PCS: A PPM/DITY Timeline Breakdown

If you just got orders and you're ready to start prepping for your PCS, this blog is for you! It's a smart idea to start preparing for your PCS months before you actually move! You can get a lot accomplished, and it won't be as stressful if you do over the course of a few months; after all, you'll have enough to worry about as you approach your moving date! We've created a timeline breakdown you can use to stay on track as you prepare in advance for your PPM/DITY PCS! 

1. 3-6 Months Out: 
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1. 1. Start estimating the amount of boxes, packing paper/supplies and tape you will need. You can start collecting these items as you see them and begin building your stockpile for when it's time to pack your belongings! Local Facebook spouse pages and Facebook Marketplace are great resources to cut costs, as you can usually find moving supplies for little to no cost from other military families who just moved to the area!

2. Start thinking about how you plan to move your belongings. If you plan to rent moving vehicles from somewhere, you'll want to get in contact and start getting an idea of cost/availability. You should also check your insurance policies to make sure you're covered for this type of move. 

2 Months Out:

1. Book your transportation soon! By now you should have an idea of who you're wanting to use, and how much it's going to cost. You should call and ask for any specials or see if they offer a military discount. Often times you can rent extra items such as moving blankets, dollies, and extra supplies if needed. 

2. Attend your levy/out-processing briefs, as they should be happening around this time. 

3. You can begin purging and packing non-essential household goods at this time! Things like holiday decor and seasonal clothing options are an easy thing to pack because they aren't being used at the time anyway! Place these in a "ready" area of your home after they have been purged, prepped and packed for the move! 

1 Month Out:

1. Continue packing those household items you don't need or aren't currently using! 

2. Clean out and organize your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer for things you wont be eating or don't need for the next month. 

3. Start doing research on your next duty station and the surrounding areas to get excited!

2 Weeks Out:

1. Pack up everything in your home that isn't a must-have and place them in the "ready" area of your home (remember, this is where you're keeping items you've been packing that are ready to be moved). Leave out anything that you will be using in the next 2 weeks that will be used for travel. 

2. Start running out the gas in things like your lawn mower, weed eater, or propane tank. Do you need to drain oil from any of your equipment? Now is the time to start that process! 

3. Hire local crews or have friends and family help you load the moving truck. Grab some refreshments and snacks to offer as they help you load! This will make the job go much faster. 

1 Week Out:

1. Make sure everything is packed and ready to be loaded on the moving truck. The only things still out should be items that you're traveling with, some cleaning supplies, and daily items. You can use paper plates and plastic utensils at this point to avoid having to pack dinner ware at the last minute. 

The Day Before:

1. 1. Move all the boxes to your "ready" area, or into the garage if you have one to make for easy loading. 

2. Review your game plan for the next day and have a clear layout of who is coming to help, and what time everyone will be there. 

3. Make plans for snacks and refreshments and purchase them so you don't have to make an extra trip to town on loading day.

The Day Of:

1. Pick up your moving truck! Weigh the truck empty and keep the weight ticket. Place it in your PCS Binder so you know where it is at all times. 

2. Back the truck up to your garage or front door to make for easy loading. 

3. Go over your game plan with the loading crew or your friends/family so everyone is on the same page. Now, begin loading!

4. Once the truck is loaded, have one family member go and weigh the truck full. Keep this ticket and place it with your other weight ticket. 

5. While the truck is being weighed full, have another family member or friend double check for trash and any missed items in the home. This is also a good time to touch up paint on the walls if it was scuffed during the packing and loading process. 

And just like that you're off to your next duty station! Doing a PPM/DITY can be stressful, but this timeline should help keep you on track for a smooth move! Don't be afraid to ask for help, and give yourself plenty of time to get everything done. It's never too early to start preparing for your PCS, and there's always something can that be done!

Now it's time to unpack, return the moving truck, enjoy your reimbursement, and explore your new duty station!