PCS Moving Tips for Military Families

PCS Moving Tips for Military Families: Strategies for a Smooth Transition to Your New Duty Station

For military families, a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is more than just changing houses; it’s about uprooting their entire lives and starting anew in a different location, sometimes across the country or on a different continent. A PCS move is an official relocation of an active duty military service member — along with any family members living with them — to a different duty station under new orders. Typically occurring every two to four years, these moves are a fundamental aspect of military life, reflecting both the transient nature and the unpredictable demands placed on military personnel and their families.

A PCS move is initiated when service members receive official orders detailing their next assignment. These orders include vital information such as the report date and the new location, and they often come with government-provided resources to assist with the move. This could include allowances for shipping household goods, temporary lodging expenses, and travel costs. Unlike civilian moves, a PCS often involves a variety of complex logistical elements managed within a tight timeframe, requiring significant coordination and adjustment.

Pre-Move Planning

Understanding Your Orders

Your PCS orders are the blueprint of your move. They contain not just the destination and the timeline but also specify entitlements such as allowances for travel, transportation of goods, and temporary housing. It’s crucial to understand every part of these orders to plan effectively.

• Timelines: Identify key dates such as report no-later-than dates, which will dictate the entire schedule of your move.
• Entitlements: Familiarize yourself with what the military will cover. This includes travel costs, shipping for personal and household items, and temporary lodging expenses.
• Responsibilities: Know what you are expected to handle yourself. While the military covers many aspects of a PCS, certain responsibilities like canceling local services (utilities, cable, etc.) and enrolling children in a new school district fall directly on the family.

Checklist for Early Planning

Creating a detailed checklist is an effective way to manage the multitude of tasks associated with a PCS move. This checklist serves as a roadmap through the complexities of military relocation.

• Timeline for Packing: Establish a schedule for sorting, packing, and, if necessary, storing your belongings. Decide what you will take, what will be sold or donated, and what might need to be placed in storage. Consider the weight allowances for shipped items to avoid extra charges.
• Important Paperwork: Gather and organize important documents that you will need before, during, and after the move. This includes medical records, school records, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and your PCS orders. Keep these documents in a secure, easily accessible place during the move.
• Setting Appointments: Schedule appointments that are crucial pre-move. This includes medical check-ups to refill prescriptions, veterinary visits for pet health certificates, and meetings with school officials to obtain necessary records for transferring your children’s enrollment.
• Utilities and Services: Set reminders to cancel or transfer utilities, internet, and other services. If moving overseas, this might also include setting up new services in the destination country.
• Housing Arrangements: Begin researching housing options at your new location. Contact the housing office on your new base for assistance and to understand what options might be available, whether you plan to live on-base or off-base.
• Travel Arrangements: Plan your travel route, including stops overnight if necessary. If traveling by air, book flights considering the military fare rates and baggage allowances.

Financial Preparation

Budgeting for the Move

Effectively budgeting for a PCS move requires a balance between the allowances provided and the out-of-pocket expenses that are likely to occur. Here’s how to approach this:

• Estimate Total Costs: Start by estimating the total costs of the move, including travel, shipping, temporary lodging, and any unforeseen expenses. Make sure to account for meals, gas, and incidentals along the way.
• Track Your Spending: Use a spreadsheet or budgeting app to track all move-related spending. This will help you stay on top of your expenses and ensure you remain within your budget.
• Plan for Out-of-Pocket Costs: While many expenses are reimbursable, you’ll often have to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. Ensure you have enough savings to cover these initial outlays without compromising your financial stability.
• Emergency Fund: It’s wise to set aside an emergency fund for unexpected costs that aren’t covered by the military. This could include last-minute housing needs or vehicle repairs during the move.

Understanding Entitlements

The military provides several allowances to cover the costs associated with PCS moves. Understanding these can help you plan better and ensure you utilize all available resources.

• Dislocation Allowance (DLA): This allowance is intended to help with miscellaneous moving costs and setting up a new home. It’s paid once per PCS move and is meant to cover expenses like security deposits and setup fees for utilities.
• Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE): TLE is designed to partially reimburse a family for the lodging and meal expenses incurred when temporary housing is needed either in the vicinity of the old duty station or the new one. The number of days eligible for reimbursement varies based on the specifics of the move and current military regulations.
• Travel Expenses: These cover the cost of traveling from one duty station to another, including mileage reimbursement for those who choose to drive their own vehicles. Mileage rates are predetermined by the government and are intended to cover fuel and wear and tear on the vehicle.
• Per Diem Rates: For each day of travel, the military pays a per diem intended to cover lodging and meal costs. The rates vary depending on the travel location and are regularly updated.
• Shipping and Storage of Household Goods: The military covers the cost of packing, shipping, and sometimes storing household goods up to a certain weight limit, which depends on the service member’s rank and family status.

