Moving - Military Style

Moving Military style? Did you or your husband receive orders to a new base or post? If you are moving long distance and dealing with military-provided packers and movers, there are some things you should know. Obviously it is a stressful time moving to a new area, moving kids from their current schools, and then believing that all of your treasures will make it to your next destination unharmed. There are some things you can do to help make this transition a bit easier with just a little planning and some tips to follow.

File all of your important papers into one folder and be sure you take this with you. DO NOT PACK IT! I like PendaFlex files because the hold so much. Some of the files include: Your orders, the moving company information, marriage license, divorce/custody papers, kid's immunizations, birth certificates, current tax year information, health/dental insurance information, old school/new school information, a map, current LES, unemployment office numbers (if spouse is on unemployment now), college transcripts, will (if you have one), renters/car insurance information and a log of all your belongings with description. This file is so important; it can save you a lot of hassle if it is well thought.

If you are not moving some items yourself, you may want to consider this option for your valuables. We have all heard stories of the priceless jewelry or your million dollar stock shares not making the trip. It is my experience that I take all that is personal and irreplaceable with me. Some examples include jewelry, personal documents, and guns. Place these items in your locked vehicle while the packers are at your house. It is important to safeguard your precious treasures because they may be precious to others as well...only those people have no sentimental value, more just looking to recoup the value. There are a few things you need to do for a partial DITY like getting the vehicle weigh pre- and post-filled, but it is worth it.

Make sure to review the moving company documents that you receive in advance of your move. Most send packets that give you the operations department telephone number, emergency telephone numbers, and information including your rights and responsibilities. It is important that you review this information and follow it closely in the case that you must make a claim. Most pamphlets provide valuable tips, entitlements, information of weight estimates, what excess weight will cost you and what you can do about this, overseas moves, basic facts, responsibilities, and what to do after the move. Again, I can't emphasize the importance of this information, so read it twice, highlight and make notes, and keep your information with you.

Consider what you will need when you get to your new destination. Those 10 days of clothes will get old fast so consider taking 20 days of clothes per person. Is somebody going to be looking for work? Try to bring at least one interview outfit and shoes. Think about the weather, do you need winter coats, boots, sandals or bathing suits? How about medicine? Please put together a medicine box of all your family's needs. Include Tylenol or ibuprofen, children's medicine, contacts, solution, band aids, disinfectant, prescription medicines, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, allergy medicine's, over-the-counter cold medicine, tissues, vitamins, and whatever else your family needs.

Before you decide to catalog your belongings, purge. Take what you use, not excess. Purging helps do a couple of things. First you clean out things you didn't even know you had and two, get rid of excess weight. If you haven't used an item in a year, chances are that you won't miss it. This can be a very hard process, but is well worth the effort. Sell things that you can sell either through a yard sale or listing them in the paper. I found a captive audience at work for many of the item we had to sell. But purge, purge, purge. Remember that you don't know what size of housing you will have once you get to your new destination. Also, if the size of your family has changed, chances are that you won't need those five twin beds. Only take what you need...you can figure out the rest later.

Log your belongings. This can be a pain, but if this isn't your first move, keep track of your old lists so you can add or delete things from it. This will help in the event you need to file a claim with your moving company. Another way to do this is through videography or digital pictures. You can video all of your things and capture great detail to prove that your bed was not crushed before the movers came. Otherwise, please be as descriptive as possible.

If you are moving with kids and you do know what schools they will be attending, try to contact those schools earlier than when after school is out. The receiving school should be able to provide you with all the forms you need via email or website to begin that process. Notify your old schools of the change and prepare them for contact by the new schools. This helps and makes the transition for the kids easier. Some schools will allow you to choose your kid's classes ahead of time and begin preparing their schedule pre-move. This is an exceptional service and if it is possible, I recommend it. Make sure you find out what forms or proof of identification you need to show the new schools such as birth certificates, divorce/custody papers, immunization records, physicals, etc. If you are starting sports when you arrive to you next destination, it is helpful to take care of the physical prior to leaving so that you are ready when you get there and won't have to worry about setting something up at the clinic. Complete all doctor and dentist appointments prior to moving. This will give you more time to get set up at your next station.

For the actual trip, take some comfort things for you and your kids. If you have portable devices such as DVD players, CD players, video gaming devices, or small games you may want to take them to break up the monotony of the drive. Choose a few DVDs, CDs, and games that can be shared to cut down on excess. Take some road snacks like GORP, fruit, water, or other healthful items. Candy bars and soda are great, but could upset tummies and make stopping a more frequent occurrence. Put together an emergency tool kit for the road with your emergency first aid kit. This will be important in case you have luck that I do and you car breaks down at least once along the way. Charge cell phones, take chargers, and bring an alternative communication method such as long-range walkie-talkies. Pillow, ponchos, and flashlights are good ideas too. Also bring the tools you will need to put beds together once you have housing at your new destination. It is nice to get back into you old bed as soon as possible.

Trip tip: If you can possibly work in some fun along the way with a side trip to a vacation spot for a day, the move turns into a vacation memory.

Remember that there are bound to be things that go wrong on the trip. It is stressful for everyone. The more everyone can be helpful, the better the outcome overall. Make sure to laugh, play, stretch, and breathe. Oh, and 'another 200 miles' isn't the answer to a child asking to use the restroom now.