An overseas PCS, also referred to an OCONUS PCS, is a whole new experience if you’ve never done one before. It requires many additional steps and decision making than a regular CONUS PCS. Some find it stressful because they can’t move anything themselves other than what they can pack into suitcases or mail ahead. But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with a step-by-step look to guide you through the prep, packing, and moving, from start to finish.
1. Get to an OCONUS levy brief, if you can.
Different services may call this something different, but it provides so much valuable information for all OCONUS-specific things, like shipping vehicles, how your HHG will get to your destination, how to ship pets, and more. This is usually required for the service member, but some installations allow spouses to attend as well.
2. Ensure you have Command Sponsorship.
If you and your children are joining the service member at the OCONUS location, you must have command sponsorship. This is what authorizes everything that follows. Your name and that of all your children will appear on the orders. The service member can complete the paperwork through their unit’s S1.
3. Get the medical screenings started.
These screenings are required for all dependents going overseas, whether or not any of you are in the Exceptional Family Member Program, and is necessary to receive orders. If you are currently being seen at a Military Treatment Facility, you can sign a form for the EFMP coordinator to access all the records. If you aren’t, you will need to request a copy of five year’s worth of medical records and send them to the coordinator, which can take up to four weeks. At the screening, all family members and the service member are usually required to be present. Looking for the forms? You can find them here.
4. Check the OCONUS orders.
Before proceeding, make sure everyone who needs to be on the orders is present and that all names are spelled correctly.
5. Apply for government passports.
There are also known as no-fee passports. Don’t delay since this can take up to eight weeks. These are different than the passports you use to travel, and they will be required for movement within the country where you’re going, acting as a sort of visa. These are required to fly on orders, no matter the age. This passport is free, and you can complete the form online. You can have the photos taken at various places, but be sure to get at least four, so you can use them for your travel passports if you don’t already have them. Now is a good time to apply for travel passports if you don’t have one, but that can be handled on the installation where you’re going.
In some cases, installations will issue a Status of Forces Agreement card (SOFA card) to keep in the tourist passport, but usually, government passports are required.
6. Contact your sponsor.
This is a great way to learn about the new country and ease some of your concerns about the new location. You can find out first-hand info about schools, housing activities, units, etc. If used properly, your sponsor can be your greatest connection.
7. Plan to ship a vehicle OCONUS.
The military will pay to ship one vehicle. There is a size limit, so if your vehicle is larger, you simply pay the difference out of pocket. Some companies allow you to ship items like a stroller or car seats in the vehicle, which is a great option. If you want to ship a second vehicle, you will have to do that through a private company and pay for it yourself. Many families by a “beater” in the OCONUS location, to drive to and from work.
8. Prepare for your three types of OCONUS packing.
Unlike CONUS moves, you will have three types of packing instead of the usual packing and loading. You will have packing days for unaccompanied baggage, long-term storage, and your usual HHG shipment. Think about what you want to separate into each category. You may not require long-term storage if you’re moving to an OCONUS location that doesn’t have a weight limit. Read on for more packing tips regarding each packing type.
9. Prepare the Unaccompanied Baggage shipment.
This is also known as an express shipment. This shipment will only take a few hours to pack rather than multiple days, but it’s extremely important. It usually contains the essentials that will last you until your HHG arrive in-country, which can take a few months. Your UB shipment goes by air, which means it arrives much earlier. Set all the items you need in the middle of one room. Not sure what to pack? Here are a few ideas:
Linens:
- Sheets (1 set per person)
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Tea towels (2)
- Dish towels (2)
Kitchen items:
- Pots and pans (one pot with lid, a frying pan, and a small saucepan)
- A few dishes and mugs (one or two per person)
- Baby/toddler spoons, dishes
- Silverware (2 sets)
- Cooking utensils (wooden spoon, spatula, flipper, tongs)
- Mixing bowl
- baking pan
- Knives (2 steak knives and one chef’s knife)
- can opener
- corkscrew
- colander
- Basic spices
- microwave
- coffee pot
- trashcan and bags
- broom and dustpan
- sponges
- Paper towels
Bathroom:
- towels (at least one per person)
- bath mat
- shower curtain liner and hooks
- toilet paper
Entertainment:
- DVDs
- Books
- Toys
Household:
- Laundry basket
- Tool kit
- Scissors
- Extension cord
- fans
Personal:
- Seasonal clothing (jackets, jeans, shorts, etc.)
- Extra shoes (sandals, sneakers, etc.)
- Umbrella
Military gear:
- Extra uniforms
- Boots
- PTs
- Running shoes
- Rucksack
- Field gear
Adjust these based on what may be available in your next home (ask your sponsor!) and to fit your family’s needs, but remember that you have a limited weight. Don’t go over that weight because then it ships by boat (ask us how we know!). Remember that most OCONUS locations have a lending closet (linens, pack and plays, dishes, silverware) and government furniture (beds, mattresses, dining table and chairs, couches, and end tables) that you can have delivered to your new house.
10. Pack for long-term storage.
You’ll want to use this if you’re going somewhere with a weight limit or else just don’t want to take bulky items like a washer and dryer that won’t work at the new place anyway. These items remain in storage until you return CONUS, and then a delivery date will be decided to get your things back to you.
11. Prepare for the OCONUS HHG shipment.
Don’t miss our step-by-step PCS guide for ideas about how to prepare. The biggest difference with an OCONUS move is that your items will be packed in crates which must be nailed shut with a special seal you will sign. You want to make sure all those seals are put on in your presence once the crates are closed. After those are sealed, then you can begin signing their paperwork. Be prepared for more furniture to be taken apart than usual—it often helps save more space.
12. Double-check your driver’s license.
You will need a valid license to get your driver’s license in the new country (yep, another driver’s test is coming your way!). Some countries require your license to remain valid the entire time you’re in that country. If you’re going to Europe, you will need to get an international license in order to drive from country to country (your extra passport pictures can be used for this).
13. Plan for your pet’s OCONUS travel.
There are many specific requirements if you’re taking a pet overseas. Go here to read all about how to prepare, or check out the blog links below.
Looking for more information? Some of these resources from our blog may help:
- What to Know for Your PCS with Pets
- Field Problem: PCSing with Pets
- How to Put TLC in Your PCS with Pets
- OCONUS PCS Pro Tips
- Tips to Prepare You for an OCONUS PCS
- So You’re Moving Overseas
- 5 Ways to Get Ready for Your Overseas PCS Move
- PCS Stress-less: Part 2
