How exciting! You have just received OCONUS orders for Germany! There is so much to get done, and your to-do list may seem never-ending!
And I don’t know about you, but it always takes a move to realize how much stuff I have!
An OCONUS PCS is more complex than a stateside move. You will have three sets of movers, and preparing for them will require serious thought and organization. You will need to separate your items into:
- Household Goods
- Unaccompanied Baggage
- Non- Temporary Storage
- Checked Airplane and Carry-on Luggage
For more details and checklists, read my post: Military PCS: How to Prepare and Pack for HHG, UB & NTS.
And to help you get started, download my Free PCS Binder Printables
Before scheduling the movers, there are some essential things to consider when deciding what to ship overseas or what to put into storage. There is only so much space in these German homes!
You will want to prioritize downsizing.
5. Reasons to Downsize Before Your Move to Germany
1. Many German Homes have Minimal Closet Space
German houses were not built with closets in mind, including coat closets, bedroom closets, and even pantries.
Keep this in mind when you are sorting through clothes.
I suggest purchasing amours once you are settled into a home. We have one for every bedroom and one for the coat rack at our front door. You can purchase some at IKEA for a reasonable price.
2. Many Bathrooms don’t have Cabinets
I have almost become accustomed to not having bathrooms with cabinets and storage. Setting up the toiletry necessities takes a little creativity, but eventually, you get used to the minimalist style.
I have a little corner-standing shelf that I’ve had for years, and it fits perfectly.
We kept most of our bathroom items boxed up because there was no space for them.
Tip: Many master bathrooms have separate bathrooms and toilet rooms.
3. Kitchens are Smaller, and Appliances’ Voltage Should be 220
If you are living on post, you may have some 120-volt outlets. Be sure to reach out to your sponsor when you figure out your housing.
Otherwise, the off-post housing will have 220-volt outlets. Almost all of my kitchen appliances were 120V, so I had to put everything into the Non-Temporary Storage. This includes the Kitchenaid Blender!
Also, our kitchen is the size of a small closet, so we wouldn’t have the space for it!
Many Germans bring their kitchens with them when they move out of an apartment!
4. Homes are smaller
It’s a good idea to anticipate that you will be moving into a smaller house. Many of the German homes are shared and set up as apartments.
5. Homes may only have One Parking Space
The military will only ship one vehicle overseas. Many service members and their families choose to have only one vehicle while living overseas, which should be a serious consideration.
We have been very satisfied with only having one, and we have been managing it very well. Also, we only have one parking space.
For additional information on shipping your vehicle overseas, read my post: A Complete OCONUS Guide for Shipping your Car to Germany. This includes how to prep your vehicle and pass the German inspection once it has arrived overseas.
When in Doubt, Store It
Many other families who have lived in Germany have shared these same experiences. I suggest you take advantage of the NTS (Non-Temporary Storage), an excellent service offered by the military.
Setting up your German home takes a little creativity to organize storage.
Getting through the EFMP paperwork, movers, and long flights can be overwhelming, to say the least. Take it one step at a time! I am so excited for you and your family! This next chapter is a really unique experience, and ultimately, it’s what you make of it!
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