PCS to Fort Carson: Fountain Relocation Checklist and Timeline

Orders to Fort Carson just hit your inbox and the countdown is on. You want a home that fits your family, a commute that makes sense, and a plan that keeps your move on schedule. You also want to avoid last‑minute surprises with housing, schools, and in‑processing. This guide gives you a clear 90/60/30‑day PCS checklist tailored to Fountain and southern Colorado Springs, plus practical tips for gates, utilities, and timelines. Let’s dive in.

Why choose Fountain for your PCS

Fountain sits just south of Colorado Springs and offers a straightforward commute to Fort Carson. Many military families pick Fountain or nearby southern Springs neighborhoods for a balanced budget, quick access to post, and everyday convenience. You will find grocery options, parks, fitness centers, and childcare choices close to home.

Proximity to the gate you use every day matters. Commute time can vary by neighborhood, gate hours, and peak traffic. Keep an eye on gate status as you plan where to live, and plan for slower travel during standard morning and evening commute windows.

Your PCS timeline at a glance

You will move with confidence if you lock in decisions at predictable milestones. Use this 90/60/30‑day checklist as your core plan, then adjust for your unit’s in‑processing schedule and your family’s needs.

90+ days out: set the foundation

Start early to give yourself options and reduce stress.

• Confirm orders, report date, and move entitlements. Create a digital and paper move folder with orders, IDs, birth and marriage certificates, Social Security cards, medical and dental records, and vehicle titles.
• Connect with the Fort Carson Housing Office to review on‑post options, waitlists, and application requirements. Check the housing portal for current rules and steps on the Fort Carson housing page.
• Decide on your move type. Learn shipment scheduling, Personally Procured Move basics, and storage‑in‑transit options through Move.mil. If you plan a PPM, understand weight ticket requirements and reimbursement rules.
• Map your housing strategy. If you want to rent off post, list your must‑haves and preferred neighborhoods in Fountain, Mesa Ridge, Widefield, or parts of Security. If you plan to buy, talk to a local agent who understands PCS timelines and VA loans so you can align pre‑approval, showings, and closing with your report date.
• Build a realistic budget. Compare your BAH to local rents or estimated mortgage, and factor in utilities, HOA fees if applicable, and commute costs. Your budget should include upfront move expenses and a cushion for travel and temporary lodging.
• Start school research. Review enrollment requirements and boundaries for Fountain‑Fort Carson School District 8. Gather immunization records and prior school documents. Contact the School Liaison Officer at Fort Carson for help with placements and transitions.
• Plan childcare. Waitlists near Fort Carson can be competitive. Explore on‑post CDC or FCC options, and community childcare near Fountain. Start applications now.
• Update medical plans. Confirm TRICARE region details and how to transfer care. Evans Army Community Hospital serves Fort Carson families. Review enrollment steps on TRICARE and check Evans Army Community Hospital for appointment guidance.

60 days out: lock in logistics

Move from research to reservations.

• Renting off post. Begin your active search. Ask about lease start flexibility, military clauses, and pet policies. If you will house hunt on arrival, book short‑term lodging on post or in Fountain for 2 to 3 weeks.
• Buying a home. Have your pre‑approval in hand and coordinate a house‑hunting window around in‑processing. Build in time for inspection and appraisal. Colorado purchases often include radon testing and a careful look at foundations.
• Schedule your HHG. Meet with the transportation office to select pick‑up dates, shipment type, and storage if needed. Confirm packing and delivery windows in writing.
• Prep utilities research. List electricity, gas, water, trash, internet, and cable options for the neighborhoods you are considering. Inside Fountain city limits, water and sewer are municipal. Check provider lead times and note any deposits.
• Confirm medical transitions. Request copies of medical and dental records. If you or a dependent needs continuity of care, call early for appointment availability.
• Line up childcare. Continue with applications and waitlists for on‑post and local providers.
• Pet planning. Review City of Fountain pet licensing rules, leash laws, and local vet options. If you are shipping pets, confirm airline requirements and seasonal restrictions.

30 days out: finalize and prepare

Tighten the plan and get ready for day one.

• Confirm mover dates and travel. Label a first‑week essentials box with documents, medications, basic cookware, linens, and kids’ comfort items.
• Book or confirm temporary lodging. On‑post options often require early reservations. If you will arrive before your home is available, confirm check‑in times and pet policies.
• Vehicle logistics. If shipping a POV, verify the delivery window and required documentation.
• Update DEERS and TRICARE. Verify coverage and, if needed, request referrals for specialty care.
• DMV readiness. Review Colorado new resident requirements on the Colorado DMV site so you can schedule visits or prepare documents for after arrival.
• School enrollment. Collect proof of residency, immunizations, and transcripts for District 8. If you do not yet have a lease or deed, ask the School Liaison Officer about temporary documentation.
• Lease wrap‑up. Give your current landlord proper notice, schedule a walk‑through, and plan cleaning. Save receipts and move‑out documentation.

Arrival week: in‑processing and settling

Use your first two weeks to complete required tasks and stabilize your routine.

