PCS Prep Starts with Organization: Tips for Incoming & Outgoing Families
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves are part of Army life, but they don’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re preparing to depart Fort Benning or getting organized as you arrive, taking time now to declutter and plan can make your transition smoother and far less stressful. With our Shred It event happening this week, this is the perfect moment to get a head start by clearing out old paperwork and organizing what truly needs to move with you.
One of the most helpful things you can do early in the PCS process is create a simple timeline or checklist. As soon as orders are received, start listing out key steps such as transportation appointments, housing coordination, packing goals, and important dates. Breaking the move into smaller, manageable tasks helps prevent last-minute stress and keeps everyone in the household on the same page.
Paperwork tends to multiply during a PCS, so organizing important documents early is critical. Keep essential items together in one secure location that stays with you rather than being packed with household goods. This may be a physical folder, binder, or digital file system. Documents to keep readily accessible include:
PCS orders and amendments
Identification and passports
Medical and dental records
School records for children
Housing and insurance paperwork
At the same time, this is an ideal opportunity to let go of documents you no longer need. Old bills, outdated records, and excess paperwork can quickly add unnecessary weight and clutter to a move. Responsible shredding helps protect personal information while simplifying what you take with you. Our Shred It event is designed to make that step easy and secure, helping residents start their PCS journey lighter and more organized.
Decluttering goes beyond paperwork. A PCS is a natural reset, and sorting belongings room by room can save time and effort later. Consider separating items into categories such as keep, donate, sell, or discard. Reducing what you move can make packing faster, unpacking easier, and your new home feel settled sooner.
Fort Benning offers resources to support both outgoing and incoming families throughout the PCS process. The Logistics Readiness Center and transportation office can help explain moving options, entitlements, and timelines. Scheduling appointments early is especially important during peak PCS season, when availability may be limited. Using the Defense Personal Property System as soon as orders are in hand helps keep your move on track.
It’s also important to consider the needs of your entire household. Pet transportation requirements and veterinary records should be reviewed well in advance. Children may benefit from being involved in packing their own items and talking through what to expect. Spouses and families often find that connecting with local or on-post resources early helps ease the transition and build familiarity with a new community.
Planning for the financial side of a PCS can also reduce stress. While many costs are covered through entitlements, temporary lodging, meals, deposits, and travel expenses can add up. Keeping receipts and tracking expenses throughout the move helps simplify reimbursement later and avoids surprises.
As moving day approaches, a few final steps can make a big difference:
Pack a small essentials box with toiletries, chargers, medications, and snacks
Clearly label boxes with rooms and general contents
Keep critical documents and valuables with you during travel
Organization is one of the most powerful tools for a successful PCS. Taking time now to declutter, shred unnecessary documents, and prepare thoughtfully can make your move from or to Fort Benning far smoother. We hope our Shred It event helps you start this transition with a clean slate and a sense of control as you prepare for what’s next.