50 Things You May Want to Know When PCSing Overseas (Europe Addition)

Whether it’s your first time PCSing or your tenth, going through a permanent change of station (PCS) is HARD! And I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but PCSing overseas is even moreso. That’s why I compiled this list of 50 things you may want to know when PCSing overseas (specifically geared towards Europe) in order to help you feel a little more prepared for the big journey ahead.

Before PCSing

Writing lists helps a ton. There are so many little details to remember, and friend… we just can’t remember it all.
You have the option to take one of your cars with you. But I would advise against it for a couple reasons. If you’re moving to England, it’s SO much easier to drive when you’re on the right side of the car (easier to see oncoming traffic). If you’re moving elsewhere in Europe, each country has certain specifications that your car needs to have or pass… it can get expensive to fit your car with what it needs. In addition to price, most European countries use kilometers per hour rather than miles per hour. Even though US cars have kmp on the speedometer, it’s easy to start looking at the mph gauge.
Don’t overpack but don’t be afraid to take important things with you (important files/paperwork, deep sentimental items, items that are small but highly valuable, etc.). I made sure to bring our dogs favorite toy so that it didn’t get damaged or lost while our stuff is getting moved. I also packed our files, some jewelry, and some sentimental items.
Use vacuum seal bags for all your clothes that you are packing in your suitcases…it gives you so much more room in your suitcases to pack other items. It may also be a good idea for your clothes getting moved too.
Be prepared for the movers. It’s okay to organize things how you want them to be packed. Bunch similar items together. Go through your things before hand and get rid of the items you no longer want before the movers get there.
The less, the better. Sell the furniture that you can (especially overly large furniture like a king sized bed and wrap around couches) and get rid of things you hardly use. When unsure about what to get rid of, ask yourself, “am I burdened by holding onto this or do I still enjoy using this item?” If they’re items that you think “I’ll use it one day,” then you should probably just get rid of it. Often times, European houses are a lot smaller than American style houses. Plus, it’ll help to have a little bit of extra money for the move.
Write down everything. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I cannot stress enough that you need to write down everything. I use a planner that has a section for weekly to-do’s, goals, and notes as well as space for daily to-do’s (here are some links to some similar planners: planner #1 or planner #2)
If you have 2-4 months before the big move, I recommend stocking up on non-food items that you’re not sure if you can get over there. For example, I stocked up on the type of shampoo and conditioner I like, some essential oils as well as some chemical free feminine care products.
Don’t forget to switch your address with the Post Office. Towards the end of your move, your husband should’ve been assigned a box at the post office on base already. But if not, you can always use your parents address or someone you trust and then switch it later online when you do have an address.

Preparing Your Pets

Shipping your pets is e.x.p.e.n.s.i.v.e. (but worth it). We shipped an 80 pound dog and a 25 pound dog and spent around $5,000 doing so. Start this process early! Look at your airline to see what they offer. Otherwise, we used PetRelocation as a third party to help with the whole process of getting our dogs over (they have a military discount).
Consider shipping your pets a week or two after you leave (if you have someone who is willing to watch them that long and take them to the airport). It will give you time to go out and get things done without having to keep them kenneled up in the hotel/lodging room. Plus, it’s easier on your body to go straight from the long plane ride to the bus for the base instead of waiting an extra few hours for your pet to go through the process of getting released.
Take a few weeks before they fly over to train them in their kennels. If your pets are not kennel trained, start with putting them in their kennel for 30 minutes once everyday for a couple days. Then an hour for the next couple days after. Then a couple more hours a couple days after that. Slowly get them accustomed to spending long amounts of time in their kennels. Have them spend all night in their kennels for at least a week or two before they fly. This will help them to feel a little more comfortable, a little less traumatic, and more used to being kenneled for long periods of time.

Things to research before you PCS

Your military spouse has a certain amount of free checked bags when traveling on orders. Look up your airline’s policy on that. I recommend using only what they allow plus what they’ll allow you (and your kids) to take for free.
If you are wanting to have kids during your time overseas, check to make sure you can in the area you are moving to! Some places may not have the approved facilities for you to give birth and you may have to travel back to the US or travel elsewhere for at least a month before your due date.
Start researching potential churches in your area before you get there. I recommend searching for Acts 29 churches or Gospel Coalition churches. Look to see if your church is a part of an organization that other churches elsewhere are a part of.
If you’re looking for housing off base, or even if you haven’t decided whether to live on or off base, take some time to find some houses before you move. Zoopla is a great website to find houses to rent pretty much anywhere. Many times houses will post a listing a month before it’s actually available. It’s good to have a solid list of potential places to live. If you have pets, check to make sure a listing will allow pets. If the listing doesn’t mention anything about pets (like “sorry no pets” or “pets considered”), ask the landlord/rental agency! Often times, the landlord will allow pets.
Research weather patterns where you’re moving, it’ll help to know how to pack and what to expect.

Time to travel and actually (finally) get there

Stay hydrated and well fed, you’ll need it for your trip.
Plan for entertainment while traveling. Download movies (Netflix, Prime, or Disney+ are great places to download movies from) or bring a book, a card game, a coloring book, a Bible study, etc.
Be on the safe side and pack a carry on suitcase/bag containing a couple days worth of clothing and hygiene products, as well as a uniform for your husband, in case you get separated from the rest of your luggage.
If you want to be able to use data right after landing, often times there are sim card “vending machines” that you can purchase a sim card from. They are not that expensive and they are a good way to be able to use your phone straight away without having to wait for wifi.

