VA LOAN
PCS Planning, Housing & Financial Resources
This collection of official DoD tools and trusted military housing resources helps service members and families plan every stage of a PCS move, from relocation checklists and housing searches to pay, allowances, and entitlement guidance.
PCS Planning & Relocation
Military OneSource https://www.militaryonesource.mil
The official DoD hub for every phase of a PCS. Includes the Plan My Move tool, which lets families build a custom moving checklist based on their timeline and reporting date.
MilitaryInstallations.mil https://installations.militaryonesource.mil
Installation-specific contact info for support centers at Naval Station Everett and NAS Whidbey Island, including housing, childcare, medical, education, and employment resources.
Defense Personal Property System (DPS) https://move.mil
The official system service members use to schedule household goods shipments, track their move status, and file claims. Families should register here as soon as orders arrive.
Housing Research
HOMES.mil https://www.homes.mil
Official DoD tool for finding community rental listings near U.S. military bases. A great starting point for families deciding whether to rent first before purchasing.
PCSgrades.com https://www.pcsgrades.com
Installation area guides with real reviews from military families. Includes BAH comparisons, on-base vs. off-base housing info, and neighborhood insights for both NS Everett and NAS Whidbey Island.
Financial & Entitlements
DFAS — Defense Finance and Accounting Service https://www.dfas.mil
Official source for military pay, allotments, and financial entitlements during a PCS. Service members can verify pay records and access LES statements here.
Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) https://www.travel.dod.mil/Policy-Regulations/Joint-Travel-Regulations/
The authoritative document for all PCS allowances including DLA, TLE, MALT, and per diem rates. Families use this to understand exactly what they are entitled to during their move.
