Military Family PCS Guide: Fort Carson & Air Force Academy Relocations

Receiving PCS orders to Colorado Springs is like hitting the duty station jackpot for many service members. Whether you’re headed to Fort Carson (“The Mountain Post”), Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever SFB, or the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), you’re coming to one of the most military-friendly communities in the nation.

At iHaul iMove, military moves make up a huge part of our business. We understand the tight timelines, the paperwork requirements, and the unique stress of deployment cycles overlapping with relocations. Here is your boots-on-the-ground guide to arriving in the Springs.

Understanding Your Move: PPM vs. TMO

You generally have two choices: let the government handle it (TMO) or do it yourself (PPM/DITY).

Why choosing a PPM (Personally Procured Move) with iHaul iMove allows you to:

• Control the Schedule: No waiting for weeks for an assigned carrier. You pick your dates.
• Control the Quality: You know exactly who is handling your gear. No random subcontractors.
• Potentially Profit: rigorous budgeting can sometimes mean keeping the difference between the government allowance and your actual costs.

We provide:

• Certified weight tickets (empty and full)
• Detailed inventory lists
• Official invoices for submission

Housing: Where to Live?

Choosing a neighborhood often depends on where you’re stationed.

Fort Carson / Peterson SFB

• Fountain/Security-Widefield: Extremely close to Gate 20 and the main gates. More affordable housing, newer developments in Fountain.
• Southeast Colorado Springs: Quick commute, diverse housing stock.

Air Force Academy

• Briargate/Northgate: Prime location for Academy personnel. upscale homes, D20 schools, and very close to the North Gate.
• Monument/Palmer Lake: If you want more land and a small-town feel just north of the Academy.

Schools for Military Kids

Colorado Springs offers “Choice In” enrollment, meaning you can apply to schools outside your designated neighborhood zone (space permitting).

• Academy District 20: Generally serves the north end (USAFA proximity).
• District 8 (Fountain-Fort Carson): deeply integrated with the military community on the south side.
• District 49: Serving the rapidly growing eastern corridor near Peterson and Schriever.

Timeline for Success

1. Orders in Hand: Don’t book anything until you have hard orders.
2. Housing Hunt: The rental market moves fast. Be prepared to apply sight-unseen or have a sponsor check places for you.
3. Booking Movers: If you’re doing a PPM, book us 4-6 weeks out if possible, especially during summer (PCS peak season).

Why iHaul iMove?

We are a veteran-supported business. We know what it means to serve, and we know that the last thing you need during a transition is a broken heirloom or a late truck.

• Experience: 700+ moves handled.
• Base Access: We know the protocols for getting onto installations (though for most PPMs, we deliver to your off-base housing).
• Honesty: No hidden fees to mess up your reimbursement claim.