This month, I’m going to share my secret PCS weapon with you. I remember being a young military spouse and having that first PCS come around. I felt so overwhelmed. Now, with five moves under my belt and a few more to come before we say goodbye to the Army, I’m a pro at making our PCS moves hassle free.

Want a sneak peek at that secret weapon? Here it is:

A ziploc bag.

Sorry, if that isn’t as exciting as you hoped it would be. Seriously though—if you fill it right, that little bag can get you through each and every move.

Here’s how I use it:

Step 1: As soon as my amazing soldier hits me with the words, “I talked to branch today. We are getting orders,” I break out a gallon-size bag and a Sharpie. I write the words “Moving Bag” and the year on it.

Step 2: I start making a list on the bag, just off the top of my head, of things I need to do. Important things, like turning off the utilities or getting copies of medical, dental, and school records. Also, changing the address (or putting mail on hold if we don’t have a forwarding address yet). That way, I don’t have to keep them stored in my brain, and I can refer to the bag and check them off as I go.

Step 3: I start adding important papers. I tear the covers off of magazines, because they have account numbers on them that make changing your address a breeze with them. I also add the last copy of every bill I get, like the water, electricity, or garbage bill. These always have the account numbers and important phone numbers on them. Sometimes, they even print your good customer standing on the bill, and that can be used to skip paying connection fees at your new home. Then, when it’s time to turn off utilities or transfer services, I have everything I need right inside my bag.

Step 4: I stick the bag in my purse and carry it everywhere, adding anything important I might need as I go about getting ready for the move. Then, when we get to our new home and get settled in, I have all of the important information I need right at my fingertips!

Remember that my husband is currently a recruiter, so we don’t live on an installation. I must always secure my own housing and pay all the utilities, which may be different for you if you are going through government housing. But, I do hope that my little moving bag idea will help you in the future, maybe when you separate from the Army completely? And, you can even take this step further, making a bag for each member of the family!

I don’t feel overwhelmed anymore when there’s a move coming up because I know that my bag will have everything I need in it to get me from our old location to the new one. A less stressed me means less tears for everyone!

What are your secret weapons when PCSing to help keep the move tear free?