Best 4 Moving Apps to Simplify Your PCS Move

Moving in the military comes with numerous tasks, and organization is key to making the process as stress-free as possible. While a permanent change of station (PCS) move can feel overwhelming at first, apps to keep things together can take a lot of the details off your plate.

We dove deep into the available apps that make the process smoother. Real military families utilize these four apps to keep documents organized, facilitate a smoother transition to a new community, and ensure that the overall process is more enjoyable for the entire family. They are free or low-cost and available on both Android and iOS.

If you’re looking to keep your sanity during your PCS, check out one of these highly rated apps.

Apps are a great way to keep your to-do list at your fingertips at every point in the move. While a paper copy binder is helpful, it is easier to misplace than your phone. You can combine both methods to keep all of your documents organized while also staying mobile and ready for anything during the process.

Many moving apps also offer tips and tricks for additional savings while traveling. You can also keep information to submit with your travel claim at the end of your move to ensure that you get reimbursed for everything you are entitled to.

A good moving app also recognizes that the move isn’t over once you arrive at your destination. An app can help you tackle the giant task of unpacking and make it more efficient. Military families navigating multiple stops or changes during the move will appreciate the portability of an app and the ease with which they can update it at any point.

When you execute an HHG PCS move, you must approve a hard-copy inventory of all of your household goods that the movers pack and ship. Typically, items are organized by numbers, which correspond to their shipping container or box. It’s essential to keep all this information readily available, so when you arrive, you can compare the inventory list with the items that arrive to ensure nothing is missing.

But these moving lists aren’t the easiest to use when navigating unpacking and sorting. This is where an app like Sortly comes in handy. You can keep a digital inventory and add photos and notes, which is helpful for high-value or important items. If they get damaged during the move, you’ll have important information, such as serial numbers and photos of the condition, which helps with replacement or repair after your move.

You can also create categories, which can be easier to search than a long master inventory list. While the movers are concerned about which boxes to pack and unpack, you may want to organize your inventory list by room or function. Sortly lets you do both in a convenient app. This is a key app to use if you want to make the claims process easier and faster, while also staying organized as you sort through boxes and boxes.

Sortly also syncs across multiple devices, making it easy to use on your phone or tablet. The free version handles the basics, but if you require more advanced features, you may need to opt for the paid version.

Any time that you gas up for a road trip, it’s a good idea to check GasBuddy to get the best deals. It is especially beneficial if you drive yourself on your PCS travel route. Check GasBuddy at any point to find the cheapest gas, which can help you save money and receive a better reimbursement when filing your travel claim.

If you’re driving for long distances, especially in remote areas, GasBuddy can also help you map a route that includes stops for gas. The last thing you want during your PCS is to run out of gas miles from the nearest fill-up station.

GasBuddy uses crowdsourcing to get up-to-date information. Gas prices can fluctuate day-to-day, making it crucial to have the most up-to-date information to secure a good deal. Users update based on current prices, so those who come after them can make the best decision at the pump.

The free version of GasBuddy is very helpful and user-friendly. There are additional features, such as roadside assistance and exclusive savings, available when you subscribe to the premium version.

Many military families take to the road to get to their new home, but road trips aren’t always easy to plan. The Roadtrippers app is helpful because you can map out your route, including stops to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and use the facilities. For longer trips, you can also add overnight stops.

You can search for kid-friendly stops, pet-friendly amenities, and even fun sights to see along the way. The free version has a limited number of stops that can be added along your route, but you can upgrade to the premium plan to get unlimited additions.

If you get more nervous than excited about the prospect of decorating your new home, an app like MagicPlan can help with this daunting task. It’s not limited to PCS and military families and can help anyone turn their new house into a home.

If you know your home’s layout and floor plan ahead of time, use MagicPlan to create a mock-up showing where you want furniture to go. This can be helpful to provide the movers, so everything ends up where you want without unnecessary adjustments. If you’re unsure, experiment with different setups to see how they might work for your family.

The free version is limited to two projects at a time and a basic floor plan. If you want to upgrade to the paid PRO app, you can get access to estimator tools as well as unlimited projects. These features are ideal if you’re restoring an older home or making significant upgrades to your existing one. But for most, the free version works great.

Finding the best app to support you during your PCS most often comes down to what functionality you need. If you like to plan ahead, an app that lets you map out a driving route or take a detailed inventory of your household goods will help. If you need more help getting settled once you’re done moving, look for an app that provides tools to set up your home. The best app is one that you’ll actually use rather than one that just takes up space on your phone.

If you’re going to use an app with other family members, check if you can sync your plans together or make them available offline. Some can work with both smartphones and tablets. Finally, consider whether you want to spend extra money on additional features and whether they are worth the cost to you.

These four apps help from start to finish of your PCS. Whether you’re still in the planning stage, hitting the open road, or tackling all of your boxes, consider adding an app to your list of PCS tools. Check out our top-rated apps before you even start your PCS, so you can hit the ground running.

To find out more about these apps and many other PCS resources, check out AHRN’s PCS Toolkit

Most apps offer a free version with basic functionality that works for the majority of military families. Before upgrading to a premium or PRO version, take a close look at all the extras to decide if they are worth the added cost for your situation.

Sortly is our pick to get a detailed inventory list during your PCS. It isn’t tied to your official moving record, so you won’t be able to receive updates about delivery or shipment. But you can keep a list of items, document the condition before and after the move, and even organize your list by room.