There is so much that goes into preparing to relocate your family. It’s not just about what goes into the boxes for the movers, but it’s also about what items you need to keep with you to access them quickly. Deciding what are “essential items” and what aren’t, can cause quite the dilemma. There are so many things to take into consideration. Family spoke with Army spouse, Vince Afaisen, about what he considers the “essential items” each time he and his family relocate. Vince is married to Major Brandt Murphy, and their family is currently stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. They have a son - Kaden (14), along with two fur babies - Ellis Hugh (5) and Jack (2). 
 

How many times have you PCS’d?

Together, we have PCS’d a total of 4 times. However, I was a military child and PCS’d quite a few times back in the day. Plus, before my spouse and I got together, he PCS’d more due to his military career. 
 

What are your must haves on a PCS journey for you and then also your family? 

The must haves would have to be the following:

• Orders: Have multiple copies of the orders.
• Binder of all the things: Important documents, receipts, confirmations/reservations, contact information.
• Clothes: Always have a fair amount of clothes to last the time in transition and more. I would think that needing it for the days expected is going to be short, so pack accordingly.
• Pet supplies: Food, registration, and vaccination papers, leashes, collars/tags, feeding bowls, toys, and treats.
• Snacks/Drinks: All the snacks! Traveling and then having cookware packed can limit mealtime. Having snacks that are tasty, filling, and shelf stable made an enormous difference. This avoids always eating the fast food and restaurants and minimizing the dent in spending. Having a little travel cooler to keep with you in the car also helps to keep spending down while spending the night in various places.
• Cash: I found it is always good to have some cash on hand. Some places do not take cards and trying to find an ATM in the middle of the route to pull money out could cause added chaos.
• Valuables/Secure Items: Hand carrying or keeping close any important items. You don’t want it to get lost in the shuffle of all the other household goods.
• A Positive Attitude: There is so much change and moving parts that staying positive and being optimistic helped me not stress out about all the things happening at once.
   

What is one item you learned the hard way that you must have when you PCS? 

Portable charger! The number of times that my phone was used for directions, confirming reservations, making calls, and getting things in order, the juice was running quick. Not all cars have plug-ins and some may only have 1. So, to have that charger keeps everyone happy. Whether it is the kids playing on their phones/tablets during the travel, or the adults needing it to get to the next stop.