If you’re already planning for next season’s PCS, you might be wondering how to navigate the prep in a new way that leaves you centered, balanced, and maybe even a little excited. Here are some unexpected, powerful ways to refresh your mind, body, and soul.
Redefine your packing ritual for a stress-free move
Even if you’re having movers for your pack out, you’re probably going to go through every drawer and closer. Instead of thinking about this as an overwhelming choice, start treating it like a release ritual. When we moved from Germany to Washington, D.C., and I knew I was going from a house to a small apartment, I decided to turn packing into a memory cleanse. I looked at every item in a drawer and remembered why I bought it. I thought about what it means to me and what memory it holds. And if it didn’t resonate entirely, I put it in the donate pile.
When you come across an item that doesn’t spark joy, it’s your moment to let it go. Donate, gift, or recycle it. This way, packing transforms from a mundane task into a personal ritual that clears physical and mental clutter before the big move. You’re not just organizing; you’re cleansing, preparing yourself to welcome the new.
Create a personalized PCS soundtrack to spark excitement
Sometimes, music is the best way to lift your mood and spark excitement for what lies ahead. Create a PCS playlist, but don’t just fill it with random tunes. Think of it as a soundtrack to your journey. Pick songs that remind you of where you’re going, like local artists or songs from movies set in your destination. Or go full nostalgia and add tracks that represent where you’re leaving. Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, crank up the volume and let the music fill the room.
Capture your PCS journey with a blank space book
Every PCS deserves its own story. Start a “blank space book,” a simple journal dedicated solely to the journey. But instead of standard journaling, try something different. Capture the weird, funny, and wild moments that come with a move. When we moved to Turkey, I kept a mini book where I jotted down everything quirky, from my attempt to translate street signs to the number of times I misplaced my passport.
Leave room for “postcards” or photos, sketches of what you see along the way, or even snippets of conversations you overhear. The blank space book becomes a keepsake you’ll cherish for years, a tangible memory capsule of the PCS journey and everything that came with it. And then later, when it’s time to PCS again, your PCS memory book is already started!
Curate your own calming PCS smellscape
Smells are some of our strongest memory triggers, and curating your own “smellscape” for this PCS can make all the difference. Choose scents that feel comforting and familiar and make a small “travel kit” of those smells. Maybe it’s lavender oil, a small candle that reminds you of home, or even a fabric softener you associate with your favorite cozy blanket.
Keep this kit with you during the move. Whenever things feel chaotic, a familiar smell can bring a sense of calm and familiarity. You’re building a sensory memory for yourself, creating a scent-triggered grounding tool that’ll remind you of the strength and courage it takes to start fresh.
Send yourself a “Welcome to Your New Life” package
I learned this trick from a seasoned spouse and have been doing it for years! Think of it as a future gift for yourself, a little celebration for getting through all the craziness of a PCS. A few weeks before the move, put together a package of small things that make you happy. Include a letter to yourself with hopes, intentions, or even advice for the first weeks in your new home. Throw in your favorite snacks (especially if you’re heading OCONUS!), a small framed photo, or a new book you’ve been dying to read. Add in candles, essential oils, or whatever you know will make you feel grounded and centered. When you arrive and are surrounded by boxes and chaos, opening this package can be like a warm, friendly reminder of why you’re on this journey. It’s a way to offer yourself kindness and a little joy right when you need it most.
Rediscover a favorite hobby to stay grounded
PCS season can make you feel like there’s no time for you. But now is when you need that time most. Reclaim one small hobby you can do anywhere, whether it’s sketching, cross-stitching, reading, or even learning a new language. Revisit what brings you joy and pack a small “hobby kit” to keep it going.
It’s important not to think of this as a distraction. Really, it’s an anchor that reminds you who you are beyond the move. When things feel chaotic, opening up that sketchbook or returning to a language app can help ground you, reminding you that you’re more than the boxes and paperwork. You’re still you, no matter where you’re headed next.
Embrace this move as a fresh start for wellness
Remember, PCS prep doesn’t have to be about pushing through stress alone. This self-care checklist is all about embracing the wild adventure of moving while keeping a sense of peace, excitement, and self along the way. You’ve got this, and by making it unique to you, this PCS can be more than a move. It can be a fresh, joyful chapter.