Relocating to Fort Eisenhower in Augusta can feel overwhelming for military families, but with a well-planned timeline, the process becomes more manageable. Whether you’re a first-time mover or a seasoned pro, navigating the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) process requires preparation and knowledge of key steps. In this blog post, we’ll provide a detailed moving timeline for military families, outlining when to start looking for homes, coordinating the military’s moving process, and meeting key deadlines. Let’s make your move to Fort Eisenhower as smooth as possible!
At Peter Larson Homes, They’ve helped numerous military families find their perfect home in the Augusta area. They understand the unique challenges that come with military relocations, and they’re here to provide assistance every step of the way. You can find more information on how they assist military families here.
6+ Months Before Your Move: Begin PCS Planning
Once you receive your orders to relocate to Fort Eisenhower, it’s time to begin your PCS planning. Start by familiarizing yourself with Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon), located in Augusta, Georgia, and just a few miles southwest of the Savannah River.
Contact Your Sponsor
Your assigned sponsor at Fort Eisenhower will provide valuable information about the base, housing options, and local area. The sponsor will help you navigate the military in-processing procedures and answer questions about living in Augusta. Connect with your sponsor as soon as possible.
Check in with the Housing Services Office
Fort Eisenhower’s Housing Services Office (HSO) is your go-to resource for exploring both on-post and off-post housing options. They will provide assistance in understanding housing costs and military regulations regarding household goods shipments. For military families looking to live off-base, Peter Larson Homes is ready to help you find affordable single-family homes in desirable Augusta neighborhoods.
Research Schools and Local Area Resources
If you have school-aged children, Augusta offers a range of educational options. Military families should research schools in Richmond County or Columbia County, both of which serve the Augusta area. By understanding school ratings and locations, you can narrow down your home search to neighborhoods with great schools for your children.
Create a PCS Binder
A PCS binder will help you organize all your important documents, including military orders, housing information, medical records, and contact details. This will ensure you have everything you need during the moving process and upon arrival at Fort Eisenhower.
3-4 Months Before Your Move: Start Searching for a Home
With a few months left before your move to Fort Eisenhower, it’s time to get serious about finding your new home. Here are the steps to take during this crucial stage.
Decide Whether to Rent or Buy
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to rent or buy a home. Renting may offer more flexibility, but buying a home through Peter Larson Homes allows military families to establish roots in the community and build long-term value. We’ll help you evaluate your options and find the best solution for your family.
Work with a Realtor Who Understands Military Relocations
Partnering with a realtor who has experience with military service members is key to a stress-free move. With Peter Larson Homes, they specialize in helping military families relocating to Fort Eisenhower. They’ll guide you through local laws, housing costs, and the best neighborhoods for your needs. Whether you’re interested in buying or renting, they’ll make sure you’re fully informed of your housing options.
Explore Augusta’s Neighborhoods
Take some time to learn about the different neighborhoods near Fort Eisenhower. Many military families choose to live in areas like Evans, Grovetown, or Martinez, all within a short commute to the post. These communities offer family-friendly amenities like parks, tennis courts, and top-rated schools. If you’re looking for a more rural lifestyle, the central Savannah River area offers beautiful properties just minutes from Augusta.
2 Months Before Your Move: Secure Housing and Finalize Logistics
As your move date approaches, it’s time to secure your housing and finalize other logistical details. These steps will ensure everything is in place when moving day arrives.
Secure Your Home or Rental
If you’re buying a home, you should be finalizing the purchase process with your realtor and lender. Peter Larson Homes will ensure all paperwork is completed and that you have everything you need before the big move. If you’re renting, this is the time to lock in your lease and secure a move-in date.
Coordinate Household Goods Shipments
Military families relocating to Fort Eisenhower will use the military’s Defense Personal Property System (DPS) to coordinate household goods shipments. Be sure to set up your account and request movers through the system. Remember, summer is the busiest moving season, so start the process early to avoid delays.
Visit Darling Hall for PCS Resources
Darling Hall, located on post, offers resources for service members and their families to ease the PCS transition. The Lending Closet at Darling Hall provides household items like pots, pans, and small appliances to help military families get settled while they wait for their household goods to arrive.
1 Month Before Your Move: Prepare for Arrival
Now that your moving date is near, it’s time to prepare for your arrival at Fort Eisenhower. Taking care of these final details will help you feel more prepared and reduce stress during your move.
Schedule In-Processing and Orientation
Upon arrival, service members will be required to report to Fort Eisenhower for in-processing and orientation. These steps are essential to establishing yourself at the post and receiving important information about the base, such as hours of operation, local services, and available support programs.
Plan Your Trip
If you’re traveling to Augusta from another state, make sure to plan your trip, including stops along the way. Whether you’re driving from Atlanta, Charleston, or Columbia, give yourself plenty of time for a smooth journey. Military families should be aware that Fort Eisenhower is located just 130 miles southwest of Atlanta, making it easily accessible.
Update Your PCS Binder
Make sure your PCS binder is up to date with all the essential information for your move. Include copies of your orders, housing contracts, school registration paperwork, and any other documents you’ll need during the transition.
Moving Day and Arrival at Fort Eisenhower
Moving day has finally arrived! With careful planning and a solid timeline in place, your transition to Fort Eisenhower will be smooth and stress-free.
Meet with Your Sponsor
Once you arrive, your sponsor will help you navigate the final steps of your move. Whether it’s getting a tour of the base or understanding your in-processing requirements, they’ll be your go-to resource during the first few days.
Settle into Your New Home
After in-processing, it’s time to settle into your new home. If you’re still waiting on household goods shipments, use the Lending Closet at Darling Hall to borrow essential items for the time being. Take some time to explore your new neighborhood and get to know the community.
A Seamless Move to Fort Eisenhower with Peter Larson Homes
Relocating to Fort Eisenhower can be a daunting task, but with a well-planned timeline and the right support, your move can be stress-free. At Peter Larson Homes, we understand the challenges military families face and are here to help you every step of the way. From finding the perfect home to providing assistance with the moving process, we’re your trusted partner in Augusta real estate. For more information on military relocation, visit our page here.
By following this timeline and working with an experienced realtor, your relocation to Fort Eisenhower will be smooth, allowing you to focus on settling into your new community and enjoying all that Augusta has to offer.
