For service members, a permanent change of station (PCS) is a normal part of their career. However, it can also be an extremely stressful experience.
Military families often receive frequent PCS orders, so it’s important to prepare for your move well in advance. A PCS packing list and a relocation checklist can help ease some of the stress!
Know Your Entitlement
Whether you’re moving to the next duty station or moving within your current service branch, it’s important to know your entitlement. That way, you can better plan for your move and ensure that you’re covered by military benefits.
Fortunately, the Department of Defense (DoD) will reimburse you for up to 95% of your estimated costs for a military move. That includes the cost of renting a truck, hiring movers and transporting your belongings.
However, before you sign up for a PPM, you should have a solid idea of what your budget will look like and whether or not it will cover all of the moving expenses. That’s why it’s helpful to create a PCS checklist.
Having this information in hand will make the moving process easier to navigate and allow you to focus on getting everything ready for your new home. With a little planning, your military move should go smoothly. Just be sure to take it slow and don’t rush anything.
Purge
A military move is an overwhelming experience for any family, but especially when children are involved. Whether you’re moving across the country or overseas, it’s essential to plan ahead for all of the practical, financial and mental challenges that come with frequent relocations.
Before you start packing your belongings, consider purging anything that you no longer need or want. This will help you save time and energy when it comes to finding things when you get to your new home.
This is also a great time to give away or sell any items that you don’t think you’ll use at your next duty station. Then, you can pack only what you really need for your military move.
You can do this by donating items to your base’s Airman’s Attic, or even getting rid of items online via a garage sale. If you don’t have the time or the energy to get rid of all your clutter, consider hiring a professional mover to handle it for you.
Pack Smart
If you have received orders for a permanent change of station (PCS), or move, it is important to prepare for the process. This is a major life change that involves navigating the practical, financial, and emotional challenges that come with moving.
Getting started on the military PCS process as soon as you receive your orders can help ensure that you are not left unprepared for the move. Start by researching your new duty station, finding housing resources, and exploring employment options at the new command.
You may also want to consider obtaining a power of attorney in advance of the move. A POA allows you to sign paperwork in place of your spouse, which can make the process less stressful for everyone involved.
Finally, make sure to pack go bags for every member of your family, and any pets, that will need access to essentials during the time between when the movers leave and when you arrive at the new command. This way, you can focus on getting the rest of your belongings safely packed and on the van without having to worry about anything being missing or unavailable while you are away from home.
Hire a Moving Company
Whether you’re preparing for a local move or an international one, hiring a moving company can help make the process easier. They can pack and store your items, transport them to the new location, and deliver them to you once they’ve been settled in.
A military move can be a stressful time for any family. Your kids might be anxious about their new school, your spouse may have concerns about their new job, and you’re likely feeling a sense of uncertainty about everything.
The best military movers can help ease your stress, make the relocation process less daunting, and ensure you get where you’re going on time. Here are some of the top moving companies for military moves:
When choosing a military mover, consider your budget and how much storage and service fees you’re willing to pay. Also, ask about their specialized services, which are ideal for high-value items or fragile pieces of furniture. Then, compare quotes to find a reputable military mover that’s within your price range.