After arriving to your new base

“Airman’s Attic” or any other on-base thrift store is your best friend for finding appliances and items that will work with the different type of electrical outlets in each country. Many of your items (tv’s, hair dryers, fridges, washers/dryers, etc.) from America won’t work. However, before you move you can purchase a little adapter (you can find them in any travel section of a store or at the airport) that you can use for little things like charging your phone or potentially a smaller straight iron.
Money conversion rates. It’s better to get somewhat acquainted with the money system in the country you’re going to. Google is a great resource to start to get an idea of Euros to dollars, pounds to dollars, etc.
If you don’t have a kitchen or kitchen tools for cooking, an electric skillet, a cutting knife, and a cutting board are worth buying to save money on food. You can cook SO many different meals in it.
Give yourself some leeway when it comes to jet lag and changing sleep schedules. 5-10 hours is a huge change! Don’t expect to get on a good/normal sleep schedule right away. But you will need discipline to start waking up in the mornings.
Disney+ may not work where you’re at … we found that out the hard way.
Look at housing options around base, not just American style houses. If you’re going to spend time living in another country, live out in that country (if it’s safe to do so). If you’re willing to, look at houses 10-20 minutes from base. Typically, houses further from base will be a better deal for your money than ones closer to base.
Be patient. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the “wanting to get there” or “wanting to get a car, a house, a phone, a bank account, etc.” that it becomes stressful and overwhelming. Trust in God’s timing. You will get there:)
When you’re finally overseas, don’t forget about the normal things you have to do…like pay bills, do taxes (if you move at the beginning of the year), birthdays/important dates, etc.
You will feel culture shock, even if you’re going to an English speaking country. It’s okay to be oddly infatuated with things, then frustrated, then adaptive. It will take time to get used to your surroundings, especially if there is a language barrier.
It helps to explore the areas, both on and off base. Familiarize yourself with where things are on base, close to base, and if you’re feeling adventurous, farther from base. Use this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see things you never have before.
Getting a phone service may take a little longer than expected. But if you can connect to wifi in your hotel, temporary lodging, the bx, etc. you can use messaging apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger to contact your loved ones. Sometimes the Family Readiness Centers have “loaner phones” to use for 30 days to call local places (auto shops, housing offices, etc.).
You may be able to keep your current bank! Look at your bank’s policies regarding foreign transaction fees, credit card fees, etc. to see if you are able to keep your bank during your stay in another country. It is worth it to get a bank in the country you’re stationed.

Other things you may want to know

Big cities are known for petty theft: London, Paris, Berlin, etc. An anti-theft bag is a great solution for you. Click here to see the one I bought off Amazon.
There will be some American “comfort” on base! What I mean is that there will be some recognizable American things such as food, restaurants, and items in the BX or commissary.
You may be in a different country, you may be in a different culture and language, but people are the same everywhere. We all struggle with similar things. And we all need Jesus!
To save some extra money, you may want to think about getting a credit card or debit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
If you want to travel to other countries, you and your husband (and kids if you have them) will all need a personal passport. Your government passport and your husband’s orders will not work.

…As a Proverbs 31 woman

Plan some bible studies for yourself/your family. You may go awhile without a church family, but that doesn’t mean you have to go awhile without your Bible. Click HERE to find out 5 ways to be in God’s Word while PCSing.
There are Christians in your area, you just have to find them. Use Google to see where some potential churches are or talk with the Christian Chaplain to get connected with some Christian groups.
Don’t be afraid to meet people and to find other Christian women. You need them, and God has placed you here for them too:)
Pray, pray, pray. Even more so than you do already. Pray for the people God wants you to meet. Pray for the house and car that God wants you to have. Pray for guidance and open ears to listen. Pour out your heart to Him. Praise Him for what He is doing, even when you may not understand some of His plans. Pray for your husband. Pray for your kids. Pray for your pets. Pray when you’re agitated. Pray when you’re lonely. Pray when you’re excited. Pray when you’re thankful. Pray, pray, pray:)

…for Emotions and Mindsets

There will always be an unexpected something. The sooner you realize that, the better off you’ll be and the less taken aback when it hits you.
It’s okay to cry!
It’s okay to feel homesick!
It’s okay to miss the last place you lived!
It’s okay to grieve a little!
Go with the mindset that you’ll be stretched and challenged in so many new (but good) ways.
Learn to let go. There will be things that you’ll have to be okay with not having anymore, and sometimes it’s hard. So pray and ask that God will prepare your heart for the things you have to let go and to be okay with letting go. This may sound silly, but sometimes they’re little things. I had to let go of a phone number that I’ve had for 10+ years. With all the change that happens, something that little becomes a lot harder to let go of. So learn to be okay with letting things go, weigh them on the eternal value scale… it puts things into perspective.
Get into a “savings” mindset if you all are wanting to travel. Think of some ways that you can cut back on spending in order to save some extra money to have fun later on elsewhere. Cut back on things like eating out on base, going to Starbucks, or buying unnecessary things.

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Know that moving overseas is not an easy task…or a short task. But if you start preparing now, don’t procrastinate, and do what you can with the time you have, your move will be 1000 times easier. If you have your own helpful tips when PCSing overseas, please drop them in the comments below!