If you have spent any amount of time in the military, you are probably very familiar with changing duty stations. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves have a way of bringing both the excitement of a new location and the stress of getting everything you have there in one piece. Even seasoned PCS movers feel the stress of uprooting everything they have and relocating it. No two moves are the same, and the uncertainty of how you'll get everything completed in time before your new assignment starts can be exhausting.
The good news is that there are lots of resources out there to help make the process a little easier. With preparation and a positive mindset, you and your family can take the journey to your next assignment and make it as pain-free as possible. From organizing documents early to planning the best route, the preparations you make before a PCS move add up quickly.
That's where thoughtful planning, including securing comfortable, convenient lodging like that found at IHG Army Hotels, can help simplify your move and keep you close to essential post resources. In the sections ahead, we'll walk through seven practical ways to make your PCS move smoother, more organized, and far less stressful. Some tips that will be covered include the following:
- Start Packing Early
- Secure Important Documents
- Label Everything
- Pack A Bug Out Bag
- Lodging
- Flexible Travel Days
- On-Post Resources
Tip 1: Start Packing Early
Stress during a PCS move often stems from running out of time. Your orders tell you exactly when you need to report to your next duty station, and as the days draw close to when you need to move, stress increases. Waiting until the last minute can turn an already complex process into something overwhelming. The best way to avoid this problem is by backing up everything as early as possible.
Begin by creating a checklist and timeline for the move. Some items can be boxed up sooner than others. Keepsakes or holiday ornaments, for example, can be prepared for the move sooner than items like your clothes or dishes. Plan to box up the items you hardly use first and save things you use every day until the last few days before the move.
If you leave yourself plenty of time, you can also organize your items and decide if there are any you no longer need. PCS moves can be a great time to declutter your house. You can donate, sell, or discard anything you no longer use or want. Separate what you do want into clear categories such as household goods, uniforms, and valuables. This will make it easier to pack in line with your timeline and make packing a stress-free activity.
Tip 2: Secure Important Documents
One of the worst things that can happen during a PCS move is realizing too late that you packed important documents in a box and now you have no idea where they are. IDs, passports, birth certificates, medical and dental records, and military orders are all things you want to have easy access to.
An easy way to avoid this PCS move pitfall is to gather all your important documents and store them in one place. A small fireproof safe is a great option. Additionally, although you will likely still need the original copies of most of these, it's never a bad idea to get digital copies of everything, just in case the originals are damaged during the move.
On moving day, take special care to ensure all important documents are carried with you personally. Never pack them away with household goods being shipped to your new location. Having everything at your fingertips helps eliminate unnecessary stress and keeps your relocation moving forward without avoidable delays.
Tip 3: Label Boxes Clearly and Strategically
Our third tip goes hand in hand with our first tip. Packing early is important, but so is properly labeling your boxes. One of the best ways to label boxes is by what room they go into and to assign them a level of priority. For example, when packing kitchen items, you will probably want to access your plates and silverware before worrying about the fondue set once you arrive at your new home. The box with plates can be labeled as "Kitchen High Priority," and the fondue set can be labeled as "Kitchen Low Priority."
If you want to take your labeling to the next level, you can color-code the boxes for each room. A strip of colored tape is a great way to do this. Make sure to place the tape in a spot that is easy to see. Taking the time to label strategically helps movers place items correctly and makes unpacking far more efficient, reduces frustration, and helps you settle into your new location faster.
Tip 4: Pack a PCS Essentials Bag
With all the moving parts that make up a PCS move, it's safe to assume some part of it won't go exactly according to plan. That's why it's a good idea to have a bug-out bag, otherwise known as a short-term survival kit. A good bug-out bag should have everything you and your family need for the first two or three days, just in case your goods are delayed.
Start building your bag with the basics: toiletries, a few pairs of clothes, some non-perishable food, and of course, any medications you need. Add chargers for essential electronics equipment like phones and tablets. You might also want to add some basic disposable kitchen items, such as paper plates and disposable utensils. You'll be surprised how much stress is relieved just by having a bug-out bag by your side.
Tip 5: Plan Ahead for Temporary Lodging
Many new duty stations require several days of travel to reach. Ensuring you have safe and affordable lodging along the way is especially important during a PCS move. If you begin your journey without securing rooms in advance, you are likely to run into disappointment and frustration.
While there are many options for places to stay, IHG Army Hotels offer some of the best accommodations with the additional benefit of on-post services. With over 70 properties on 40 installations spanning coast to coast and beyond, our hotels are everywhere you want to be. In addition to well-appointed and comfortable rooms, many properties are within walking distance of facilities such as the PX, Commissary, and fitness centers. In addition, our properties include complimentary amenities, such as free guest laundry, complimentary hot breakfast, pet-friendly accommodations, fitness centers, and more. Our staff loves to serve those who serve. We understand PCS moves and are ready to help book your stay as you venture on to your next destination.
Tip 6: Choose Flexible Travel Days
Even with a perfect plan for your PCS move, the unexpected can happen. Weather delays, a last-minute change to your orders, car trouble, or other logistical hiccups can all derail your journey. The best way to avoid the stress of the unexpected is to assume that, at least to some degree, your plan will change due to factors outside your control.
Building a buffer into your travel plans is the best way to mitigate the unexpected. Give yourself an extra day or two, just in case you need it. An added benefit of doing this is that you may find something along the way you'd like to stop and explore. With an extra day or two built into your itinerary, you can plan for the unexpected and take advantage of the wonders you encounter on your move.
Tip 7: Use Post Resources
It's easy to feel like you are on your own when embarking on a PCS move. Thankfully, there are many support systemsin place on post to help make the process a little less painful. Key services, such as the transportation office, can assist with shipment updates, while other resources, such as the housing office, can help make your move-in process easier.
Family support centers are another great resource. From relocation assistance to programs that help you and your family adjust to the change, this facility is a must-visit, especially for families with youngsters who may have more difficulty than adults with the transition. Medical and dental facilities are also readily accessible on-post, making it easier to transfer care and stay on top of appointments during the move. There are many others, so make sure to take advantage of every free resource your installation offers.
While PCS moves always involve some stress, with a little planning, you can make the process more enjoyable. By packing early, staying organized, booking rooms in advance, and leaving yourself a buffer to account for the unexpected, you and your family can enjoy the journey to your new duty station a little bit more. And if you need help along the way, our staff has a soft pillow and a hot cup of coffee waiting for you.
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