Over the years, I’ve been extremely fortunate to have my active duty spouse at home for every move we’ve made around the country. However, in today’s ever-changing world, the process of a PCS on my own could easily happen. My husband could send me an email from his desk at work with a copy of our orders. But that desk and his work could actually be way out yonder at his deployed location.
While chatting with fellow military spouses, I asked Sharon Gran, co-owner of MilitaryByOwner, and Jen McDonald, Content Editor and Writer for MBO, for their take on doing a PCS solo. Here are 15 suggestions.
“When shipping your vehicle, getting medical records, and all the other out-processing tasks, make sure you have general or special powers of attorney for all the paperwork,” states McDonald. Of course, the hope is that the active duty spouse may be able to assist from their end. However, simply having the proper POA documents may ease the paperwork process.
Not sure where to look for that? According to Military.com, the name of this office varies from service to service
When setting up an appointment with that busy office, kindly ask them what documents you need to bring along. For example, you may need to bring a copy of your marriage certificate and/or the birth certificates of your children (dependents).
Also, you may be asked to update your contact information. Ensure that the office has accurate email addresses and phone numbers to contact you throughout your move.
Even if you've completed a PCS in the past, the benefits and allowances may have changed. "The more you know" the better prepared you may feel.
Also, find out further details of what is required before moving out. The less surprises, the better!
Also, consider listing your property or hunting for your next home on MilitaryByOwner.com.
But chip away at it, little by little. As Gran recommends, “I would set up an outline of what needs to be done and when.” Additionally, McDonald suggests, “Don’t overestimate how many tasks you can complete on a given day...For instance, don’t try to clean and ship your vehicle, change your P.O. box, turn off all your utilities, and complete school paperwork all in one day. If you can, do ONE big thing a day and spread it out.”
As those ever-friendly folks at the post office say, "The earlier the better." The process to obtain a passport can take months, so think of submitting your paperwork promptly.
Or, perhaps place these valuable items directly in the vehicle you’ll travel in. You’ll want to prevent these essential documents from being packed up, adrift in the sea of brown cardboard boxes.
Use this designated place to track the names and numbers you collect.
Schedule an hour a day for something as simple as a walk through a park or climbing around at a restaurant play place.
To ease the stress around your casa, it may be helpful to “set up babysitters or play dates for pack out day,” Gran suggests. Also, if you have companion animals, you may think about scheduling pet daycare or boarding.
Perhaps a loyal friend can come to your aid while you have the movers packing and loading. Imagine a helping hand when you may need it most. Free to make a food run? Willing to re-stock the Gatorade cooler? Able to keep tabs on the moving crew? Yes! Total game-changer in your favor!
The company of another adult who knows you and loves you may offer a sense of calm amidst the storm.
Through it all, try to focus on the light at the end of the tunnel. Picturing the celebration vibe with the finale of the deployment may give a sense of strength through any stress. I have to say, welcoming my spouse back to an entirely different home would be a heartwarming payoff!