Tips for Military Spouses During a PCS

Here are 20 tips that will ease the moving process.

1) Start scoping out your next town

Maps can really help you get a mental picture of your new city. You can find everything from major roadways to coffee shops to parks. If you decide to take an early trip to house hunt, it will really help you to connect names of places, street signs, and local landmarks. Ask your incoming real estate agent for their recommendations of places, or even just do an internet search.

2) Break out those leases and get to reading

Knowing what you need to do before moving out of one place and into another will help save on time and money. You don’t want to be surprised with a problem involving deposits, move out procedures, or any other overlooked detail that could hinder your move.

3) Start arranging your travel plans

This is especially important if the PCS is scheduled for the summer when it is a popular time for relocating, or around major holidays like Christmas when your budget is already tight. Plane tickets and hotel rooms will be hard to come by the closer it is to your departure.

4) Double check school zones

If you are looking to move to a certain area because of the school system, double check that the home you are moving in to is actually in that school zone. Look on the school system’s website, or call and get a verbal confirmation from the school or your local real estate professional.

5) Talk with your current school’s administration about paperwork

Find out what you need to do before transferring to a new school. You may need to fill out release forms for test and grade scores. You’ll also want to leave a forwarding address.

6) Plan entertainment options for you and the kids while in the car or at hotels

Find your chargers, download new games on your iPads, and make sure to pack snacks.

7) Change your Amazon address

You don’t want to order a bunch of cool new stuff and have it accidentally shipped to your old address. Although the new owners of your old house might be thrilled!

8) Cancel or change your address for subscription services

If you get food delivery, once-a-month gift boxes, pet supplies, or any other goodie box automatically shipped to you, you don’t want to miss out on the latest shipment, so be sure to cancel or change your address on these.

9) Return those library books

Don’t take library books with you across the country! You may face fines or postage fees when you have to ship back the books. While you’re returning things, give back anything you may have borrowed from friends and family. I’m sure they’ll be happy to have their things back. 

10) Check out moving tips and tricks on social media from other military spouses

If you haven’t moved in a while, it will be helpful to get the inside scoop on the newest techniques for staying sane during the moving process.

11) Check the expiration date on all of your IDs

It would be a real pain to show up to a new base and have the gate guard tell you that your ID has expired. It may help to write a check list of any identification that will expire around the time of your departure to include military IDs, driver’s licenses, and passports. It’s much easier to navigate the facilities you already know than to anxiously learn where the best DMV is in your new town.

12) Check on your car’s maintenance and documentation

Make sure your oil is changed, your brakes are working, and your tires are safe for traveling. Also make sure to update your registration so you don’t get any tickets for an expired tag.

13) Schedule your pet’s travel and care plans

Peak moving months often coincide with vacation times, which means limited availability for boarding and transport. Take your pet to the vet to make sure they are up-to-date on shots, and to collect any necessary paperwork.

14) Pick up any prescription medications you or your pet will need

Inspect refills and prepare to leave with as much medicine as you are allowed. This will relieve anxiety and give you time to find a new doctor and pharmacy. Also remember to transfer updated DEERs information.

15) Ask your current doctors if they have a recommendation or colleague in your next town

You never know where they’ll have a professional connection. The same goes for your current real estate agent. They might be able to refer you to one at your next duty station.

16) Hire a cleaning crew

Do you have good intentions to clean your house or rental yourself? We all know things can get crazy and rushed when preparing for a PCS. Do yourself a favor and hire a cleaning crew to come in for a final clean. If you live in a dense military town, the good companies will get booked up early, so plan ahead.

17) Give parting gifts

You’ve likely had some special people affect your life where you're stationed. It’s a nice gesture to leave them with a parting gift to show how much they mean to you. Not only friends and neighbors, but those you couldn’t possibly live without, like babysitters, teachers, hair stylists, and pet sitters.

18) Use your local gift cards

Cards sitting unused in your wallet thousands of miles away doesn’t help anyone. If you aren’t able to use them yourself, that’s a perfect parting gift for someone else.

19) Feed your moving crew

They’ll appreciate it! Maybe put an order in for sandwich trays a few days early, and hand out water and snacks.

20) Plan one last gathering

It doesn’t have to be anything formal, but you’ll regret not getting to see friends and family one last time. Also use this as an opportunity to clean out your fridge and use up or give away any food left over that you don’t want to transport. If you have any leftover alcohol, that is a sure way to get everyone to show up!

PCSing to Hurlburt Field, Eglin AFB, or Duke Field? Find a home here!

Did you receive military orders but aren't able to travel to the new location to house hunt? Check out these 7 tips for purchasing a house long distance.