Stress-free PCS

1. Preparation is Key

The first step to a stress-free PCS move is thorough preparation. You’ll want to make sure things like any important documents, paperwork, jewelry, keepsakes, or other things you absolutely cannot afford to lose are packed separately from your normal belongings. If you’re driving to your new home, you’ll likely want to bring these things with you on the road trip. Once you’ve gotten these vital things put away, it’s time to start looking at the rest of your belongings.

2. Don’t Move Trash

Before a single item gets packed, you may already be overwhelmed by the amount of work to be done. One excellent way to do that is to declutter first! Go through your home, room by room, and be prepared to throw some things out. This is part of your new beginning at your new station – being selective about what the physical items you bring into this new phase of your family’s life. Plus it will help make the packing process easier!

3. Labels, Labels, Labels!

Depending on whether or not you’ve opted to manage the move yourself or let the military movers handle it, you may start the process of packing all your things up at this point. If you are going to be packing your own things, labels will be your lifesaver. To make the packing process more streamlined (and less overwhelming), do it room-by-room. Once you’ve filled a box, immediately label that box – we suggest sharpies, but writing on tape will also work. If the box contains a lot of variety within, get specific! You don’t have to list every single item individually, but the more specific you can be, the easier it will be to find the thing you’re looking for when unpacking on the other end of the move.

4. The Secret to Seamless Packing & Unpacking

During the packing and unpacking stages of your PCS move, short-term storage can be a lifesaver. As you pack up your current home, store packed boxes and furniture in a storage unit to keep them out of the way and create a more organized living space. This not only helps streamline the packing process but also allows for a smoother move-out day. Similarly, when you arrive at your new destination, use a storage unit to store items as you unpack, giving you time to settle in without feeling overwhelmed by boxes and unpacking left-to-do.

5. Help Yourself Avoid Difficult Decisions

If you’re moving to or from a location where you can return later, consider long-term storage for items you don’t want jostled during the move. Valuable or fragile items such as heirlooms, antiques, or artwork can benefit from being stored in a climate-controlled environment, ensuring they remain in pristine condition. Long-term storage provides a secure and protected space for these belongings until you’re ready to retrieve them or find a permanent place for them in your new home.

6. Navigating Home-Size Differences

Not all base housing is equal, and that’s for families that are able and choose to live on base. Since no two housing situations are the same, it’s always possible that you may find yourself facing less room than you had before. In these situations, a storage unit can be a valuable resource. As you sort through your belongings, identify items you no longer need or have space for in your new home. Instead of parting with these items, store them in a storage unit to revisit later. This gives you time to decide what to keep, sell, donate, or pass on to family and friends without the pressure of making immediate decisions.

If you’re gearing up for a PCS move to or from the Savannah area and looking for storage solutions to simplify your transition, our storage facility is here to help. With flexible storage options and a commitment to serving military families, we’re dedicated to making your PCS move as smooth and stress-free as possible. All Active Service Members get 10% off all our storage units, all the time.