PCS Moving Checklist for Service Members at Fort Bliss

PCS orders always seem to arrive at the most chaotic times. One moment you’re settled into your routine, and the next you’re planning a cross-country relocation—coordinating travel, arranging housing, and trying to keep everything organized.

For service members and military families stationed at Fort Bliss, PCS season can feel especially fast-paced: timelines shift, housing availability fluctuates, and the El Paso heat doesn’t make moving any easier.

That’s where having a simple plan and a reliable self-storage option nearby can make all the difference.

The Reality of PCS Moves at Fort Bliss

PCS moves are challenging no matter where you’re stationed, but Fort Bliss brings its own rhythm. Many families arrive before their household goods, wait for on-base housing to open, or juggle temporary lodging while adjusting to the desert environment. With uniforms, field gear, kids’ essentials, and travel bags all competing for space, even the most organized households can feel overwhelmed quickly.

The gap between leaving one duty station and settling into the next can last days—or weeks. That’s why many service members choose to keep certain items nearby and secure instead of relying solely on military-provided storage. A local storage unit becomes a temporary “home base” where your gear stays protected, accessible, and out of the way until you're fully settled.

Arriving at Fort Bliss: Getting to Know Northeast El Paso

Fort Bliss sits in the heart of Northeast El Paso, surrounded by family-friendly neighborhoods, quick access to major gates, and plenty of conveniences that make settling in easier. New arrivals quickly notice the rhythm of daily life: morning PT traffic near the Cassidy and Sheridan gates, families heading to nearby schools, and weekend activity around Castner Range and the Franklin Mountains.

For military families evaluating where to live, these neighborhoods are consistently popular for their proximity to base, schools, and everyday essentials:

Popular Neighborhoods Near Fort Bliss

• Castner Heights — Established homes, close to parks, 5–10 minutes to base

• Park Foothills — Quiet streets, mountain views, quick access to US-54

• Sunrise Acres East — Affordable homes and apartments, close to shopping

• Angel’s Triangle — Budget-friendly, close to Dyer Street amenities

• Logan Heights — Easy commute, close to schools and grocery stores

Many families also choose on-base housing, while others prefer off-base options for more space, shorter wait times, and easier access to the community.

What New Arrivals Should Expect During the First Few Weeks

Even with careful planning, PCS timing rarely lines up perfectly. At Fort Bliss, your first few weeks may involve a mix of in-processing appointments, school enrollments, exploring neighborhoods, and adjusting to the desert climate.

Common PCS “Gap” Situations

• Your household goods arrive after you do

• Temporary lodging (IHG Army Hotel or off-base options) feels cramped

• On-base housing waitlists delay your move-in

• You secure housing but can’t move in immediately

• School schedules don’t match your arrival

• Extra vehicles (motorcycles, ATVs) need a temporary home

During these early weeks, families are juggling:

• Finding grocery stores, gyms, and childcare

• Learning which gates are fastest during rush hour

• Navigating Northeast El Paso traffic

• Adjusting to the heat—especially in summer

• Setting up utilities or waiting for housing approval

Your Essential PCS Move Checklist (Fort Bliss Edition)

Because every PCS move comes with dozens of moving parts, having a clear plan can take a lot of stress out of the process. Here’s a Fort Bliss–specific checklist to help you stay organized from the moment your orders arrive to the day you settle into your new home.

1. Confirm Your Orders & Timeline

As soon as you receive your PCS orders, confirm the key details:

• Your report date

• Travel entitlements

• Shipment pickup windows

• Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA)

Fort Bliss is a high-tempo post, so nailing down your timeline early keeps last-minute surprises to a minimum.

2. Schedule Your Household Goods (HHG) Shipment

Summer (May–August) is peak PCS season, and pickups fill quickly. Schedule:

• HHG pickup

• Unaccompanied baggage

• Non-temporary storage (if authorized)

Many families choose to supplement with off-base storage, especially if certain items won’t be needed right away or if their housing move-in date is later than their arrival.

3. Evaluate Housing Options at Fort Bliss and in El Paso

Your options include:

• On-base housing (wait times vary throughout the year)

• Nearby off-base neighborhoods such as Castner Heights, Park Foothills, Sunrise Acres, and Angel’s Triangle

• Short-term rentals while awaiting on-base availability

If arrival dates and housing timelines don’t line up, having nearby storage helps bridge the gap—especially for bulky gear, uniforms, or furniture.

4. Organize Your Important Documents

Before movers arrive, gather essential paperwork:

• Orders

• Birth certificates + passports

• Medical and dental records

• Pet documents

• Vehicle registration and insurance

• Inventory lists

Keep everything in a waterproof pouch or binder that stays with you and not with the movers.

