How should I prepare for my first PCS move?

Take pictures of EVERYTHING and get replacement insurance because they will break your stuff and then give you a pittance for what it costs to replace it. Also, if you have anything sentimental, hide it in your POV while the movers are there. They do steal. They took some of my jewelry but the most painful thing they took was my deceased daughter's ring. You can't replace some things.

Check the Housing office at your new base to see if they have a black list of off base housing that you are not allowed to rent because the land lord has done some unscrupulous things to the military.

Dothan is a nice place to live and it's about 20-30 min from Rucker. Enterprise is also real close to Rucker, about 10-15 min.

Make checklist for utilities (on both sides of the PCS). develop a plan with calendar the covers every event (packing, move, utility disconnect, change of address notification). Stick to the plan and pack the good scotch very carefully.

I recommend doing the move yourself. I'm always wary of other people packing and handling my belongings and going where it's supposed to, especially after some of the horror stories I've heard. This way in the end you can't get upset at somebody else for your belongings missing or becoming damaged. Choosing a place is a bit trickier if you don't already know someone familiar with the area. I was fortunate enough to know a friend who recommended a good location for me. Do some online research of the surrounding areas and try to get with your gaining unit sponsor for advice on good housing locations. Good luck

As with most of these questions, much depends upon the detail that have not been provided, but a PCS move is a move. If you are young and single, as it appears, I would not be in a great rush to do anything. Get there and get a feel for what you want.

If you are looking for a good place - check http://www.militarybyowner.com/ for listings. The housing office there at Ft Rucker should have listings for apartments as well as places there in Enterprise to say away from. I don't think Enterprise is as ate up with crime as say Montgomery is. Good luck on your assignment and be prepared for the nasty hot southern weather.

First, go to your local finance office and make sure that you receive a briefing to make sure that you understand all of your entitlements associated with a PCS. Next go to you local TMO (Traffic Management Office) and do the same regarding you household goods. Then make sure that your personnel office has done their job regarding your orders and that they do it in a timely manner. With regard to your move, make a good inventory of everything and take photos and videos of all high value items, because when you file the claim you will then have good documentation regarding your belongings. Good Luck to you.

If you will be a flight school student, I would recommend Enterprise. It is close enough and a little more to offer. They have some pretty nice town houses, apartments (check these out as some are not good at all) and many houses for rent. Dothan is fine but a long drive for early am flight briefs or late night returns. I am very familiar with Enterprise and the wiregrass region if you would like more information.

http://www.city-data.com/city/Fort-Rucker-Alabama.html

http://www.dalevilleal.com/home/

Let the military move you - pack things you are going to need to sustain you for a couple of weeks. If you are driving to your new location pack up your car. This is the perfect time to clean out the closet etc. get rid of that stuff you don't need. Research your new area - if your base offers a "Sponsor" program get a sponsor they can help you before you get there and then when you get there. The 2 sites attached one is city-data and the other is Chamber of Commerce. you can find a realtor there/

Good luck and congrats!