Many military members have undergone overseas PCS moves, with some encountering short-notice moves and even fewer faced with a short-notice move to an overseas duty station.

Though unexpected overseas moves aren’t the norm, they happen and can be challenging to navigate since you have less time to prepare for the transition.

Here’s your quick guide for handling a short-notice overseas move.

Reasons for Short-Notice Overseas Moves

Short-notice PCS orders usually happen due to promotions, selection for special assignments, last-minute job fills, and medical issues requiring specialized care.

While they commonly occur at military installations in the U.S., overseas locations aren’t excluded from these scenarios.

The bottom line for short-notice moves is that you must let go of some of your preferences to execute an OCONUS move with your sanity intact.

For starters, sorting your belongings. Most military families take PCS season as a time to eliminate clutter, ensuring that nothing shows up at the new duty station that would take up space for more important items.

While it’s nice to have all your i’s dotted and t’s crossed to prepare for a flawless PCS, this is the military’s not-so-gentle reminder that most things are out of your control.

When you feel frustrated with how little time there is to get everything done, it’s good to remember that even moves with months of preparation have flaws.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Start your overseas PCS binder.

Your binder will be your brain for this move while you run around and think through everything.

As we suggest in our extensive article on prepping for an overseas move, here are some items to include in your overseas PCS binder:

• Copies of orders

• Powers of attorney

• Vehicle shipping information

• Birth certificates

• Marriage license

• Child custody paperwork

• Car titles and insurance policies

• Moving company documents

• Hotel and flight reservations

• Your pet’s veterinarian records

• Copies of shot records

• Copy of your passports and visas

• School and employment records

• List of contact numbers, in case your cell phone doesn’t work in your new area

2. Make a plan for your pets.

If you have a furry friend in the family who’s accompanying you overseas, it’s time to look up that country’s pet regulations.

Some OCONUS locations require extra rabies vaccines and quarantine for up to 120 days.

Unfortunately, short-notice moves don’t always allow military members to complete the process before leaving the U.S. For such cases, you need to create a plan to have them join you later.

Find a family member, friend, or service willing to watch your pets, take them to vet appointments, and ship them to you after they meet the regulations.

3. Connect with your overseas sponsor.

Your sponsor is available to help you establish temporary lodging before your arrival, secure rides from the airport for you and your luggage, set up an APO/FPO box, look into housing, and answer questions you undoubtedly have.

While there might not be enough time for them to provide a clear understanding and expectation for your new duty station, your overseas sponsor can help you ease some of the stress you’re feeling by taking care of the big-ticket items.

4. Prepare your household goods.

Look into what loaner furniture and lending locker items are available at your overseas duty station to help you divide your belongings for the pack out.

If you know that a coffee maker, silverware, and dressers are waiting for you, you can strategically pack your luggage, express shipment, and household goods.

Some items to pack in your express shipment: 

• Small kitchen appliances

• Knife sets

• Linens

• Dishes

• Pots and pans

• Vacuum

• Clothes

• Cutting boards

• Dehumidifiers

• Curtains and curtain rods

If you need long-term storage, consider which items you can be without for a few years, understanding there’s limited room at your overseas location.

Consider storing: 

• Furniture you won’t have space for but aren’t willing to say goodbye to.

• Wall decor that might not be practical due to structural differences overseas.

• Garage items like tools, gym equipment, and lawn gear.

• Keepsake items you can live without every day but want to revisit in a few years.

Note: Sentimental items may be better left with family or friends versus in storage to avoid accidental damage or loss.

5. Schedule medical appointments.

Many overseas locations require a medical screening to ensure the receiving duty station can meet your family’s medical needs.

Schedule your family’s medical appointments to start the process and ensure you’re up-to-date on mandatory vaccines before you leave.

6. Apply for no-fee passports.

The government issues no-fee passports at no cost for servicemembers and their families traveling or moving on orders internationally.

They may or may not be required where you’re headed, but tourist passports are necessary for leisure travel in and out of the host nation, so it’s a good idea to have both.

However, if you don’t have a current tourist passport before leaving the U.S., it’s often possible to complete or renew one in the appropriate U.S. Consulate after arriving overseas.

7. Plug into the community.

Though a short-notice move doesn’t allow much time to research your new location, you can start the process by connecting online. A neighborhood Facebook group can give you a feel for the neighborhood community and culture.

Some overseas areas, like Okinawa, lean heavily on platforms like Facebook to connect military families, answer questions, and share fun spots to visit.

Looking beyond the move and turning your focus to fun things to do can offer tremendous relief that all your efforts are worth it.

No matter the reasons prompting your unexpected overseas move, the upcoming weeks or months may feel like a stretch.

Moving overseas can be challenging even under ideal conditions, so facing one with limited time to prepare may seem daunting.

Give yourself permission to step back from the stress and focus on adding something enjoyable to your overseas bucket list!

*From MilitaryByOwner, Inc. 

*For more from MBO, please check out their M:M Expert Blog Page.