5. Declutter Before Packing

PCS moves are the perfect opportunity to lighten the load:

• Donate clothes and household items

• Sell oversized or unneeded furniture

• Recycle old electronics

• Toss expired pantry or bathroom products

Northeast El Paso has several donation centers and thrift stores along Dyer Street and by US-54, making it easy to drop things off once you arrive.

6. Prepare Your Vehicles

Whether you’re driving to Fort Bliss or shipping a vehicle:

• Check fluids and tire pressure

• Remove toll tags

• Take photos of any existing dents or scratches

• Review Texas registration requirements

If you have a second vehicle, motorcycle, or ATV, many families store them in short-term self-storage until permanent housing is ready.

7. Pack an Essentials Box

Keep a box or duffel with the items you’ll need immediately:

• Bedding and towels

• Toiletries

• Chargers

• A few days’ worth of clothing

• Cleaning wipes

• Snacks and water

• Kids’ comfort or bedtime items

This travels with you, not with your HHG shipment.

8. Plan Ahead for Pets

If you’re traveling with pets:

• Check pet-friendly hotels near Fort Bliss

• Gather vaccination records

• Ensure you have health certificates

• Pack medications and travel crates

Several hotels near the Sheridan Gate and US-54 offer pet-friendly lodging, including Fairfield Inn & Suites El Paso Airport and Staybridge Suites El Paso Airport. Pro tip: review individual hotel policies about pet restrictions before reserving a room.

9. Confirm School Enrollment (If Applicable)

Families moving with children should gather:

• Immunization records

• Prior school transcripts

• Proof of residency (temporary lodging often qualifies)

Northeast El Paso has multiple schools near Fort Bliss (part of the El Paso Independent School District - EPISD), making enrollment relatively smooth once the paperwork is ready.

Why Military Families Turn to Storage During PCS Transitions

Instead of feeling rushed into decisions—selling furniture, squeezing everything into temporary lodging, or relying solely on DoD-provided storage—many military families choose to keep certain items close by during transitions:

• Gear that won’t fit into TLA housing

• Vehicles, ATVs, or motorcycles

• Seasonal or outdoor recreation gear

• Kids’ items you don’t want lost in transit

• Essentials while waiting for HHG delivery

Having secure, month-to-month storage near Fort Bliss gives families the flexibility to settle in at their own pace, without the pressure of timing everything perfectly.

Storage Star on Dyer Street: Convenient Storage for Military Families at Fort Bliss

Located at 7920 Dyer Street, just minutes from the Cassidy and Sheridan gates, Storage Star offers a dependable, flexible storage option for all your military storage needs. Getting here is simple: take US-54 to the Dyer Street exit, head north toward Hercules Avenue, and you’ll find our facility on the right-hand side—easy to reach whether you’re coming from on-base housing or off-post neighborhoods.

Storage Star's Storage Solutions Provide:

• Month-to-month leasing that works perfectly with PCS timelines

• Drive-up self-storage units for fast loading and unloading

• Secure gate access with video surveillance

• Vehicle storage options for cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and off-road gear

• Online rentals, account management, and autopay for added convenience

• Packing and moving supplies available on-site

• Military discounts for active-duty military and more

Why It’s Especially Convenient for Ft. Bliss Families

• Typically 5–10 minutes from most on-base housing areas and major gates

• Close to popular military neighborhoods like Castner Heights, Park Foothills, Sunrise Acres, and Angel’s Triangle

• Quick access from US-54 and Dyer Street makes stopping by on the way to work, school, or in-processing appointments effortless

• Ideal for storing personal belongings, extra gear, uniforms, seasonal equipment, or second vehicles during transitions

• A reliable option for families navigating temporary lodging, delayed HHG deliveries, or staggered move-in dates

If you’re unsure what storage space is best for you or what storage unit size you’ll need, contact us or check out our handy Storage Unit Size Guide. We want to help you get more space and flexibility while providing peace of mind as you settle into Fort Bliss.

Wrapping Up Your PCS Move to Fort Bliss

PCS moves come with many unknowns, but having the proper support around you can make the transition smoother, calmer, and far more manageable. Whether you’re waiting on housing, navigating temporary lodging, or simply trying to keep life organized during in-processing, Storage Star on Dyer Street is here to provide the space, flexibility, and dependability the military community deserves.

If you’re getting ready for a PCS move to or from Fort Bliss, our team is here to help you choose the right storage solution - so you can focus on settling in, getting connected, and feeling at home in El Paso.

Reserve your unit online today or stop by our Dyer Street facility. We’re honored to serve those who serve.