnrj.cnic.navy.mil does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information translated.
  • Some items cannot be translated, including but not limited to image buttons, drop down menus, graphics, photos, or portable document formats (pdfs).
  • Commander, Navy Region Japan, cnrj.cnic.navy.mil does not directly endorse Google Translate or imply that it is the only language translation solution available to users.
  • All site visitors may choose to use similar tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use Commander, Navy Region Japan, cnrj.cnic.navy.mil content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk.
  • IE users: Please note that Google Translate may not render correctly when using Internet Explorer. Users are advised to use MS Edge, Safari, Chrome, or Firefox browser to take full advantage of the Google Translate feature.
  • The official text of content on this site is the English version found on this website. If any questions arise related to the accuracy of the information contained in translated text, refer to the English version on this website, it is the official version.

Commander, Navy Installations Command   |   716 Sicard Street SE Suite 1000   |   Washington DC, 20374-5140
Official U.S. Navy Website