Learning that you/your spouse are on Assignment for a PCS can lead to a lot of different feelings. Fear, relief, excitement, sadness and nervousness are just a few of the many. Once all of that passes it is time to get organized to ensure that it is an easy, stress free process. A few weeks ago we learned that we were headed to Shafter in Honolulu, so here are a few steps we have taken to start our process that may help you in yours:
1. Start Your PCS Fund: This is a good time to stop spending and start saving for your move. Yes, the military does provide some funds for your move, but much of it will be in the form of reimbursement, so you will still need to have funds up front. In addition to this, you will no doubt run into situations where you will not be reimbursed, so it is nice to have a seperate stash so that you aren't dipping into any savings. A few ways to start the process are:
A. Cancel Away: Start canceling things you know you will no longer need. Land lines, magazine subscriptions, extra cable channels etc., get rid of things you can live without.
B. Sell: Every time we move we are surprised at how much we have accumulated over the last few years. Take the time to go through each room and pick out what you don't need or want to bring with you. Have a Moving/Garage Sale or list on Craigslist or Bookoo to sell what you can to make some extra money.
C. Curb Your Spending: Stepping away from high cost outings will also help. Think of your PCS as an extended vacation. When you get there you will want to see what's available to you, so why not save now to enjoy later. In addition, what you are wearing may be old to you now but moving somewhere new means it is brand new all over again!
2. Attend Your Briefings: The Army will require the Service Member (SM) to attend required briefings. Generally there will be a Levy Brief that will detail the need to do items for the PCS. If your PCS is an overseas assignment the SM will be required to attend an OCONUS Brief. This will detail the items by your location as requirements for each overseas assignment may change based on location. Spouses are actually encouraged to attend the OCONUS Brief, so if you are able, I definitely suggest attending.
3. Google: Research the area, housing, jobs, weather, BAH, etc. Make Google and blogs your friend but be careful not to rely too much on the opinions of others. Remember to go with an open mind.
Those are just a few things to think of when you start the process. Once Orders are in hand you can really start to plan based on dates. I will detail that process in the next series.
Have questions or suggestions? Please feel free to comment.
B. Sell: Every time we move we are surprised at how much we have accumulated over the last few years. Take the time to go through each room and pick out what you don't need or want to bring with you. Have a Moving/Garage Sale or list on Craigslist or Bookoo to sell what you can to make some extra money.
C. Curb Your Spending: Stepping away from high cost outings will also help. Think of your PCS as an extended vacation. When you get there you will want to see what's available to you, so why not save now to enjoy later. In addition, what you are wearing may be old to you now but moving somewhere new means it is brand new all over again!
2. Attend Your Briefings: The Army will require the Service Member (SM) to attend required briefings. Generally there will be a Levy Brief that will detail the need to do items for the PCS. If your PCS is an overseas assignment the SM will be required to attend an OCONUS Brief. This will detail the items by your location as requirements for each overseas assignment may change based on location. Spouses are actually encouraged to attend the OCONUS Brief, so if you are able, I definitely suggest attending.
3. Google: Research the area, housing, jobs, weather, BAH, etc. Make Google and blogs your friend but be careful not to rely too much on the opinions of others. Remember to go with an open mind.
Those are just a few things to think of when you start the process. Once Orders are in hand you can really start to plan based on dates. I will detail that process in the next series.
Have questions or suggestions? Please feel free to comment.
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