What to Store During a PCS Move (And What to Take With You)

Make Smart Decisions During Your PCS Move

A PCS move often comes with tight timelines and a lot of decisions. One of the biggest challenges is figuring out what to bring with you and what to place in storage.

For many military families relocating to or from Camp Lejeune, making smart choices about what to store can reduce stress, simplify moving day, and make temporary living situations much more manageable.

Here’s a practical guide to help you decide.

What to Take With You

When planning your move, start by identifying the items you’ll need right away.

These typically include:

• Everyday clothing and personal items
• Important documents and valuables
• Essential kitchen items
• Work or school supplies
• Items needed for temporary housing

If you’ll be staying in temporary lodging near Camp Lejeune, keeping these essentials easily accessible will make your transition much smoother.

What to Store During a PCS Move

Not everything needs to travel with you right away. In many cases, placing certain items in storage can make your move easier.

Common items to store include:

• Extra furniture that won’t fit in temporary housing
• Seasonal items such as holiday décor or off-season clothing
• Duplicate household items
• Items you don’t use regularly

Storage gives you the flexibility to move in stages instead of trying to fit everything into one tight timeline.

Store Seasonal and Non-Essential Items

Seasonal items are some of the easiest things to store during a PCS move.

You likely won’t need:

• Holiday decorations
• Winter gear during warmer months
• Outdoor equipment depending on the season

Storing these items helps reduce clutter and makes unpacking at your new home more manageable.

Consider Temporary Living Space

Temporary housing near Camp Lejeune often has limited space.

Before deciding what to bring, consider:

• Available storage space in your temporary housing
• Furniture already provided
• How long you’ll be staying

Bringing only what you need can make your temporary space more comfortable and less crowded.

Avoid Overloading Moving Day

Trying to move everything at once can add unnecessary stress.

By using storage, you can:

• Break your move into manageable steps
• Reduce the number of items you transport immediately
• Stay organized throughout the process

If you’re unsure how long you may need storage, Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage: What’s Right for You? can help guide your decision.

Plan Your Storage for Easy Access

When placing items into storage, think ahead about how you’ll need them later.

• Keep frequently used items near the front
• Label boxes clearly
• Leave space to move around

You can also use tips from Getting the Most Out of Your Self Storage Space to stay organized.

Choose the Right Storage Size

Selecting the right unit size helps ensure everything fits comfortably without overcrowding.

If you’re unsure what size you need, What Size Storage Unit Do You Actually Need? can help you choose the best option.

Simplify Your Move With the Right Plan

Every PCS move is different, but having a clear plan for what to store and what to take can make the entire process smoother.

For military families moving to or from Camp Lejeune, storage provides flexibility, reduces stress, and helps you stay organized during every stage of your relocation.

Frequently Asked Questions