We’re not even two months out from our latest PCS- this time from Fort Gregg-Adams to Fort Riley- and once again, I’ve found myself spending money like I’m preparing to leave the planet. I was online shopping (again) trying to make this new house feel like a home, and I had a moment where I stopped and asked myself: Why do I always spend so much after we move? Am I the only one who does this? It’s not like we have money to burn, but something about starting over every few years flips a switch. It’s chaos, uncertainty, and the deep, almost frantic need to feel grounded, and apparently, my coping mechanism comes in the form of candles, curtains, and a brand new shower caddy. Every single dang PCS, it’s the same story.
At this point, I’m convinced that post-PCS spending should qualify as a military spouse benefit. Or at least come with coupons.
Oh girl, because moving is expensive and emotionally chaotic, and your brain’s like, “Let’s buy our way back to normal.” It’s part logistics, part survival, and part trying to feel rooted when everything feels up in the air. Here’s why you spend more:
Replacing lost or broken stuff – Somehow, seven spatulas made the journey wrapped like royalty in a fortress of packing paper… but the can opener? Vanished. And don’t even get me started on the glassware… one sad sheet of paper for an entire box, like it was bubble-wrapped in hopes and prayers.
New house quirks – That “extra” shower needs a curtain. The windows? Surprise, they’re naked. (To be fair, I stopped hanging curtains 4 houses ago)
Retail therapy in disguise – You’re trying to make the new place feel like home, even if that means 6 trips to the store.
Set up costs – New utilities, maybe new furniture, command hooks galore.
Emotional exhaustion – When you’re fried from unpacking and emotionally drained, it’s easier to click add to cart than to cope.
“Why Do I Spend So Much After a PCS?”
Because somewhere between the cardboard boxes, the missing curtain rods, and my third emotional breakdown, the store whispered, “Welcome home, warrior.” Let’s be real, military moves aren’t just a change of address. They’re a full blown lifestyle reset. New house, new town, same coffee maker but no idea where the filters went. Suddenly I’m buying new towels, restocking the pantry like I’m prepping for the apocalypse, and throwing in a “treat yourself” candle… or five.
It’s not overspending.
It’s mission readiness.
Because if the Army can issue boots, I can issue myself new throw pillows. You’re not alone, friend. This is just PCS economics: chaos + coping = cart full of “necessary” home goods. If you would like to be more responsible with your PCS Finances here is another blog here in Military Mom Collective about 7 Ways to Save During PCS
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