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It’s PCS time again. Military families are afforded a unique opportunity that does not involve living in the same house long enough to see trees grow from seedlings, dropping in on grandma and grandpa, or having a parent at the dinner table every night. Instead, we find ourselves temporary residents of cities, towns, and countries across the globe. PCS, or a permanent change of station, doesn’t have to be stressful. A good attitude and a few tips are all you need to thrive and survive.
Every PCS is different. Moving with the military is stressful, and changing duty stations happens often. It’s easy to focus on stress, uncertainty, and challenges. But growth occurs when we see obstacles as life lessons and opportunities to live in the moment.
So how do you do this when you don’t know anybody or anything about your new duty station?
1. Research
Moving with the Military
Your computer isn’t just for cute cat videos or late-night tweets. It’s a great resource to learn about your new duty station. Start with Facebook. Every military installation has spouse, organization, food, and hobby pages. Are you a hiker moving to Daegu? There are hiking pages. You’ll also find official pages for AFN, unit, chapel, commissary, and the Exchange.
The more you know about your new home, the more connected and invested you’ll feel once you arrive. Don’t show up without a list of things you want to see or do.
2. Keep an Open Mind
Permanent Change of Station Is Not Permanent
They say the last duty station is always the best, but you have to let go of the old to appreciate the new. Keep old friends and memories close, but avoid constant comparisons. Give your new home time to grow on you.
3. Get Your House in Order
Use Your PCS Network
The faster you get your paintings, rugs, and books out of the boxes and onto walls and shelves, the better. Living in a sea of cardboard boxes doesn’t feel warm or inviting. Even if you have to move things later, getting settled quickly makes a big difference. You can also use home inventory apps to stay organized.
4. Get Into a Routine
Hit the Ground Running
Once the curtains are hung, dig out your research and explore. Go to the gym, story time at the library, or paint-and-sip events. Find your favorite coffee shop with good Wi-Fi. Routine keeps the blues at bay. Once settled, follow your interests and explore more spontaneously.
5. Get Out and Explore Your New Duty Station
Moving with the Military Can Be Fun
What I love about living overseas is the sense of adventure—trying new things and eating delicious food. You can find that in the States too. There may be no medieval churches, but there are amazing museums, natural wonders, parks, and award-winning restaurants.
6. Connect with PCS Resources
I know putting yourself out there is hard, but it’s the easiest way to make friends. Look for like-minded people. Parents often meet other parents. Get involved in your new community, join a club, or volunteer. One or two good friends can make any assignment better.
- Volunteer at the Red Cross or PTO
- Attend book clubs, running groups, or spouses club luncheons
- Go to church or join PWOC
- Take a class or guitar lessons
- Register with local employment agencies
- Try something new and outside your comfort zone
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I like this website. this information is good.
Having a healthy routine is so important in our lives. Most successful people have embraced good habits.
Thanks for sharing this info. it’s really nice.
Thanks for sharing this info. it’s really nice.
Thanks Michael, come back again soon.
I personally have no experience with the military lifestyle, however, I was a mother of 5 and a OTR over the road truck driver in US, Canada, and Mexico.
When you’re faced with providing for your family you do the best you can. Sure I missed out on some of the moments in time I wished I could have back but I provide for my family and they were able to attend good schools and go on to become responsible individuals.
And I am sure they appreciate your sacrifices. A mothers love knows no bounds.
Signing up to be a volunteer with Red Cross is something I’ve been meanign to do for a while. Great reading from you.
Thank you. You definitely should. The Red Cross is a great organization and they do some important work for the community.
I have no experience with this but it’s nice that you’re posting something like this for the sake of army wives and families. It’s never easy to relocate and get used to another place.
And for me too… to remind myself when then the move madness starts. That this too shall pass, and one day soon, I’ll be just as settled as I am right now… just 3,000 miles away.
This a great post, I love all your tips. We’re not a military family but I did do quite a few of these when we moved states within Australia. Certainly helped us to relocate a lot smoother.
Thanks Jenni, I really appreciate your support. I would love to travel around Australia one day… hopefully sooner than later. Is there anything you would add that I forgot?
I have nothing but admiration for military families. Hugs to you!
Thank you Ashley… one of my favorite names. I have a daughter Ashley who also serves in the Navy.
I love how this blog is geared toward helping other military families learn to adjust and love the military lifestyle. You seem to be very well-rounded in your ability to roll with what the Army throws your way, and that’s amazing!
Thanks Brandi, as a senior spouse that’s one of the things I love doing best. I’ve been in this game for more than 21 years, so I’ve had time to perfect a plan for just about everything.
This is all good advice! I think having a good routine is very important!
Thank you Jacqui, come back again soon.
Cool tips and lovely blogpost, Detailed and I bet will help many beginners in PCs. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Robert, I hope so. I received so much valuable help from people when I started out, its nice to be in a position to do the same for others.
These are really good tips. I admire those that can handle and adjust to the military life. I’m such an introvert that I don’t think I could do it. I moved away from home 13 years ago and I still don’t have many friends. If I moved every couple of years, I wouldn’t have any!
All you need is a few good ones, trust me, a huge circle of friends can be dangerous and inevitably you’ll realize all of them aren’t your friends anyway or that a few of them are special. You do have some, figure out where you met them and expand on that activity to find new ones from time to time.
This is all true! It’s always tough to move to new places. I love getting out and exploring my new area though.
Me too. I’ve never been one to sit in my apartment alone unless that’s what I need at the time. The world is freaking awesome and the more you see of it, the more you realize theres left to see.
These are great tips! I’m not in this same situation but it was interesting to read what others go through.. thanks!
Thank you, its an honor to serve. Yes, military families lead very different lifestyles that probably seem pretty nuts to you. It’s called a PCS or a permanent change of station and good attitude a few tips is all you need to have a good one.We find ourselves temporary residents of cities, towns and countries all across the globe, sometimes on military installations that are just like mini American towns.
Great post. I’m glad you figured out a way to adjust.
Thank you Annie. Traveling is easy, moving not so much. But its means to an end and best tackled with a plan.
That’s some good advice. Especially about routine. It grounds you in your new home.
Katja xxx
http://www.katnapped.com
Thanks Katja it has helped me through some rough moves thats for sure. The military can be a lit of fun too.
I’ve moved so much in the last 5 years I should qualify as military! Great advise, hopefully I don’ have to use it anytime soon! xoxo Robin
Wow. I hope its been good moves and that you are enjoying life on the move.
I definitely agree with connecting with other people! It’s good to meet likeminded people and build strong friendships that you can take with you no matter where you go
One or two good friends can make any assignment a 100% better. Military families are afforded a unique opportunity. It’s called a PCS or a permanent change of station and good attitude a few tips is all you need to have a good one.
Order,routine and explore places and other people are great tips!
I can’t feel comfortable until my house is straight and I ave been known to not sleep much until its done. Once it is I can relax and do everything else to make a great PCS transition.
Such great tips..and yea I believe in house in oder thing…a clean and perfectly arranged house will definitely help you in being positive
Routine is very important in the beginning of a PCS move. But once you get that down, being more spontaneous and following your interests ends up being the way your really love where you are.