20 PCS Tips For Your Next Military Move

Getting ready to head to another duty station? Here are 20 PCS tips to make your next military move the smoothest yet.

Moving is one of the only constants for military families, and the Permanent Change of Station, or PCS, process is a well-known aspect of military life. While PCS orders may bring excitement and new opportunities, they can also be stressful and challenging. Today I’m sharing some essential tips to help military families navigate the PCS process more smoothly that I’ve learned from both personal experience and other spouses!

20 PCS Tips For Your Next Military Move

PCS moves are an inherent part of military life, and with careful planning (okay and maybe a positive attitude helps), they can be navigated successfully. By staying organized, utilizing available resources, and maintaining open communication, military families can make the transition smoother and focus on the exciting opportunities that come with a new duty station.

PCS Binder Organization

Create a dedicated binder for each Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move. Include sections for important documents, moving checklists, and contact information.

Pre-Pack Essentials Box

Pack a box with everyday essentials like toiletries, clothes, and snacks for the first day at your new location. Label it clearly and keep it accessible during the move.

Color-Coded Boxes

Use different colored labels or markers for boxes from each room (your movers may be able to help you with this). This makes unpacking at the new location WAY more efficient.

Virtual Moving Sale

Declutter before a move by selling items online using Facebook Marketplace or location-specific yard sale pages. This reduces the number of items to pack and can provide some extra cash.

Military Discounts Database

Maintain a list of businesses and services that offer military discounts. Take advantage of these discounts for various purchases and activities.

Emergency Contact Cards

Create laminated cards with emergency contacts, medical information, and important phone numbers. Keep these cards in wallets or backpacks for quick access during emergencies.

Digital Inventory of Belongings

Take photos or videos of valuable belongings for insurance purposes. Store these files in a secure cloud service and/or print them out to put into your PCS binder.

Local Family Support Groups

Connect with local military family support groups (I’ve found Facebook spouse pages to be an excellent resource! Searching them works too if you’re too timid to make a post yourself). They can provide valuable insights, tips, and assistance during the transition to a new location.

Routine for Kids

Establish a routine for children during the move to provide stability. Include familiar activities and bedtime rituals to ease the adjustment process.

Home Maintenance Checklist

Create a checklist for home maintenance tasks before leaving a property. This ensures you leave the property in good condition and can help with security deposit returns.

Digital Moving Calendar

Utilize digital calendars to track important moving dates, appointments, and deadlines. Share the calendar with family members for coordination.

Take Advantage of Military Services

Explore military-sponsored services such as counseling, childcare, and spouse employment assistance at the new duty station.

Vehicle Maintenance Ahead of Time

Ensure your vehicles are in good condition before a long-distance move. Schedule any necessary maintenance to prevent breakdowns during the journey.

Fill Prescriptions Ahead of Time

Before you head out to your next location, make sure all necessary prescriptions are filled ahead of time. 

Military Kids’ School Toolkit

Create a toolkit for kids changing schools, including transcripts, report cards, and teacher contacts. This helps streamline the enrollment process at the new school.

Tech Setup Assistance

Familiarize yourself with tech support services provided by the military. They can assist with setting up internet and other essential services at the new location and often offer discounts.

Dive Into Your New Community

What always makes me feel more settled is finding my new “places” — like my new grocery store or Target or nail salon. The sooner I find these, the more settled I feel.

Connect with Base Resources

Take advantage of on-base resources, such as family support centers and relocation assistance programs.

Mindfulness and Stress Reduction

Practice mindfulness and stress reduction techniques during the move. This can include deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga. I love the Peloton app for this, since I can easily access it on my phone!

Celebrate Small Achievements:

Acknowledge and celebrate small milestones during the moving process to maintain a positive mindset. This could be completing a packing session or successfully navigating a paperwork task.

If you liked this post you might also enjoy Life Hacks For Military Families or Tips For Decorating Military Base Housing