Want to know the secret to making your military permanent change of station (PCS) as stress-free as possible? It all comes down to staying organized to keep each part of your PCS moving forward. Though you may not always be able to anticipate delays and changes from the military, keeping your household goods organized and ready to go helps your move stay on track.
Preparing for a PCS in the military is best done with the same precision and organization you bring to a military mission.
Start With a Household Inventory
As you prepare for your PCS, start by taking an inventory of everything in your home. This crucial step of organization ensures that things are listed accurately, which is necessary in the event of damage or loss. If you have to submit a military PCS claim or go through insurance, the last thing you want is to try to remember what each box contained. Knowing that you have all this information at hand provides a valuable piece of mind, especially during a stressful PCS move.
An inventory can be as simple as a list on a piece of paper or as complex as a color-coded spreadsheet with multiple tabs. Consider using an app like Sortly to save photos. File organization platforms like Google Drive let you create folders to store photos, videos, and documentation of receipts or serial numbers for high-value items and electronics.
Why should you take an inventory of your possessions when the moving company does so already on moving day? The reality is that a lot happens on your pack-out day. It’s easy to forget or overlook details. Creating your own inventory ahead of time provides a backup and keeps your moving day stress-free.
Smart Packing Strategies for a Military Move
If you pack your own belongings in a personally procured move, also known as a DITY move, keep the boxes organized and clearly labeled to make unpacking much easier. Have a few permanent markers on hand to label each box with the intended room and contents. If needed, use arrows to show which end should remain upright and label things as “fragile” that should be handled with care. You can also use colorful duct tape or packing tape and designate a different color for each room or floor of your new home.
If you are executing an HHG move, where you have professional movers handling the packing, it’s still essential to keep a close eye on what gets packed and labeled in each box. You are the expert when it comes to your belongings and where you want them to go in your new home. Keep in mind that the movers unpacking your things on the other end may not be the same people or even the same company packing them up on move-out day. If your boxes aren’t labeled clearly, it can make for a confusing and disorganized process when unpacking.
Pack a Moving Essentials Box
Speaking from personal experience, the last thing you want to do once you arrive in your new home is try to track down wrenches, screwdrivers, and essential hardware to put your furniture back together. If you take anything apart, make sure to put all hardware in a clearly labeled, designated box. Most professional movers already do this, but it’s still essential to double-check and be aware of how it is labeled.
Other moving essentials that make life easier those first nights after moving include bed linens, towels, and a few kitchen basics. You may also give each family member a small box to keep essentials in and hand-carry these to your home in your own vehicle if possible.
Items such as documents and medication should always be hand-carried to prevent loss or damage. If you worry about carting around a lot of big totes, which can be cumbersome if you fly or move abroad, consider scanning documents for electronic records ahead of your move.
Unpacking With a Plan
Staying organized while unpacking is also essential, as a chaotic move can occur even after you arrive at your destination. Start with the larger items and get them in the right room to clear space for other unpacking tasks. Tables and beds are a good place to start because you’ll likely need to use them the first day or two.
It can help to go room by room to avoid feeling overwhelmed. This strategy makes it easier to see the progress as you go. Many military families begin by creating a comfort zone, such as a bedroom or a cozy part of the living room, so they can always retreat to an area that feels settled, even after a long day of unpacking.
Depending on your kids’ age, they can also be involved in the unpacking process. Ask them to find designated places for their toys, clothes, and frequently used kitchen items. This will help them to get acclimated to their new home and feel included in the process.
Organize Storage Areas Early
As you unpack, staying organized is also key. You may be tempted to just put things out of sight to clear your home of clutter, but that only puts the work off until later. Try not to stack boxes in the attic or garage; instead, unpack them and put things away as you go through them.
If you need to leave some items in boxes, place an inventory list on top to keep track of what remains inside. Make a plan to unpack and designate a place for each item.
You’ll inevitably move things and not end up needing them. So rather than moving them repeatedly or paying to store them during each move, it may be better to donate or sell them instead. If you find that certain boxes remain packed year after year, look inside to see if you really need those items.
Keep Momentum and Reduce Stress
It’s okay to experience some fatigue as you progress through the PCS process. Some days, even the thought of unpacking another box feels overwhelming. Take breaks when needed to prevent burnout. You don’t need to unpack everything in one day; you can space things out over a few weeks to keep up your momentum.
Don’t rush the unpacking process just to get it done. Take time to actually go through things and organize them. This will save you a lot of hassle later trying to reorganize or get things together.
FAQs
Why Should I Take an Inventory of My Possessions Before Moving?
Maintaining an accurate inventory of your household items helps if you need to file a claim for loss or damage later. It also provides a good list of what you have, so you don’t end up buying things that you already have.
What Should Go in a Moving Essentials Box?
Pack everything you need for the first few days in one box and label it ‘Moving Essentials’. You can also include the necessary hardware to reassemble furniture or hang items on the walls. If you have young children, be prepared to babyproof your new home with outlet covers and gates, as needed.
How Do I Label Boxes for an Organized PCS Move?
The best labeling system is one that works for you, but most military families label boxes with the intended room or floor of the home. You can also add a list of items, although be prepared to answer questions about where you want each box if you’re getting help unpacking.
The Bottom Line
Staying organized during your PCS is the secret to reducing stress during your move. From taking a detailed inventory to labeling boxes clearly and unpacking strategically, being organized at each step helps keep your PCS moving along with minimal stress. Even as new and unexpected things come up, you’ll be ready to make the most of your PCS time.