Stress-free Military Move: DIY Moving PCS Binder

Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Military moves are never easy but are an inevitable part of this lifestyle.  (See: DITY Move in 1 Week)  My friend Joy gave me advice before she moved to Texas about creating a moving binder to keep things organized and easily accessible during a move.  I thought it was a great idea and wanted to adapt the idea to work for us.  I took some time to get together a moving binder so that when the time comes, whether it's weeks or months from now, I will be prepared.  While a bit time consuming at first, the majority of the work is done for all of our future moves.  All I will have to do is update new/changes in the binder.  I love to-do lists so these lists are perfect for keeping me sane during moves!
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
To make my moving binder, I used a 1/2 inch binder and put everything below inside plastic sleeves.  (That way I can use wet erase markers to cross items off the list and then just wipe it down after the move)  My moving binder contains:
     - To-do Lists for "Before Order Arrive", "Orders Arrive", "1 Week Before Move", "1 Day Before Move", "Day of Move" and "Arrival".
     - Copies of all important documents:
                -Birth Certificates
                -Social Security Cards
                -Passports
                -Military Ids and Drivers License
                -Insurance
                -Marriage Certificate
                -Power of Attorney
                -Car Titles
                -Car Insurance
                -Orders
                -Military Moving Forms
     -Serial numbers for all big items (electronics, furniture, etc.)
     -Photos of all big items (electronics, furniture, etc.)
     -List of abbreviations the movers use
     -Addresses and phone numbers for hotels/stops along the way
     -Moving box color code sheet
     -An empty sleeve for weight tickets, receipts, etc
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Working on the moving binder helped me realize that while I may not know where or when we will be moving, there are plenty of things I can work on ahead of time to get prepared.  The lists are pretty customized to our life/belongings (ie. no pets, our amount of stuff, etc) but might be a great jumping off point for you to get started.  If you are interested in getting copies to make your own binder, email me at wearereddy@gmail.com or leave your email in a comment below and I would be more than happy to send you my lists!
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

60 comments

  1. Saving this!! I was so in denial about moving to California that I had Ben handle it all! He did a fabulous job, but my OCD-ness will never be able to handle that again!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is a great idea! For our two moves last year, I had lists upon lists. The binder makes it more organized.

    ReplyDelete
  3. i don't know how my mom did it moving us every three years, maybe she had an awesome binder like this but i never saw it...

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh man, hook me up with some copies! I'm so Type B it's ridiculous, so I'd rather just pay someone else to do it all for me.. but I still feel like having copies of this will come in handy sometime! You are amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I would love to have some copies! Moving in May! Thank you so much.

    jamiew86@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  6. I would love to have some copies if you are still sending them out. Moving in the next few months.

    Ashley.greenwald226@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I would love a copy if you still have them! Thanks:)

    Philosurfy at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I would love a copy if you'd send it, this list is invaluable! Great tips thanks!

    linleyval@yahoo

    ReplyDelete
  9. I would love a copy of this! romanielloali@gmail.com Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. So need these copies!
    jackiejilg@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Doing my first PCS and this is great tips. Love the abbreviation list. Would love to get copies if you are still sharing. Thank you. mbluhm22@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I would love to have a copy! I've been searching for something to use as basic guidelines for a few weeks now and haven't found any as good as yours! Thank you so much! hicks-k@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi! I would love a copy of the documents! Moving from Texas to Maryland is February! Thanks so much! :)
    Kellyweber7@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I would so love a copy!! Thanks so much!
    carlaecarlos4@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is a must have! Thanks s omuch for making this!! Can ou send a copy to bkflanagan@icloud.com!1 Thanks again :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'd love a copy as well! bmcneal122@gmail.com

