Since we’ve been married, my husband and I have moved 10 times. I think. Honestly, it takes both of us to confirm that number. The moves are what we endure to make this incredible life possible. We have lived so many different duty stations and had many wonderful experiences. But moving is the pits. The only upside to moving so often is that we’ve learned a lot along the way. These are the 20 top PCS tips and pieces of advice I offer to new MILSOs. I actually think this list is helpful if you’re on your first or 11th PCS.
Top 20 Pieces Advice for PCSing
Acronyms Are Not Scary
Don’t get overwhelmed by the lingo and frequently used acronyms. Google is your friend. Your friends are also your friends, so don’t be too embarrassed to ask someone. I’ll try to explain all of the acronyms that I use in this article, but I also still look up the meanings of some acronyms.
PCS Binder
Make yourself a PCS binder and add all important papers to it. SET IT ASIDE when your movers arrive. Do not let them pack your binder. Do not keep any papers related to your PCS anywhere except your PCS binder. Add any sensitive paperwork to the binder that you think you might need while you are in the process of PCSing. Moving in late Winter/early Spring? Put your tax documents in your PCS binder. Moving overseas? Buy a binder pocket and keep your passports in your PCS binder. The possibilities are endless and will be specific to your family, but get yourself organized with a binder.
Empty the Trash
Empty all trash cans first the morning that the movers arrive. This includes all bathroom and diaper pails. Your movers will pack everything and they will not stop to tell you that there is trash in your trash can. They are moving fast. The worst PCS story that I have ever heard involved trash that was packed and sent overseas. I will spare you the story, because you can imagine the end result. Make this #1 on your to-do list before the movers arrive: EMPTY THE TRASH.
Save receipts.
All receipts. From the moment you start your PCS cycle. You never know what will happen with your move. You may need these receipts for an inconvenience claim, should your household goods arrive past the delivery window. You may need these for your taxes or you may buy something you think you need and then get your household goods two weeks early, so you can return it. This is an unpredictable time and chances are good that saving your receipts will help you save money.
Photos
Take lots of photos for your records. Take a photo of the back of your TV and your computer, so that you can replicate the way everything is plugged in at your new location. Snag a photo of your couch, so that you have documented its condition before the move. Take a photo of a gallery wall that you love and want to display in your new home. Take a photo of the serial number of any major appliances. Again, you never know what will be helpful, so take lots of photos.
Make Plans
No one likes living in their house without furniture, waiting for their household goods to arrive. We definitely try to get out of the house as much as possible during this time. That being said, my kids LOVE playing with empty boxes, creating“furniture” for our new house and inventing games that can only be played in an empty room. We built elaborate rocket ships out of boxes. We always feel a little bit sad when we have to toss our creations because we need room for our actual furniture. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, focus on fun you can only have during this time.
Don’t Procrastinate
Start prepping for your PCS as soon as you can. Sometimes, you only have 3 weeks notice and there’s no time to prepare. But you generally know when you are about to PCS and that is an opportunity to process your military no-fee passports, schedule your EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program) screenings, physicals, update immunizations (including pets), and generally purge your house of things you don’t want to move. The earlier you can get started, the easier it will be to accomplish everything.
Buy a box of Press N’ Seal plastic wrap.
I don’t even use much plastic wrap in my regular life. However, when it’s time to start moving, I can use Press N’ Seal in dozens of different ways. Wrap up jewelry, lego sets, open bins of kids toys, silverware trays, shampoo bottles, household cleaners…the list is truly endless! It will keep liquids from spilling. It will keep chains from tangling. It will keep toys collected. You get the idea. The same idea applies to large 3 gallon bags. The movers are not going to daintily box up your things. Pieces will fall out of drawers/boxes/bins. Save yourself a lot of hassle with advance preparation.
Move.mil.
This is your Official DOD Customer Moving Portal. This should be your first stop with most moving related questions.
Label, Label, Label
Create signs or labels for rooms and special items before the movers arrive. I personally like printing a large sign with the NO emoji and posting it on any drawers or rooms that should not be packed. I have friends who swear by a color coding system (Red for Household Goods, Blue for Express/Unaccompanied Baggage, and Yellow for Luggage). If you choose a color coding system, post the legend for it where movers can easily reference it.
