Everyone who is in the service or has ever been in the service knows the trials and tribulations of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves. Each year, about one-third of the military is assigned to a new duty station. Most of the time, these moves occur during the summer, which has many advantages, including better weather and less of an impact on families, especially since school is out.
Winter PCS moves have a way of amplifying what can already be a stressful experience, with adverse weather conditions, limited daylight, and longer shipping times. Our team members at IHG® Army Hotels know all about the challenges of PCS because many of them are veterans or military family members. Check out our top 10 tips for PCS moves in the winter months.
Monitor Weather Forecasts Regularly
One of the greatest challenges during the winter season is the weather. Cold temperatures, rain, ice, and snow can all make a move that much more of a struggle. Even if you are having someone else take care of the move, it can mean there will be a delay in receiving your household goods and possessions in a timely manner.
It's never a bad idea to check the weather forecast for anywhere you or your goods will be traveling through. There are lots of resources out there to help you do this, from internet sites like the National Weather Service to apps such asAccuWeather, both of which are free. Use the information you find in forecasts to avoid delays due to poor weather conditions as much as possible.
Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit with Essentials
No matter how you are traveling to your next duty station, it's important to have an emergency kit ready to go. You can think of it as your PCS bug-out bag. Your emergency kit should include winter essentials like blankets, a basic first aid kit, food and water, a flashlight, extra batteries, and any medications you or your family might need.
Cold weather gear should also be a part of this kit. Coats, gloves, hats, and scarves can all make the trip a little more bearable. If you are driving yourself, make sure to add gear to keep your car going, like an ice scraper, a small shovel, and snow chains, depending on where you are traveling. Don't forget to make sure everyone knows where the kit is and how to use everything in it.
Service Your Vehicle for Winter Conditions
If you are driving your vehicle to your new post, ensuring it is in tip-top shape is essential. Winter conditions place additional stress on cars. The last thing you want is to break down on the side of the road. Your emergency kit will have some of the necessities to help with this, like tire chains, but you will also want to make sure everything is working properly before you head out.
At a minimum, you will want to check your tires, the battery, brakes, antifreeze, and heating system. You should also check with your insurer to see if they offer roadside assistance in the event you have an issue along the way. If they don't, consider becoming a member of the American Automobile Association who offers discounts for the Military.
Pack Winter Essentials Separately and Accessibly
Winter temperatures can have a way of sneaking up on us. One minute, you are happily traveling down the road, and the next, you are shivering. You don't want that to be the moment you realize your coat or child's coat is buried in a box you can't get to.
Make sure to put your cold weather gear where it can easily be reached. You may want this to include items that will help you when you arrive at your destination, such as space heaters. By organizing things that will keep you warm before your trip begins, you'll help make the journey that much less stressful.
Protect Temperature-Sensitive Items
Some items like electronics, artwork, liquids, and some musical instruments can be damaged by freezing temperatures. Once you have identified if you have any of these types of items, pack them to survive a winter trip. You can start by insulating them with bubble wrap, thermal blankets, or foam padding. If these items are going into boxes, make sure they are labeled to be handled with care.
If you aren't sure how to best protect your sensitive items, you can always contact the manufacturer or someone who has made a winter PCS move before. Speaking with people at the post you are heading to can be a wealth of information.
Plan For Delays
Winter storms can cause disruptions and delays. This can affect both your travel and the travel of your goods if they are being moved separately. Add additional time to your schedule to make sure poor winter weather conditions don't derail your plan.
In addition to adding time to your schedule, plan additional routes and research some of the hotels along the way in case you need to take a break from the road if conditions worsen. Keep contact information handy for moving companies if you are using them and other key services along your route. If there is anything you can't live without, make sure you carry it with you.
Confirm Utilities Are Set Up at the New Location
It would be a real shame to arrive at your next duty station, especially after a long, cold winter trip, only to find your utilities are not up and running. Depending on where you are going, it may take several days to get utilities turned on.
To ensure your new home is warm and ready for you to use, contact local utility companies in advance. When possible, make sure everything is turned on and ready to go for you. You might end up paying for a day or two of utilities before you occupy the place, but that is much better than having to wait for power.
Take Care of Pets
Pets add an additional layer of planning to winter PCS moves. Keeping your furry friends warm and safe can easily be accomplished as long as you take the time to plan for it. Pets should be transported in safe carriers with plenty of padding.
If you are taking a long trip, make sure to plan for several stops along the way to feed your pets and give them time to drink water and walk around. An unhappy pet can make the journey more difficult, while a happy one can help alleviate stress for the whole family.
Secure Movers and Transportation Early
Last-minute moves add additional stress. Trying to find movers and transportation as snowstorms and ice close roads and airports down can be frustrating, to say the least. Planning for movers and transportation early is always the best way to go.
Make sure to look for movers who are not only available but also have experience with winter moves. Ask what their policy is if a moving truck breaks down. Secure your movers and transportation as soon as your orders to move are finalized.
Stay Flexible and Positive
Our final tip may seem like a no-brainer, but it is important. Challenges are part of any move, especially a PCS move. Winter weather delays, unexpected obstacles, and logistical nightmares may arise, but remember to stay positive.
Instead of focusing on the problems that come up, take it all in stride and look forward to how things will be when the move is completed, and you are warm and cozy in your new home. Staying positive will help to keep stress at a minimum and will help everyone to adjust to their new home.
Winter PCS moves come with many challenges that make them more difficult. Thankfully, with a little planning and a positive outlook, you can navigate each challenge with ease. Staying on top of changing weather conditions, packing in an organized manner, planning for delays, and keeping you and your family safe and warm will make the adventure an enjoyable one. And if you get stuck along the way, you're probably never too far from one of our hotels, where we'll have a warm room and a hot drink waiting for you.
Rest Easy is the owner, design-builder, asset manager, and the exclusive developer for the Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) portfolio, the Department of Defense’s only lodging privatization program. IHG Hotels & Resorts is the hotel operator and manager of IHG Army Hotels.