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PCS Season is Here

April 26, 2024

Springtime. The days are getting longer, the flowers are starting to bloom, and for many military families, homes are filled with the smell of cardboard boxes and the sound of packing tape peeling off the roll. Whether you can’t wait to get packed up and head out to your next adventure or are facing your next move with more than a little trepidation, there are steps you can take to help prepare your family for your next PCS move.

 

Start saving

Whether you have orders in hand or are waiting (not so) patiently for your spouse to finally get the call about what’s next for your family, setting aside a little extra in your monthly budget for moving expenses is always a smart move. Need help managing or creating (it’s never too late to start) a budget? Reach out to your service-specific aid society for help creating a budget and advice on handling unexpected expenses during your PCS. 

 

plan, plan, plan

My husband loves to remind our kids, “When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” If you need a little help getting started, Plan My Move from Military OneSource can help you create a customized checklist for your move. And really, who doesn’t love checking things off their to-do list?  

 

ok, but where are we going to live?

Finding a place to live can be one of the hardest parts of a military move. On-base or off-base? The housing list is how long? What about schools? Does this rental take pets? The list goes on and on. Fortunately, there are organizations like MILLIE to help you tackle this challenge. From their installation guides to toolkits for comparing schools and neighborhoods, the team at MILLIE is there to help you through your PCS from start to finish.

 

how do i help my milkids get ready for our move?

Let’s be honest: moves aren’t easy for any of us, but they can be especially challenging for our MilKids. Fortunately, organizations like the Cohen Veterans Network have resources that support military families during PCS moves. Are you worried about making the transition to a new school as smooth as possible? Check our webinar Keeping Your Back to School Cool, which features resources and suggestions from the Military Child Education Coalition and Exceptional Families of the Military to help military families navigate the transition to a new school this PCS season. 

 

we’re with you…every step of the way

MFAN is committed to supporting a military family’s ability to thrive and serve their country. That’s why we’ve created the MFANetwork, our innovative and collaborative approach to connecting military families with the resources they need to navigate the challenges and opportunities of military life. Whether through our PCS Pantry Restock Box (currently only available at Fort Cavazos) or through connecting military families to additional resources to support your military family’s health and well-being, we are proud to serve you and wish you the very best in your next adventure! 

About the Author

Erin Kahn

Senior Manager of Programs
Erin Kahn is an active duty Marine Corps spouse with a background in non-profit program and product management.
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