PCS Costs and How to Handle Them

PCSing is a reality for military families and can often be an adventure. After all, you joined to see the world, right? However, being unprepared for a PCS can sometimes be costly and stressful. It can actually cause you to dread a relocation every few years. It's no secret that moving is expensive, military or not. Although the military covers the majority of moving costs, there are always out of pocket expenses that can't be avoided. So, just how do you manage the cost of a PCS? We've created a list of some of the most popular ways below. 

First—and it cannot be stressed enough—plan ahead. Your next PCS starts well before the orders come in. The number one tip to avoid monetary headaches is to prep for them. An easy way you can do this is by creating a budget. You can effectively save for your next move. Set a savings goal and add it into your budget. Every amount you can save will help build the PCS savings. 

Staying organized follows closely at number two. As you near. your PCS, make sure to register with the Transportation Office as soon as possible in order to make your move more effective. Research and decide with option is best for you: DITY or Partial DITY. Whether you decide to do it yourself or have the military move you, it is important to keep your paperwork and dates handy and organized. 

Third tip: purge! In addition to deciding between DITY and Partial DITY, it's crucial to purge your belongings. Get rid of items you don't wear or need. Not only does this help ensure you'll stay within the weight allotment, but it means less work when you go to unpack in your new home. Items that you decide to get rid of can be an extra form of income; consider selling on Facebook or even have a yard sale. The money earned from this can be put back into your PCS savings. 

Contact your utility companies and arrange for services to be cut off and paid before you move. This proactive step ensures that there's no lingering debt at your previous home. Cut those unnecessary expenses now instead of right before you move. For example, you will probably be so busy preparing for your PCS that you don't watch TV as much, so turn off your cable now. Put the money that you would have  spent on your cable bill into your PCS savings account. 

Lastly, take advantage of moving offers. Often when you submit a change of address form, you will receive coupons for businesses that are involved with moving. Use those companies! 

No matter how you decide to handle this PCS, you can find numerous resources online to help you handle and manage the costs associated with a PCS move. We know PCS season can be stressful, but we hope that by. following these few tips, your stress goes down and savings go up!