Who's PCSing this year? What's ONE piece of advice you'd give someone?

2015-07-18T09:40:48-04:00

Military families see thousands of PCS each year; some for the first time.

What advice (pre-move, actual move, financial, etc) could you help to ease some families in upcoming moves.

Note: Try to keep one piece of advice per response to not water-down the advice.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 9:46 AM

2015-07-18T09:46:02-04:00

Do as much research as you can. If possible, go scout our your new location and make contacts before you move. It will help not only with your transition, but the transition of your family. I am also a large advocate for using the sponsorship program the military provides, I am not saying bug the heck out of your sponsor but ask questions and get assistance making the right decisions about where to send your kids to school, where to live, etc. If you know people who have been stationed at your next destination or are there now, reach out and have them help you as well. At the end of the day, the largest thing I suggest is to get your kids involved. This is an extremely hard thing for them to do whether they tell you or not, and if you can make it a positive adventure for them the transition will be easier.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jul 18 at 2015 9:47 AM

2015-07-18T09:47:29-04:00

Plan ahead, prepare for the move - do your map recon before you arrive as well as use your sponsor to help ease the stressor of moving. When it comes time for the actual move, ensure you do it deliberately, have a plan, I recommend you create your own checklist to keep you on target (timelines as well as targeted events). Best of luck and make it a successful move - gotta be prepared!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 18 at 2015 9:59 AM

2015-07-18T09:59:31-04:00

If you can throw it away, throw it away. Trim the fat. Don't become a packrat. Keep the Memories, get rid of the trash. Some things just aren't worth keeping.

Response by Kanika Misra made Jul 18 at 2015 10:24 AM

2015-07-18T10:24:07-04:00

Just wanted to bring to attention a great Command Post that was recently written on this exact subject! Thought it could be helpful!: https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/so-you-re-pcsing-and-have-to-move-everything

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 10:27 AM

2015-07-18T10:27:13-04:00

Everyone so far has given great advice. Based off of my most recent PCS move so far, I recommend that you conduct a high dollar inventory prior your HHG pickup and then ensure your movers are doing their jobs. Don't hesitate to call the Transportation Service office with any complaints of issues with your movers. Also, when you finally get your HHG, go through everything throughly and file your claim of loss or damage ASAP, it took them 4 months to reimburse me for my broken goods.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 10:33 AM

2015-07-18T10:33:52-04:00

Mine would be, if you are conducting a DITY move DO NOT forget to weight the moving truck before and after. I haven't PCS'd in years and guess what I forgot to do? Weight the trucks. Luckily for me I had a few friends that were willing to help reload the truck after we downloaded all the boxes. Extra work for no reason.