The house is packed. The kids are unenrolled from school. You are officially on the move. Here are some tips to help you stay calm in the midst of limbo.
- To the best of your abilities, maintain your routine. If you like to workout at 5 p.m., and you know you are planning to be midway through your drive at that time, do some research on nearby parks where the whole family can get out, stretch their legs and breathe some fresh air. If you like to cook most nights, consider testing out some recipes you can make in a hotel room. The more you can keep the same, the more you can keep yourself sane.
- Carry cash with you and save all receipts. PCSing is expensive; the average military family spends about $5,000 throughout the move. While you can expect to get some of that money back, the reimbursement process takes time, and you may have to dip into savings to cover the costs. Talk to someone on your Personal Financial Readiness team, like a Command Financial Specialist (CFS) or a Fleet & Family Personal Finance Manager (PFM), to help you anticipate and budget for these expenses.
- Do not forget your resources. Make sure you notify TRICARE of your PCS in case you need medical assistance along the way. Remember, the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society and American Red Cross offer financial assistance specifically for PCSing. Fleet & Family, Military OneSource and these organizations are all only a phone call away. Despite feeling more removed from the military during this time, remember you are not alone.
- Maintain contact with your sponsor. If you would like to mail supplies to yourself to help you get settled faster, request an address at the command. If you find yourself getting delayed, keep them in the loop. If you ask them to help you get set up with housing, make sure you have a place to rest your head upon arrival.
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