We salute the men and women of the military and their spouses, and their unwavering dedication to fighting for our freedom.
The life of a full-time military person involves frequent moves, either within the country or abroad. Usually, when a military person moves, they can bring their spouse and children. An army career requires commitment, sacrifice, responsibility, flexibility, and a desire to serve and defend the nation.
People in the armed forces often face this reality throughout their careers. Moving can be intimidating, but military members have access to dependable, effective, and affordable moving services. To ensure all tasks are done on time and the move is easy and stress-free, a PCS move requires careful planning and attention to detail.
Preparing For a PCS Military Assignment – Tips and Advice
The military moves its personnel every three years on average as part of the permanent change of station (PCS) process. Under the PCS process, military personnel are often transferred to new duty stations. This keeps the military prepared and ensures the right personnel are in the correct positions to carry out their objectives. PCS moves can be difficult but offer a great opportunity to explore new places and meet new people.
Service members may be sent to new duty stations for reasons like occupational specializations, skill needs, and rotation to various deployments or locations. The frequency of PCS transfers depends on factors like rank, occupational specialty, and unit type. Understanding the details of a Military PCS can be daunting, but early planning is key to a smooth transition.
Frequent relocations can make it easy to lose important documents. The transition can be very stressful, especially if kids are involved. A successful military move starts with planning and preparation a month in advance. Consider throwing a going-away party for your military family and friends as a memorable farewell; this can also relieve stress before the big move.
- The average cost of a PCS move is about $13,000, according to the Government Accountability Office.
- The Army has the most PCS moves, making up nearly 40% of all relocations.
- May through August are the busiest months for PCS moves.
- The military spends about $2.4 billion annually on PCS expenses. To save money during your move, use the military’s Dislocation Allowance (DLA) for costs not covered by the government.
Leveraging Military Resources for Discounted Moving Services
Use the Household Goods/Transportation Office (HHG/TO) and its variety of reduced services when relocating with the military. The HHG/TO does more than just coordinate household goods transportation. They offer services like cheap moving supplies and a list of licensed carriers. The military’s Dislocation Allowance (DLA) covers miscellaneous moving costs
They can help with weight restrictions, scheduling pack-out and delivery dates, and mediating disagreements with moving companies. The military offers Advance Basic Pay, a loan to cover move-related expenses. The HHG/TO is also knowledgeable in foreign relocations and can provide critical information on customs regulations. Using these services can expedite your military relocation and lower costs and stress.
Preparing for a Move as a Military Spouse
Being a military spouse and preparing to move can be challenging, but it’s important to organize everything for a smooth transition. Nearly 60% of military spouses face employment challenges because of frequent relocations. First, do thorough research about your new location. Learn about the neighborhoods, schools, and job prospects.
Use the information to decide what to take and what to leave behind. Get in touch with other military spouses for support and guidance. Connecting with the military community at your new location can offer valuable insights and emotional support.
Start packing once you know what to expect in your new place. Create a list of tasks to complete, like packing, shipping and storing belongings, arranging vehicle transportation, and notifying utility companies and service providers of the move. Also, make sure all your important papers are organized and easy to find, including your passport, marriage license, and birth certificate.
Does the military move their personnel for free?
The military offers free moving services for qualified service personnel and their families. These perks are called a ‘Government-funded move’ or a ‘Government-paid move.’ The transportation office typically handles the packing, shipping, and unpacking of household items. The exact services offered depend on the service member’s rank, the nature of the move, and other factors. Contact the military’s transportation office for details on specific advantages and services for your move.
The military will send movers to your home for the larger items, but you are responsible for securing your other items like jewelry, money, and the serviceman’s gun. A month before you move, separate the items you want to take from those you prefer to leave behind. Get rid of unwanted items by selling them online, hosting a yard sale, or donating them to charity.
Benefits of Choosing a Military-Procured Move
Military families in the United States can choose a Personally Procured Move (PPM), giving them more control over their relocation and potentially offering financial benefits. The U.S. Department of Defense offers military-procured moves as an option when arranging a transfer. Convenience, efficiency, cost savings, and peace of mind are some advantages of this type of move.
