PCSing to Fort Bliss? Your Military Family Guide to Moving to El Paso, Texas

Receiving Permanent Change of Station orders can bring excitement, uncertainty, and a long list of decisions. If your family is PCSing to Fort Bliss, having reliable information and local support can make your transition to El Paso much easier.

El Paso is a proud military community with a strong connection to Fort Bliss. Whether you are planning to buy a home, rent temporarily, or sell a property before your next assignment, this guide will help you organize your move and become familiar with the resources available to your family.

1. Create a Personalized PCS Checklist

Every military move is different. Your report date, family size, housing plans, school needs, pets, and household goods shipment can all affect your timeline.

Plan My Move from Military OneSource creates a personalized PCS checklist based on your circumstances. The checklist can help you organize important tasks involving:

• Housing
• Household goods
• Transportation
• Finances and moving expenses
• School enrollment
• Child care
• Medical records
• Pet transportation
• Arrival at your new installation

You can arrange the checklist by topic or timeline and save it in PDF, Word, or Excel format.

2. Review the Official Fort Bliss Newcomer Information

Before arriving, visit the official Fort Bliss Newcomers page. It provides installation information and resources for service members and families preparing for a PCS move.

Important documents should be kept with you instead of packed with your household goods. These may include:

• PCS orders
• Military identification
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Medical and dental records
• School and immunization records
• Vehicle and insurance documents
• Pet vaccination records
• Housing and loan paperwork

Always confirm current reporting and in-processing instructions directly with your unit or Fort Bliss.

3. Contact Fort Bliss Relocation Assistance

Army Community Service provides relocation support to help newcomers adjust to Fort Bliss and the El Paso community.

The Fort Bliss Relocation Assistance Program can provide information about newcomer orientation, sponsorship, local services, employment assistance, schools, child care, and other military-family resources.

According to the official Fort Bliss Relocation Assistance directory, the office is located at:

Army Community Service
2494 Ricker Road
Fort Bliss, Texas 79916
Phone: 915-569-4227

Contact the office before visiting to confirm its current hours and services.

4. Decide Whether to Live On Post or Off Post

One of the biggest PCS decisions is where to live. Military families moving to Fort Bliss may consider on-post housing, renting off post, or buying an El Paso home.

Your decision may depend on:

• Your Basic Allowance for Housing
• Purchase or rental budget
• Desired commute
• Report location
• Home size and features
• School and child care needs
• Pets
• Length of assignment
• Future resale or rental plans

The Fort Bliss Housing Services Office assists arriving and departing personnel with housing-related information.

When comparing off-post homes, a local real estate professional can provide objective information about prices, property features, commute estimates, available inventory, utilities, and nearby services. Families should select a home based on their individual needs and priorities.

5. Explore El Paso Before Choosing a Home

Fort Bliss is a large installation, so commute times can vary depending on your work location and the gate you use.

Before selecting a home, consider:

• Which Fort Bliss gate you expect to use
• Your work and physical training schedule
• Access to Loop 375, US-54, and I-10
• Distance to schools, child care, shopping, and medical services
• New construction versus resale homes
• Property taxes, utilities, and homeowners association fees
• Outdoor space and pet requirements

If you cannot visit El Paso before moving, virtual consultations, video tours, electronic documents, and remote inspections can help you make informed decisions from your current duty station.

6. Speak With a VA-Experienced Lender

Eligible service members, Veterans, and surviving spouses may be able to use a VA-guaranteed home loan. Depending on eligibility and lender requirements, VA financing may offer competitive terms and the possibility of purchasing without a down payment.

A VA-experienced lender can help you understand:

• Your Certificate of Eligibility
• Current VA loan requirements
• Estimated monthly payment
• Closing costs and allowable fees
• Property appraisal requirements
• The VA funding fee and possible exemptions
• The difference between prequalification and preapproval

Learn more through the official VA Home Loan Program.

Loan approval, interest rates, costs, and property eligibility vary. Buyers should consult a qualified lender for information specific to their financial situation.

7. Prepare for Your Household Goods Shipment

Once official orders are available, begin coordinating your household goods shipment through the appropriate military transportation office.

Keep a detailed inventory and take photographs or videos of valuable items before packing. Carry essential documents, medications, uniforms, valuables, chargers, and basic household supplies with you.

Military families experiencing shipment problems can find household goods information through the Fort Bliss MilitaryINSTALLATIONS moving resource.

Fort Bliss also offers a lending closet through its Relocation Readiness program. Availability and lending requirements should be confirmed directly with the program.

8. Plan for Children, Schools, and Special Family Needs

Families with school-aged children should collect school records, immunization documents, special education plans, and proof of residency requirements before moving.

If a family member has special medical or educational needs, Military OneSource offers the EFMP & Me tool and other relocation resources. Begin this process early so you have time to identify appropriate services and transfer records.

School boundaries, programs, transportation, and enrollment requirements can change. Contact the appropriate school district directly before making a housing decision based on a particular campus.

9. Create a PCS Moving Budget

Even when the military reimburses eligible moving expenses, families may experience temporary out-of-pocket costs.

Prepare for expenses such as:

• Temporary lodging
• Meals and fuel
• Pet transportation
• Utility deposits
• Rental or home-purchase deposits
• Cleaning expenses
• Storage
• Unreimbursed household items
• Delays in receiving household goods

Military OneSource provides PCS planning resources and access to financial counselors who can help families prepare for the financial side of a move.

10. Make a Plan for Your Next PCS

Military homeowners should consider the future before purchasing. When new orders arrive, you may decide to sell the property or keep it as a rental.

Before purchasing, discuss:

• Likely ownership timeline
• Potential resale expenses
• Property management options
• Maintenance requirements
• Expected rental demand
• Emergency repair planning
• Mortgage, insurance, and tax obligations

There is no single solution for every military family. A personalized housing plan should consider your finances, military career, family needs, and long-term goals.

Your El Paso Military Relocation Resource

Moving to a new duty station can feel overwhelming, but military families do not have to navigate the El Paso real estate market alone.

With more than 30 years of real estate experience, Thelma Briffa, REALTOR®, Managing Broker and Relocation Director at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Elevate, helps military families prepare for moves to and from Fort Bliss. She assists with home purchases, sales, rentals, new construction, virtual home searches, and property management options.

Thelma’s mission is to provide knowledgeable, personal guidance while helping military families build stability and live the American dream in El Paso, Texas.

PCSing to Fort Bliss? Contact Thelma Briffa to begin your personalized El Paso housing and relocation plan.

This article provides general information and is not legal, tax, financial, lending, or military relocation advice. Program requirements, contact information, benefits, and availability may change. Verify current information with the appropriate military office, government agency, lender, school district, or professional.