Having top-notch PCS skills for moves inside the U.S. is one thing, but a military move overseas presents a whole new set of challenges and considerations that require a different level of organizing and prep.
Each OCONUS location has its own quirks, but the preparation for each has many similarities. Our family has been lucky enough to experience four overseas tours in the Pacific and Europe, and here are a few things I think you should know before you go, along with some experiences from other military families.
Double-check to ensure that every family member is listed on official orders and that names are spelled correctly. You’ll need that information in order to apply for the no-fee government passports required for PCS travel and all your other paperwork. Check with the specific location to see if you need a visa.
Schedule your overseas medical clearance ASAP, which you’ll need before travel can be arranged. The paperwork and appointments can be a headache, but the military must ensure the overseas location is equipped to handle your family’s medical needs.
From a fellow military spouse:
Our last PCS was a complete mess. So stressful. But a very cool thing happened. Due to major visa delays, we ended up needing to send our visas/passports to a Marine family (who we'd never met) close(ish) to our departure airport. I used the AMAZING spouse network to reach out to the gal, explained our crazy situation, and asked her to receive and drive our visas 45 minutes to us. She was, of course, a rock star and completely understood this crazy life and was happy to help.
Photo from Canva
You’ll probably need to test for a driver’s license overseas (for instance, the USAREUR license in Europe), but your stateside license must be valid in order to do so. Also, note that you must carry both licenses when you drive overseas.
From the 405th Army Field Support Brigade about obtaining your driver's license in Germany:
To drive in Germany, U.S. personnel must have a valid stateside driver's license and obtain a USAREUR driver's license. The driving age is 18 and above in most European countries.
USAREUR driver's licenses are valid for five years. If someone's tour extends beyond five years, they must renew the license and pay the fee. Personnel must carry U.S. Stateside license with USAREUR license.
Keep in mind, only USAREUR license holders are authorized to drive a USAREUR registered vehicle. A USAREUR licenses is not a substitute for an international License. Personnel planning to travel should obtain an international driver's license.
You should be able to view a licensing test guide ahead of time to study before you arrive. Remember to contact your insurance company to update your auto insurance policy and transfer your coverage overseas. On that note, you may wish to purchase additional roadside assistance once in country, such as with ADAC in Germany.
Your overseas sponsor assigned by the military will know all the insider tips and tricks for your move and arrival. We’ve covered the topic of the importance of an overseas sponsor several times in our resources and blog, so explore these posts for more information and potential questions to ask your sponsor:
Overseas housing is typically much smaller than what you’re accustomed to, so begin downsizing and purging your belongings. You may also need to take advantage of the long-term storage the military provides to stow larger items or things you can live without for the next few years.
For instance, you might want to leave behind your oversized sectional sofa, large beds, or table with two leaves and twelve chairs. Plus, you’ll want to leave room for finds from your future overseas shopping excursions!
If you’re hoping to live in military housing, each overseas installation will have differing availability for housing, so submit an advance application through the Housing Office at your installation with a copy of your PCS orders.
If you’ll be living off base, don’t commit to a rental before checking in with your Housing Office.
Learn more about overseas housing:
One unique aspect of an overseas move is that all your boxes will be crated and sealed shut and require the military member's signature. On the receiving end, it’s important to visually inspect each crate and seal before signing off. Make note of any broken or cut tape for potential claims.
For more tips on preparing household goods and other PCS move tasks, see PCS 101: Military Move Must-Do's.
Just as you prepare your family for the overseas move, don't forget to make necessary arrangements for your pets as well, including medical clearance before travel. Contact your veterinarian as soon as you receive overseas orders. You’ll be required to ensure that all vaccinations are up to date and get your pet a health certificate within a certain number of days before leaving the country, so book this appointment early.
Using a military vet for required paperwork is ideal, as they are well-versed in what’s required. You’ll also need to check in with the Veterinary Treatment Facility at your new base.
