On-Hand Items for Your PCS Move

The time has come and it's finally PCS season! You've likely been prepping for your big move for a while now, but it's crucial you don't forget about those important items that you'll want to keep with you. We call these "on-hand items" because you'll be using these items while in transit to your next duty station, and you don't want them packed by the movers.

Here are the top 5 on-hand items we recommend carrying:

1. Clothes and Toiletries: Pack all the clothes and personal toiletry items you will need for a few days on the road. If you're flying, you'll want to pack a change of clothes in case you have a spill or get a stain. Additional items you should include are toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and medications. If you have young children, consider packing extra sets of clothes, diapers, and wipes! Having an extra uniform is important for the service member in the event it takes a while for your household goods to arrive! 

2. Important Documents and Valuable Items: Anything that cannot be replaced, such as family heirlooms, are important to carry with you. In addition to your non-replaceable items, you should consider carrying a PCS binder or folder with all your family documents, passports, copies of orders, birth certificates, etc. 

3. Electronics and Toys: For your children, we recommend packing each of them their own box of toys or small electronics that will help keep them occupied in the car, hotel or the plane. An easy way to include your children in this activity is to allow them to pack their own box (or backpack for convenience), so they can choose exactly what they want to take. If you're taking electronics such as an iPad or tablet, we recommend packing a portable charger for longer trips where you may not have a chance to charge your devices!

4. "First Night" Box: The first night box is one of the most handy things you will carry with you. This box should include items such as a towel for each family member, disposable dishes, toilet paper and napkins, trash bags, and laundry soap, to name a few! In this box, you'll want to put items that you can use while you wait for your household goods to arrive. 

5. Miscellaneous: This will vary by family depending on your specific needs. However, most of your miscellaneous items will tie into your "first night" box. Things that may come in handy would be items like Ziplock bags, aluminum foil, an instant pot (or slow cooker) for an easy way to cook a meal, utensils, etc. You may be wondering why you would want to have some of these items on hand, and it's all in the event you don't have your household goods right away. For example, if you're stuck in a hotel for a few days, the aluminum foil would perfectly wrap up last night's pizza before you stick it in the mini fridge in your room! 

You don't have to pack a ton for your transition to your next duty station, but you should always pack the necessities and any items that would make your move just a bit easier! Remember, all of these items may not be useful to you, and you should think about what exactly you and your family needs and choose your on-hand items based on that! You're one step closer to being done with your PCS move!