It’s time to start really preparing for our PCS (Permanent Change of Station, aka military transfer, aka the every-four-year(and sometimes sooner)-move).
Let’s just push aside the fact that we still don’t know where we’re transferring to next month for the moment, shall we? Deep breaths, Ashley. Deep. Breaths.
June will be here before we know it. So will the packers and the movers.
This means it’s time to start getting our ducks (and junk) in a row so our transition can be as quick and painless as possible. Today I’m sharing two tips to help you get your PCS off on the right foot.
First: Start cleaning out all of the unwanted junk, whether it be to sell, donate, or toss. It’s a daunting project, so I try to take it one area at a time. I tend to choose an area which won’t be needed/used in the next month to start and work my way around the house. The first room on my list is our Loft/Office Space. This will also happen to be our “Do Not Pack Room” (more on that in another installment), so it’s vital the space be cleared out as far in advance as possible, save for our desk and computer.
The thing that scares me the most about this space? The closet. I also like to call it “the place where craft projects go to die”.
Scary, right?
My plan is to empty it out over the next few days and organize it into sell/toss/donate piles. The stuff I choose to keep is getting packed into a big box. Yes, the movers will unpack it and repack it (for insurance reasons) come Moving Day (or M-Day as I like to call it), but it keeps the stuff out of my way and sealed. This also keeps the kids from going through it.
From there, I’ll move on to the rest of the loft space and then into the kid’s closet. Where I may shed tears because the baby gear is finally leaving the house.
The lesson here is: The Less You Move, The Better! Don’t take it with you if you really don’t want/need it. Who wants to spend time unpacking junk? Not me.
Second: Start tracking your mail. Make a list of all of the companies you receive mail from: bills, magazines, catalogs. I like to keep an Excel spreadsheet. Doing this a minimum of 30 days out allows a full cycle of mail to come through your home, making sure you don’t miss any vital pieces. Once you know your new address, you can easily access your list of address changes to make and check them off as you go. Also, head to the Post Office and pick up a Change of Address Form. Yes, this can also be done online, but I tend to use the paper form instead.
As a side note: I need to not renew all of these magazines! Just look at them! I doubt I’ve read a single issue on my stand. I’m tempted to subscribe via the Nook app on my android tablet, but there’s something about the feel of a magazine. I love it. Ok, carry on.
There you have it. Our PCS process has begun in two simple steps.
What is the first thing you do when you begin preparing for a PCS or a move? I’d love to hear your tips!
Pingback: Uncovering Lost Passions - mamaofalltrades