Budgeting for a PCS Move

Whether it’s navigating unexpected costs, saving for future relocations, or finding creative ways to cut expenses, budgeting for a PCS move requires careful planning and preparation. Family spoke with Crystal Niehoff who is currently stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO and is married to Chaplain (LTC) Kevin Niehoff. They have four children: Stephanie, 32, Savannah, 31, and twins, Aricka and Seth, who are both 20. Aricka and Seth still live with mom and dad, and additionally, they have been blessed with six grandchildren.

How many times have you PCS’d and how do you manage the budgeting aspect of each move?

We’ve moved seven times, with our eighth coming up this summer. Managing the budget for each move has become easier with time. We’ve set up a savings account specifically for PCS expenses and start building it back up just a few months after the last move. Even if we can only add $50 a month for a while, that small amount grows over the course of a year. For example, within a year, $50 a month becomes $600!

We also do a PCS purge each time—selling o  larger items in good condition, donating or discarding what we don’t need, and adding the proceeds to our savings.

What are some of the most effective budgeting strategies you’ve developed over the years?

In the early years, I didn’t budget properly for the area we were moving to, which led to underestimating costs. I didn’t account for things like hotel stays, meals, or living expenses. Now, I overestimate everything. It’s better to have too much money saved than too little.

A few clever hacks for saving money are:

• Use a crockpot at your hotel instead of expensive restaurant meals.

• Always ask for a military discount when eating out or at the hotel.

• Use those hotel points whenever possible.

• Save any gift cards you receive throughout the year.

• Keep a stash of smaller bills and coins. (My husband was surprised when he found out how much I’d saved up this way. After two years of stashing, I deposited over $1,000 into our PCS fund!)

There was one time when I was chatting with the hotel desk clerk, and I casually asked if there was a larger room available. To my surprise, there was, and they gave it to us at the same rate as the smaller room. It was their way of thanking my husband for his service.

What’s something you wish you knew about budgeting for a PCS move before your first one?

Before my first PCS, I had no idea about all the hidden expenses. For example, the tips for hotel and wait staff, vehicle wear and tear from long-distance moves, and the pet expenses really added up. There are also the little surprises like needing winter coats right away but not having them because they’re still in storage. And someone always seems to get sick.

But somehow, it always works out. Military families are incredibly resourceful and resilient. We are fortunate to be part of a community that helps each other out. My best piece of advice is always to pay it forward—help another military family in need when you can. It always comes back to you in ways you never expect.