Managing a Move During Deployment: The Legal and Logistics Guide
Updated: Oct 7
Sometimes orders and a deployment land at the same time, and the spouse at home ends up running the move, the home sale or the purchase alone. As a military spouse for more than 30 years and an Arlington Associate Broker with 560+ transactions, I've helped many families get through a solo PCS. The key is getting the paperwork right before your service member leaves.
This article is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice.
Start with the right power of attorney
A general power of attorney often isn't enough for real estate. Many lenders, title companies and transportation offices want a special power of attorney (SPOA) that names the exact act and property, such as signing the closing documents for a specific address. Visit your installation's legal assistance (JAG) office well before the deployment. Bring:
The property address, if you have one, and the lender's and title company's names.
Any SPOA forms your lender or title company requires. Ask them first, since many have their own language.
Your orders.
If you're buying with a VA loan, ask the lender early how they handle a power of attorney. VA loans have specific requirements, and the lender may need to review it before closing.
Set up the household goods move
Military moves are now run by the Department of War's Personal Property Activity (PPA). You'll schedule the shipment, track it and file any claims in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). Your transportation office can tell you what paperwork the spouse needs to act on the service member's behalf. Usually that's a copy of the orders and a power of attorney or letter of authorization. The PPA call center is 833-MIL-MOVE (833-645-6683).
Checklist before departure
1. Get the SPOA and any service-specific move authorization signed.
2. Confirm the SPOA wording with your lender, title company and transportation office.
3. Set up DPS access and decide who will be present at pickup and delivery.
4. Make a list of important documents and passwords, and store copies securely.
5. Agree on a budget, and on how far the spouse can go on price and repairs without checking in.
Selling or buying while your spouse is away
Most of a sale or purchase can be done electronically, but closings may require original signatures or a remote online notary. Tell your agent and title company about the deployment at the start, so they can plan the signing. My sight-unseen buying guide covers closing from a distance.
In Northern Virginia
I work with spouses running moves solo all the time, around the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir, Quantico and JBMHH. I can coordinate showings, inspections and closing logistics around your schedule. Start with my Northern Virginia PCS guide.
Sources: Personal Property Activity; DoD inconvenience claims fact sheet with PPA contacts; HomeSafe Alliance contract termination notice.
Last reviewed: October 2026
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