Organizing Household Goods

Deciding What to Take

The decision of what to take with you involves careful consideration of the cost, sentimental value, and utility of each item. Here’s how to approach this:

• Inventory Everything: Start by creating a detailed inventory of everything you own. This list will help you assess what’s worth taking and what isn’t.
• Categorize Items: Divide your belongings into categories such as must-take, replaceable, and unnecessary. This categorization helps in making decisions on selling, donating, or disposing of items.
• Consider the New Environment: Research the climate, space, and lifestyle of your new location. For example, heavy winter gear may not be necessary if you’re moving to a tropical climate.
• Sell or Donate: Decide what to sell based on the value and the cost-effectiveness of moving it. Selling items can provide extra funds for the move. Donating items can reduce the load and benefit others.

Professional vs. DITY Move

Choosing between a government-contracted move and a Do-It-Yourself (DITY) move, officially known as a Personally Procured Move (PPM), involves weighing the pros and cons of each option.

• Professional Movers:
  • Pros: Less physical labor and stress for you, potential for better protection of belongings through professional packing, and no need to manage logistics.
  • Cons: Less control over the moving process, potential for longer wait times for belongings to arrive, and risks of loss or damage handled by claims processes.
• DITY Move:
  • Pros: More control over the packing and handling of your belongings, potential to make money if the move costs less than the government’s reimbursement rate, and immediate availability of your items.
  • Cons: More labor-intensive, requires extensive planning and effort, potential for higher upfront costs, and risk of personal injury or damage to belongings.

Packing Tips

Effective packing is crucial whether you opt for professional movers or a DITY move. Here are some tips to ensure your belongings are well-protected and organized:

• Use Quality Materials: Invest in sturdy boxes, heavy-duty tape, and bubble wrap. Consider specialized containers for fragile items like dishes or electronics.
• Label Everything: Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking easier and help ensure that fragile items are handled correctly.
• Pack Strategically: Place heavier items at the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top. Use clothing, towels, or blankets to wrap and cushion fragile items.
• Valuables and Essentials: Pack a separate box or bag with valuables, important documents, and essentials you’ll need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, and chargers.

Taking Care of Family

Support for Spouses and Children

• Spousal Support:
  • Job Opportunities: Begin by researching employment opportunities at the new location well in advance of the move. Utilize resources like the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) program, which connects military spouses with hundreds of partner employers who commit to recruit, hire, promote, and retain military spouses.
  • Networking: Encourage your spouse to connect with local and online communities related to their profession. Social media groups, local business networks, and career fairs on or near military bases can be invaluable resources.
  • Resume Preparation: Update resumes to highlight versatile skills and experiences that are attractive in various markets. Consider including a section explaining the frequent moves as part of the military lifestyle to address any potential employer concerns about job stability.
• Children’s Education:
  • School Records: Obtain copies of all school records, including report cards, transcripts, and standardized test scores before moving. This documentation will be essential for enrolling in new schools.
  • Research Schools: Investigate schools in the new area to find the best fit for your children’s needs. Consider the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and the support they offer to new military family students.
  • Emotional Support: Discuss the move with your children openly and allow them to express their feelings. Reassure them about the aspects of the move that may be exciting, like making new friends or exploring new places.

Relocating Pets

• Veterinary Preparations:
  • Health Checkup: Schedule a visit to your vet to ensure that all vaccinations are up to date and obtain a health certificate, which may be required for travel, especially if moving overseas.
  • Medications: Stock up on any required medications and obtain copies of your pet’s medical records to take with you.
• Travel Arrangements:
  • Crate Training: If your pet isn’t already accustomed to a crate, begin crate training well in advance of the move to minimize stress during travel.
  • Travel Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the pet travel regulations of the airline or moving method you plan to use. This includes crate specifications, feeding instructions, and check-in processes.
  • Identification: Ensure your pet has proper identification with up-to-date contact information on their collar. Consider microchipping if not already done.

By proactively addressing the needs of spouses, children, and pets, military families can better manage the challenges associated with PCS moves, ensuring that each member transitions smoothly to the new environment. These efforts not only provide practical solutions but also offer emotional support, helping the family to thrive in their new community.

Embarking on a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) can be a pivotal moment for military families. It's not just about moving your belongings; it's about transitioning your life to a new chapter with confidence and ease. At The American Dream Moving & Storage, we're dedicated to supporting military families with specialized moving services that respect the demands of military life.

If you're planning a PCS and need reliable, respectful moving support, or if you're looking for storage solutions during your transition, give us a call at (818) 337-9495 or visit our website. Let us help you make your move as smooth as possible, so you can focus on settling into your new duty station and new opportunities. Remember, we're here to move you with honor, pride, integrity, and dignity.