Staying Organized

        During your PCS it is very important to stay organized, especially an OCONUS PCS because you can't just throw your file box full of important papers in your car as you drive to your next duty station. You will receive a ton of paperwork and will need to carry all of it with you during the entire process. I found the best way to stay organized was to get an accordion file folder. My OCD self labeled the different tabs:        
 
Orders: Multiple copies of orders with all amendments

ID: All identification papers – social security cards, birth certificates, marriage license, passports, adoption papers, divorce papers, child support. Any and all documents that would be hard or a pain in the rear to get back.

Flight: Any and all paperwork that has anything to do with you flight to Germany.

HHG/UB: All paperwork and copies of inventory listings for household goods and unaccompanied baggage, as well as a list of high value items.

POV: All paperwork and copies of any documents for the car (title, registration, insurance cards) and all shipping/inspection documents.

Receipts: All receipts for travel that may be reimbursed after arrival in Germany.

POA: All power of attorneys 

Medical: All medical records for any family member.

        
         The file folder with all these important papers will need to go everywhere you do! You never know when an office may need a copy of something. Keep all important paperwork with you during the PCS. Every time I left the house I had it with me. Anything else related to family, house, insurance, jobs, school records should be in the folder as well. This folder will become your life! And yes, take it on the plane with you! I am now afraid to undo my folder and put it back in our file box, mostly because my husband doesn't have OCD like I do and feels that he can place any paper anywhere in the box. But just because you have your HHG delivered and your file box back I would still keep it all together. There are still things to do once you arrive in Germany that you will need a lot of these papers for. For example, I went to the claims office yesterday to start the claims process on damaged or broken items and they needed almost every piece of paper for our HHG. I was able to open up my folder and pull out every paper that I signed or was given from the movers. And remember the talk about getting your POA? Well when I went to the office the lady kind of looked at me as if I wasn't allowed because I'm not the soldier but don't you worry! I had my POA and will be doing the entire process myself!