The Backwards PCS (Part 1) Army Wife Network

We all know that rocking this army wife life is rewarding. It is an adventure.

But you know what? Sometimes that adventure can daggum stress us out.

I personally believe that PCSing can be one of the most stressful events of our army lives.

So much coordination, so few answers. When are we leaving? When will the packers arrive? Can we drive both vehicles? How much is in savings? When do we report? When do the kids get out of school? When does school start? What is our weight limit again? Do we really like or furniture or can we just ditch it and start over? Where is the nearest chocolate stash?

Really, how we handle a PCS is all up to us. Sure, some events might make our right eye twitch and jeans get a bit tighter due to all of the emotional eating in between non-answer adventures. But we DO have a choice how we handle the everyday PCS challenges.

We can either totally stress out, tear up our fancy new notebook making obsessive-compulsive lists (totally hypothetical, of course– I would NEVER do THAT) or we can manage the things that ARE in our control and let the rest of the stuff go.

The best way that I let things go is to laugh.

I asked my military Facebook friends to join in the conversation and share their best “reverse” tip for PCSing. All of the following are based on true (humorous) events.

Welcome to part one of a two-part blog all about “The Backwards PCS,” also known as how NOT to move with the army.

Disclaimer: If you want a successful PCS, we highly recommend you do the opposite of the following “tips.” If you choose to adhere to these tips, we take no responsibility for the results. Although if you write us a really sappy email, I might ship you some chocolate.

Forget about that PCS to-do list for the next 3 minutes and enjoy these backwards PCSing tips .

*Mix your high value items in with the rest of your stuff. Give the packers the opportunity to use their best judgment. This is a huge time-saver. Most packers are experts in late-1800’s Chinaware, so they will pack it like it is their own.

*Procrastinate and/or remain in denial as long as possible. This strategy works great for your own PCS or that of your friends. If your bestie is getting ready to roll out, ignore it. Keep planning life as if they aren’t going anywhere, even when they sit you down to gently remind you of their departure date. (Feel free to pout at that point. They love that.)

Keep reading over at Army Wife Network for the rest of these oh-so-helpful “tips.”

So friends: What “backwards tips” would you add to the list? Jump in and leave a comment below. Who knows, your “tip” might end up here next month when we run the second half (and funnier!) set, including our number one “most effective” suggestion.

Now if you will excuse me… The movers are supposed to arrive in two minutes, and I want to be ready– because they are ALWAYS on time.

Blessed to laugh,