For military families, relocating is often a way of life; every few years, orders come in, and the process of packing up and starting over begins again. While relocating brings excitement and new opportunities, the challenge of packing can quickly become overwhelming. A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is different from a typical relocation.
The fast-paced nature of military life means that service members and their families may need to move across the country or internationally with little time to plan. The logistics can be overwhelming, but with thoughtful planning, a strong packing strategy, and the support of experienced military moving companies, the transition can be smoother and less stressful.
Packing Strategies for a Smooth PCS Move
Unlike civilian relocations, PCS moves involve specific rules to keep in mind. The government may fully coordinate and fund the move, or service members may have the option of handling it themselves through a Personally Procured Move (PPM).
Many military families opt for professional assistance by hiring military moving companies to manage the logistics, transportation, and delivery of their belongings. Others prefer a combination of each approach.
Packing Strategies for a Smooth PCS Move
Regardless of the type of move, careful packing is one of the most important steps in the process. Having a well-thought-out packing plan minimizes chaos, reduces the risk of loss or damage, and makes unpacking far more manageable.
1. Keep Important Documents With You
During any PCS move, having personal and financial records on hand is essential. Keep important items including military orders, marriage licenses, vaccination records, Social Security cards, medical documents, and birth certificates separate from household goods when moving. Keep important documents in a protected, travel-friendly folder that you can access at any time.
If pets are part of the move, keep their veterinary records and any required travel documents nearby. Moving overseas? Some countries have strict quarantine regulations, so having paperwork readily available will help avoid delays.
2. Separate Essentials for Easy Access
A PCS move often involves spending time in temporary lodging before settling into permanent housing. Try to keep a suitcase or duffel bag with must-have items such as clothing, toiletries, chargers, medications, and children’s necessities. Having these items easily accessible eliminates the stress of rummaging through boxes while adjusting to a new location.
Military spouses who have experienced multiple relocations recommend setting aside bedding, towels, and a shower curtain as well. These basic comforts can make temporary lodging or the first night in a new home feel less overwhelming.
3. Color-Code and Label Everything
With movers handling most of the packing and transportation, organization is key to making sure belongings arrive in the right place. A practical trick is to use colored labels or stickers to organize boxes by room for a smoother unpacking process. Assigning a color to bedrooms, the kitchen, or the living room makes it easier to direct movers when unloading.
Military moving companies typically provide inventory lists, but keeping personal records of box contents adds an extra layer of security. Snap photos of barcodes and serial numbers for high-value electronics and appliances since this documentation can be useful if something goes missing or gets damaged.
4. Protect High-Value/Sentimental Items
Some items should never be left in the hands of movers. Wedding albums, baby books, family heirlooms, and irreplaceable keepsakes are best packed separately and transported personally. Even when working with reputable military moving companies, the risk of loss or damage is always present.
For added peace of mind, consider placing a GPS tracker, such as an AirTag or Tile, in one of the boxes. This simple step can provide real-time updates on the location of household goods in transit.
5. Prepare Vehicles for the Journey
Whether driving to the next duty station or arranging for vehicle shipment, a PCS move is a good time to perform routine maintenance. Checking tire pressure, fluid levels, and brakes reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns along the way.
For those shipping vehicles through government-coordinated programs or military moving companies, reviewing the policies on what can and cannot be left inside the car is important. Many shipping services prohibit storing personal items in the vehicle during transport.
6. Be Strategic About Household Goods
Movers will pack everything as they find it, regardless of whether it actually belongs in the trash or not. To avoid unnecessary clutter arriving at the next duty station, do a thorough decluttering before packing begins. Carefully gather items that can be repurposed, sold, or thrown away.
Pack fragile items carefully and mark them accordingly. While military moving companies provide some level of insurance, additional coverage may be necessary for expensive or delicate belongings.
7. Set Aside Cleaning Supplies
Many military families find that new housing needs a deep clean before settling in. Keeping essential cleaning supplies accessible prevents the frustration of realizing they were packed away. In some cases, movers won’t transport items like bleach, aerosol sprays, or other hazardous materials, so check regulations in advance.
8. Plan for Kids and Pets
Moving day can be chaotic, and children or pets may feel anxious with all the activity. Consider arranging childcare or pet boarding for the day to minimize stress. Having a separate travel bag with games, snacks, and comfort items helps keep kids occupied during the transition.
9. Coordinate Service Transfers
Make sure to inform providers of home services, such as broadband, electricity, and plumbing utilities, about scheduled shut-offs before you move. Try to arrange for essential services to be activated at your new residence in advance to allow for a smoother transition.
Many military installations offer relocation assistance programs that can provide guidance on local service providers.
10. Reevaluate the Budget After the Move
Once settled, take a close look at the new cost of living since differences in housing costs, fuel prices, and grocery expenses may impact the family budget. Making any necessary adjustments early on prevents financial strain later on down the road.
Making a PCS Seamless and Stress-Free
Although PCS moves are common for military families, they can still be overwhelming; but the process can be simplified with a bit of thoughtful preparation. Partnering with professional military moving companies can alleviate much of the stress, allowing families to focus on settling into their new home rather than dealing with the logistics of transportation.
At MG Moving Services, we specialize in assisting military families through the challenges of frequent relocations. No matter the size of your move, we are committed to providing a seamless and stress-free experience. Get a free quote online or call 1-(800)-783-4897 to start your move with confidence.
