If you are PCSing this year, then you’ve come to the right place!
Here at Mission: Milspouse, we’ve faced our fair share of relocations, DITYs, government moves, overseas stints, and everything in between. We’ve been there and done that, and we have the stickers to prove it.
With all that experience, we know how stressful it can be. Packing and loading mean moving all of your belongings—special things, irreplaceable things—and none of us really want things broken or damaged. While we can’t ensure there won’t be casualties of PCS, we can help you prepare to make the move a little smoother.
Check out all of our blog post pertaining to all things PCS. Get ready for some practical tips AND insight into experiences of those who have been there, moved that.
About two months have passed since we moved to Illinois. Things are finally starting to settle down, and we’re getting into a daily routine, which is pretty easy to do when you have an almost 10-month-old who needs naps to keep from being a grouch.
PCS stress tops the list of military families’ most unavoidable situations. Adding the decision of whether or not to buy a home makes the transition that much more difficult. Finances, emotions, and geography are just a few of the factors that go into making the choice. Couples need open communication as to what their long and short term goals are, so they can commit to a plan that accommodates those goals.
Every time I receive news that we’re going to PCS, my mind focuses solely on how we’re going to get to our next duty station, what things I’ll bring, and what household items I’ll watch be packed and shipped away.
I rarely put time into deciding how I’ll tackle the challenge of receiving HHG and going about putting everything away. Watching box after box come through the front door and garage can be overwhelming, especially when standing in a new house that you’re unfamiliar with.
This month I am saying a big “hello” to everyone from the land of Lincoln, AKA Illinois, on our new adventure.
We moved here at the end of September. So far, things are going well, although living on an Air Force base has been a big adjustment. For one, it is about five times smaller than Joint Base Lewis McChord (maybe even more)! There is probably two miles between the main gate and the gate at the end of the base. There is only one shoppette, which also triples as the Class Six and Firestone. The BX and the commissary share a parking lot, and in general, it’s just tiny!
Normally, I’m a very motivated person. I’m a go-er. A do-er. A get-things-done-er. But sometimes, I lose my motivation. Like when we are facing a cross-country PCS that we’re a less than excited about during first trimester of pregnancy practically knocking me off my feet.
Don’t worry, this isn’t a whiny complaining post. I’m grateful for this new season and excited that the State of my Uterus is currently occupied with Tiny Human Numero Dos.
But getting ready for this PCS was quite a hairy beast of a task.
It seems like we have a conversation like this about once every quarter in my house.
“Branch just sent a memo about possible next moves.”
“You know there is always a possibility we could end up staying here.”
“Should I throw my name in for that job?”
But last week when we were looking for something (I really wish I had read this article earlier) and my husband said, “Go ahead and keep that…we’re about eight months out and we might need it for the move,” the realization hit me. My brain automatically became a scene from the movie Inside Out. I could actually envision little versions of myself running around in my head.
Mission: Milspouse is a
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EIN Number: 88-1604492
hello@missionmilspouse.org
P.O. Box 641341
El Paso, TX 79904