I vividly remember receiving my husband’s email about our first permanent change of station (PCS) orders. As someone who loves researching, I immediately dove into gathering information about our new location, scouring Google, YouTube, and Facebook for insights. During this time, my husband was completing his advanced individual training, but he helped guide our preparations from afar. Our first step was applying for on-post housing, which involved submitting an application and supporting documents like PCS orders and proof of income. Despite being placed on a waiting list, we knew securing housing early was crucial, especially as newcomers to adulting and military life.

The Relocation Experience

After my husband completed his advanced individual training, he moved to his new duty station at Joint Base Lewis McChord. The waiting period for his return was fraught with anticipation and a bit of uncertainty. When he finally came back to Connecticut to pick us up, the reality of our situation hit hard. I had to part with much of my cherished wardrobe and keepsakes—items I had held onto since my adolescence. The challenge of fitting our lives into one small car, while ensuring everything was safe for our baby, taught me the tough lesson of prioritizing and letting go. We even faced obstacles like our landlord refusing to break our lease, adding to the stress. This experience taught me to expect some chaos and to be better prepared for our next PCS move.

Communication Is Key

Open and honest communication with your service member is crucial when preparing for a PCS. We discussed everything from logistics to financial planning and housing options. Plan ahead, fill out a leave form for a 10-day Permissive Temporary Duty (PTDY), and request your leave. Planning well in advance helped us avoid last-minute panic and ensured that we were fully prepared for the financial and housing aspects of our move. It also allowed us the time we needed to settle in comfortably.

Decide What’s Best for Your Family

Always choose the best option for yourself, not what other people say or do. It’s important to consider their advice and experiences, but ultimately, make your decision based on thorough research and what’s best for you and your family. This is particularly important for your first PCS move. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in your decisions. Research can be your best friend in this process, guiding you to the best choices for your unique situation.

Make a Plan

Start by making a comprehensive list of tasks you must do. This will serve as your guide, keeping you in control of your responsibilities. Write down everything so you don’t forget, or download an organizer app and try to keep your documents and vital records together in one place. To stay organized, I kept all our essential paperwork in one folder, making sure to include the following important documents that are crucial for a PCS:

• PCS orders and any amendments
• Official passports and visas (if applicable)
• Birth certificates for all family members
• Social Security cards
• Marriage license
• Vehicle registration and insurance documents
• Medical records for all family members
• School records for children
• Employment records and resumes
• Housing and rental agreements
• Pet vaccination records (if applicable)
• Power of attorney or any legal documents

For guidance on essential items to keep on your person during a move, check out our article on the essential items to hand-carry during your PCS move. Ensuring your most critical items are within reach during the transition can provide peace of mind.

Preparing for Your New Home

When planning for a military move, consider all housing options available, on and off base. If you opt for on-base housing, it’s wise to contact the housing office and get on their waitlist well in advance.

Also, decide whether to pack yourself, contact the local Household Goods/Transportation office, or schedule your move with DPS (Defense Personal Property Systems). Professional movers can make the process less stressful. Make sure to schedule movers and car shipping in a way that aligns with your arrival times, ensuring you are ready to receive your belongings.

PCSing with Little Ones

Moving with young children introduces unique challenges. It feels like you and your children are starting life all over again, with a new home, new community, and new schools to navigate. This can be a significant transition for little ones as they leave behind familiar surroundings and friends.

If your family needs affordable childcare and preschool, the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) is readily available to support your child’s developmental needs and enhance parent-child bonding through their interactive education program, Operation Little Learners. Additionally, ASYMCA’s Operation Hero is a free afterschool program for military children in grades second through fifth. It offers homework assistance, outdoor activities, and classroom instruction designed to nurture and build self-esteem, responsibility, problem-solving, teamwork, and many other invaluable skills.

ASYMCA Is Here for Military Families

Moving can be a strenuous and overwhelming experience, but you don’t have to tackle it all alone. The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) offers various helpful services to support military families in managing the challenges of PCS moves. From food, travel, and emergency assistance to childcare services, ASYMCA is committed to aiding military families every step of the way.

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