PCS Like a Pro: The Ultimate Guide for Military Families Moving to (or from) Fort Bragg
Ah, military life. Just when you finally found the best local coffee shop and figured out where the light switches are in your house—boom, orders drop. And if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you (or your spouse) just got the call to pack up and head to or from Fort Bragg (yes, the artist formerly known as Fort Liberty, formerly known as Fort Bragg). Don’t worry; I’ve got you.
Whether you’re new to the area, leaving for the next adventure, or navigating an overseas PCS, this guide is here to help you stay sane, organized, and maybe even a little entertained.
1. Embrace the Chaos (Because You Really Have No Other Choice)
Let’s be honest: the military’s unofficial motto is "hurry up and wait," and nowhere is that more true than during a PCS move. Dates change, paperwork disappears into the void, and your household goods take the scenic route. The best thing you can do? Roll with it and have a solid plan.
Pro Tip: Always have a "PCS Binder" with copies of your orders, medical records, school paperwork, pet vaccination records, and an inventory of your household items. When the movers arrive, you'll look like a PCS ninja while everyone else is tearing apart their junk drawers.
2. Surviving the Great HHG Adventure
If you opted to have the military move you or your orders involve an overseas move, your household belongings will be packed and shipped by professionals (and we use that term loosely). This means strangers will be elbow-deep in your underwear drawer. Embrace it.
Packing Hacks for Sanity:
Take photos of high-value items and electronics before the movers arrive. This helps with claims if something goes missing (because something will go missing).
Color-code your boxes with washi tape or stickers by room. That way, you won’t find your frying pan in your kid’s toy box when you unpack.
Pack an "Open First" box with essentials: cleaning supplies, toilet paper, pet food, a coffee maker (non-negotiable), and anything else you'll need within 24 hours of arrival.
Set aside a small room that’s taped off with a giant sign that says DO NOT PACK! In there, hide away everything you DON’T want packed like toiletries, clothes for your trip, a few kids toys, open pantry items (seriously), or Grandma’s pearls.
3. Kids, Pets, and PCS Mayhem
Moving with kids and pets is like herding caffeinated cats. Keep them occupied and safe while the movers work their magic (or chaos).
For the Littles:
Create a PCS Countdown Calendar to get them excited and prepared.
Surprise Go-Bags with new toys, snacks, and activities for the road trip or flight. (This saved me!)
Read moving books together to share what to expect
For a much more in-depth look at PCSing with children, read my other blog post here.
For the Furry Family Members:
Make sure your pet's microchip info is updated.
Schedule vet visits early for any required vaccinations or paperwork.
If you’re going overseas, research quarantine laws and timelines ASAP. No one wants a surprise staycation for Fluffy in a foreign kennel.
4. Fort Bragg 101: What You Need to Know
If you’re inbound to Fort Bragg, welcome! Here are a few things to help you hit the ground running:
Housing: On-post housing can be hit-or-miss with wait times and home quality (I said it!), so explore off-post options. The options vary greatly and the area you settle down in will likely be based on commute time preference, budget, lifestyle, or schools.
Schools: North Carolina is a military-friendly state with great resources for transferring credits and IEPs. Make sure to check out the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3) for a smoother school transition.
Community: Fort Bragg has a strong military spouse network. From Facebook groups to in-person meetups, there’s no shortage of support (or people to swap PCS horror stories with). For a leg up on getting plugged in, here’s my Local Guide for the Fayeteville & Raeford areas.
5. PCS Survival Kit: Your Must-Have Checklist
PCS Binder (with ALL the paperwork)
Open First Box (seriously, you need coffee)
Digital & Physical Copies of Orders
Updated Medical & Vet Records
Kid & Pet Essentials
Snacks (for you, not just the kids)
Sense of Humor (critical)
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
PCS moves can be chaotic, but they’re also a chance for a fresh start. Whether you’re arriving at Fort Bragg or heading off to your next chapter, planning ahead and staying flexible will make all the difference. And when in doubt, remember: it’s just another adventure in the military rollercoaster.
If you need help finding a home From Fort Bragg to Moore County or want to sell your current place quickly (because the military timeline waits for no one), I’m here to help. Reach out today and let’s make this PCS your easiest one yet!
