Most military families are well acquainted with a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). Every three years or so, service members and their families prepare to embark on a new chapter, having to find lodging to bridge the gap between leaving a duty station and settling into a new home.
This time can be very unpredictable, and knowing that you are in between homes can make it more stressful. Packing smart for your lodging stay can not only bring comfort and be convenient but also help you stay sane during this unpredictable time. We know what living out of suitcases feels like, so here is everything you didn’t know you’d need and will be so glad you brought for temporary housing during a PCS.
Chowtime, PCS Edition
Depending on where you decide to stay and the lodging setup, having a kitchenette available can be a significant help for many military families during a PCS. Sometimes, these come fully equipped with pots, pans, cutlery, and more, while at other times, you are lucky if you get a coffee pot that works.
Having a proper setup can help you and your family tackle a PCS by saving money, allowing you to make healthier eating options, and feel a bit more “at home.” However, if you cannot find availability for lodging with a kitchenette, packing necessary items to make your stay comfortable helps. Consumables like paper plates, paper towels, trash bags, and disposable cutlery can make it easier. You can also pack some shelf-stable pantry staples or visit your local commissary to stock up on groceries.
Comfort for the Whole Crew
Temporary lodging does not mean absolute comfort; bringing some of your favorite household items to keep everyone cozy and happy can make a big difference.
If you have young children, items like sound machines, soft blankets, and small fans can be heaven-sent when routines are out the window and new sleeping spots can be overwhelming for littles. Turning a hotel room into a comfortable and homey space requires extras, such as scent plug-ins or diffusers to keep everything smelling like home. Pack your favorite slippers, mug, headphones, or extra facemasks to unwind.
Mission Organized
One thing we always notice about lodging is that hotels never have enough hooks. Never extra hooks for towels, bags, or uniform headgear. Because of this, we always pack extra command hooks. Organizing tools like over-the-door organizers, collapsible laundry hampers, packing cubes, shower caddies, cable organizers, extra hangers for uniforms, and a random catch-all basket will help you keep the PCS chaos under control.
This is huge if you are PCSing with your whole family and have multiple people sharing a small space.
Field Day Ready
If you have ever experienced a temporary stay in lodging, then you know that cleaning services will not be as routine. One of my tips is to create a “cleaning kit,” getting some of your favorite cleaning must-haves together to have with you during your check-in time. Some hotels will have a broom and trash bin, but here are some essentials to always bring: paper towels, extra trash bags, a handheld vacuum (especially if you are pet-sitting), multi-surface wipes, a Swiffer, hand soap, detergent, and dryer sheets.
And sure, you can always buy all of this when you get there, but why would you? You just road tripped to your next duty station, and now you want to go to the store? Nope, get some much-needed rest, plus hotel shop items are overpriced. Nobody has time for that!
Support is Critical
Now that you have most items taken care of, here are some extras that can support your PCS mission ahead while waiting for housing in the lodge. Keep an extension cord with you or have a charging station ready for all the phones, tablets, and personal entertainment options. Hotels may only have a limited number of outlets at times, so plan ahead.
Don’t forget streaming devices like Roku or Fire TV Sticks; the lack of channels during your stay might drive you mad (unless your go-to is local news). Things like a handheld steamer are great for taking care of dress uniforms, a portable humidifier due to the dry and uncomfortable hotel spaces, and don’t forget some extra towels.
PCS lodging is supposed to be temporary, but we all know that in most cases, military life doesn’t always go as planned. “Temporary” can turn into weeks of living in a place that is not yours. Being able to pack specific items to make a hotel feel a bit more like home while staying organized and keeping things tidy can help us deal with the in-between.
Every PCS is different; after each move, many of us have made notes on what works and what doesn’t work. Our checklist keeps getting better, and we become more prepared every time. Every move deserves a little more comfort and a little less stress.
