PCS Purge: Keep or No?

As many military families know, there's nothing like a PCS to make you realize how much stuff you actually own. Most of it is necessary and should accompany you to your next duty station, but there are many things that aren't essential and could be thrown out, donated or given away! Now, the thought of going through everything you own is a little daunting, but it doesn't have to be! By starting your PCS purge early, you'll give yourself plenty of time to thoroughly go through your household goods and decide if they're worth keeping or not. 

The more you purge, the lighter the weight of your household goods will be! This is important because each family will be given a weight allowance for your PCS. This will be determined by your rank and whether or not the service member is married. You want to stay within your given weight limit!

Now that you're thinking about everything you own, it's time to think about what items you might want to purge. We've compiled a list of the top 11 things most families purge before a PCS!

1. Outdoor toys for children: Is your trampoline collecting dirt and leaves instead of being jumped on? Does your kiddie pool have a crack in it? When was the last tome your child rode his or her bike? When going through outdoor toys, it's easy to get rid of broken, rusty or non-played with items. If they are dirty and can't be cleaned well enough for a move, consider giving them away or selling them to another family who could put it to use!

2. Plants/garden items: The only way you're taking your plants is if you move them in your own vehicle. Movers will not transport your living plants to the next duty station, so it is your choice whether or not you want to move them on your own, or consider selling or rehoming them locally where they can continue to thrive! 

3. Grill/smoker: What condition is your grill or smoker in? How big is it? Size and condition are important with items like these. If you invested quite a bit of money into your grill or smoker, obviously take it with you. However, if it is a cheaper, rusted, older model, it may be easier to get rid of it now and purchase a new affordable one at the next duty station. 

4. Damaged/DIY furniture: Remember that coffee table you bought 4 months ago to refinish and use in your home but you haven't touched yet? As much as you love it, it might be time to let it go! If you have furniture that is either damaged or needs to be fixed/finished and you haven't touched them while at your current duty station, chances are you won't fix it at the next duty station. Say good-bye!

5. Bulky baby items: Even if you aren't done having children yet, it's not a bad idea to let go of some of your bigger, bulkier baby items such as bouncers, jumpers, and walkers. These items are easily found wherever you move to next, and you could purchase for cheap. These items are hard to disassemble and will likely take up a lot of space in the moving truck. Consider selling locally or donating to a family in need!

6. Toys, games and books: This might be a hard one for children, but it's an important one! Your children can help you purge their unused toys, games and books. Consider tossing out anything that is broken or missing pieces. Give away or donate anything that doesn't get used often. 

7. Clothes and shoes: Leaving Alaska and PCSing to Hawaii? It might be a good time to purge your snow boots and snow jackets. You won't need those there! Depending on where you're currently stationed and where you're heading, you can purge unnecessary clothing items that won't get used. Obviously if you're in a warmer climate like Florida, and you're heading to Arizona, you'll want to keep those flip flops! Think about the practicality of the items at your next duty station. 

8. Old electronics: Do you have an old laptop with a cracked screen or a printer that doesn't print? Toss them! Electronics that are non longer usable should not travel with you to the next duty station. Destroy their hard drives and dispose of them properly. If they still work but you don't need them, consider donating!

9. Appliances: If you're moving to a house that has a microwave, you probably don't need to keep your current microwave. Same goes for washers and dryers, as your new home may already come with these appliances. It's important to do your research beforehand, so you can decide if those items are worth keeping. 

10. Dishes: That souvenir cup that sits in the back of your cabinet and hasn't been touched since your actual trip might not be worth keeping. If it is taking up space in a cabinet without being used, we suggest donating it. 

It can be hard to let go of items, but it is crucial to purge before your upcoming PCS move!