Each time we PCS to a new location, I have learned a new trick or tip for the next move. Below you will find our current PCS checklist

1. We have orders, now what?
2. Two weeks before movers arrive
3. One week before movers arrive
4. Do not pack list
5. Day before movers arrive
6. During the packing/moving days

We have orders, now what?

Here are some items that you can complete when you first get your orders to your new location:

• Join Facebook groups and research your new location
• Start thinking about what you want to take with you and what needs to be sold/donated
• Look into housing options (on base, on the economy, school districts, etc.)
• Find books and blog posts about new destination
• Renew drivers license
• Notify current landlord or get in touch with a realtor at new location
• Get current on immunizations; schedule doctor, dentist, eye appointments
• Decide a plan for your pet
• Start going through every room in your home
• Start the passport process or renew expired passports (OCONUS PCS)
• Decide what to do with your vehicle (OCONUS PCS)
• Get in touch with your local EFMP representative (OCONUS PCS)

Two weeks before movers arrive

• Cancel your security systems, gym membership, pest control, internet, cable, schedule release of utilities)
• Take dog to the vet for updated shots and car sick medicine
• Get updated vaccine records for kids
• Make sure hotel reservations are all set
• Purge the house one more time (throw things away, give away more stuff; go through the pantry, freezer, fridge and toss/giveaway anything you’re not going to usmae)
• Make a 2 week meal plan
• Get in touch with realtor/landlord and make sure everything is set and in place for when you leave
• Make arrangements for the kids and pets so they are out of the way on packing and moving days
• Make arrangements for your last night(s) in town (ask to borrow air mattress/pack ‘n play/sleeping bag, or get a hotel room)
• Go shopping for paper goods (plates, bowls, forks and spoons, cups)
• Organize small things in drawers (wrap in press and seal or place in ziploc bags)
• Make a hard copy of important documents

One Week Before Movers Arrive

• Clean out the car (vacuum, car wash, oil change)
• Take everything off the walls
• Patch holes in the walls
• Pack for your entire family
• Make a “Do Not Pack” section and put everything you want to take with you in that area
• Make a 1,000 lb/unaccompanied baggage area (if OCONUS)
• Empty out gasoline from lawn mower
• Return propane from grill
• Clean off patio furniture (there can’t be any soil on your outdoor stuff)
• Start thawing out the secondary freezer
• Download movies/music to devices for the road trip
• Get a few new toys/surprises/snacks for road trip
• Take pictures of everything in the house (especially serial numbers on electronics)
• Clean couch cushions
• Clean knives, pots, pans, and lids
• Get colored tape or room labels for boxes once they’re packed
• Go through all medicines

Do Not Pack List

• Suitcases
• Pet stuff
• Purse
• Backpacks
• Safe
• Jewelry
• Important documents (birth certificates, social security cards, passports, marriage license, etc)
• Paper plates/cups/utensils
• Car seats if needed
• Electronics to return (cable box/router)
• Charging cables
• Coffee maker
• Toys
• Cleaning supplies

Day Before Movers Arrive

• Do one more load of laundry
• Throw out any leftover food in the fridge
• Empty and clean trash cans
• Pick up air mattress etc., from friends or reserve room at hotel
• Make sure your “Do Not Pack” pile has everything in it!
• Empty out dishwasher
• Put utensils in ziploc bags
• Take lightbulbs out of lamps
• Charge devices

During the Packing/Moving Days

• Make sure everything is in a separate room or area and it’s clearly marked as a DO NOT PACK area. Use masking tape to mark specific items you don’t want movers to pack. We often put these items into a powder room and lock the door.
• Following packing, label/color-code the boxes
• Have a dedicated person responsible for marking off the box numbers as the movers call them off.