Wilmington, North Carolina, is the South's Best City on the Rise

Wimmington, North Carolina is one of the best in the south.   For the Full Story: Wilmington, North Carolina, is the South's Best City on the Rise  

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Pack, Check, Schedule- Stay Organized

PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves can be daunting, but with proper organization, you can make the process smoother. Here are some ways to organize for a PCS move: Create a Timeline: Start planning as soon as you receive your PCS orders. Create a timeline that includes important dates such as packing, housing arrangements, and transportation scheduling. Gather Important Documents: Collect all necessary paperwork such as orders, medical records, school records, and financial documents. Keep these in a secure folder or binder for easy access during the move. Make Checklists: Create checklists for each stage of the move, including tasks like sorting belongings, notifying utilities, arranging pet transportation, etc. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Declutter and Organize: Before packing, go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. This will lighten your load and reduce moving costs. Organize items by category (clothing, kitchenware, etc.) to simplify packing and unpacking. Inventory Your Belongings: Create an inventory list of all items being moved. This will help you keep track of your belongings and assist with insurance claims in case of loss or damage during transit. Research Moving Options: Research moving companies or transportation methods available for your PCS move. Compare quotes and services offered to find the best option for your budget and needs. Notify Relevant Parties: Inform your current and future utility providers, post office, banks, insurance companies, and other relevant parties about your change of address. Update your address with the DMV and any subscriptions or memberships. Arrange Temporary Housing (if needed): If you'll need temporary housing during your move, make arrangements well in advance. This could include booking hotels, short-term rentals, or staying with friends or family. Pack Strategically: Pack items systematically, labeling boxes with their contents and destination room. Pack essentials separately for easy access upon arrival at your new location. Prepare for Travel: If driving to your new duty station, plan your route and make any necessary accommodations for pets or children. If flying, make flight and accommodation arrangements in advance. Take Care of Legal and Administrative Tasks: Update your will, power of attorney, and other legal documents if necessary. Ensure all administrative tasks related to your move are completed, such as transferring vehicle registrations and updating voter registration. Stay Flexible and Stay Informed: PCS moves can be unpredictable, so remain flexible and prepared for unexpected changes. Stay informed about any updates or changes to your orders and adjust your plans accordingly. By following these organizational tips, you can alleviate some of the stress associated with a PCS move and ensure a smoother transition to your new duty station.  Article Source

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What Type of PCS Move Are You Making?

When it comes to PCS moves in the military, they are broadly categorized into two main types based on the location of the new duty station: CONUS (Continental United States) Moves: A CONUS move involves relocating to a new duty station within the continental United States. This could mean moving from one state to another or within the same state but to a different military installation. CONUS moves are typically more straightforward in terms of logistics compared to OCONUS moves, as they do not involve crossing international borders. OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) Moves: An OCONUS move involves relocating to a duty station located outside the continental United States. This could include moving to overseas bases in locations such as Europe, Asia, the Pacific, or other regions where the United States has military installations. OCONUS moves require additional planning and considerations due to factors such as international shipping of household goods, obtaining passports and visas, cultural adjustments, and potentially different entitlements and allowances for service members and their families. Both CONUS and OCONUS moves have their own set of challenges and requirements, and military personnel and their families should be prepared to navigate the specific procedures associated with their PCS move type. It's essential to communicate with the military transportation office, relocation assistance program, and other relevant resources to ensure a smooth transition during the relocation process.   Article Source

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