The PPM program is optional, and you can use all or part of it. For example, you might ship some household items up to the permitted weight allowance on a Government Bill of Lading (GBL) and use the PPM program for the rest. You can drive your own car or rent a moving truck. If you choose a PPM, renting a truck can give you more control, but remember to factor in fuel costs
What the Government Doesn’t Cover
You may feel relieved knowing the government covers many moving expenses. But wait! Some costs won’t be subsidized. Have you considered your pet? International relocations often include costly quarantine fees for animals. Don’t forget import duties on personal vehicles, especially if you plan to bring your car. Extra storage fees for items that can’t be moved immediately are another often-overlooked expense. These added costs can accumulate, resulting in an unexpected bill.
The Real Cost of DIY Moves in the Military
Thinking of handling your move with a Personally Procured Move (PPM)? It might seem like a good idea until you add up the costs. Truck rentals might look affordable at first, but have you factored in fuel costs? And remember, you’re responsible for any loss or damage to your belongings. No one will reimburse you if that heirloom vase gets shattered in transit.
The Hidden Financial Layers
It’s not just about the immediate costs; it’s also about the hidden ones. For example, if you’re driving to your new location, tolls and road closures could add unexpected delays and expenses. And remember, time is money. The hours you spend planning, packing, and driving are hours you could have spent settling into your new home or exploring job opportunities.
Navigating Temporary Housing
When relocating to a new area, researching temporary housing options can greatly ease the move. Start by looking into extended-stay hotels, furnished apartments, and military lodging. These options often provide flexible lease periods and amenities, allowing you to live comfortably and conveniently while you find permanent housing. Contact your new installation’s housing office or relocation assistance program for more information.
Temporary housing acts as a buffer, letting you settle in without committing to long-term accommodation. It’s cost-effective because it’s cheaper than extended hotel stays. It also relieves the pressure of choosing a permanent home immediately, allowing you to evaluate communities and make informed decisions. Furnished spaces offer the convenience of avoiding the effort and expense of transporting or buying furniture
How to pack for a military move?
Consider these recommendations when packing for a military move:
Begin early: Start packing well before your move date to reduce stress and ensure you have enough time to properly pack your belongings.
Use the right tools: Use sturdy boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap to protect your items during transit.
Label boxes: Clearly label boxes with their contents and the room they belong in. This makes unpacking and organizing easier.
Use smaller boxes: Pack heavier items in smaller boxes to make them easier to carry.
Pack by room: Pack items from each room in separate boxes to simplify unpacking and organizing.
Use a packing list: To make unpacking simpler and to ensure you don’t forget anything, keep a list of everything you pack.
Disassemble furniture: Disassemble larger pieces to reduce space and secure larger items during transit.
Secure delicate items: Use bubble wrap to protect delicate items like electronics, glassware, and tableware.
To ensure a quick and easy transition, comply with any rules and requirements set by the military’s transportation office.
Gather all the paperwork
A military home is filled with paperwork, including orders, certificates, and medical records, along with personal documents like birth and marriage certificates and grade school reports for the kids. Gather all the paperwork and place it in a folder with plastic protectors. Creating a PCS binder can be a lifesaver; it’s where you can store all essential documents, from orders to medical records. Your social security cards, children’s medical information, and car insurance documents should also go in this folder. Purchase labeling tags to stick on the plastic to help you locate your paperwork when needed.
Besides documents, you might have many photos too. You can invest in photocarriers or place them in photo albums to later stack in boxes. Plastic containers, which are inexpensive at dollar stores, are also ideal for storing photos.
Protect Your Identity
Take special precautions when packing to protect sensitive information, like orders and identification cards from your military service. Keep these documents with you and pack them separately to avoid identity theft.
Last but not least, after the transfer, check your credit report for unauthorized accounts or charges. This can help you spot signs of identity theft and respond quickly.
