You have heard the term PCS Binder and you think it might be something you need as you prepare for your upcoming PCS, but you still don’t know what it is. This post will tell you everything you need to know about a PCS Binder.
What is a PCS Binder?
There are two schools of thought on PCS Binders. One version has every document you need might need for your PCS ranging from birth certificates to medical records and marriage certificates. Along with any other military PCS documents you would need like orders and receipts. This is commonly used for overseas moves because you have to take all those documents with you and it is recommended not to ship them with your household good and using a car isn’t an option.
There is another school of thought to focus only on the documents required by the military and the moving company be kept in a folder. This option allows you to say organized and reduces stress, but if you get overwhelmed by the huge binders this might be a better option.
Personally, I keep most of my personal information in our safe which is safely loaded into our car when we move. It has our medical paperwork, birth certificates, marriage certificates and more. All the other documents go into one or two folders with documents we need to have available (orders, receipts, medical documentation specific to allergies or pets, etc.).
Why Do You Need A PCS Binder?
Depending on the type of move you are about to go on, how organized you need to be to feel comfortable moving and your commitment level will determine the best way to create your PCS Binder. But at a minimum, you do need a PCS Binder or Folder with all your important documents.
Moving is stressful it is easy to put a document somewhere and not be able to find it. And nothing is more stressful than needing a document or losing a piece of paper and not being able to find it quickly. So, if you don’t have a way to get the various documents required by the military, hotels (for pets) or other entities your move will be even more stressful.
How Do You Create A PCS Binder?
Depending on what type of Binder you want to create will determine what supplies you need. At a minimum, you will need a folder. At most, you will need a binder, sheet protectors, dividers and a zipper pouch.
At a minimum, you will need space for your Moving /HHG Documents, Military Orders, Pet Info (if applicable), travel documents. But for a full Binder, you will need all of those documents plus personal records, medical files, school records, checklist and more.
I recommend picking whatever PCS Binder fits your personality. And also know that after you do the work of creating a PCS Binder you can save it away for your next move so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time you move.
