Moving can be a whirlwind, especially for military families packing up and heading to a new duty station. Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon), located in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), offers plenty of resources and a welcoming community to help you settle in. To make your move a little easier, we’ve pulled together some tips tailored for military families like yours.

From getting familiar with the area to choosing the right moving solutions, we’ve got you covered. Whether it’s your first PCS (Permanent Change of Station) or your tenth, a little preparation and some insider know-how can go a long way in making this transition less stressful.

Welcome to Fort Eisenhower and the CSRA

Fort Eisenhower is a vibrant community with everything military families need to feel at home. From housing and schools to healthcare and fun activities, the area has so much to offer. Whether you’re thinking about living on post or checking out nearby neighborhoods, there are plenty of resources and opportunities to make your move an easy one.

Here are some quick facts to get you started as you settle into the area:

On-Post Housing: Fort Eisenhower has around 1,000 privatized family housing units managed by Balfour Beatty Communities, with various home styles for different family sizes.
Temporary Lodging: If you need a place to stay during your move, the base has temporary housing options to help make the transition smoother.
Nearby Neighborhoods: Surrounding areas like Grovetown, Martinez, and Evans are popular with military families. They offer great schools, affordable housing, and convenient access to Fort Eisenhower.
Climate: The area enjoys a mild climate with hot summers and short winters, which is perfect for outdoor activities nearly all year-round.
Recreation: You’ll love the outdoor fun along the Savannah River, whether it’s kayaking, fishing, or just enjoying the views. The Augusta Riverwalk is also a local favorite for strolling, festivals, and events.

Pro tip: Dive into our CSRA Neighborhood Guide and Ultimate Guide to Moving to Augusta for more insider tips on the best places to live and play in the CSRA!

Tips to Keep Your PCS Move on Track

PCS moves don’t have to mean chaos. With the right approach, you can stay in control and make your transition smoother. Here’s how to get started.

1. Start Planning the Moment You Get Your Orders

Once you get your PCS orders, the countdown begins. Start planning right away—the earlier, the better. Service members usually get orders 5 months to 2 weeks before their report date, so timing is key. If your move is during peak season (May to August), planning ahead is even more important since resources are in high demand.

Pro Tip: Use the Defense Department’s Plan My Move tool to stay on target. Just answer a few questions about your move and it will give you a custom checklist to keep you on track.

2. Check in With the Transportation Office

The Transportation Office is your first stop for handling the logistics of your move. They’ll explain your options for shipping household goods (HHG), walk you through how a PPM works, and help with reimbursements if you choose to move yourself. Need to ship a vehicle or book official travel? They’ve got you covered for that, too.

3. Connect With the Relocation Assistance Program (RAP) Office

The RAP Office helps make your move simpler. They can assist with pre-move planning, financial advice, and even loan you household items while you’re settling in. If it’s your first PCS, they’ll walk you through the process step by step. They’re also a great resource for finding childcare, connecting with other families, and navigating local services.

4. Start With the Housing Services Office (HSO)

Looking for housing? The HSO is the place to start. They can help you explore on-post privatized housing or find off-post options in popular neighborhoods like Grovetown and Evans. They’ll provide rental listings, talk you through leases, and even help with landlord disputes. Plus, they have info on temporary lodging if you need it. Wherever you’re planning to live, they’ll help you find the right fit.

5. Communicate With Movers and Stay Flexible

Keep an open line of communication with your movers or transportation office! Double-check your move dates and don’t hesitate to speak up if you’re unsure about anything. Plans can shift during a PCS, so staying flexible will make it easier to roll with any surprises that come your way.

6. Ask for Help When You Need It

There’s a lot to juggle during a PCS, and it’s okay to lean on others. Whether it’s asking the RAP or HSO offices for support, reaching out to neighbors for recommendations, or seeking advice from fellow military families, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Remember, you don’t have to do it all alone!

Making the Most of Your PPM Dollars with Go Mini's

When it comes to PCS moves, one option many military families choose is a Personally Procured Move (PPM). This type of move allows you to handle your relocation yourself, including packing, transporting, and unpacking your belongings. The big incentive? The government reimburses you up to 100% of what it would cost for them to hire a moving company. This means if you can manage your move for less, you get to keep the difference.

With a PPM, you’re in control, and Go Mini’s makes it easier than ever to handle your move successfully. Here’s how Go Mini’s can support you during your PCS and why so many military families trust us with the process:

Maximize Your PPM Allowance: Go Mini’s provides an affordable solution, helping you potentially spend less than the government’s estimate, so you can pocket the savings.
Flexible Moving Solutions: Pack at your own pace—no rushing or cramming furniture into a truck last minute. Once you're done, we can store your things safely in our facility or deliver them to your new home. We make it easy to work around the challenges of military moves with flexible scheduling and rental options. Plus, by doing the packing yourself, you’ll save money and keep your move within budget.
Secure and Weather-Resistant Storage: For military families waiting for housing or settling into a temporary rental, our storage solutions are a game-changer. Whether you need short-term or long-term storage, our secure, weather-resistant containers protect your belongings from water damage, pests, and theft.
Nationwide Coverage: With reliable service you can count on nationwide, Go Mini’s has your back wherever duty takes you, making military moves a seamless experience for you and your family.

Simplify Your PCS with Go Mini’s

Military life is full of changes, but with Go Mini’s, your move doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. We’re proudly owned and operated right here in the CSRA, which means we know the area like the back of our hand and can help you navigate every step of your move. Our services are perfect for the PPM process, so you can stay in control, save money, and transition smoothly. If you’re planning a PPM for your next PCS, Go Mini’s might just be your secret to a stress-free move!

If you’re looking for an even more hands-off approach, our sister company, ADSI Moving Systems, offers full-service moving solutions designed for military members, taking care of everything from packing to delivery.

Make Your Move to Fort Eisenhower with Go Mini's of Augusta

Moving to Fort Eisenhower is a fresh start, and with a little preparation, it can be a great one. From exploring the CSRA to settling your kids into their new schools, take it day by day. And for those logistical hurdles, Go Mini’s is here to make your military move as hassle-free as possible.

Need a hand with your move? Reach out today for a free quote from Go Mini’s. And if a full-service option is what you need, ADSI is just a call away to handle all the heavy lifting. We thank you for your service — now let us serve you.