PCSing During the Winter

While many families tend to PCS during the winter months, some receive orders during the winter and have to decide whether to drive or fly to their next duty station. Making the decision to drive can be a bit scary, especially if you're not used to the cooler weather, snow, and/or icy road conditions. 

Here are 7 tips that you can use to ease the worry of PCSing and driving during the winter months. 

1. Remember: It's not always a bad thing. Typically during the winter, there will be less vehicles on the road and fewer families on the move. It could be easier to schedule transportation and find housing; just schedule around the end-of-year holidays. 

2. Be prepared: Make sure that you are prepared for the new, cooler climate. It may be colder than you think or colder than you are used to. Space saver bags come in handy for packing thick, warm winter jackets until they are needed. Always keep an extra blanket, jacket, and pair of socks in the vehicle. If you were to get wet, you now have access to warmth. 

3. For the car: Pack an emergency kit. Things that you can include are: water, snacks, clothing listed in item 2, jumper cables, a small shovel, a brush to clear snow, chem lights, flashlights, portable chargers etc. It needs to be customized to fit your family's needs in the event of an emergency. Make sure that your vehicle is equip to handle the weather conditions; consider having it winterized at a dealership or auto body shop before making the drive. If you are driving through Canada, consider winter tires or studded tires to help grip the road better. 

4. Avoid germs: While it is inevitable that you will stop at gas stations and rest areas, be sure to thoroughly clean your hands. Use hand sanitizer and be mindful of what you are touching. Driving during the winter is always a bit unpredictable and getting sick on top of that could cause more stress (especially since we're dealing with a global pandemic). Consider packing some common cold medicine just to be safe. 

5. Do not hibernate: When you arrive to your next duty station, GET OUT and EXPLORE! The cold often keeps people inside, but you shouldn't let it stop you! Grab the right clothing and gear and explore the community. Don't be afraid, but be mindful of the cold and how it can affect your body. Dress warmly and get to it!

6. Find something beautiful: For people who aren't used to the cold, they may be dreading moving to an area with negative temps and snow. Find something that you think is beautiful during the winter months and enjoy it, whether it be on the road trip or after you arrive. 

7. Do your research: If you aren't used to driving in snowy and icy conditions, take some time and research "how to drive" in those conditions. Black ice can affect you in the winter months, so it's important to be aware of what to do in the event you hit black ice. 

Driving to your next duty station during the winter can be one of the most exciting, beautiful drives, but it is important to be ready. You never know when accidents could happen, but being prepared can help to eliminate that. Get your vehicle ready, pack the extra clothes, have an emergency kit, do your research, and be on your way!