Master Your Next Military PCS: Your Must-Have Car Essentials Guide
Navigate your PCS move smoothly with our guide on top car essentials. Find out how to organize, maximize space, and keep everyone comfortable on the move, including pets! Make your military family's journey stress-free and efficient.
PCS
Welcome to a smoother PCS journey: Your guide for essential car items starts here!
Preparing for a PCS move is no small feat, especially for military families on the move. Packing up your life into a car requires organization, foresight, and a bit of strategic thinking. Whether you're traversing states or just heading to a new base, having the right items in your car can make the journey smoother and less stressful. In this guide, I'll share my top essential items that have made my family's PCS moves more manageable and efficient.
Organize Like a Pro
The key to a stress-free move is organization. With these items, you can keep your belongings neatly sorted and easily accessible throughout your journey.
Veken 8 Set Packing Cubes:
Maximize suitcase space and keep everything organized. These have been lifesavers for quickly finding what I need without rummaging through all of my items.Spacesaver Space Bags Vacuum Storage Bags:
Reduce the bulk of clothes and bedding by up to 80%. Perfect for fitting more into your car and making unpacking a breeze. We used these for a lot of blankets or items we wanted alongside us in the car as we traveled through different sates / weather within different states.CleverMade Collapsible Storage Bin:
Ideal for loading and unloading your vehicle. These bins are sturdy, stackable, and collapse flat when not in use, making them a versatile tool for any move.MeeFar Car Roof Bag:
When car space is at a premium, this waterproof cargo carrier offers additional storage without sacrificing comfort. It's secure, easy to install, and super affordable!ETRONIK Weekender Bag:
A stylish, functional bag with ample space, a USB charging port, and separate compartments for shoes and wet items. It's my go-to for travel because it keeps all essentials readily accessible on trips. When not traveling, it's my go-to gym bag!
Keep the Family Happy (and sane)
Long car rides can test anyone's patience. Here’s how we keep spirits high and maintain sanity on the road:
KOKODI 8.5-Inch LCD Writing Tablet: A mess-free way for kids to draw, play games, and stay entertained. Our kids play with this tablet for hours!
Road Trip Games: we absolutely love buying and trying new games with the kids! The Well Balanced Travel Games are our our latest favorite.
B-I-N-G-O: did you sing this while reading it too? Car Bingo is so much fun and keeps kids engaged while looking out the window. We have also created our own and customized by states we pass through on our trip.
Helteko Backseat Car Organizer: Keeps all the kids' essentials organized and within reach, reducing clutter and the inevitable "I'm bored" complaints. We put all their toys, games and snacks in this so they aren't on the floor!
iPad: Yes, we're a tablet family and we LOVE EdTech shows like Ms. Rachel! She reinforces words, common phrases, and sign language we use at home with our toddler. This one goes perfectly with the car organizer above.
Bluetooth Headphones (for kids!): We tried the Belkin SoundForm Mini headphones on a recent travel experience and they were amazing. These headphones limit how high the volume can go and fit our kid's tiny toddler head perfectly.
Pet Essentials
Traveling with pets adds another layer of challenge, but these items ensure your furry friends are as comfortable as the rest of the family:
Cooling Mat for Dogs: This mat has been used on so many trips! It is compact and comfortable for our dogs. We prefer it over any bulky blanket or bed.
Abrimelodi 6 Set Dog Travel Bag: Everything you need to keep your pets fed, hydrated, and happy on the road, in one organized kit. I wish we had found this sooner!
Emergency Preparedness
Being prepared for any scenario gives you peace of mind on the road. These kits ensure you're ready for anything:
Everlit Survival Car Emergency Kit: A comprehensive kit equipped with everything from jumper cables to a first aid kit, for peace of mind in any situation.
First Aid Kit: This kit is perfect for travel - small, compact, and has all the necessities you might need on the go.
Moving is an inevitable part of military life, but it doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right preparations and these top car essentials, you can master your next PCS move, ensuring a smoother, more organized journey for the whole family. For a more comprehensive list of my favorite travel items (and more!) visit my affiliated products page to see all items I love and support.
Here's to a successful move!
As part of my commitment to transparency, know that some of the links below are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. It’s one way you can support me and the work I put into creating resources like this. Rest assured, I've personally used or carefully researched each item I recommend, ensuring they truly are helpful for your PCS journey.
