As a Military family you know the phrase “hurry up and wait” better than anybody. So to help the time pass while you sit and wait for your moving date, here are some things you can do to help this process go by smoothly.

1. Make Your Lists

Go to the store and pick out a new notebook ONLY for your PCS things. Make it bright with colors so you don't lose it easily. Or if pen and paper isn’t your jam, grab your phone and open the “Notes” app or use a word/google doc to create your lists. Here are some lists you can start working on.

• Things to sell (Ex. furniture, appliances, vehicles, etc.)

• Things to take with us (Ex. bedding, a few toys, some kitchen tools, your important notebook)

• Things we need to get done before moving (Ex. get my daughter's birth certificate, clean up the yard, get a realtor, etc.)

• Things to do once we are at the new place (Ex. find new doctors, change your address with your bank and USPS, etc.)

• Bucket List before we leave (Ex. visit favorite restaurants, visit friends in the area, etc.)

• Bucket List for the New Place (Ex. all the fun places, churches you want to visit, daycares to tour, etc.)

Going through these lists can be more bitter than sweet, but once you get to the last list it gets exciting and fun. 

2. Let the Purge Begin

Start weeding out all the random junk you haven't used in a long while. Throw out broken or old toys and only keep the age-appropriate toys that actually get played with. Go through clothes and make sure everyone actually fits in the clothing you are having to haul across the states.

 If you're moving overseas you will want to really slim every room down. An overseas move will also include selling ALL of your big items. 

3. Housing Plan

If you own the house you are currently living in right now, then now is the time to decide if you want to sell it or rent it out while you're gone. If you're selling, you need to add “find a realtor” to your list. If you're renting, you need to start fixing the place up and find someone to manage your property for you. 

If you aren’t sure which option is best for you and your situation, speak to a realtor who can give you professional advice on what the market in your area is like.

4. Map Out Your Trip

9 times out of 10 you’ll be driving across many states, so you and your partner need to be on the same page. Will this be a fast route to your destination or are you guys going to relax on the trip, see the sights, and make memories to kick off this new adventure? Is your partner going to leave first and get situated while you stay behind and finish up, or will you all go together? Figure out which route you are going to take, where you'll stay, where you'll eat, etc.