As a military spouse, military PCS and moving frequently is a part of the “job requirement.” If this is your first PCS and you’re unsure what the term means, it stands for Permanent Change of Station. This is a military term frequently used when a military member/family has been given orders to move.
Some PCSes are met with excitement and joy. While others can be met with dread, if you’re going somewhere you do not want to go.
Although PCSings is a common procedure that takes place in the military world, the military PCS process can be very confusing and overwhelming. Especially if you are a new military spouse.
In this blog, you will learn helpful tips to get through your next PCS move. After learning these five tips for a successful PCS, you will be at ease for your upcoming move.
This post is all about How to PCS With the Military the Right Way
How to PCS With the Military the Right Way
1. Have Patience
This is easier said than done but honestly, this is the most important thing when it comes to PCSing. Military moves are oftentimes confusing, frustrating, and a lot of things take place that do not make sense. Without patience, you will drive yourself crazy being frustrated at the antiquated ways of the military and how they operate. I can guarantee you that as you prepare for your upcoming PCS, plans will change, deadlines will be missed, and things will not go your way. But as long as you have patience, everything will work itself out in the end.
2. Always Keep A Records Binder
Since moving is very common for a military spouse, it is helpful to maintain a PCS binder. A PCS binder helps to ensure all of your family’s important documents are in one place and you can access them quickly. Things to keep your your PCS binder are social security cards, passports, marriage licenses, etc. Any important documentation that you do not want to get misplaced in your military PCS move should have a home in your PCS binder.
3. Compile Medical Records Sooner and Later
Depending on where you are moving, you need to transfer your medical records. If you are someone who is primarily seen on base, this may be easier, since all of your medical needs are handled on base. However, if you’re someone who receives medical care off base, I would highly recommend gathering your medical records sooner rather than later. For some medical offices, the process of providing a patient with their medical records can take a long time. If you have to get medical records from multiple offices, it can be overwhelming. I believe it’s better to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to gathering your medical records for a military PCS move.
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4. Do Research Your Housing Options
When moving with the military, you may have some different housing options depending on where you are moving. It is crucial to research what those options are to understand the Command’s housing policy. Some Commands require military families to live on base for some time or for the entirety of their tour at that Command. Some Commands have a certain family size, rank, etc. threshold to even qualify for base housing. Doing research ahead of time will help you and your family prepare for what your living situation will be at your next Command.
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5. Prep For Movers Pick Up
One of the great things about moving with the military is that they pay for movers to come pack up your home. Although the military provides movers, it is important to organize and sort through your things to understand what will be moving and what will be staying. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Take pictures of expensive valuables
I hate to break it to you, but during a PCS move, it is almost guaranteed that some of your possessions will be damaged. It is important to have pictures of the items that are valuable. The pictures you take will help the military determine a fair price to reimburse your damaged products.
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2. Get rid of unwanted things
If you know you do not want to take a certain item with you, get rid of it before the movers come. I have learned in my recent move to Italy, that the movers will pack everything in your house. Whether you want to take it or not.
3. What You Have to Pack Yourself
The movers will pack everything in your house, so do not worry about buying boxes and starting the packing process early. What YOU do need to pack yourself are the things you plan on taking with you. You also need to pack what you need on a day-to-day basis as you transition to your new home. Some things to consider are clothes, medicines, personal hygiene, etc. Keep in mind that it may take a while for you to receive all of your household goods. So, if there are things that you need before you can get to your household goods, I would recommend bringing those things in your suitcase.
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