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Fort Bliss Relocation Checklist: 90 Days to Move

A day-by-day action plan for PCSing to Fort Bliss - from when orders arrive to your first week on post, organized into a 90-day relocation checklist.

PCSing to Fort Bliss runs smoother with a clear action plan. This 90-day checklist covers everything from VA loan pre-approval and home search to final move-in logistics - organized by week so you know what to do and when. Bookmark this page and work through it in sequence.

Day 1 - 7: Orders Arrive - Take Immediate Action

Housing Decision

  • Decide: Buy vs. Rent vs. On-Post housing (review our Buy vs. Rent and Fort Bliss BAH rates)
  • If buying: Begin VA loan pre-approval process immediately (don't wait until you arrive)
  • If renting: Begin searching remote rental listings in target submarket
  • Contact Fort Bliss Housing Office to check on-post availability (waitlist can be long)

VA Loan Steps (If Buying)

  • Request Certificate of Eligibility (COE) - your lender can usually pull this electronically
  • Gather: 2 years W-2s, 30-day LES/pay stubs, 2 months bank statements, driver's license
  • Submit pre-approval application to 2 - 3 VA-approved lenders; compare APR and fees
  • Have pre-approval letter in hand within 5 - 7 days

Real Estate

  • Contact a Fort Bliss-experienced Realtor in El Paso
  • Provide your budget range, target submarket preferences, and desired report date
  • Set up automated MLS alerts for your criteria (your Realtor can do this)
  • Review our Neighborhood Guide and Commute Guide

Week 2 - 4: Active Home Search

Home Search

  • Review listings with your Realtor; schedule video walkthroughs for top candidates
  • Identify top 3 - 5 homes virtually
  • If possible, plan an in-person house-hunting trip (IHT authorization may be available through your orders)
  • Make offers: work with your Realtor on pricing strategy for VA loan offers

School Research (If Applicable)

  • Identify your likely submarket and determine the school district (EPISD, SISD, YISD)
  • Research specific schools for your children's grade levels
  • Review our School Districts Near Fort Bliss guide
  • Note school enrollment procedures for your selected district

Administrative

  • Contact gaining unit's S1/finance to confirm BAH rate and dependency status
  • Confirm whether you'll have DITY/PPM or government-arranged move (GTC)
  • Begin decluttering and preparing for household goods move

Week 5 - 8: Under Contract / Transition Planning

If Under Contract on a Home

  • Schedule home inspection (even with VA loan - get a full inspection)
  • Ensure VA appraisal is ordered promptly by your lender
  • Review appraisal for VA Minimum Property Requirement issues
  • Negotiate any repair issues during Option Period (your Realtor manages this)
  • Confirm closing date aligns with your report date and move schedule
  • Arrange homeowner's insurance - required before closing; get quotes from 3 insurers
  • Set up wire transfer info with title company for down payment/closing costs (if any)

Administrative

  • Request medical and dental records transfer
  • Forward mail via USPS change of address (do this even temporarily to a Fort Bliss address)
  • Notify current landlord of move-out date (if renting)
  • Arrange for vehicle transport or driving route planning

Week 9 - 10: Final Preparations

  • Confirm closing date with title company, lender, and your Realtor
  • Bring to closing: government-issued photo ID, any required cashier's checks, signed documents
  • Arrange temporary housing if there's a gap between closing and move-in (extended stay hotel, family)
  • Pack and coordinate household goods pickup with government move coordinator
  • Confirm children's school enrollment plan and required documents

Week 11 - 12: Arrival in El Paso

First Week On-Post / In-City

  • In-process with gaining unit (S1, finance, housing, medical, etc.)
  • Get Texas driver's license (required within 90 days of establishing residency)
  • Register vehicle in Texas (required within 90 days)
  • Apply for Texas homestead exemption (if you closed before April 30)
  • Enroll children in school - Texas law requires district to enroll within 5 business days
  • Set up utilities at new home (El Paso Electric, El Paso Water, internet/cable)
  • Verify your military ID and DEERS records reflect new duty station
  • Update TRICARE primary care manager if needed

Fort Bliss Key Contact Numbers

OfficePhone
Fort Bliss Housing(915) 568-9131
Fort Bliss In/Out Processing(915) 568-7777
WBAMC Appointment Line(915) 742-2273
El Paso VA Health Care(915) 564-6100
EPCAD (homestead exemption)(915) 780-2131

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time do I really need to buy a home before my PCS?

Ideally, start 60 - 90 days before your report date. The home search + contract + closing process typically takes 45 - 75 days. Starting immediately when orders arrive gives you the most flexibility.

Can I close on a home before I physically arrive in El Paso?

Yes - remote closings via power of attorney or remote online notarization are common for military buyers. Your Realtor and title company can accommodate this.

What if my report date comes before I can close on a home?

Report on time - do not delay arrival waiting for a home purchase. Temporary lodging facilities (TLF) and local hotels accommodate this gap regularly. Your transaction will continue while you're on post.

Is there military-specific moving assistance available?

Yes - your orders include either a government-arranged household goods move or Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY) authorization. Coordinate with your losing unit's transportation office early. Peak PCS season (May - August) has limited available dates.

John David Pena | License #0733512 | Pena El Paso Realty Group | Brokered by Home Pros Real Estate Group | Broker License #0483789

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