Military Moves Simplified: A Comprehensive Guide to Relocating for Service Members
Relocating is a challenging experience for anyone, but military personnel face unique obstacles during their moves. Frequent relocations, known as Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY), or deployments, are an inherent part of military life. These moves can be complex and stressful, impacting not only the service member but also their families. Each move requires careful planning, coordination, and adaptation to a new environment, which can be daunting.
Proper planning and organization are crucial for a smooth military move. With numerous tasks to handle, from receiving orders to finding housing and integrating into a new community, having a structured approach can make the process more manageable. A well-organized move can minimize stress, reduce the risk of overlooking important details, and ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible for everyone involved.
Pre-Move Preparation
Receiving Orders
Importance of Understanding and Reviewing Your Orders:
- Clarity and Accuracy: Carefully review your military orders as soon as you receive them to ensure you fully understand the requirements and instructions. Misinterpreting details can lead to complications and delays.
- Preparation: Understanding your orders allows you to prepare adequately for the move. It sets the foundation for creating a timeline, organizing logistics, and planning for your family's needs.
Key Details to Look for in Your Orders:
- Report Date: The date you are required to report to your new duty station. This is crucial for planning your move timeline.
- Location: The address and details of your new duty station, including any specific reporting instructions.
- Authorized Travel: Information about travel allowances, including the number of days authorized for travel and any specific routes or modes of transportation.
- Dependent Information: Details about entitlements for dependents, such as travel allowances and housing arrangements.
- Additional Instructions: Any special instructions or requirements, such as mandatory briefings, training sessions, or specific paperwork needed.
Scheduling and Timelines
Creating a Moving Timeline Based on Your Report Date:
- Start Early: Begin planning as soon as you receive your orders. This allows you ample time to handle all necessary tasks without feeling rushed.
- Break Down Tasks: Divide the move into manageable steps and assign deadlines for each task. This helps ensure nothing is overlooked and keeps you on track.
Scheduling Key Activities:
- Housing Search: Research housing options at your new duty station, including on-base housing, off-base rentals, or potential home purchases. Consider factors like commute, amenities, and school districts.
- School Enrollment: If you have children, research and contact schools in your new area. Gather required documents and understand enrollment procedures to ensure a smooth transition.
- Transportation Arrangements: Decide whether you will drive or ship your vehicle(s). Schedule transportation for household goods through military-approved moving companies and ensure all arrangements are confirmed in advance.
- Healthcare and Services: Arrange for the transfer of medical records and set up new healthcare providers. Schedule the setup of utilities, internet, and other essential services at your new home.
Budgeting and Financial Planning
Understanding Military Move Entitlements and Allowances:
- Travel Allowances: Familiarize yourself with the travel allowances provided by the military, which can cover expenses such as mileage, per diem for lodging and meals, and transportation costs for dependents.
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA): Learn about DLA, which helps cover miscellaneous moving costs that are not reimbursed through other allowances.
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE): Understand TLE, which reimburses temporary lodging and meal costs incurred while waiting for permanent housing.
Creating a Budget to Manage Out-of-Pocket Expenses:
- Estimate Costs: Make a detailed list of expected expenses, including travel, lodging, meals, pet transportation, and any additional moving services you may need.
- Track Spending: Keep track of all expenditures during the move to ensure you stay within your budget. Save receipts for reimbursement claims.
- Set Aside Funds: Allocate a portion of your budget for unexpected expenses. Moves often come with unforeseen costs, and having a financial cushion can alleviate stress.
Organizing Your Move
Inventory and Decluttering
Taking Inventory of Your Belongings:
- Comprehensive List: Create a detailed inventory of all your belongings. This helps in keeping track of items and is useful for insurance purposes. Include furniture, electronics, clothing, kitchenware, and other household items.
- Documentation: Document the condition of valuable items with photos or videos. This can be important for insurance claims if any damage occurs during the move.
Decluttering and Deciding What to Take, Donate, or Discard:
- Sort Items: Go through each room and sort items into categories: take, donate, or discard. This helps reduce the volume of items to be moved and can lower moving costs.
- Donation: Consider donating gently used items to charitable organizations. This not only helps others but also lightens your load.
- Discard: Properly dispose of items that are broken, outdated, or no longer needed. Recycling centers, hazardous waste disposal sites, and junk removal services can be useful.
