PCS Tips and Tricks

 

PCS season is coming! It’s so exciting to get the opportunity to live in a new place. Moving can be super stressful, but moving with the military can be downright anxiety provoking.

This year we are PCSing for the first time. It’s been a huge learning experience for us. I’ve compiled a list of things I’ve learned, that can help make your PCS go more smoothly.

• Create a PCS binder.

Put all your PCS paperwork, important phone numbers, confirmation codes, copies of your IDs, Passports, Marriage Certificated, Social Security Cards, and Credit Cards, your personal inventory lists and pictures, the inventory list from the movers, etc. It’ll help you stay organized and know where everything is. Carry it with you on the plane or in the car. Don’t pack it with the movers.

• Make a detailed inventory list of EVERYTHING.

It’s important that you have an inventory of all your things (books, furniture, movies, CDs, blankets, kitchen appliances, etc). Write down and photograph the condition of each of your items. Just in case they get broken or damaged.

• Write down all serial numbers.

Be sure to have all serial members documented and which item it goes to, just in case they get lost or stolen during the move.

• Scan all important documents, instruction booklets, warranties, etc for everything, as well as family pictures.

This will help you stay organized and know exactly where all your important papers are. You never know what could get lost or ruined during a move.

• Put all your silverware in a large baggie.

That way you don’t have to worry about losing a spoon or a butter knife and having an incomplete set.

• Put DVDs in sleeves instead of cases. 

We have a TON of DVDs. I’m talking close to a thousand. Those cases add up in weight and take up a lot of space. So instead, we put them in sleeves that allow us to put the case artwork in it.

 

• Put earrings and rings in pill containers and necklaces in straws. 

This is a great way to keep your jewelry organized and protected. For the necklaces, just string the chain through the straw and clasp it closed. So the straw should be trapped on the chain. This will prevent the chain from tangling.

I also recommend putting any valuables with you. It lessens the risk of theft or loss.

• Put CDs in a CD sleeve case. 

Just like with the DVDs, it’ll take up less room when the movers come.

• Put videogames in a binder.

If you’re like us, and you have a ton of videogames, the cases take up a lot of room. Simply put the disks in a CD binder and keep the booklets or even scan them onto the computer.

• Use up food in your fridge, freezer and pantry.

There’s no sense in wasting the money you put into the food, especially if you can’t take it with you. So a few months out, use up whatever food you have.

• Don’t wait until the last minute! 

Waiting until the last minute to start the moving process will just make the stress that much greater.

• Breathe.

Moving is stressful, but it doesn’t take long. You’ll be on your way to new adventures soon!