A Modern Woman’s (Non-FRG) Guide to Life + Love // PCS
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Casey from We Took the Road Less Travelled talks about on moving abroad with her Airman
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In the military, a PCS is just a fancy word for “Hey, you’re moving!” The acronym stands for Permanent Change of Station, but as all military families know, the move is never permanent. Some families will move every 2-3 years, while others may live at one duty station for 4-7 years. Sometimes more depending on the job. One thing that’s for sure is military families get really good at this whole moving thing. The entire process can be super stressful, but after the first 2 moves, you begin to get it all down to a science. Housing office meetings, TMO scheduling, out-processing, packing, unpacking, TLF living...I feel like I could write a book about it all myself!
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| {Taken at D’s deployment homecoming in 2010} |
Since marrying into the Air Force in the summer of 2008, my husband D and I have moved to two different duty stations. Our first move was from our hometown in North Carolina to Hampton, Virginia (Langley AFB). I learned a lot that first PCS, and even more when we moved from Virginia to Germany in 2011 (moving abroad deserves its own PCS post!).
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Casey shares some basic tips she wishes she’d known during her first PCS with the military
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Don’t pre-pack anything. The movers will just unpack it and repack it to their liking. The reasoning behind this is because the movers are liable for any items they break during your move. If you pack it and it breaks, that’s on you. It’s their way of protecting you (and themselves) should anything happen along the way.
It’s always a good idea to have a few snacks and drinks (like water, tea, gatorade) on hand for your movers. It can be a long day packing up and labeling all of your precious belongings, so snacks help to keep their energy up and crankiness low. If you’re feeling extra sweet, buy the movers lunch. Nothing fancy or expensive, just something to show them you appreciate them taking good care of your stuff. And after their full and happy, I guarantee they’ll be extra careful with your grandmother’s antique vase.
Anything you don’t want the movers to touch, LABEL IT! You can even go as far as placing all those things in a room and telling them whatever’s in that room…stays. Beleive me…if you don’t tell them or show them what NOT to pack, they’ll pack it all. I’ve heard horror stories about folks getting their household goods weeks or months later and realizing the movers packed their garbage as well. I’m sure that smelled lovely!
Keep a watchful eye, but don’t hover. It’s a tough thing, watching strangers touch your personal belongings…but hovering over them and dictating what you’d like to have in what particular box is kind of irritating for the movers. I won’t make them go faster and it sure won’t make for a happy packing environment. I know, I know…it’s YOUR stuff. You want to make sure it’s packed away safe and sound (and that no one’s stolen anything), but have a little faith that your movers know what they’re doing. I’m sure packing your house isn’t their first go-round. If you want them to take particular care of precious items, then politely ask them. Or better yet, find a way to get those items there yourself. We kept all of our fine china in my parent’s basement for our move overseas. Just didn’t want to chance it.
Put your bedding, sheets, curtains, pillows, towels…anything fabric (aside from clothing) folded nicely in those giant Ziploc moving bags. They are absolutely wonderful for keeping moisture out and dirty handprints off your linens. That way, when you finally get them back, you can just pull them out and not worry that they’re moldy or soiled.You’ll have to take down everything of your walls (the movers won’t do that). For all the screws, bolts, photo hangers, curtain tiebacks, mounting fixtures, etc. (the little things that help hang something to your wall), place them in labeled baggies and store them all in one box. Then you’ll easily find them all in one place ready for hanging. Such a timesaver!
Make sure to pull out any important papers, passports, bills, password sheets, medical info…anything you might need to keep your life going while your stuff is moving, don’t let the movers pack those! It’s a good idea to have a “PCS Binder” full of all the important paperwork you might need in one organized place, that way you won’t be wracking your brain looking for Sally’s shot record when you register her for school in your new town.
If you’re moving abroad (OCONUS locations), the second you can start making plans (scheduling movers, out-processing, being medically cleared, no-fee passports, etc.), DO IT! Don’t wait until the last minute to do any important things that will help you get abroad. You know the military works on their own schedules, so being ahead of the game on your end can save you a headache later. Also, it’s wise to stay ON TOP of whomever you need to to get stuff done. Don’t be afraid to pester the housing office, TMO, your sponsor, EVERYONE… if you need something done ASAP. Sometimes things fall through the cracks during peak PCS season. Don’t let that something be you!
Any move is stressful, but moving with the military can be a different beast of its own. But don’t let that get you down. PCS season can be exciting, too! Moving to a new city, starting over, experiencing new places and making new friends…think of the possibilities! Take a deep breath, make lists, and go forth with no worries. It will all get done! And if you’ve got any PCS questions (abroad or otherwise), don’t hesitate to email me! Always happy to help a fellow milfamily! Tschüss! xo-Casey