Take Care Of Financial Matters
Taking care of financial concerns should be a top priority when a military move is looming. Notify your bank, credit card companies, and other financial organizations of your address change. Missed or delayed payments can occur if you don’t update your address with these organizations. As they handle military pay and benefits, it’s also critical to update your information with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). Failing to do so can lead to missed or delayed payments, adding financial stress to an already difficult situation.
Military pay, including basic pay, special pay, and allowances, is administered by the DFAS. As a service member, it’s important to update your information with the DFAS as soon as possible to guarantee that you receive your pay and benefits without delay. Your current address, contact information, email address, and banking details are all included in this. You can save unnecessary stress and concentrate on settling into your new city with peace of mind by keeping your information up to date.
Military pay, including basic pay, special pay, and allowances, is administered by the DFAS. As a service member, update your information with the DFAS as soon as possible to ensure you receive your pay and benefits without delay. This includes your current address, contact information, email address, and banking details. Keeping your information up to date can save unnecessary stress and help you settle into your new city with peace of mind.
Military spouses should inform their employer of the planned move, arrange for job transfers, and look for job prospects in the new area.
Plan For Your Pets
If you own pets, make plans for their housing and transportation. You might need to work with a pet-transportation agency or plan their trip on your own. Research any travel-related paperwork or health certificates your pets might need. Ensure your pets have proper identifying tags and are up to date on their vaccinations in case they get separated from you during the move.
Ensure your pets have a secure and comfortable place to live once you reach your new location. If you’re moving into on-base housing, check the rules and regulations regarding pets before making any decisions. If you’re living off-base, find pet-friendly housing that suits your needs. Look into nearby facilities that allow pets, such as dog parks or pet shops.
What military movers won’t take?
Due to rules, safety considerations, and security concerns, military movers typically have restrictions on what they will and won’t transport. Typical prohibited items for military movers include:
- Potentially dangerous materials like fuel, propane tanks, chemicals, and weapons.
- Food, plants, and other perishable items.
- Jewelry, money, investments, and other valuables.
- Sentimental items like family heirlooms and photo albums, which cannot be replaced if lost or damaged
Go through the inventory form
When you receive your orders, you will get an inventory form to sign. List everything in your home by brand name and quantity so that if items get lost or damaged, you can get compensation for identical products. Properly pad, seal, and label your boxes, and list them on the form too. Do not sign the form until you are sure you have listed everything you are taking with you.
Moving with children
Emphasize the positive aspects of moving to your children to reduce their stress. If your child is still despondent after your talk, ask the military’s family program representatives for more information on how to help your child.
The family program is resourceful and may have a professional who can visit your home to talk to your child. Finally, make sure all your utility and phone bills are paid off or transferred if you are relocating within the state. Don’t forget to have your mail forwarded to your new address.
Plan For Travel
Travel preparation is essential for any military move. You can choose to drive or fly to your new location. If you’re driving, plan your trip carefully, considering traffic, weather, and rest stops. Check for tolls or road closures. Allow plenty of time for the trip, especially if you have young children or pets. Involve family members in the planning process, especially if they have specific needs or responsibilities.
Hotel bookings are necessary if you’re traveling a long distance by car. If you have dogs, look for hotels that offer discounts to active-duty military personnel. Reserve your hotel rooms in advance, especially during busy seasons, to ensure availability. Book your flights early to get the best deals if you plan to fly.
Unique Challenges and Solutions
Emotional Toll on Children
Children in military families often face emotional stress from frequent relocations, affecting their academic and social lives.
Solution: Enroll your children in programs that help military kids adapt to new environments. Schools near military bases often have counselors trained in this area.
Spousal Employment
Military spouses often struggle to maintain consistent employment due to frequent moves.
Solution: Seek remote work opportunities or positions within companies with a national or global presence, making it easier to transfer your job when you move.
Vehicle Transportation
Having more than one vehicle can make moving logistically challenging.
Solution: Use a professional car shipping service for one vehicle while driving the other. Some services offer military discounts.
Maintaining Long-Term Friendships
Frequent moves can make maintaining long-term friendships challenging and emotionally draining.
Solution: Use social media and video conferencing tools to stay in touch. Plan visits during holidays or long weekends to keep those important relationships strong.
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