Your spouse walks in the door and announces "We have our new orders to (Insert place here) get started packing honey!" What do you do first? The answer to this question is make a PCS Binder.
BUT HOW!!??
Here is a list of items you will need to make your PCS Binder:
- A 2 inch binder
- Dividers with folders
- Pen holder case
- Extra lined paper for notes
- Clear plastic binder sleeves
Documents you will need in your Binder:
-Housing applications and documents
-Official military orders
-Most recent LES
-Personal documents (passports, SSN cards, copy of IDs, etc..)
-Previous medical history
-Vehicle information (insurance, registration, etc.)
-Moving documents (paperwork, contracts, receipts from moving company or movers)
-Insurance documents (life, home, health, etc.)
How to organize your PCS binder:
Step #1- separate and categorize your dividers
Step #2- gather your documents together Step #3- Organize your binder by placing your documents in protective sleeves and folders.
Step #4- Put it all together
You can organize your binder how you feel necessary but to give you an idea I organized my own PCS binder accordingly:
Front of Binder- Your moving checklist with contact list
Pen pouch- an extra pen and ALL travel receipts (gas, hotels, flights, food, etc..)
First Folder/Divider- Housing documents and application forms
Second Folder/Divider- Military documents and official orders
Third Folder/Divider- Personal documents & medical records
Fourth Folder/Divider- Moving documents & copy of payments
Fifth Folder/Divider- Personal Insurance documents
Sixth Folder/Divider- Other documents & Notes
Extra paper and clear plastic sleeves
This may seem extreme to have all these documents in one binder, but the idea behind the PCS binder is that the binder becomes your lifeline. It never leaves your side. If your movers take longer to deliver your items then you have documentation for your Military spouse who will be in in-processing, while you deal with housing and reimbursements, and if you don't have those documents on hand then you and your spouse will be in a world of extreme waiting and problems. Another, valid reason why this binder is so important is if for some reason your file cabinet gets lost or stolen in the transition then you will have all your documents securely with you, and have far less to stress about.
I hope this helps and gives you an idea of the importance behind the magical PCS Binder. Good luck with your next PCS and be sure to subscribe for future Military lifestyle blog posts!