It’s PCS (Permanent Change of Station) season, and to kick it off, I’ll share the story of my very first military move. My husband and I were newly married, and this would be not only my first duty station, but his as well, since he was fresh out of basic training. When I got his call telling me he had orders, I was excited and scared all at the same time!

I had lived in the same little desert town my entire life, and hearing that we’d be moving across the country was a lot to take in. I was anxious to start our life together, but I was also extremely stressed with the uncertainty of it all.

Where would we live? How long will the cross-country drive take? What is life in an entirely different state going to be like?

Military transitions are hard, whether it’s your first or your tenth. In this blog post, I will share personal insights and discuss support for military families who may be struggling with the upcoming PCS season, including the transitions that come with it. Stay tuned to learn about the ways the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) provides vital support to families during PCS moves.

The Reality of Moving During Summer

The PCS season starts in June and lasts until August, right at the beginning and end of summer. Since school is usually out by this time, it makes it easier for military families with children to transition without the pressure of missing school on their shoulders. However, moving is stressful at any time of year and can feel extremely overwhelming.

Not only does it take a physical toll, but it also takes a mental toll. The entire family, especially children, is faced with saying goodbye to close friends they made at their current duty station. Stress levels quickly rise due to packing, tight deadlines, and the daunting task of relocating to a new place, perhaps even overseas. In most places, the weather is warmer, making physical labor, such as moving belongings, more difficult. Overall, going through a military transition is extremely overwhelming for the whole family.

During my first military move, I wasn’t sure what to expect. My husband and I were relatively new to military life, but we were determined to make it go as smoothly as possible. I had to downsize significantly to fit my belongings in my car, as we couldn’t afford a moving truck. Saying goodbye to my childhood home and my family was difficult, but the idea of starting anew with my husband helped calm my sadness. Having familial and military support was crucial in helping us navigate the PCS move together.

Moving Tips & Tricks

Packing, loading, traveling, and unloading can be a lot to handle. In most civilian families, people tend to stay in one place for a long time. Moving is a learned skill, and it can be easy to feel like you don’t know where to start, especially if you’ve never dealt with such a heavy task. Below are my favorite tips and tricks to ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.

Pack Early

Do not put off packing for your military move! Although packing all your belongings may trigger your fight-or-flight response, following a moving guide can help alleviate some of the pressure. Make it fun! Get the kids involved by providing age-appropriate tasks and activities. Not only will this help them feel included, but it will also teach them valuable life skills for when they’re adults. Keep a necessity box close to you during your military move so you’ll have what you need for your first few days in your new home.

Help Is On the Way!

Don’t turn down help this PCS season. Whether it’s military support or neighbors lending a hand, don’t be afraid to accept or even ask for help from your support system and available resources. Moving is a big deal, and you shouldn’t feel like you have to take it all on by yourself. You are not alone.

Lesson Learned

A lesson I learned from my first military transition was to take in the beauty along the way to your final destination. I was so stressed with the idea of getting to our first duty station that I forgot to stop and smell the flowers. I drove through states I had never been to before, and I wish I had taken the time to slow down and take in the opportunity to see something new. Enjoy the ride, traveler.

ASYMCA and Their Ongoing PCS Support

The ASYMCA provides military support for families transitioning to new duty stations this PCS season. Moving can be costly, even with allocated funds provided for the transfer. Food assistance (pantries, community meals) is available at many ASYMCA locations to provide your family with nutrition support during a stressful time. Check with your local ASYMCA to see what they provide.

For children of military families who might find it difficult to constantly be moving duty stations, consider ASYMCA’s Operation Camp. This summer day camp helps connect military children, build their confidence, and encourage healthy coping skills. Find out if your local branch offers Operation Camp!

Military transitions are overwhelming, but relying on the community and programs like ASYMCA will help take the mental load off your shoulders this PCS season. It takes a village to navigate the difficult yet inevitable challenges that come with military life. Take advantage of the support offered and know that you’re not alone.

You’re Never Alone

Although picking up your whole life and moving is difficult to cope with and manage, know that you’ll get through it. With support from the local military community, family, friends, and other resources, it is possible to overcome challenges. Never be afraid to ask for help, and never feel as if you’re responsible for handling it alone.

Moving to a brand new state was hard for my husband and me. Getting started somewhere unfamiliar was scary and anxiety-inducing. But we made it through. We found comfort in sharing a new experience with each other. Life quickly returned to normal with the help of our family and community.

It takes immense strength and courage to continue picking up and moving on a whim. It’s difficult to feel like life is stable when you know you may be uprooted at any moment. Just remember your quiet strength and employ the support that surrounds you. Although I may sound like a broken record, it bears repeating:

You are not alone.

During this PCS season, remember that the ASYMCA is here to assist any military family in need. From physical to emotional support, the ASYMCA has your back during your military transitions.

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