These hacks are ‘totes' the smart way to PCS

Yahoo

06-07-2025

When planning a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), military families face the daunting task of transporting their belongings across the country or even overseas. Amid the stress of researching housing, vehicle transport, new schools, and all of the other things, finding practical and cost-effective ways to manage your luggage is crucial.
While researching our own PCS from Virginia Beach to Honolulu, someone somewhere put storage totes on my radar. It turns out many military families have turned to using large totes—specifically 27, 55, or 60-gallon containers—as an efficient solution for packing and transporting their essentials.
Airline policies offer generous baggage allowances for military personnel and dependents traveling on orders, making these oversized totes a game-changer. Here are a few benefits of using these totes during your PCS, along with a breakdown of baggage policies from major U.S. airlines to ensure a smooth and budget-friendly move.
American Airlines: Active-duty military members and their dependents can check up to five bags free of charge when traveling on orders. Each bag can weigh up to 100 pounds. For personal travel, three bags can be checked for free.
Delta Air Lines: Active-duty members can check up to five bags for free when on orders (four in economy class). These bags can weigh up to 100 pounds each. For personal travel, two bags up to 50 pounds each are allowed for free, with three bags allowed for those in first class.
United Airlines: Active-duty personnel on orders can check up to five bags, each weighing up to 100 pounds, for free. For personal travel, three bags weighing up to 70 pounds each are allowed.
Southwest Airlines: Southwest allows military members on orders to check an unlimited number of bags, provided no single bag exceeds 100 pounds or 80 inches in size.
Alaska Airlines: Military members and dependents can check up to five bags for free, each weighing up to 70 pounds. There are no oversize fees for these bags, making large totes more practical.
When using large totes for your PCS, it's a good idea to secure them with zip ties for added security. However, it's important not to attach the zip ties until after you've checked in your bags, as the TSA or airline staff may need to inspect the contents.
During my most recent PCS, a friendly Delta employee once shared a handy tip: bring extra zip ties and tape them to the lid of your tote. This way, if TSA or an airline employee needs to open your tote while it's in transit, they can easily reseal it with the spare ties. One less thing to worry about during your move!
When it comes to organizing and labeling your totes, creativity abounds. Prioritize everything you'll need upon arrival immediately (assuming you've also sent an Unaccompanied Baggage shipment). Spouse Facebook pages for your next duty station are invaluable resources. Simply search for 'totes,' and you'll find advice from families who've been in your shoes, helping you avoid last-minute scrambling.
Add Contact Information: Use painter's tape to label each tote with your phone number and name in case it gets misplaced.
Inventory Each Tote: Keep a list of items inside each tote, whether on paper or digitally. For a tech-savvy approach, try attaching a QR code with the contents list.
'Open Me First' Tote: Designate a tote with essentials like toiletries, pajamas, and other essentials for your first night. This is especially useful for evening arrivals.
Create a Kid-Friendly 'Toy Tote': A toy-specific tote keeps kids entertained during the move and doubles as a toy box once you're settled.
Optimize for Temporary Lodging: If space is limited at your temporary lodging, pack a tote with storage solutions, such as collapsible cubes or drawer organizers, to quickly make the space functional.
Planning your PCS move with the help of totes can be a game-changer. From airline allowances to organizing hacks, these containers offer an efficient and budget-friendly way to transport your essentials while keeping everything organized and maximizing your DLA. With a bit of preparation and creativity, you'll have everything you need right at hand, making the transition to your new home a smoother experience for the whole family. Safe travels and happy moving!
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