How to create a PCS memory book

Jessica Evans Avatar
A scrapbook of Desert Storm articles and photos lays open on a table at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Jan. 13, 2016. Maj. Alexander Palomaria, 366th Fighter Wing deputy chaplain, used scrapbooking as a way of coping with the war.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessica H. Evans/RELEASED)
A scrapbook of Desert Storm articles and photos lays open on a table at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Jan. 13, 2016. Maj. Alexander Palomaria, 366th Fighter Wing deputy chaplain, used scrapbooking as a way of coping with the war.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessica H. Evans/RELEASED)

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Every PCS move is a new chapter in your military spouse adventure. With a personalized PCS memory book, you can turn each move into a beautiful keepsake. Capture the friendships, adventures, and memorable moments that make each duty station unforgettable. Your journey is unique, and your memory book should be too.

Designing Your Story: Make Your PCS Memory Book Truly Yours

A PCS memory book is more than just a scrapbook. It’s a way to celebrate your family’s journey through military life. Start by choosing a theme that reflects your family’s personality. Maybe you love a classic travel style or something more modern and sleek. Whatever you choose, let it be a reflection of you and your experiences.

Think beyond photos. Add maps of the places you’ve lived, ticket stubs from special events on base, or menus from your favorite local restaurants. These little details make your memory book rich with your life’s stories. Remember, this book is about capturing the spirit of each place you’ve called home, not about being perfect.

Capture the Everyday Joy: Moments Big and Small

Military life is filled with big and small moments that make up your story. It’s not just the significant events that matter; it’s the everyday joys, too. Snap pictures of your kids playing in the new backyard, your first trip to the commissary, or the cozy corner of your new home where you have your morning coffee. These moments make your memory book come alive, reminding you of the happiness in each new place.

Remember to include messages from friends and neighbors who have shared in your journey. Ask them to write farewell notes or share their favorite memories with you. These personal touches turn your memory book into a heartwarming narrative of the connections you’ve made along the way.

From Goodbyes to New Beginnings: Cherish Every Step

Myriam Caldwell, left, a 35th Force Support Squadron family care provider, hugs U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Williams, right, a 35th Medical Support Squadron aerospace medical technician, and her son, Kaiden, center, at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Dec. 25, 2018. After seven years of friendship, Caldwell describes Williams as a hard working mother and an ideal Airman. (Courtesy photo)
Myriam Caldwell, left, a 35th Force Support Squadron family care provider, hugs U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Williams, right, a 35th Medical Support Squadron aerospace medical technician, and her son, Kaiden, center, at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Dec. 25, 2018. After seven years of friendship, Caldwell describes Williams as a hard working mother and an ideal Airman. (Courtesy photo)

Every PCS move is a mix of goodbyes and new beginnings. Use your memory book to honor these moments. Dedicate a section to each farewell, remembering what made that duty station special. Then, create a space for the excitement of your new home. Make a list of things you want to explore at your next post, and leave room to add photos as you check them off.

Your memory book is not just about looking back; it’s about celebrating the future. With each new page, you capture the essence of military life—full of changes and endless opportunities.

Make It a Family Affair: Create Together

Making a PCS memory book can be a fun project for the whole family. Let your kids draw their favorite memories, write about their experiences, or decorate pages with stickers. You can also involve them in choosing the book’s theme or layout. This makes the memory book even more special and helps everyone feel excited about the move.

If you love technology, think about going digital. There are great online platforms like Shutterfly, Mixbook, or Blurb where you can create beautiful photo books with your own captions and layouts. Whether you choose to go digital or stick to the classic hands-on approach, making your memory book together can become a cherished family tradition.

Preserve Your Journey: A Keepsake for the Future

Your PCS memory book is more than just a collection of memories. It’s a way to celebrate your journey as a military spouse. Years from now, you’ll look through its pages and relive the places, people, and moments that shaped your life. It’s a gift to yourself and your family—a way to keep your story alive for future generations.

As you prepare for your next PCS, start gathering the photos, mementos, and memories that will fill your book. With each turn of the page, you’ll feel the pride and joy of being a military spouse.

A PCS memory book isn’t just a project; it’s a celebration of your journey, a way to embrace the adventure, and a keepsake that will hold the essence of your military life long after the moves are done.