5 Ways to Survive Your Holiday PCS
I think it’s safe to say that no one wants to think about a holiday PCS. It isn’t the typical PCS season, and we often associate this time of year as the “settling-in months.” Think about it. We’re already into December, and you’re spending your energy doing what? Decorating for Christmas and buying presents? I am!
We certainly aren’t spring cleaning and purging things around our house. Traditionally, we spend this time settling into our homes, spending more time inside, and taking part in our annual family traditions. Simply put, moving this time of the year interrupts our traditions.
It doesn’t have to, though. There are ways to keep your sanity and enjoy your holiday, even if you’re on the road to your next duty station. Just don’t expect it to be traditional!
Here are five tips to help you survive your holiday PCS:
1. Remember there’s less housing competition.
Because moving at this time of the year is less common, there will be fewer families getting relocated to the same duty station as you, which means fewer families will be interested in the same property you are. One could also say that because fewer families are moving, fewer housing options will be available, which is also true. However, because there is less real estate activity, you may find that the owner, property manager, or real estate agent will be even more willing to work with you on your timeline and budget. You may be able to find your next home easier than expected!
2. Remember that moving companies are less busy.
You may find that your movers are easier to schedule around your most convenient time. Since fewer military families are preparing to move, the professional movers have fewer jobs this time of the year. The same goes for securing a moving truck. If you choose to do a Do It Yourself, or Personally Procured Move, securing a rental truck may be far easier during the winter than the summer.
3. Decorate your vehicle.
You don’t have the option to decorate your house for the holidays, but you can decorate your car. Put a wreath on the front bumper or antlers in the windows. Yeah, it may be corny, but this is your holiday, and if it feels more Christmas-y to do it, then do it!
Likewise, if you’ll be in and out of hotel rooms on the way to your next duty station, get a little Christmas tree to decorate and put in the room with you. Decorations don’t have to be extravagant, but they should bring you joy.
4. Embrace the trip.
Don’t try to make the drive in record time like you do on any other PCS move. Instead, plan out a special trip for your family to enjoy. How many other years will you take the opportunity to explore another area of the country during the holidays? If you can spare the extra leave before your spouse checks into their next duty station, take the time to experience the culture of another city and be a tourist, or drive home and see family for a day or two.
5. Visit friends along the way.
The military is small and we all know someone somewhere in the country. My husband has been active duty for only three years, and we already have friends on each coast and points between. If your friends are open to the idea, take the time to stop and see them during your travel.
Likewise, each time we hear that a friend received orders to PCS, we make sure to let them know that our door is open. That way, not only do they have a familiar place to crash for a night, but we also get to reconnect!
Moving during the holiday season is not appealing. Hopefully, with these few tips you can maintain your sanity, as well as experience a little holiday joy. Even though it won’t be a traditional holiday season, embrace the opportunity to make new memories instead!
By Danielle Keech for MilitarybyOwner
