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Is it time for your next permanent change of station? If you have been in the military for a while, you probably already know a lot of hacks to streamline the packing and moving process. But if you are new to the armed forces, your first few PCS relocations can be pretty hectic to say the least. Following are some PCS tips and tricks to help you out.

• Pack a First Box. Choose a sturdy large plastic bin for shipping for this purpose. In the First Box, put everything you will need on the first day you arrive at your new house. This could include basic bedding, sundries, and so forth. Have the movers pack it last so it can be unloaded first.

• Take inventory. Make lists of everything you are packing as well as which boxes the stuff is in. Label your boxes not just with generic words, but also with numbers. So if your young daughter asks for her favorite stuffed bunny, you will know to open “Toys #3” instead of “Toys #2” or “Toys #4.”

• Have a binder with all your papers. This will include your inventory list from above, but also other documents such as military orders, car titles, and insurance information, and so forth.

• Be aware that there are some items which movers will not move. If you label a box “Light bulbs,” good luck getting it to its destination. If you want to move items like these, you need to conceal them in other boxes.

• Watch out for your warranty terms. If your mattress gets dirty for example, that will void your warranty. So you should cover it before transport.

• Small items should be put in bags before being boxed. If you fail to do this, it is more likely that they will become lost or jumbled together. Jewelry, small toys, knickknacks, and so on should be protected.

• Consider fake labels on some boxes. During a PCS move, the movers stole an entire box of my CDs once. Yes, sadly, it does happen. Now if I had just labeled them something other than “CDs,” like “Towels,” it seems likely to me I’d still have them.

• Use some plastic bins for moving. Large and small plastic boxes can offer superior protection to your items and can be handy after you finish your move. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use any cardboard, but a mix can be smart.

• Monitor your children when they are packing. Small kids in particular may not pay attention to the rules and procedures you set for packing, and may be prone to losing things. Keeping an eye on them can prevent this (and the ensuing panic when they can’t find a favorite toy or clothing item).

Now you have a bunch of great tips to help you out with your next PCS move! Eventually you’ll get it down to a science and it will be a lot faster, easier and less stressful. Good luck, and enjoy your next tour of duty!