For those who have PCSed Overseas

[kpol]

What were your musts in your unaccompanied baggage? Sheets, towels, basic kitchen supplies, etc. are already on my list but I don't want to forget anything important.

Anything extra special or useful?

Anything not necessary?

[panicked]

Most stuff isn't really necessary. You can live without for longer than you think. You can buy anything emergent at the PX/commissary.

[basilosaurus]

My first overseas pcs I had a full set of pots/pans. We bought them en route, so little choice, but I'm glad I had them.

My biggest regret was lacking winter clothing. While we moved in late june, it was still freaking cold. Our winter gear took a few months more.

But, for where you're going, you're fine with normal clothes.just take whatever makes you feel comfortable.

[krista]

We packed about 75% of our kitchen stuff in our UB. Plus air mattress/linens/pillows already mentioned. We also packed a tv and camp chairs. When we moved to and from overseas we expected to be without our household goods for a long time, so we used every pound of UB we were allowed.

[twoslicehilly]

We packed a TV, our desk top, All of our clothes for that season. Pots and pans, microwave, I think some dishes. DD's cloth diapers and our bedding.

I wish we would have taken bedding in our actual baggage, though. We got a house before our shipment came in, and had to buy brand new stuff that we didn't really like and it was a huge $$ waster.

[meltoine]

Double check with your sponsor. We were given a welcome kit with kitchen supplies, linens, shower curtains, etc. and really needed nothing but our clothes in UC.

[kpol]

Thanks everyone! I was worried about bringing winter clothes, but the weather there looks to stay warm for quite a while. Our sponsor has been helpful answering our questions, but he kind of lacks on the details. When we asked what his recommendations were, he just said to bring everything. Typical guy, I guess!

[VillainV]

- Seasonal clothing (check the weather at your destination before you go)
- At least one of EVERY uniform (even formal ones)
- Aerobed, sheets, blanket
- Smallest TV I own
- A few small pots and pans

Remember that you will be in TLF for a while, and could be in your house before your main shipment shows up for a while. You can get loaner furniture, and the base usually has a good supply of loaner pots/pans, vacuum cleaners, etc.

[basilosaurus]

Shoot, I misread. I was thinking of your checked luggage on your flight. Yes, I had pots/pans in my luggage, and we brought along awesome new pillows, too.

It will still be hot and muggy until around October, so I don't think you have to worry too much about winter gear. Then it flips and gets cold and gray. Sorry, but weather was one of my least favorite things about being there.

I prioritized electronics and kitchen above everything else. I need my computer (hand carried the hard drives) and stereo and a functioning kitchen. No, I don't need all the plates and serving stuff, but I looked at what I used on a regular basis and packed it all.

We were given loaner furniture (this was before Japan allowed 100% allotment), but nothing beyond that. With a summer PCS, a lot of stuff isn't available. They even ran out of full size ovens. We had to buy or bring our own curtains, linens, vacuum, etc.