Easing PCS Headaches

As a child, I looked forward to PCS (Permanent Change of Station) time. My younger sister dreaded this time. For me, the move was an adventure! New friends, new culture, new school supplies…blank slate. My mom would give my sister and I our own adventure bags filled with books, games and travel size toys. I remember driving through Belgium on our way to England wearing a pair of oversized, crazy sunglasses.

Despite the fun times, I remember the stress my parents displayed. A move is never easy, but most families do not face the challenges of relocation as much as the families of the military, our mobile workforce. So how do you make your move smoother and ease those PCS headaches?

• Make an appointment for a counseling session at your installation transportation office.
• Decide whether you want to make a DIY move, or have the government handle everything for you.
• Notify your Housing Office, rental agent or landlord of your PCS orders and when you plan to vacate. If the lease contains a military clause, this notification must be made in writing.
• Inventory all your household items by room, garage, closet, etc. Estimate the value of your household items for insurance purposes. Decide what will be moved, what should be stored and what should be sold at a garage or yard sale.
• Obtain a copy of your medical, dental and optical records and put them in your Travel records Kit with other important documents or have them forwarded to the new duty station.
• Update ID cards and expired passports or those that will expire while stationed overseas.
• Obtain veterinary records and licenses to arrange for pet transportation. Bring an original and three copies of the health and rabies certificates with you.
• Thoroughly clean the house or apartment for final inspection by landlord or the Housing Office.
• Obtain a clear copy of the moving company’s inventory list. Place this in the Travel Records Kit/
• When the movers are finished packing, make a final check of all rooms and closets for any missing items.

To further assist in planning, check-out the AAFES Smooth Move PCS Headquarters:

• Get a ‘Welcome to the Neighborhood’ Coupon Book filled with special offers to make moving in a little easier.
• Military Moving Center has partnered with WhiteFence to provide you with one of the most powerful online connection services for consumers to compare, connect or switch utilities and essential home services.
• Take charge of your PCS move – use MilitaryHOMEFRONT’s Plan My Move, a powerful set of tools to help you and your family make your next move a smooth one.  Plan My Move provides you with access to information about your entitlements and benefits, to points of contact, checklists, planning tools, and information on education and employment.
• Whether it’s help with child care, personal finances, emotional support during deployments, relocation information, or resources needed for special circumstances, Military OneSource is there for military personnel and their families… 24/7/365! Military OneSource is provided by the Department of Defense at no cost to active duty, Guard and Reserve (regardless of activation status) and their families.
• Find money saving promotions from The Exchange Credit Program. Whether you’re looking to refurnish your home or replenish your household goods, we’re here to help.

Additional resources to save time, money and sanity include a visit to MilitaryAvenue.com, supporting relation, travel, and lifestyle needs to the American Military Family. Traveling with kids? No problem! Make this a memorable adventure with TakingTheKids.com! (I’d advise taking some crazy glasses on your next PCS…see the world from a different lens.)

(Image courtesy heathre.)