Preparing for a PCS
BY
MB ADMIN
February 26, 2018
Preparing for a PCS
We’ve PCSed four times now as a family and are planning for our fifth PCS next summer – back to the States.
We’ve done a partial DITY, two OCONUS moves, and driven across the country. Bonus points for overnight flights with babies and toddlers!
PCS is always stressful, no matter how organized you are.
There are always surprises. There are always snags in the system. There’s always something forgotten.
There are always surprises. There are always snags in the system. There’s always something forgotten.
Here’s how to plan for your PCS:
Organize
Clean the house.
Organize everything in its place to make the next step easier. Involve everyone in the family. Make it a game.
Straighten the lesser-used areas like the garage, shed, basement, attic, wherever you only visit a couple times a year, so you don’t miss something and have to scramble last minute. I like to put almost everything in plastic storage bins. Most movers check the bins and then just tape them shut for extra protection.
Discuss with your landlord or real estate agent any repairs or updates to the house as soon as possible so there aren’t any last minute surprises.
Inventory
Inventory everything you own.
Make lists. Take pictures or video. Color-code the lists. Inventory DVDs and books. Make note of all jewelry, valuables, and collectibles. Record serial numbers of electronics.
Gather personal records and keep in a binder – birth certificates, SS cards, medical and/or shot records, school forms, insurance policies, warranties, pet documents.
Items lended or borrowed need to be returned and retrieved. Make sure to return all library books!
Make a note of all items that need to be repaired or sold or donated.
Consume
Only purchase as much as you need so you can consume items before the move.
We don’t have the storage space to buy in bulk anymore, but we still begin buying even smaller amounts of items so we’re not left with too much and have to throw it out, mail it, or figure out how to pack it. The goal is to have an empty pantry, fridge, freezer, and bathroom cabinet before the move!
Many movers won’t pack up any liquids, gels, or food items – even if they’re unopened and brand new, especially in summer months when items can melt or go rancid during the transition.
About the Author: Jennifer Lambert is a military spouse and mother who has lived all over the world. Jennifer has been blogging since about 2005 and blogs a few times a week about parenting, homeschooling, recipes, our travels, and sometimes military life. Jennifer has a M.Ed. in secondary English education and was a school teacher for 10 years. She now stays home with her children and homeschools.
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