Tips to Make a Military Move Easier

Anyone who has ever had any affiliation with the military knows what a great life that it brings. Sure it's tough at times, but the good outweighs the bad. I was a Navy brat and am now a proud Army wife (going on 11 years). We're thinking about moving soon which means we'll be experiencing the always entertaining PCS (Permanent Change of Station). If you're about to experience you first PCS move or need a refresher course here are a few things you can do while your spouse is busy clearing.

When you receive orders

The first thing you want to do is take pictures of your furniture and any items that you deem valuable. You can take pictures with a digital camera but don't forget to print the pictures. I myself actually use an old Polaroid so I have the pictures on hand.

The reason it is important to take pictures of the furniture is because the movers will break, damage, or steal your goods. Even if you watch the movers seal your crates your items can still be damaged. When we moved from Hawaii to North Carolina we found that our furniture had been used by the moving company. We know this because we had had our couches cleaned before we made our move. When we received our goods we found food wrappers (Japanese candy and such) that my husband and I did not eat stuffed in between the cushions. You will need photos to prove the condition of your furniture if you want to have the damage paid for.

Second you will need to contact transportation immediately to schedule a pick up date for your household goods. When you visit the transportation office keep in mind that it is going to take a long time to get anything done. So bring a snack and a book and try to grin and bear it.

Moving Day

The night before your packers arrive make sure that you separate anything that you don't want the movers to pack. I usually put all of these items in the bathroom and put a sign up that reads do not pack on the door. Also you want to make sure that your dishwasher is empty, as well as your Diaper Genie if you have one. Trust me the movers will pack it full of poopy diapers.

When the movers are done they will give you a packing list. Do not just sign this list. Go through each item to make sure that it is accurate. My good friend just moved and found herself with a cracked coffee table leg when her furniture was delivered. She went to complain but found that the movers had written down on the packing list that the leg was already broken. This was of course untrue and a hard lesson learned.

Future Housing

As soon as your husband has his PCS orders you will need to contact the housing department for your new duty station. Upon doing this you will learn the exact wait time for a new home. On a side note it is never as long as they say. Depending on the wait list you may want to look into the price of renting or buying a new home. Once you arrive at your new duty station your spouse will check-in and report to housing where you will get a better assessment of the housing situation.

Important Papers

While traveling it is absolutely necessary that you keep all important papers with you. Don't let the movers pack these documents up.

If you have children you want to make sure that you have their school records to take to their next school. Most schools (at least DOD schools) prefer that you request the records two weeks in advance.

Don't forget to pick up your medical records. This will soon be a thing of the past as all military hospitals are switching over to a computer generated records system. I have had several friends who requested their records to be told that they no longer with give them out.

General PCS Information

The military member is allowed 10 days of permissive TDY, meaning that you should arrive at least ten days early of your report date so you will have time to find a home or apartment.

You will also receive Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) when you move. TLA is to help offset the cost of staying in a hotel, meals, and expenses while you are staying in the hotel at your current duty station or when you are staying in a hotel at your new duty station

You will also receive Per Diem. Per Diem is meant to help offset the cost of the actual travelling form one duty station to another.

While all of these extra pays are helpful it will still probably cost you close to $1000 for the move. It's best to start saving as early as possible.

More Questions

While getting ready to move if you have any questions make sure to ask. You can ask your friend's or members of your FRG. Military spouses can be the most helpful people in the world. You can also visit your ACS building to get literature on tips on how to move. Many posts also offer a class on moving.