Before You Leave:
Before you leave to your new duty station, dedicate some time to research your new home, the country/ state and the weather so you know what to pack. I bet you there are some Facebook groups you can join ahead of time. That will also have a lot of information that could help you. Usually there are multiple groups for communicating, PCS lost, traveling, selling (like a yard sale) and etc. Try to pick up some military terms so you can understand the military language when you arrive. Get familiar with the military rules for on and off base (ex: on and off post housing). Know the country/ state rules so you don't end up doing anything illegal. Make sure you send your stuff on time so you don't end up like us where we waited about six months for our stuff. We had a mix up with the movers before we left. They ended up packing our stuff after we left. Make sure to send your car on time. It's really hard getting a weeks worth of groceries without a car. Paying for a Taxi adds up over time. Prepare for your PCS (Permanate Change of Station) destination to change. That's right, it could change right when you arrive to the country/ state (happened to us). Close all bank cards you don't use or want to use anymore (especially spouses moving to Europe since finding a job will be tough). If you're stationed outside of the US, it can be hard trying to pay for your bank cards when often there is no ATM for your bank. Also, time change can be challenging to pay for your bank cards by phone. Speaking of phone, call your provider to unlock/ freeze your account if you'll be stationed outside of the US. They will most likely ask for a copy of you or your husbands orders. Also, research the country/ state for frequent stores or restaurants you like to go to. They might not have it, but every place has a similar type of store or restaurant, so don't stress too much! Besides, you can always online shop and send it to your house address or your APO address.
Summary:
- Research your new home, the country/ state and the weather
- Research Facebook groups
- Learn some military terms
- Learn the military rules
- Learn the country/ state rules
- Send your stuff on time
- Send your car on time
- Prepare for your PCS destination to change
- Close unnecessary bank cards
- Unlock/ freeze your phone contracts
- Research your favorite stores and restaurants
