PCS tips

This is a list of PCS tips put together from different military spouses. We all have been through a PCS or are about to. Each time it is stressful and annoying, for me. Take these tips read them, save them, re post them, or add to them!! It doesnt matter how many times you have PCSed I guarantee you still can get advice.

Have zip lock bags for the screws and such when you take furniture apart. 

 Label the ziplock bags as to what piece of furniture it came with. Even tape them to the legs or drawers of the items.

 Take pics or video record your expensive items (TVs, Computers) ON so that you can prove they worked before the move. Having a newspaper to prove the date helps if you don't have a date stamp. Also, document serial numbers. 

 
If possible have them load what you will need first, last. So that it is the first box or boxes to come off the truck. One lady used different colored duck tape for each room. Made it easier for movers to know which room the box goes in. I signed my name over tape so we could tell if it had been opened or retaped. 

  Keep all your personal and PCS records in a large binder lock it in your car while the movers are there so it doesn't accidentally get packed

  They will pack EVERYTHING, even trash.

 Make sure they aren't putting wet stuff in with dry stuff.

 Check your microwave and dishwasher for food/left items. Organize junk drawers. They will literally take the whole drawer and dump it into a box. Super annoying to unpack a box with a whole bunch of little crap. 

 Take pillows, blow up beds, pots and pans so you don't have eat out every night while waiting on your stuff. Maybe even take a shower curtain with you or expect to buy this. Sometimes you get a house but they can't deliver your stuff that same day

 When leaving Hawaii we couldn't take our spices with us so be ready for that. Movers usually can't take opened cleaning supplies, liquor, Aerosol cans... 

  A month or two before you PCS start purging junk that has accumulated. It makes for less clutter when you move and when your belongings arrive. No need to have excess stuff that you don't use/want.

  pack the stuff your going to take with you and put in a seperate room or car so they dont take it. Make sure you block off this area and post a sign DO NOT PACK 

label cords (tv, cable, computer..) so that you know which cords goes to what. I learned my lesson from making a bag full of cords only to get where I was going and couldn't remember which cord goes to what

 
take pictures of bigger things too so when they are reassembled they are put back together right and so movers know how to put them together. We have a corner desk that we had to figure out how to put together because the German movers didn't know how to assemble so we had to do it...

  I wash all of my linens, curtains,towels etc. and place them together. I also do the same things with knick knacks, small appliances and pictures. I also take apart the lamps. I'm a big believer in pre staging so things stay together which makes unpacking easier.

 Make sure you have all the important things. Birth Certificates, SS cards, bank cards, checks, etc! We forgot to grab the check book and it has been in storage since January!! 

  prepare to be there all day while they pack. We planned on leaving that day but it took them from 9-6 to pack everything without stopping.

 We took all dvds...cds...laptops..personal papers and what not with us. Our moving company packed our already packed boxes in boxes we also had to take all candles..light bulbs and ANY liquids with us. Some foods they would not pack. They had high value item stickers they put on our high priced things.

 If you have kids, make sure to get recent copy of shot records. Make sure to have that along with their birth certificates with you when you travel so you can register them for school as soon as you get to where you're going.

 I would gather good friends to help you watch the movers. There were only 2 of us and 4 movers. Needless to say items came up missing.

  make sure they pack all the things you want them to take. cause I did a walkthrough with them and they still ended up leaving a whole bunch of stuff behind

  start saving a little. Moving is expensive and while the government reimburses you, you might be strapped for cash until that money hits.

Get animals shots and vet appointments taken care of a month or so before you leave..even if you are PCSing to the next state, its too stressful to remember to get their shots right after you move!

 
Orders: Everyone who needs to know about your move will want a copy of your orders.So Make about 10 copies

Feed the packers and movers!! Pizza is fine. They are there alll day and maybe even two days they get hungry!

Get an expandable pocket folder to keep your paperwork sorted and all in one place. Regardless, of whether you are moving yourself (military talk = DITY or PPM)or the military packs up your household goods and moves you, it is best to diligantly save all your receipts. 

Every service member is entitled to at least 90 days of long-term storage. Know the rules and requirements. For example, make sure the JPPSO (Personal Property Shipment Office) has a valid address where they can contact you. Failing to do so can cost you $$$.

 Think: Overseas move. Not all overseas locations have generous size housing. Research how big your future quarters might be and consider this when you arrange your shipping.

 Double check orders! Take a close look at your orders. If you have dependents does it say: “Dependents: yes”, or “authorized to move household goods “with dependents”? If not have the orders amended. Military makes mistakes..dont panic

Pre clean. We all need to clean..if your base housing inspection is fristrating. Pre cleaning can make for that final out cleaning less of a hassel.

 

Dont stress. Things are going to go wrong..they always do no matter how organized you are. Talk with your SO and family and make sure your always on the same page!

Again I know there are tons more So probably a part 2 will come one day. Please add in the comments so Ic an add your ideas to Part 2!