• Complete Fort Carson in‑processing. Follow your unit’s schedule for personnel, finance, medical, dental, and housing check‑ins. Confirm any mandatory briefings with your S1.
• Start or continue your home search. If you are still touring, focus on neighborhoods with a commute that fits your duty hours and childcare plans. If you are under contract, keep a tight timeline for inspection items and appraisal.
• Set up utilities. Start service for electricity, gas, water, and trash. Inside Fountain, review city water and sewer setup and trash options on the City of Fountain site. Arrange internet promptly so you can manage paperwork and school tasks.
• Visit the Colorado DMV. Start your driver’s license and vehicle registration process. Check whether your address requires emissions testing and bring proof of identity, residency, and vehicle title or lease.
• Enroll in school. Complete District 8 registration and sign up for transportation if eligible. Confirm bus stop locations and schedules.
• Medical setup. Update primary care with Evans Army Community Hospital and confirm TRICARE assignments for each family member.

Fountain and southern Springs neighborhood notes

• Commute planning. Choose a home based on the gate you will use most often. The quickest route depends on your exact address, time of day, and gate hours.
• Schools. Many families prioritize living inside Fountain‑Fort Carson School District 8. If you are considering nearby southern Colorado Springs neighborhoods, verify district boundaries before you commit to a lease or contract.
• Amenities. Map your day‑to‑day routines. Check grocery stores, childcare, parks, and fitness centers along your usual routes.
• Winter readiness. Some subdivisions see quicker snow removal than others. Ask about local practices and plan for winter tires and vehicle maintenance.
• New construction vs resale. New builds can reduce repair surprises but may take longer to deliver. Resales may offer faster move‑in. If you need keys near your report date, discuss timeline tradeoffs early.
• Renting vs buying now. Rentals move fast near military installations. Buying usually requires 30 to 60 days for closing. If timing is tight, plan a short‑term rental to allow in‑person shopping.

Commute and transportation tips

• I‑25 is the main north‑south corridor. Peak traffic and weather can slow travel. Give yourself extra time for morning inbound and evening outbound windows.
• Gate selection matters. Which access point is best changes by neighborhood and hour. Verify gate status and hours on the Fort Carson site as you plan.
• Alternate routes. Surface streets and connector roads can help you avoid highway bottlenecks during peak periods. Navigation apps are useful for live traffic updates.
• Transit and rideshare. Regional transit is limited compared to larger cities. Review the Mountain Metropolitan Transit site for current routes. Rideshare is available, though availability can be thinner late at night and in suburban areas.
• School buses and carpooling. District 8 provides bus route details and eligibility. If bus service is not available, consider forming carpools that match your duty hours.

Household setup checklist for Fountain

Use this quick checklist to keep first‑month tasks on track.

• Set up electricity, gas if applicable, water, trash, and internet. Inside city limits, water and sewer run through the City of Fountain.
• Start or transfer TRICARE and confirm primary care at Evans Army Community Hospital.
• Begin driver’s license and vehicle registration with the Colorado DMV. Check whether your address requires emissions testing.
• Enroll children in Fountain‑Fort Carson School District 8 and confirm transportation.
• License pets and review local leash rules through the City of Fountain.
• Set trash and recycling days, and review any HOA rules that affect parking, pets, or exterior changes.
• Prepare for altitude and winter. Hydrate, plan vehicle maintenance, and stock snow shovels, ice melt, and safe footwear.

Budget and cost planning

• Compare BAH to your actual housing costs. Include rent or mortgage, utilities, HOA fees if any, and commute fuel.
• Plan for seasonal utility swings. Heating can increase winter bills, and air conditioning can raise summer costs.
• Prepare for inspections. When buying, set aside funds for inspection items that are common in Colorado like radon mitigation or roof repairs.
• Property taxes. If you are evaluating total monthly costs for a purchase, review how property taxes work in El Paso County with the El Paso County Treasurer and confirm projected escrow with your lender.

How we help PCS families

You deserve a move that feels clear and controlled. Our team pairs military‑savvy guidance with a simple, repeatable plan. We structure your search around your report date, advise on VA loan steps and appraisal timelines, and give you weekly updates from contract to closing. We also share vetted contacts for short‑term housing, inspectors, lenders, and utility setup so you can hit the ground running.

If you are relocating to Fountain or southern Colorado Springs, let’s build your move plan together and keep your timeline on track. Connect with Erik Galloway to Get Your Free Home Roadmap.

FAQs

How long does on‑post housing take at Fort Carson?

• Wait times change by rank, bedroom count, and season. Check the current process and waitlist guidance on the Fort Carson housing page, and keep an off‑post backup plan.

Is Fountain a good fit for families PCSing to Fort Carson?

• Many families choose Fountain for proximity to post, budget fit, and everyday convenience. Evaluate school zoning, your gate commute, and nearby amenities to confirm the best match.

How much time should I allow for house hunting on arrival?

• Aim for 1 to 2 weeks on the ground if possible. If your schedule is tight, book short‑term lodging so you can view homes in person while you complete in‑processing.

When do new residents need a Colorado driver’s license?

• Colorado sets a timeline for new resident licensing and vehicle registration. Verify current rules and required documents through the Colorado DMV and plan to visit soon after you establish residency.

What inspections are common when buying near Fountain?

• Standard home, sewer, and radon testing are common in Colorado. Foundation, roof, and HVAC checks are also typical. Your agent will help you select the right scope for the property.

What should I know about commuting from Fountain to Fort Carson?

• I‑25 is the main route. Commute time depends on your neighborhood, gate choice, traffic, and weather. Plan for peak delays and verify gate hours on the Fort Carson site.