PCS means permanent change of station in the military. You’ll relocate from your current home to somewhere new, which can last for years. Some service members PCS every few years while others may end up at one duty station for the remainder of their contract.

No matter how long you stay, it can be a significant adjustment for yourself and your family. Learning how to facilitate a smooth transition can reduce stress and make it easier to acclimate.

Why Can a PCS Be Stressful?

PCSing is just like moving to a brand new place in the civilian world. You’re leaving your home, familiar streets, and maybe even your family and friends. Spouses and children have to uproot their lives to move to a new duty station with you, which can range from moving a few states away to overseas.

Moving can be stressful since you’ll need to collect all your documents, pack your belongings, pull your children out of school, arrange education at your new home, and so much more. But once you arrive, you’ll have a whole new set of challenges to manage without the help of your previous support network. While the military offers plenty of assistance, adjusting your family to a new home will take plenty of effort, time, and patience.

Tips for Adjusting to a New PCS

While a new PCS can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be. You can take the appropriate steps to help your family adjust to a new duty station and routine so you can all continue living fulfilling lives. Use some of the tips below to learn the best methods for adjusting to a new PCS:

1. Explore Your Community

At first, your new military installation and the surrounding area will feel strange and unfamiliar. Once you arrive, take a drive with your family to get more familiar with the base and the local town. Look for parks, restaurants, or other points of interest that your family might enjoy.

Once you discover what your new community has to offer, try to make it fun for your family so everyone can start to develop positive memories in the new area. Find a list of attractions from your ITT (Information, Tickets, Tours) office on base and plan a day or weekend based on what you find.

2. Get Involved

Another great way to make your new duty station feel like home is to get involved in groups, teams, or activities in the area. You’ll have an opportunity to meet locals who enjoy the same things you do. For example, you can get involved with:

●Local churches

●Sports teams

●Book clubs

●Hobby groups

●Local gyms

Encouraging your family to engage with local groups can help them feel more connected to their new community, especially if you put your children in the same extracurriculars they enjoyed at your old duty station. A sense of community will help your family adjust sooner and feel more confident after the move.

3. Practice Patience

Remember to be patient with yourself and your family during this transition. Learning to live somewhere new can be challenging and take time, especially if your spouse or children lived in one place their whole life. Know that it’s normal to miss old friends and your favorite places.

Eventually, you’ll establish new routines, meet new people, and adjust to your surroundings. Don’t try to rush the transition period, and keep an open mind to the new opportunities you’ll encounter. As time passes, you and your family will feel more like a part of the community.

4. Learn How to Manage Stress

Even if you take all the right steps, adjusting to a new environment and home can be stressful. It’s essential to learn how to manage your stress so it doesn’t bleed into other parts of your life. When you’re dealing with the stress of a move, use the following tips to help you feel more calm or relaxed while you adjust:

●Have a positive mindset and attitude about your new home.

●Remember to practice self-care

●Make time to spend with your family

●Talk to friends or family members

●Seek support from your new community

●Talk with a counselor or therapist

5. Connect With Other Military Families

When you move to a new duty station, you’re going to be surrounded by many military families who’ve likely gone through the same thing as you. You can reach out on social media groups or at events in person to ask about tips or vent your feelings. Other service members and their families can be a valuable resource and can even become lifelong friends or members of your support network.

6. Help Your Family Adjust

Remember that your family is likely having just as hard of a time adjusting as you are. You’ll want to help them through this transition period in every way you can, which can include spending time with your family, taking them out into the community, engaging in group activities with locals, and spending time talking about everyone's feelings regarding the move.

Your family may experience stress from moving, so you can lead them through the different steps to manage their stress. If you need to, the military has resources available to spouses and dependents for counseling to make the transition smoother.

Ease Your Transition With the Right Gear From Military Luggage Company

No matter where you’re moving, you’ll need something to carry all your military equipment. Military Luggage Company has you covered with our high-quality selection of bags, packs, and other gear. You can find anything from duffle bags and backpacks to loadout bags and kit bags. Store all your gear inside so it’s reliably transported to your new duty station. Get started by browsing our selection or contacting us with your questions!