6 Ways to Stay Organized During Your PCS Move

PCSing is an exciting, busy time for military families. No one truly understands what you're going through unless they have experienced it themselves. It is hard to explain the feeling of packing up your life and moving every few years, but it's an incredible opportunity to explore the world! And let's face it, after you have done a few PCS moves, you'll be a pro! Part of a successful PCS is to minimize the stress by staying organized. Here are 6 ways you can do exactly that! 

1. Create a Checklist. Making a checklist will help you stay organized in many ways! Keep track of everything from your to-do list, to items you need to buy, to appointments, etc. Writing down what you have to do during this busy times help you stay on track. As you complete items, simply scratch them off the checklist!

2. Document Everything. Start from the very beginning, and continue to document everything until you get to your next home. Snap photos of every thing your own. Document items that are already damaged before your move. Keep a log of your mover's contact information. This is your own personal record for your belongings. 

3. Use Up What You Have. If you've ever moved, you know that most movers will not pack liquids. Use up all the liquids in your home before the movers come to avoid having to throw them out. If you don't have time to use all the liquids, consider donating or passing on to a friend. 

4. Purge Purge Purge. Before the movers come, you will want to purge your household goods. Consider donating clothes that you don't wear. Try selling items that won't be moving with you on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, etc. When purging, start room by room. Make three piles: keep, trash, donate. Add items to the specific pile, and you will find that purging is simple!

5. Don't Be Afraid To State What You Want. Stick up for yourself and state what you want. If the movers aren't packing how you would like, tell them. After all, these are YOUR belongings, and you don't want them to be broken during the big move. 

6. Make a PCS Binder. Now that you have all this paperwork, you'll want to keep it all organized. Create a PCS Binder and add everything from birth certificates, to social security cards, to copies of orders, and any additional important paperwork you may have. This keeps everything in one easy-to-locate place. 

What are some ways that you stay organized during a PCS move?