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I would love a copy! pjburr14@gmail.com
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Would love copies!!!! Going on our 3rd PCS in less than 6 years! Moving to Hawaii! Love your checklists! killion.stacy@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Would love copies please this is my first PCS and I have a month and a half. thelma_la_bonita@yahoo.com Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I would love a copy of your lists! This will be our 8th PCS, and the first time I am trying to go about it in a semi-organized manner. :) audandjared@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. If you are still sending out copies of this, I would love a copy! smdungan11@gmail.com Thanks so much!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. This is my first PCS move and I need help. Please email me a copy to jadspragg@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I would love a copy of your lists. Please email me a copy at waterelfjr@yahoo.com THANK YOU!!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I would love a copy of your PCS Moving Binder! Please email me a copy at JH.JS.LEONARD@gmail.com. Thanks so much!!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I would love to have copies!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I would love copies too!! Thank you so much!! meektorrence87@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I would love a copy too please! emilyemckean@yahoo.com :) thank you so much!!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. If you are still sharing, I would love a copy! Thanks! brittnmiller@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Me as well! We are PCSing overseas to Germany! joannambender@yahoo.com

    Thank you so much! This is the best list I have seen so far.

    ReplyDelete
  30. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I would like a copy if possible. Thank you!

    lforgm@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Would LOVE to have copies! Husband and I are going to Okinawa soon (he is in the Army) and I am super OCD when it comes to moving and having things organized. livelynarutard@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. If you are still sending them out I'd love copies! Thank you! nicole803@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Aloha. Love your blog! I would greatly appreciate a copy. PCSing from Hawaii to Yokota in April. Thanks so much! somebunny808@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi. This blog is so helpful! Can you please send me a copy at lyn.mendaros@gmail.com Thank you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Anonymous3/05/2016

    May I have a copy? kara.cheney@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. We are getting ready to move from Japan back to Florida and I would LOVE to have your lists!! Please e-mail mea copy :) t.pramik91@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'd love a copy! Getting ready to PCS in June. joannapyles@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hi there! I would love to please get copies of this!!!! Kzolnar@yahoo.com . Thank you so much :)!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Please send me copies, and make me the happiest type A wife and mom around!
    demauro.amanda@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Can you please send me copies to make a PCS binder. This is my 5th PCS and I'm finally getting organized! Thanks so much!
    brkj8@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. You're so creative! I love it! I'm so busy with work and PCS being throw at us last minute, 2 months away. Will you email me the PCS Binder, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! julia.gerick@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I'd love a copy!! alliemorland@hotmail.com
    Thank you so much!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hey girl! I would love a copy of this as we're getting ready to move across the country. Thanks so much for putting this together! sarrfaith@gmail.com Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Count me in for a copy please! korty_d@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hi! Need all the help I can get moving, if still available I would love a copy, Thanks a mil!! misantillan@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. This is my first Coast Guard move with my husband and we are moving from Elizabeth City, NC to Humboldt County, CA. I am SO nervous. I would love for you to email me a copy. Though I think I am a little behind. Movers come June 7th, and I have no clue where to start.

    j_wagner79@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I would really like to have a copy of this :) depaola.a@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. I'd love a copy of the lists! kmel0319@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. Sam,

    I would LOVE copy of this. We are about to PCS from Charleston, SC to flight school in either Mississippi, Texas, or Oklahoma (they are dragging their fee on issuing orders) but in the meantime I would like to be as prepared as possible. Thanks in advance, and welcome to South Carolina!!!!

    shelliwhitlock@gmail.com

    Best,

    Shelli

    ReplyDelete
  51. Anonymous6/17/2016

    I would LOVE copy of this!! It would really help this first time PCSer!! Barnett_se@aol.com.

    ReplyDelete
  52. can i get a copy as well?? lbatchler2008@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I would live a copy! Thanks! Nyhouse416@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. Stressed about our upcoming PCS would love sheet copies!! airforcewife0587@yahoo.com Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  56. im planning my first PCs move from Germany to Hawaii

    i would love to have that binder if thats ok?
    nadine.sabrina.thomas@gmail.com

    thank you so much for your great work and effort!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Anonymous12/27/2016

    Would love to have this!! Moving next month for the CG! kelseykellner@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. pleas send to me cooperm321@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. This is exactly what I have been searching for, I would love a copy!!
    morgan.bowles94@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. Nicole L.
    I would love copies we are pcsing overseas and it's our first! Email is 1989countrygirl@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

Latest Instagrams

© Reddy Or Knot . Design by Fearne.