PCS Survival Guide
Your PCS orders are here! Now here comes the excitement, the stress, and the frantic Google searches for the most Frequently Asked Questions. One minute, you’re celebrating the next big adventure, and the next, you’re staring at a never-ending to-do list wondering where to even begin. PCS season is a rollercoaster, but with a solid plan (and a little help), you can navigate it like a pro.
First things first – paperwork. Contact your local transportation office and use DPS to schedule your move dates as soon as possible! Spots fill up fast, especially during peak PCS season! If you’re handling a Personally Procured Move (PPM), start researching moving companies and gathering estimates. If you’re in the market for a mover remember to reach out to our partners at Logsa Mil Moves! If you’re going the government-move route, make sure to schedule your transportation office appointment early. Make copies of everything – orders, medical records, school documents – because somehow, paperwork has a way of disappearing at the worst possible moment. Keep a digital backup of the most important documents so you can access them anytime, anywhere.
Next up is the great purge. If you haven’t used it in the last year, do you really need to move it across the country (or the world)? PCS moves are the perfect excuse to lighten the load and maybe even make a little extra cash by selling things you no longer need. Donate what you can and trash anything that’s beyond saving. Take stock of what movers won’t transport; items like liquids, perishables, and certain cleaning supplies, and make a plan for those. Plus, the less you pack, the less you have to unpack!
Once you’ve cleared out the unnecessary, it’s time for the housing hustle. Whether you’re living on base or off, start researching your next duty station early; good homes go fast in high-demand areas. Start calling housing offices as soon as you know where you’re headed and reach out to us to get connected with a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) who understands the unique needs of military families. We’re here to make this part of the process easier, whether you need advice on housing, schools, or the best places to grab coffee in your new town.
As moving day approaches, brace yourself for the madness. If you’re working with movers, keep an eye on the packing process and set aside anything you don’t want packed like important documents and valuable items. Label everything clearly and take pictures of expensive or fragile items before they get boxed up. If you have pets, make sure you’ve arranged their travel plans in advance, whether that’s a pet-friendly hotel or making sure their records are up to date for an overseas move. Make a “first-night” box with essentials like bedding, toiletries, medications, cleaning supplies, and a few changes of clothes, so you’re not digging through boxes on your first night in your new home.
Once you’ve arrived, it’s all about settling in without losing your mind. Give yourself some grace! Moving is exhausting, and it takes time to feel at home. Unpack the essentials first, explore your new area, and start making connections. Reach out to our concierge agents for help in looking into local military spouse groups, base resources, and school enrollment right away so you can get settled as quickly as possible. Military life is all about community, and we’re part of it with you.
PCS season can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re looking for resources, advice, or just some reassurance that you’re not the only one who misplaced an entire box of kitchen supplies, Military No Stress PCS is here to help. You’ve got this!
