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It's no secret that moving can be stressful - especially PCS moves. You may not know where you're going yet or any other details about your family's latest move, which makes it even more of a pain to plan. But, there are some things you can do to minimize the stress of a PCS move. The most important thing is to be well prepared. If you're not sure where to start, don't worry! We're here to help.
LMH has assembled a military moving checklist with our PCS move tips. Take a look at this list to start ticking off the boxes so you can make a move as easy and stress-free as possible!
Helpful PCS Move Tips
Here are some of the best items to include on your military moving checklist so you can prepare your family for PCS move season:
Keep All Your Files Together
Nothing adds to moving stress more than the loss of essential files and documents. Eliminate the possibility of losing these by keeping them all in one place. Some experienced movers have a moving binder in which they keep important documents and resources like birth certificates, orders, family budgets, social security cards, to-do lists, etc. Go the extra mile by color-coding your binder by section so you can easily locate the items when you need them!
Keep Track of Your Inventory
Ensure the safety of the items in your home by taking inventory of your items. Don't worry - this doesn't mean you have to scour through your house with a clipboard and a pen, writing down everything you own. Instead, take time to open every cabinet in your home and snap a few photos so you can see the items inside. This way, you know exactly what should be there when you start unpacking. It's recommended you do this shortly before the packers arrive, so you don't photograph anything you will throw away before the move.
Take the Opportunity to Purge
The best way to look at a PCS move is like a fresh start. Take advantage of moving homes by getting rid of things you don't use or like anymore. Moving with less will make the whole process easier, and you may feel lighter with less clutter around. This is also a great way to earn a little extra cash before your military move. Try posting items for sale on OfferUp, LetGo, Craigslist, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace.
Pack a Moving Day Bag
One of the most important items to include in your PCS is a moving day bag. Sometimes it's hard to control when the moving truck picks up and drops off boxes. As a result, it's important to keep the items you'll need immediately at the new house in a separate box or bag you keep with you. Items to put in your moving day bag include a change of clothes, toiletries, phone chargers, valuables, and paperwork/documents. It may be a good idea to pack a moving bag for each of the family members and task them with keeping track of it during the move.
Set Aside Time to Clean
This one goes for both the old house and the new house. You will probably be required to clean your house before the next person moves in. Deep thorough cleaning requires time and lots of effort. Set aside one day to clean the entire house.
Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family members. You can assign each willing helper a room and get it done even faster with teamwork! As for the new location for military housing, never assume it will be clean and move-in-ready on arrival, especially if you have high standards. Set aside a few hours to clean the floors and wipe down and sanitize the bathrooms and kitchen so you can ensure it's ready for your family.
Protect Yourself from Damage Liability with Photos
It's always a good idea to go the extra mile to protect yourself. Have a family member go through the new house (while it's empty) and take pictures of the walls, floors, countertops, and any other surface in the home. Note any damages or scratches and communicate those to your housing office sooner rather than later. That way, if problems come up down the road or they try to blame you for those damages when you move out, you have proof that you weren't the cause.
Your PCS Move Checklist
No matter where your PCS move takes you, it's important to have a positive attitude and an open mind. Being fully prepared can help make the transition smoother for the whole family, so you spend less time figuring out the logistics and more time making your new military house a home.
The first step in preparing for your military move is putting together a PCS move checklist with the things you need to do. Below is a list to get you started, complete with the points discussed here.
Military Moving Checklist
- Keep all your files together
- Keep track of your inventory
- Purge your belongings before the move
- Pack a moving day bag
- Thoroughly clean the old house and the new house
- Take photos to protect yourself from damage liability
