What’s the #1 PCS Planning Tip You Swear By?

What’s the #1 PCS Planning Tip You Swear By? (Military Spouses Share Their Sanity-Saving Secrets)

What’s the #1 PCS Planning Tip You Swear By? (Military Spouses Share Their Sanity-Saving Secrets)

If you're a military spouse, you already know: PCS season is not for the faint of heart.

Between organizing your home, helping kids transition, supporting a deployed spouse (or preparing for one), and trying to stay emotionally afloat — Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves are nothing short of chaotic.

That’s exactly why I asked my community one powerful question:

“What’s the #1 PCS planning tip you swear by?”

The answers were real, raw, and incredibly helpful. Whether you’re facing your first PCS or your fifteenth, this post is packed with tips, support, and a chart of what most military families actually recommend when it’s go time.

🚚 Why PCS Tips Matter More Than Ever

Military families move 10 times more often than civilian families. These transitions are full of unique challenges — like working with military timelines, moving mid-school year, or trying to find housing from across the country with little notice.

And even if you’ve done it before, every PCS is different.

That’s why learning from other military families isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. It makes you feel less alone, more prepared, and more confident when the unexpected (inevitably) happens.

🧠 From the Trenches: Real PCS Tips That Work

I collected responses from dozens of military families and compiled the most mentioned and most effective PCS tips. Below are the top strategies that came up again and again:

1. Color-Coded Packing Tape

"Assign each room a color and mark every box with it — game changer!"

This tip topped the list — and for good reason. Color-coded packing tape or labels let you instantly know which box goes where. No more guessing games or arguments with movers. Just match the color to the room.

Bonus: It’s also helpful for kids who are old enough to help. If your child knows their room is "green," they can help track their own stuff.

2. The First-Night Bag

"Toothbrushes, chargers, a fresh shirt, coffee pods… pack it like a hotel bag!"

PCS moves rarely go 100% to plan. That’s why many family swears by the "first-night essentials" bag or bin. Pack it like you’re going on a short trip — include:

• Pajamas

• Toiletries

• Device chargers

• Medication

• Snacks

• A roll of toilet paper

• A bottle of wine (trust me)🍷

You’ll thank yourself when the moving truck is late, or you’re too exhausted to unpack.

3. Take Photos of Electronic Setups

"I took one photo of the TV wiring… now I’m the tech hero of my house!"

Before unplugging electronics, take clear photos of how things are set up — especially TVs, gaming consoles, and computers. This makes reassembly so much easier and avoids frustration on day one.

4. Fireproof Folder or Box for Documents

"Orders, IDs, pet records, home inventory — don’t let these get lost."

Keep all important paperwork in a single, waterproof or fireproof container that stays with you. This should include:

• PCS orders

• Birth/marriage certificates

• Passports

• Pet records

• Insurance policies

• School transcripts

• A full home inventory (including photos of valuables)

5. Label Boxes on the Side

"You can’t see the top of stacked boxes. Label the sides too!"

This one seems small — but it makes a huge difference. When movers stack boxes, the top-facing labels disappear. Label on the side so you can instantly see what you’re dealing with in any pile.

📊 What the Community Says: Top PCS Tips in Chart Form

To make this even more helpful, I compiled a chart based on survey responses and direct messages from military spouses just like you. Here are the top 5 most mentioned PCS planning tips:

💬 Why This Matters: Real Advice From Someone Who’s Been There

Hi, I’m GG, a Certified Military Relocation Professional (MRP) and Certifed AI Agent, and your go-to real estate expert here in Northern Virginia.

But more than that — I’m someone who gets it. I was born on an Air Force Base. I’ve been the kid who moved schools, the sister who had to commiserate with siblings, and the friend who understood what it felt like to arrive somewhere totally new with no support system yet in place.

This isn’t just my profession — it’s my purpose. I’ve spent years helping military families not just survive PCS moves, but actually thrive through them. My goal is to be the guide I wish my family had during our moves.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just need help navigating this next transition, I’m here. And I have a whole blog (and checklist library) dedicated to helping you get organized, feel supported, and settle in faster.

🗣️ Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

I’d love to hear from you.

👉 What’s your #1 PCS planning tip that changed the game for you?

Share it in the comments — or message me directly if you’d prefer. Your experience could save another military spouse time, money, or sanity during their next move.

Together, we can turn PCS season from a dreaded event into a manageable, even empowering, experience.

P.S. Want my complete PCS Prep Checklist or Neighborhood Matching Quiz for Northern Virginia? Shoot me a DM or email — I’ll send it over free 💌