One month to go: 5 things every military family should do before a PCS
The final month before the move can bring exciting opportunities to enjoy a duty station before the goodbyes start setting in. You've got thirty days, one big move coming up, and here are five things to do before the month is over to close out this duty station chapter.
1. Focus on your bucket list.
We have all been there. We arrived at a duty station with the motivation to do all the things, but guess what? Life, work, school, and all the routines got in the way, and we did not check everything off our list. Life happened, but now you have thirty days, so make it count!
This is such a heartfelt way to transition out of a duty station while also visiting new places. Take advantage of your local natural surroundings and tackle one last adventure. Before everything gets packed, make plans to spend time together trying something new. Checking off more fun things off your bucket list can become treasured stories in your family's PCS journey.
2. Say meaningful goodbyes.
Someone cutting onions? Goodbyes are rough. Not going to sugar coat it, they are hard… not just for you but also for our military kids, and the people we leave behind. Adults and kids need closure. We understand the challenges of military life when it comes to forming connections and friendships; these relationships deserve to be honored with meaningful farewells.
Host a final gathering and invite neighbors and friends. Take all the photos together. Write notes for the people who made a difference in this chapter, and most of all, make honest and achievable plans to stay in touch.
3. Take a photo in your home.
Just one snapshot of you all in the place you called home.
This is something that has been a must for our family: Having a photo of us together at a place we called home throughout our military life adventures. This photo will help you reflect on the time you spent together in this home, the memories you made, the ups and downs of the duty station, and, most of all, the way everything always seems to work out despite the challenges of military life.
4. Revisit memories.
If you completed your bucket list, then why not revisit some of your favorite spots with family and friends? From favorite coffee shops, nature trails, local markets, and hidden gems in your neighborhood, you can visit these with a different perspective. Return to your favorite running trail, the splash pad your kids love, your go-to sunset spot, a favorite bookstore, local diner… even your favorite installation staples like the bowling alley or an MWR outdoor site.
Revisiting familiar spots during your last month offers a chance to see them differently: with more presence, more gratitude, and often, more emotion. You're not chasing nostalgia, you're collecting closure.
5. Take care of the necessary.
The last month will be busy, and yes, having heartfelt moments is important, but taking care of the logistics of your move is, too. This is not limited to just packing. Don't forget to forward your mail or place it on temporary hold. Stop any subscriptions you will not need until you arrive at your new duty station. If you live in military housing, do not forget to request your final inspection and plan your move-out cleaning. Disconnect utilities, organize important documents, and make copies (yes, digital copies too).
You can also plan to schedule vehicle maintenance if you are driving for your PCS, and never forget to track all your expenses for PCS-related reimbursements. While we're busy making the most of our time left, we also owe it to ourselves to wrap up the military-related loose ends that can make or break a smooth transition.
You have one last month to enjoy the chapter you are getting ready to close. And while everything feels exhausting, the silver lining is that you have the power to make it count and make it memorable. It is your last pause before what comes next. We are all very aware of the unknowns that a PCS can bring.
For the last thirty days, as you check off another duty station, let the countdown come with intention to reconnect. We know that change is coming, but one last month to enjoy and create more memories is essential to say farewell and move on to the next adventure.
Goodbyes may be hard, but they're also proof that you made a place feel like home!
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