More info you'll need to know about your receiving location before moving overseas with pets:
Photo from Canva
Research the new location. Go online or head to the library together to learn about the new country, language, foods, popular music, and local sports teams.
Prepare for travel with children. Overseas flights are long, and your young ones may have never traveled by air for that length of time or even at all. Emotions from goodbyes may also be running high, so a little preparation will be key.
Stay positive and plan for fun. Create a bucket list together of all the destinations you're eager to explore. Whether you mark them on a wall map with colorful pushpins, jot them down in a travel journal, or utilize a handy map app on your smartphone, the excitement of planning your adventures can help fuel anticipation for the journey ahead.
Moving is difficult, and it’s important to allow time for grief and goodbyes. Still, make a point of looking forward to all the new experiences waiting!
Courtney Woodruff shares in 5 Ways to Get Military Kids Excited About Moving Overseas:
Treat the moving process like a vacation! Even though an OCONUS PCS is far from my idea of a relaxing getaway, it involves many key elements of family trips that kids love: exciting transportation experiences, spending the night in hotels, exploring new cities, and dining out. Research parks, unique activities for children, and family-friendly accommodations and restaurants your kids will look forward to visiting along the way. In between checking major items off your to-do list, make a plan to take time to relax, have fun and enjoy the journey together. You deserve it.
For a while, anyway. You may not see your belongings for some time—even months, depending on your housing situation. You may live in temporary lodging or housing for an extended time.
Pack luggage with an eye to the upcoming season or ship a box of the next season’s clothes or things you'll want right away to your forwarding address so you’re not forced to spend money on items you already own.
Photo from Canva
Start off on the right foot with your new neighbors by learning some simple greetings or commonplace phrases. Download English to German, Spanish, Italian, or other language apps, or carry a phrasebook. This is something you can do together as a family!
Attempting to communicate will go a long way, and even if you're stumbling, locals will usually be pleased that you tried. Often, they will be able to speak some English and will try to help you out.
Military spouse Jessica Lynn shares:
I was surprised that it took me as long as it did—a good six months—before I felt comfortable living in Italy. I've traveled overseas and I lived in England before our assignment in Italy, so thought I would acclimate sooner than I did. My advice to help anyone get into a groove sooner rather than later is to completely immerse yourself in the culture. Learn the language and at least attempt to speak it with the locals. Start with learning the basics for food—a common factor between everyone—and go from there. They'll forgive you and help you adjust if they see you try. Knowing how to literally speak their language will go a long way!
I know you’re jetlagged, tired, and going through a bit of culture shock when you first arrive at an overseas duty station. However, connections and the information at these briefings or meetups will be invaluable, and you can connect with people in the know like school liaison officers and family and installation support services. You'll also usually meet others like you who’ve recently moved overseas. This is a great way to feel connected and not so isolated—very important when you first arrive in a new country.
Your installation’s Facebook group or website will also provide vital information and can help you make connections even before arrival.
Photo from Canva
In the busyness of an OCONUS PCS move, it can be easy to forget what an incredible opportunity this is. Once the logistics of moving are behind you, it’s good to remember that, from the moment your feet touch the ground, you’re living a dream. Celebrate differences, try new foods, travel, and be adventurous!
LeAnna Brown of The Economical Excursionist gives this perspective:
I'd say that living overseas and taking advantage of that new geographical location by traveling is one of the best things that could happen to you. You start to realize how small this big world really is. You begin to see different cultures, people, and ways of life from a new view which forces you to grow as an individual. While getting to experience things that you never could back in the U.S., it also gives you an appreciation for the small things back home as well!
Maybe you’ll be inspired to capture your experiences in a travel blog or photo journal which will then inspire someone else. And wherever military service takes you, I hope this will be your best move yet!
Moving overseas? For more detailed information, including budgeting for your move, what you're allowed to ship, military spouse employment overseas, moving with pets, and much more, the Overseas PCS Survival Guide is designed to help you with every aspect of your overseas move. Get this free resource below.