17 PCS Tips From 17 Years of Moving

Before washing a flight suit, it’s important to check all the pockets for pens, papers, covers, CACs and ear plugs. Your service member’s Social Security number is your lifeline — memorize it. Always tip the commissary baggers.

There are certain things military life teaches you. Those are just a few of the things I’ve learned, but they’re not necessarily things I can take with me after my husband retires. So, since I can’t take them with me, I might as well leave them here for you, along with these 17 PCS tips I picked up during our 17 years of moving.

1. Purge before you pack. There is nothing quite like the anticipation of slicing open a cardboard box in your new home only to find something you wish you tossed before the move. That sensation will squash even the most intense unpacking momentum. So, before the movers come, clean out the kids’ rooms, inventory the closet and garage, and part with the things you no longer want or need. Pro tip from me to you: You won’t reuse those curtains. I can almost guarantee it.
2. Keep it until the very end. Unlike small items that can easily tag along to your new duty station, larger items don’t always make the cut. It can still be helpful (and much more comfortable) to keep a few kitchen essentials or pieces of furniture until after pack out. This is especially useful if you’ll be spending a few nights in an otherwise empty house. Then, when you’re ready to leave, simply throw the items away (which may require a call for a bulk pickup) or drop them off at a donation center. Because who wants to eat dinner on the floor when you could sit in a chair?
3. Decide as soon as orders are in hand (not a moment sooner). Don’t get excited and start booking hotels on verbal orders. Once orders are in hand, make your (refundable or cancelable) travel arrangements, and get to work on finding housing at your destination — whether that is getting on a base waiting list, signing a lease or looking for a place to buy or build. That whole “moving season” is real. Hotels fill up quickly when orders start to drop, and housing can get competitive.
4. Make a move binder. Store key documents here, like birth and marriage certificates, orders, passports, transcripts, medical records, move paperwork, leases, etc., and keep it with you throughout the move.
5. Prep like the movers will pack everything…because they will. If I teach you nothing else, don’t forget to empty (and clean out) your trash cans before the movers arrive. They can and will pack a full trash can. Take mirrors and photos off the wall and group like items together to prevent creativity in filling boxes. One of the few things movers won’t pack are liquids. Be sure to empty coffee makers, irons and any pet dishes that need to be packed.
6. Raid your refrigerator (and pantry). If your refrigerator will be joining you in your new home, make sure it is clean, empty and unplugged. Even if it’s staying put, be sure to pull out any dishes that need to be packed. Non-perishable foods can typically be packed, but there may be exceptions for OCONUS moves or PCSs that include a long layover in storage. Keep in mind, though, nothing is airtight or climate controlled, so spices will get cakey, and pests can be an issue. My advice: Try to use up the ingredients you have in the weeks leading up to your move to minimize food waste. Don’t worry, this doesn’t have to be as mundane as it sounds. When leaving California, we ended up with a ton of flour and sugar, so the kids and I made cinnamon rolls. Try different recipes, and if you have extras, share with neighbors or your spouse’s unit.
7. If it’s valuable, take the extra step. If you decide to pack your spices, go the extra mile and seal them in plastic bags or an airtight container. It’s not foolproof, but it’s another layer of protection. For all those priceless items in your house (monetarily valuable or not), you can pack those yourself with extra care, seal them up in boxes or bins, tape them closed, and label them “PBO: Packed by Owner.” This prevents the movers from opening the box to repack the contents. If you’re leaving things to the movers but don’t want to risk staining, snagging or having to rewash items, I recommend storing cutlery and utensils in plastic bags, sealing pillows, linens, and folded clothing in vacuum seal bags, and tying trash bags around hanging clothing.
8. Set aside what you need with you. Look, these professional movers move quickly. We’ve already established that they will pack anything. When you have a crew working in different parts of the house, it’s impossible to be around to identify what and what not to pack. If you’re able, identify a closet, bathroom or other small room to hold all the items you do not want packed (suitcases, toiletries, purses, wallets, car keys, medications, etc.). Keep the door closed with a “Do Not Pack” sign on the door. If that isn’t possible, keep those items with you or put them in your car. For things you don’t want to move (like the food in the pantry or the coffee maker that is probably plugged in and working overtime), label them with a sticky note saying, “Do Not Pack.”
9. Be kind to your movers. Whether you tip or not, whether you feed them breakfast and lunch or not, be helpful, approachable and courteous, and — at least — always have water on hand for them. They work hard, and they take care of your belongings.
10. Make time for the “lasts.” You’re exhausted, stressed, probably sleeping on the floor or in a hotel room with your family. But the seemingly small things, like goodbye events for your kids, and last visits to your favorite people and places are worth the time.
11. Say no when you want. As an exception to number ten, you are not obligated to make time during this major life transition for anyone you don’t want to — work, military or social connections. If it feels like it’s too much effort, take it off your plate. Sometimes a nice goodbye text suffices.
12. Enjoy the ride. If you’re driving to your destination and you have time to spare, sprinkle in some fun. Find a few spots to stay overnight, see some sights, visit places you’ve never been. Travel is a big perk in this lifestyle. Don’t let the stress keep you from making the most of it!
13. Get the cardboard out. Whether you have the movers unpack for you, or you’re a DIYer (like me), getting the cardboard out of the house as soon as possible is a real shot in the arm. The sooner it’s all out, the more the new place will start to feel like home.
14. Set your own pace. Whether you take a month to unpack while venturing out to explore when you can or run a 72-hour unpacking marathon (like me) before you can even think about leaving the house, that’s your call. Find what works for you and helps you feel settled.
15. Get your kids plugged in. Moving during the school year stinks, but so does moving during summer. It can be tough to make friends, so signing your kids up for camps, clubs or sports is a great way to help them make friends before the first day of school.
16. Remember the move is hard on everyone. Emotions are running high. This is the time to be extra patient and help each other (including furry family members) form new routines. You’re in it together, even if you’re all facing different challenges. Be a source of support for your family and make sure they know you could use some too.
17. Break from the norm. While you’re being patient with everyone, even yourself, moving is tough and uncomfortable. If you need to order takeout for two weeks before you can even think about meal planning and cooking, do that. If you fall off your exercise routine because you need to find a new gym or running route, that’s OK. Bedtimes will slide. You’ll probably be a little scatterbrained for a bit. Spending will be a little wonky with utility startups, deposits, takeout and that often large first grocery run. Planning for the added expense ahead of time helps offset this adjustment. Before you know it, your family will be running like a well-oiled machine again until it’s time to repeat the process!

Blog Brigade unites military spouses by creating a community built on shared experiences and mutual support. Navigating the complexities of military life can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Military OneSource offers valuable resources focused on well-being, readiness, and connection. Explore a range of moving resources and tools tailored to your needs.