Military Relocation & PCSing tips!!

For military spouses PCSing is never an easy task. Your spouse gets orders for your next duty station and as butterflies are fluttering through your stomach your mind begins to race and wonder of all the things you need to get taken care of. I have compiled a list of some basic things you should get taken care of prior to your PCS move.

You have orders, now what?

                First of all, when you get your PCs orders you will want to contact the base transportation office as soon as possible to find out your options. Do you want a do-it-yourself (DITY) move or would you prefer that the government handle everything for you?  You will want to begin to prepare for your move. If you have small children be sure to plan ahead for special moving needs (if necessary). Take inventory of all your valuable items (write down serial numbers and you may even want to take pictures/video). Begin saving money for travel expenses that will not be covered by the government. Make sure that you contact schools if need be, and make all necessary medical appointments prior to the move. Also, be sure to request copies of your medical records in advance to have with you when you travel to your next duty station. Keep all important paperwork (birth certificates, insurance papers, etc.) together in a place that is easily accessible during this transition and always remember to take a breath in between it all. 

Putting your ducks in a row (3+ months – 3 weeks before PCSing)

                Will you need childcare at your new location? You may want to research the base and surrounding areas and begin to call around to find out how to get your childcare plans in place, the same goes with the schools for your older children. If you have pets, make sure that all of their shots are up-to-date and begin making travel arrangements for them if necessary. If you are working (civilian), give your notice of termination letter and consider getting a letter of recommendation.

The time is drawing near (3 weeks – 1 week before PCSing)

                If you already have quarters or a new home make sure that you coordinate with the landlord/housing to confirm your move-in date. Clear out any unwanted items in your home, maybe sell or donate unwanted furniture and clothing items. Cancel or transfer utilities and other house related bills. Obtain change of address forms from your local post office and have your mail forwarded to your new address, if you do not yet have an address think about getting a P.O. Box and having your mail temporarily forwarded there. Start using all the canned goods in your pantry to avoid purchasing new food items that may be wasted when the time for your move arrives. Think about planning menus with the items you already have and only buy what is necessary to complete your menus until you PCS. 

Moving Day! 

                It is finally here! Be sure to get plenty of rest and get up early to get ready for the movers. Make sure that you do not have dirty dishes in the kitchen or dirty clothes lying around, and take out the trash. Do not ship your jewelry, put that in a secure place and take it with you when you travel. Make sure that the mover’s inventory list is detailed. DO NOT accept any entries labeled as “miscellaneous” or “other”. Be sure that any items that are damaged are labeled as such in the event that something gets damaged during the move (you will have documentation of any previous damages to be able to file for new ones). Make sure that you do a final walk through before you release the packers; they are not required to return to the residence after they are done packing your house. Again, be sure to have all important files and documents IN HAND and not packed up for easy access. 

FINALLY! You have arrived!

You have finally made it to your next duty station, but don’t do your victory dance just yet. Your household goods may take a while to arrive, so be sure that the military member takes advantage of the resources available to them that will allow you to checkout basic household items until your household goods arrive there. When it does arrive, be sure that you check all of your household goods against the inventory sheets and check for damages or missing items. You have the option to allow the packers to reassemble your furniture if you so choose, and for them to unpack your household goods. Go ahead and register your children for school, get registered at your local medical treatment facility, and get the utilities turned on.  Phew! NOW you can do your happy/victory dance!  

There is A LOT that goes into the planning of a PCS move, but following the tips I provided it may ease a lot of the stress that comes with it. Feel free to pass this on to whomever you feel would benefit from it and if you are relocating or PCSing to the Fayetteville, Fort Bragg NC area I would be more than happy to assist you in the relocation process. Feel free to EMAIL ME (Patty Herrera), call (910) 476-4267, or visit my website to SEARCH HOMES IN FAYETTEVILLE/ FORT BRAGG, NC and surrounding areas.