5 Hacks for Military Spouses to ROCK a PCS Move

We all know there is a lot that goes into a PCS, or permanent change of station. To help military spouses tackle their next PCS move, we compiled a list of 5 hacks that you can do to rock the move. Whether you're doing a DITY or a Partial DITY, these tips can alleviate some of the stress and overthinking that typically arise with a big move. ????????

1. 1. Research your new duty station ASAP. 

There aren't many things that spouses can control during a PCS, but one thing they can control is how knowledgeable they are about their new home and community even before the big move. As soon as a military family receives those hard orders, start researching all the ins and outs of the duty station, the area, and the community. Pay close attention to the things that can impact your quality of life such as commute times, schools, neighborhoods, amenities, and proximities to grocery stores. 

2. Don't wait--Start the home buying and selling process as soon as you can. 

On top of the packing and purging, you now have to think about the process of selling your home and buying a new one, possibly sight unseen. Selling your home and buying a new one can take weeks, even longer. So, by starting early, you can be ahead of the game and potentially have it scheduled to have a home ready for you when you arrive at the next duty station. We highly recommend finding a realtor who has knowledge and experience with military families and/or VA loans. Our team is always readily available and ready to help you find your next home. Check out our site at www.thepcsproteam.com or call us today. 

3. Embrace your new duty station.

It's inevitable that military families can sometimes end up at a less-than-desirable duty station. At some point during the service member's career, he/she is likely to get a duty station that they don't want. As a spouse, you can find happiness by finding at least one positive about thew duty station. It could be the fact that they have your favorite restaurant, a good shopping mall, beautiful scenery, low cost of living, or good school districts. Even if it is just one small positive, you can change the way you and your family view the new duty station. 

4. Let go of those unnecessary belongings. 

When it is time to start packing, it's important to have "tough love" towards your household goods. If the item is broken, hasn't been worn or used in over a year, consider throwing it out or donating it. This doesn't mean get rid of all of your shoes, but if you are going to a base that snows 8 months out of the year, do you need all 10 pairs of flip flops in your closet? It can be hard, but it can be beneficial to you!

5. Control what you can, let go of what you can't.

Many spouses know that you can't control serval aspects of a PCS move. However, the key to a successful and somewhat stress-free move is learning to accept and let go of the things you can't control. You can't control where you are going to move to (most of the time). You can't control when the movers show up on time or not. You can't control how they treat your items once they arrive. B U T you can control how much you know about your next duty station, where you're going to live, what school your kids go to.

PCSing is tough, but you are tougher! Use these 5 hacks and {rock} that next PCS.