Most people that join the military want to be in a specific location for their first duty station. So, when they are told where they will be stationed, they are excited about it, and everything seems great. Then there is the process of relocating, and suddenly, things don’t seem so great anymore. This post is designed to help you better prepare for your move by presenting you with a few tips that will hopefully make your transition smoother.
Tip 1 – Don’t Forget to Make Reservations
The first thing you will need to do when planning a move is making reservations. If you are planning to hire a moving company which is recommendable, check best moving companies for military and pick which is reliable and suitable for you.If not, you will have to reserve a moving truck and figure out where it will be dropped off. If you’re moving somewhere that allows pets, then you may also want to reserve a place for them on the truck as well.
Tip 2 – Research Housing Options
In every location, housing is an option, so doing research on this in advance can save you time later on down the road. In addition, if you have family or friends already established in your new home area, then their homes are options too.
Tip 3 – Pack Smartly When Traveling
When traveling with property, there are several things to keep in mind. First, you will need PODS or some enclosed moving truck because you can’t travel with furniture in a regular vehicle. Secondly, you should contact your new location before the trip to know when and where you will be arriving. This prevents any unnecessary delays from occurring at the other end. Lastly, it is not a good idea to add a lot of weight on top of your moving truck, or else there is a chance that it could tip over while traveling.
Tip 4 – Don’t Forget About Necessities
It’s almost impossible to have every last item packed before leaving for the next duty station, especially if your move takes place close to your PCS date like it in the military, so you can count on having to purchase some items once you arrive. This includes a new refrigerator if yours cannot be transported, food, and household cleaning items.
Tip 5 – Don’t Miss Your PCS Date!
Most people don’t realize that missing your PCS date will cost you money. There are fines associated with being late or not showing up at all. Often, this is due to bad weather or traffic, which is out of your control, but it’s still something to think about ahead of time. In addition, when traveling with pets, they have specific rules for the transportation that must be followed, so it’s important to give yourself adequate time to get where you’re going on time.
Tip 6 – Don’t Forget Your Apparel
If you’re moving to a colder climate, then be sure to pack enough clothing. If you’re not prepared, it can get pretty cold in the winter, so stock up on coats, jackets, gloves, and hats.
Tip 7 – Have Everything Prepared for Your Pets
If you or someone in your household is bringing a pet with them during the move, then several things will need to be prepared for them ahead of time. First, they have specific requirements regarding how pets may travel aboard a vehicle, so make sure that you follow these guidelines closely. Also, remember that certain animals aren’t allowed within some states like birds or reptiles and others, so do your research and plan ahead. One last thing to remember is that certain items will need to be provided for them during the move, such as food, water, and treats.
Tip 8 – Don’t Forget about Mail Forwarding
If you’re planning on moving out of state, it’s important to consider mail forwarding services because, most likely, you’ll miss some regular mail between your move-out date and your arrival date. This can include bills or packages that will need to be received at a new location after the fact. Also, remember that if you have utility connections (cell phone, cable, electric) with an existing account, they won’t automatically transfer over to a new address, so this may require some preparation.
Tip 9 – Give Yourself an Invoice for Your Service Members
If you’re being sent to a new location, you may want to request an invoice from your service member’s command before the move. This will help expedite the processing of your household goods upon arrival. It makes sure that everything is accounted for while also minimizing the chances of lost items during transit.
Tip 10 – Don’t Forget Documents!
When traveling, several documents need to be transported with you, including birth certificates, passports, social security cards, and immunizations records (if applicable). It’s important to keep these safe because there could be issues with identification or access later on down the road without them.
Conclusion
Many things to consider when military moving, but many people don’t think about what might happen if they arrive late or miss their allotted date. It’s important to be aware of these things before heading out because it could end up costing you money or a lot of stress if there are issues later on down the road.
If you follow all of the tips listed above, then you won’t have any major problems while traveling to your next duty station, and you can rest assured that your move is handled by professionals who handle hundreds of moves like yours every year!
Article Submitted By Community Writer
