Relocation Assistance

Your Military and Family Support Center provides relocation assistance to help make PCS moves as smooth as possible. Resources include:

• PCS planning: Most relocation assistance programs offer consultations to help you with the moving process. If this your first military move, your first time moving overseas or you have challenging or complex circumstances contact your installation Relocation Assistance Program as soon as possible for support.
• Plan My Move: An online Defense Department relocation tool that provides you with customizable checklists and links to helpful resources for the tasks ahead.
• Military OneSource: A website and call center that offer 24/7 support for moving information and resources. Learn more about PCS basics and download this fact sheet 7 Steps to Make Your Household Goods Move a Smart Move. For comprehensive moving resources and information, including Defense Personal Property log in details, visit Moving Your Personal Property.
• Workshops and briefings: Workshops vary by location. You may find classes on housing options, moving with children, moving with pets and more.
• Predeparture briefings: These sessions provide essential information about your move and may be required for some populations.
• Special needs: If you have a child or family member enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program, contact your installation EFMP-Family Support office to assist you.
• Settling-in services: Look for welcome programs or local area tours that may offered. Overseas services may include introductory language classes and cultural awareness activities.
• Foreign-born spouse support: Assistance includes information and referral to resources such as immigration and naturalization.
• Emergency assistance: Sometime emergencies occur while moving. The Military and Family Support Center has the resources to provide emergency financial assistance, as well as information and referrals.
• Authorized housing flexibility options: Eligible service members with PCS orders may be entitled to flexibilities such as extended stays in government housing and early housing eligibility. Contact your military personnel office for more information.
• Spouse licensure reimbursement: Your service branch may reimburse spouses up to $1,000 for relicensure and certification costs resulting from relocations or PCS moves. See this Military OneSource article Transferring Your Professional License for more information and specific service branch policies.

The Relocation Readiness Program provides services necessary to support Service Members and their Families, Retirees and DOD Civilians as they relocate. A lending closet is available for short term use. Newcomer orientations are provided. For further information contact us at 301-677-5590, DSN 312-622-5590.

Installation Specific Information

Upon your arrival, please stop by the Army Community Service (ACS) Relocation Center located at 830 Chisholm Ave, off of Ernie Pyle Road, in between the Reece Rd and Mapes Rd Gates. You can get a warm welcome, a friendly hello to the area and a specialized Welcome Packet to the area. Also, check out the Lending Closet items while you await your household goods shipment. The Relocation Center offers, free of charge for 30 days, the following: pots & pans, dishes, irons, ironing boards, Kitchen kits, toasters, coffee makers, folding tables and chairs, port-a-cribs, high chairs and umbrella strollers. 

Before leaving your present duty station, remember to pack the following items; bed linens, pillows, shower curtain, alarm clock, flashlight and towels. If you have children, have them help take "Ownership of their move" and pack a travel bag of their personal items and travel toys or games. If you have pets, don't forget a bag for Fido of their special food, treats and toys and their vet records including a current rabies certificate. Many hotels are now asking for proof of rabies vaccination! The Relocation Readiness Program at your current duty station can also assist with planning and preparing for your move.

In addition to your sponsor, once you receive your orders, you are encouraged to contact your gaining unit and the Relocation Office at Army Community Service at Fort Meade to receive an E-Welcome Packet, sent to you by e-mail. The E-Welcome Packet includes all the websites on Fort Meade, housing, lodging, schools, pet boarding, childcare, spouse employment and much more! You can start your research immediately for your own individual moving needs. 

Welcome to Fort Meade, please call ACS at 301-677-5590 for more relocation information.