Don’t be afraid to speak up.
If something doesn’t pass the smell test, ask questions and advocate for yourself. During a friend’s PCS, the moving company showed up with previously used boxes. Our friends’ clothes were packed into someone else’s spice boxes. The clothes were ruined by the smell and the claim was denied because it could not be proved with photos #smellovision. You have the right to ask for new boxes. You can also request specifically made crates for high value items. This is not always necessary, but we’ve done this for overseas moves. When your movers come by to do a walk through before your move, this is the time to talk with them about these items and any other additional requirements.
That being said, be kind.
Take it easy on your spouse. Be generous to your movers. Make time to say goodbye to your friends. And be kind to yourself. This is a stressful time. Anxiety is running high. But this is all temporary. You need to advocate for what you need at this time, but don’t forget to take deep breaths and to find the joy in this time. Everyone you deal with is human and generally invested in helping you get through this.
Create an unpacking tool kit.
This is a PCS Tip that your SO can really get on board with. Screwdrivers, a measuring tape, and maybe some command strips. You know what will be a must-have for you. You will 100% need these items before your household goods (HHG) arrive. Don’t spend money on things you already own. DO NOT be like us and buy a new screwdriver at every duty station.
Be Frugal Where You Can.
Moving can be expensive. Expenses large and small can take a hit on your bank account during a PCS. Yes, you’ll be pulling in some combination of DLA (dislocation allowance), TLE (temporary lodging expense), and TLA (temporary lodging assistance), but there’s no reason to spend money that you don’t have to spend. Get creative about using up your pantry. Use old towels to pack fragile items. Cook one pan meals or crockpot meals before your HHG and full kitchen arrives. A dear friend of mine packs her camping gear in her express shipment and then“camps”with her family (in their house) while they wait for their HHG.
Technology Can Be Your Friend
Use technology to make your life easier. We have a PCS checklist on a Google doc that we update for every PCS. Other ideas that come to mind: iCloud backups, restaurant/grocery delivery apps, the app for whatever airline you’re using, and the My Ultimate PCS app. I’m certain there are more. Please share them with us!
Forward your mail.
This is a of the the PCS Tips that many don’t seen to know about. I thought this was obvious, but when we lived on post at our last duty station, we received SO MUCH MAIL for several previous tenants. Some of it was valuable. This is unnecessary. Forward your mail.
Get a Special Power of Attorney.
This is an unpredictable time. So long as everyone is comfortable with the possible ramifications, the spouse should have a power of attorney for the soldier and vice versa. Obviously, this involves major trust in your spouse, but I hope that is already a key part of your marriage. With a power of attorney, you are covered when it comes time to cancel the bill in your husband’s name or sign for your wife on a new vehicle. This paves the way to an easier PCS.
Consider using non-temporary storage (NTS).
NTS may be available to you before OCONUS moves and some CONUS moves. We’ve moved OCONUS twice – the first time we didn’t own enough to store anything in this free government storage. The second time, we did take advantage of NTS to downsize our home before moving to a location with smaller homes. What a relief! Keep in mind that it’s not usually temperature controlled. However, if something is damaged in NTS, you may be able to claim it as you would anything else damaged in a move.
Get a Wagon (seriously!)
My favorite os the PCS tips is one that seems so small, but it packs a big punch. Buy a collapsible wagon before your move. Use it in the airport and gate check it like you would a stroller. Use it in a hotel. Put your small children in it, your pets, even your purses and small luggage. Use it to carry large grocery trips back to your house while you’re waiting for your vehicle to arrive. More than any other tip, I constantly hear how much everyone loves this advice.
Finally, Grow with Others
Listen to seasoned spouses and share your experiences with others. Join a Facebook group for MILSOs. Follow blogs and connect with other spouses in the comments. Ask your friends what they do to survive a PCS. MILSOs get a bad reputation, but in my experience, they are the most resilient, creative, and generous people on the planet. I hope that these tips help you even half as much as the advice I have received from the spouses who came before me.
