How to have a seamless family transition during a PCS Move

With May here and summer approaching, the seasonal break from school marks the start of PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves for military families. These relocations present numerous challenges for military spouses and families, including unanticipated financial burdens and professional setbacks to the emotional stress of re-establishing local support networks and navigating school or career changes.

However, when well-prepared, organized and informed, PCS moves can go a great deal smoother.

Kicking off a PCS move requires a concise timeline and a solid budget. If I could share one key piece of advice, it would be the necessity of building a dedicated savings fund.

You can also create a budget sheet, which has helped many. One might assume that the military would cover all moving expenses; while their support is extensive, it does not account for absolutely everything that comes with establishing your family’s life in a new community. Creating a financial buffer helps absorb surprise costs and lessens the pressure during this intense time.

In my own early experiences as a military spouse and mother, I overlooked several expenses, such as:

Re-enrolling children in sports, including new uniforms and fees.

Extended hotel stays and higher food costs during travel and new area

Emergency clothing and household purchases if goods are delayed.

Inevitable costs associated with settling into and furnishing a new home and necessary home improvements

In addition to getting the finances in order for a move, many of us spouses may have to look for a new job, as in this economy, two salaries is often needed. According to the Department of Labor, it takes military spouses an average of 19 weeks (approximately four months) to secure employment after relocating.

To stay a step ahead, you should begin the job search process before leaving your current duty station. With virtual interviews now widely accepted, it is possible to start interviewing prior to your move. You can look for job postings in the DOD Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) portal, a place where you can find companies that are interested in and are supporting the hiring of military spouses.

These kinds of organizations are often more understanding of career interruptions and many relocations, typically accepting them without having a negative impact on the candidate. Also, when applying for jobs you should clearly showcase transferable skills such as planning, leadership, and problem-solving rather than focusing solely on job history.

Beyond the logistical hurdles, facilitating a smooth transition for children involves preparing them for a new academic environment and helping them find their place socially. It is vital that children feel socially integrated and emotionally stable before they begin classes at a new school. Enrolling children in extracurricular sports or academic clubs can be transformative; I recommend researching and securing spots in these programs prior to your arrival.

In my own family, athletics have been instrumental in helping my children embrace their new surroundings and forge quick friendships. This approach also benefited me personally, as attending these activities allowed me to connect with other local parents and build my own support network. Furthermore, organizations like Blue Star Families host monthly Coffee Connects near many installations.

I have personally found these casual meet-ups to be a wonderful resource for meeting other military spouses and introducing children to new friends in the community.

If you take these steps and become as prepared as you can, the daunting PCS move should be discernibly less stressful and go a bit more seamlessly for the whole family. For additional help, you can learn more through a variety of resources like Armed Forces Mutual and Blue Star Families, to find as many ways as possible to connect with other military spouses and families.

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