Making your PCS to Guam a Breeze

Published on in #Military Life, PCS: On the Move

Guide for service members PCSing to Guam

Beautiful, white sand beaches. Lucious palm trees. Clear blue water. Who wouldn’t want to be stationed in Guam?

However, after receiving orders to paradise, there are a few things you must do to make sure you’re prepared. Check out our five tips for making your PCS to Guam a breeze!

Logistics for a PCS move

Tip #1: Logistics First & Foremost

First things first, moving can be especially pricey when relocating OCONUS.

  • While you’ll receive compensation for your move as a military member, it can be a bit of time before everything gets sorted out. Make sure you’re covered and start saving now. Be sure you have enough of a financial safety net to get your, your family and pets to this gorgeous island.
  • You’ll need to switch your phone service because Continental US plans won’t transfer to Guam, and research internet options for your stay. Many opt for Google Fi, but be sure to find the best choice for your family.
  • You must submit Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) paperwork to ensure your family members are cleared for the move.

Start the process early — it can take weeks or even months to complete.

Service Members Serving in beautiful Guam

Tip #2: Prepare for Climate and Culture

Guam has a rich culture and history. It reflects traditional Chamorro customs and indigenous pre-Hispanic practices, as well as American and Spanish traditions. Before you take up residence, familiarize yourself with Guam’s cultural history to ease your transition.

Guam’s tropical climate brings beautiful beaches but also high humidity. It’s a good idea to leave behind items like electronics, collectibles, or other valuables that might not handle the heat well. And since you won’t need winter clothes, go ahead and clear those out before shipping your household goods.

Essential Purchases before PCSing to Guam

Tip #3: Make Essential Purchases

When you’re in Guam, you’ll quickly notice that prices for everyday items can be higher than what you’re used to in the continental U.S. Why? The island’s remote location drives up shipping costs for everything from groceries to appliances. So, what can you do?

Before your move to Guam, consider buying essentials like specialty non-perishable goods, electronics, and smaller furniture items, since they may be cheaper stateside. However, large or bulky items could cost more to ship than to purchase locally, so it’s smart to compare shipping rates with local prices. Many service members bring smaller must-haves and wait to buy bigger items once settled.

Pet relocation when you PCS

Tip #4: Pet Relocation and Other Resources

One important consideration for military members PCSing OCONUS is pet relocation. While it can require some extra planning and expense, being prepared makes the process smoother. Be sure to do your research in advance.

You can join the Guam military pets Facebook page for helpful advice or explore YouTube for local insights.

Moving Prep for PCS to Guam

Tip #5: Moving and Shipping Preparation

Shipping your Household Goods (HHG) to Guam is naturally different from a typical stateside move, but don’t worry—you’ve got this! Once your orders come through, jump on scheduling your shipment. And don’t forget to plan your Unaccompanied Baggage (UB) carefully—this smaller load arrives first, so pack the essentials you’ll need right away.

Now, here’s the catch: Guam’s tropical climate is hot and humid, which makes mold a real concern. To protect your belongings, make sure everything is clean and dry before packing. Toss in some moisture absorbers or silica gel packets to help keep humidity at bay, and plastic wrap your furniture and textiles for extra protection.

When your shipment arrives, inspect everything closely. Check for mold, take pictures, and document the condition of your items before and after the move. If you spot any issues, report them immediately and take action. A little extra care goes a long way toward keeping your stuff safe and mold-free!

Conquer the Move

The preparations needed to move to a tropical island are not for the faint of heart. With a bit of research, and careful planning, you’re ready for a smooth move to the amazing island of Guam.

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Built for and by the military, Military AutoSource provides a factory-direct program tailored to the unique circumstances and needs of military life. As the only Exchange and DoD authorized car-buying program, MAS is the exclusive military distributor and retailer for Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford,  Jeep, Lincoln, Nissan, Ram, Volkswagen vehicles and Harley-Davidson bikes.

Through our program service members stationed or deployed overseas can purchase a new or pre-owned vehicle for delivery in the US or to more than 50 overseas duty locations. Learn more about your overseas U.S. Military car-buying benefits.  

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