The Ultimate PCS Checklist: Binders, Totes, and Essentials

Military life often requires frequent relocating, but there’s more to it than boxes and loading a truck. Oftentimes, there are items needed before, during, and after travel that can get lost in the “I thought you had that” communication. Some items need to stay with you once the orders are accepted and until you pull into the next duty station.

Whether this is your first PCS or you’re a pro, creating a physical binder and a digital backup is an excellent way to keep important papers organized.

The PCS Binder Checklist

Keep these documents with you at all times during transit. Do not pack them in the household goods shipment:

• Military orders (multiple copies)
• IDs, military dependent cards, and passports
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Medical and dental records
• School and immunization records
• Pet records and vaccination certificates
• Vehicle registration and insurance documents
• Housing paperwork or lease agreements
• Hotel reservations and travel receipts

Essential Tote Items

Once your documents are gathered, it’s time to create a tote (or two) of daily essentials. Having immediate access to these items will help reduce the stress of travel days:

• Prescriptions, medications, and a basic first aid kit
• Toiletries and daily hygiene products
• Phone chargers, cables, and power banks
• A few days of clothing for the whole family
• Pajamas and comfortable walking shoes
• Bath towels and washcloths
• Basic bedding or sleeping bags for the first night
• Small laundry detergent and supplies
• Paper plates, cups, plastic utensils, and trash bags
• Basic cleaning wipes or disinfectant spray
• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Comfort items for children, such as a favorite stuffed animal or blanket
• Entertainment, including books, tablets, headphones, and activity kits
• Pet essentials, including leashes, bowls, pet beds, and comfort toys
• A few familiar items that smell like home to help ease transition anxiety

Commissary Must-Haves

Eating out every day during a move gets expensive quickly. Your best bet is to stop at the commissary to load up on travel-friendly food items. This keeps snacks available during transit and ensures you have food as soon as you arrive at your next home:

• Refillable water bottles
• Shelf-stable snacks (nuts, granola bars, dried fruit)
• Coffee, tea supplies, and travel mugs
• Easy breakfast items (cereal, oatmeal packets)
• Kid-friendly snacks and juice boxes
• Pet food and treats
• Baby formula, baby food, or special dietary items
• A small cooler for travel days to keep drinks and perishables cold

The "Load Last, Open First" Tote

Finally, create a specific tote clearly labeled “Load Last, Open First.” Pack this container into your vehicle last so it is the very first thing you bring into your new destination. It contains everything you need to set up your home for basic, immediate functionality:

• Basic kitchen tools (a pot, a pan, a spatula, and a chef's knife)
• Shower curtain and hooks
• Fresh rolls of toilet paper and paper towels
• Hand soap and dish soap
• Scissors or a box cutter to open moving boxes
• Packing tape
• Assorted batteries
• A reliable flashlight
• Extension cords
• A small toolkit (screwdriver, hammer, pliers)
• Basic cleaning supplies for a quick wipe-down

Military families are known to be resilient and adaptable, and that strength applies directly to the relocation process. Keeping these essentials nearby allows you to focus less on what might be missing and more on beginning your family's next great adventure. Happy moving!