Hey guys,

so this post is for all the army spouses that go through the process of PCS-ing to the States for their first time.

Reason why I post this: we are about to relocate within the next couple of weeks and it is my very first time. Since I have a bunch of questions and since I am super nervous and anxious, I wanna share this adventure with everyone else, so whenever it will be time for y’all, you have something to lean on….

As we are just in the process, I will update you step by step here on my blog. So stay with me, if you’re interested.

Our “orders” just came in this monday. You will need this piece of paper to start the process.

>>>> Without orders, no PCS-process! <<<<

Since we finally received that paper, we are now able to book the shipping company that will ship our “Household Goods”. However, this can take up to 3 months. That the reason why I was hoping to receive our orders sooner. Butwell that didn’t work out…

Today my husband told me tho, that we will ship unaccompanied baggage seperately and it will arrive within ~35 days. So make sure you think about stuff you need ASAP and put those things away from the stuff Household Goods will ship.

Another important appointment will be the day to ship you car – we only have one to ship. So once you got your orders, make sure to set an appointment at the “transportation office”. They will organise your cars shipment.

All these things are in process right now. The flight itself won’t be possible to book until our leave is approved. But the request is sent, so for now we focus on our things.

Last but not least: we have a dog that will come with us. Since he’s a big boy we will have to book him a “seat” in cargo. It is a little bit easier for us, since this is his 3rd time of flying. Luckily, we have the crate and his papers updated already. But if its the first time for you and your puppy: you need a crate that is big enough and approved by the flying company. (You will have to provide exact measurements.) We are most likely flying with Lufthansa or United Airlines, so if I were you, I would contact the Airline and make sure you get all the information you need to be able to take your dog with you.

The papers for the dog (healthcare certificate etc.) will be provided by your vet on- or off-post, just make sure they fullfill the requirements of the destination country.

Long story short. Once you received your orders, you will have to accomplish these steps:

1. Set a date for household goods

2. set a date for your unaccompanied baggage

3. Organise your car shipment

4. Get the papers for your pets in order and contact the airline as soon as you know your flight

5. get your flight tickets

Now last but not least:

If you are a spouse who is not from the States, don’t forget to make sure, you have the required papers to be able to move to the U.S.