How should I prepare for my first PCS move?

Ensure you stop by finance to get your DLA. Dislocation Allowance!!! it is your money you just need to ask for it.

You can still do a DITY move if you want to...an easy way with a move of this distance to make a few bucks. Companies like Old Dominion Freight lines are great. A buddy of mine did the same move that I did from Fort Leavenworth, KS to JBLM, WA and pocketed about 8,500 and didn't have to drive a uhual. You pack how you want to, when you want to and then load it on the truck. They come pick it up and you tell them when and where you want it delivered within 45-60 days.

Otherwise, make sure that you pack what you need for a few weeks depending on the age of your kids, and make sure you file for a partial DITY. When the stuff is delivered have the kids with a sitter and have the moving company do a complete unpack, it is well worth it to catalog the damage as it gets there. Moves in the summer move season are a nightmare.

Last thing, take the parts box with you, nothing worse than not being able to put furniture together because the one box that was lost was the parts box.

Plan, plan, plan. Get to transportation as soon as you have your orders to set up your HHG shipment or to set up your personal procured move. After transportation, go see finance to get your travel pay squared away. Most of this should be brought up in your levy brief that you have to attend. If you haven't gone yet, talk to your chain of command. Most of your questions will be answered there.

For housing visit the AHRN websiite. also try military by owner. do they not do sponsors anymore? OKay that was the old military days.

If transition leave is still a valid option, you might consider putting in a request for it. I'm not sure what the length of transition leave can be, but it is non chargeable and does not take away from your accrued leave. Transition leave affords soldiers preparing for a move an opportunity to do some advance scouting for living arrangements prior to the actual PCS date. I used it many times, and since it was non chargeable, did not take away leave days. Check with your S-1 to see what the limitations are. Check in with the Post Housing office and they'll more than likely have a referral list. Take a copy of your orders with you because they will need to see them to offer you on post and off post housing assistance. Hope my blurb was helpful. Good luck with your PCS and with your upcoming assignment.

Pack what you are bringing with you and put it in your car, then throw away anything you no longer need or fit into, take pictures of everything you have and print them out and have the movers sign and write out damage points on the pics, make sure your list has everything on it and make a list of all items before they come to pack you out

First things First - check with your local base housing office, they can request perspective listings to fit your family at Ft Rucker and, outside of the unauthorized areas. The MWR/ACS might be able to help you with school information on/around Ft Rucker.

In all my moves as my father's defendant, added to my personal PCSs, I'll add this:
1) Is DA moving you, or are you moving yourself?
1a) This is important because you will not be able to have Kitchen Condiments, Spices, liquids (Milk, Alcohol, cleaning products), no weapons or ammo ect.
If you move yourself you can transport all of these items vs. a DA move where unauthorized items cannot be shipped you could incur an average cost from $100 - $200 worth of unplanned expenses to replace upon your arrival.
2) Pictures of high dollar items with serials numbers and any personal markings.
2a) My way not necessarily the right way; if you choose a DA move which is less back-braking try to set aside fund to replace any unauthorized items.
3) Some items that are extremely important or sentimental that you are unable to carry personally ... you can consider sending by USPS/UPS/FeDex
4) If you are moving your self try to locate weights on both sides that are open 24hrs or with extremely earlier late hours.
4a) You will be required to weigh your vehicle at departure empty - full upon arrival full - empty
5) Other items of concern you might want to pack yourself first; however, some shipping company still may have you open or repack that specific box (due to insurance issue).
6) If not done by packers mark your boxes Kitchen/Living Room/Bedroom 1/Bedroom 2/Master Bedroom/etc..
(Unless contracts have changed between DA & Shipping Companies)
7) The packers are suppose to to unpack you on arrival and remove all boxes and packing materials. (But some will, some won't unless asked, and others won't do it at all)

Sorry if I got your head spinning, but you will get a transportation briefing (Make Appointment As Soon As Possible After Receiving Hard Copy of Orders) covering all over your paper work - if moving yourself PLEASE pay attention to ALL of the paper work.
The Transportation Office, Housing Office, MWR, and ACS can help you through all of this on your current location to Ft Rucker. Every Base has a general web site that have POCs for these offices too.

There are several areas near Fort Rucker. I would advise tof either look for a home in enterprise, or Dothan they are about 15-20 minutes away. On post is ok but the cities of Ozark and Daleville are the closest, however very small. Cost of living is very cheap and in all everything is quiet. Your only an hour and a half from the beach. Just Google and you will find a nice spot.

Well, before you consider where you want to live, I would suggest you find out where you will be working at. Despite being assigned to Fort Rucker, you could also wind up working at Cairns Army Air Base in Daleville, AL. It's just a few miles outside the Daleville gate. Knowing where you will be working will help you narrow down more logical choices in regards to distance, rates and amenities. I personally live in Daleville considering I work out of both Rucker and Cairns. Just remember, in this area, the old saying does apply, you get what you pay for. Be prepared to travel a bit if you want to get out and do much of anything though regardless of where you decide to rent.

I went there for UAV training. It is a beautiful place. There are lots of trees. If you like running outside, there are plenty of places to stretch your legs and run.