Putting Together a PCS Binder

YAY, you received orders and now it's time to start the PCS process. For many, they are happy to receive orders; others wish they didn't have to leave. Either way, you have them and the chaos of moving is soon to follow. To make the move easier, put together a PCS binder. This is a convenient place to keep all of your important paperwork and documents. Below you will find the supplies suggested for a PCS binder and some suggested items to include in your binder. 

Supplies:

• Large 3 ring binder 
• Accordion Files / 10 section or more (one for each person)
• 3 Folders with 3 holes (to place in binder)
• 8 Dividers
• Sheet Protectors
• Blank Paper (for notes, etc)
• Zipper pouch to put in binder (to hold sticky notes, pens, etc…)
• Pens, markers, sticky notes

Have an accordion style folder with numerous dividers for each person. This file will hold that specific person's medical paperwork. Label each divider with the following:

• PCM (Primary Care Doctor)
• Dental
• Shot Records
• Lab Records
• ER/Urgent Care
• Specialist

PCS Binder Sections/Dividers:

• PCS Checklist 
• PCS Calendar 
• Orders (10-20 Copies) / Clearing Papers
• Household Goods
• Home Inventory 
• School / Daycare
• Accounts
• Misc

Folders within PCS Binder:

• Housing Paperwork
• Gas/Lodging
• Legal (Marriage/Divorce/Custody Records/Birth Certificates/SS Cards/Wills/Passports)

Putting together a binder is self-explanatory. Label a divider for each section and place the appropriate paperwork within. Consider putting together your binder in the most organized way that suites your family. Obviously, you might not need some of the sections listed above, or you may need more. However, this is a good place to start customizing your PCS binder. You may not need an accordion file for each person. If your medical paperwork or records are minimal, you can easily get away with placing them in the binder itself. At the beginning of the binder, place your PCS Checklist and calendar sheets. The calendar can be a great way to map out what needs to be done each week. This helps you stay on schedule. Also, considering placing a zipper pouch in the front of the binder. It can hold pens, sticky notes, permanent markers, etc. 

However you decide to put your binder together, we hope that it helps create a sense of organization during this hectic time!