Packing Strategies
Tips for Efficient Packing and Labeling:
- Gather Supplies: Ensure you have plenty of packing materials, including sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, and markers.
- Room-by-Room Packing: Pack one room at a time to stay organized. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to in your new home.
- Weight Distribution: Distribute weight evenly in boxes to prevent them from becoming too heavy. Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top.
Special Considerations for Packing Sensitive or Valuable Items:
- Fragile Items: Use plenty of padding for fragile items. Wrap each item individually in bubble wrap or packing paper and label the box as "fragile."
- Electronics: Pack electronics in their original boxes if possible. If not, use sturdy boxes with plenty of cushioning to protect them during transport.
- Important Documents: Keep important documents such as birth certificates, passports, and medical records in a secure, easily accessible location. Consider carrying these with you instead of packing them in the moving truck.
Transportation Arrangements
Options for Shipping Your Vehicle and Household Goods:
- Vehicle Shipping: Decide whether to drive your vehicle to your new location or have it shipped. Consider the distance, time, and cost when making your decision. If shipping, research reliable auto transport companies.
- Household Goods: You can choose to move household goods yourself, use a military-approved moving company, or utilize the military’s household goods transportation services.
Working with Military-Approved Moving Companies:
- Authorized Movers: The Department of Defense provides a list of approved moving companies for military relocations. These companies are experienced in handling military moves and understand the specific requirements and regulations.
- Research and Compare: Research different moving companies, read reviews, and compare quotes to find the best option for your needs.
- Coordinate with Movers: Communicate your needs and expectations clearly with the moving company. Schedule a pre-move survey so they can assess the volume of items to be moved and provide an accurate estimate.
Housing and Settling In
Finding Housing
Resources for Finding On-Base and Off-Base Housing:
- On-Base Housing:
- Military Housing Office (MHO): The MHO at your new duty station can provide information about available on-base housing. They can assist with the application process and provide guidance on housing options.
- Housing Websites: Websites such as Military OneSource and Housing Early Assistance Tool (HEAT) can help you explore on-base housing options and apply online.
- Off-Base Housing:
- Realtors and Property Managers: Engage with local realtors or property management companies who specialize in military relocations. They can help you find suitable off-base rentals or homes for purchase.
- Online Resources: Utilize websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and AHRN.com to search for off-base housing options. These platforms offer detailed listings and can filter properties based on your criteria.
Tips for Choosing the Right Housing for Your Family’s Needs:
- Proximity to Base: Consider the commute time to your new duty station. Living closer can save time and reduce travel costs.
- School Districts: Research the quality of local schools if you have children. Proximity to good schools can be a significant factor in choosing the right home.
- Community Amenities: Look for neighborhoods that offer amenities such as parks, playgrounds, shopping centers, and healthcare facilities.
- Safety: Check local crime rates and community safety reports to ensure a secure environment for your family.
- Budget: Ensure the housing fits within your budget, taking into account rent or mortgage payments, utilities, and other associated costs.
Setting Up Utilities and Services
Arranging for Utilities, Internet, and Other Essential Services:
- Utilities: Contact local utility providers to set up electricity, water, gas, and trash services. Doing this before you move in ensures that your home is functional from day one.
- Internet and Cable: Schedule installation for internet and cable services in advance. Research providers to find the best deals and service options in your new area.
- Security Systems: If needed, arrange for the installation of a home security system to protect your new residence.
Transferring or Setting Up New Accounts for Local Services:
- Medical Providers: Transfer medical records to new healthcare providers and schedule initial appointments if necessary. Identify local hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.
- Banking: Update your address with your bank and consider transferring accounts if your current bank doesn’t have branches in your new location.
- Postal Services: Submit a change of address form with the USPS to forward your mail to your new address. Update your address with important contacts and service providers.
American Dream Moving & Storage
Proper planning is crucial for a smooth military move. By thoroughly understanding your orders, creating a detailed timeline, budgeting effectively, and addressing the needs of your family, you can reduce stress and ensure a seamless transition to your new duty station. Utilizing professional moving services can further simplify the process, ensuring that your belongings are handled with care and efficiency.
Contact American Dream Moving & Storage today for a free estimate and expert advice on your upcoming move. Call us at (818) 337-9495 or visit vetsmoveyou.com to learn more about our services and how we can assist with your military relocation. Trust us to handle the details, so you can focus on your mission and family, knowing that your move is in good hands.
