5 Military Moving Tips

Moving to a new location can be a daunting task, especially when it involves relocating to a different part of the country or even overseas. For military personnel and their families, moving is a regular part of life. Whether it's a permanent change of station (PCS) or a temporary duty assignment, military moves require careful planning and execution. In this article, we will provide five military moving tips to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Military life is known for its unpredictability, and moving is a significant part of that unpredictability. Service members and their families may have to relocate multiple times throughout their careers, which can be stressful and overwhelming. However, with the right mindset and planning, military moves can also be an opportunity for adventure and growth. By being prepared and taking the right steps, military families can navigate the challenges of moving and make the most of their new assignment.

One of the most significant challenges of military moving is the logistics of relocating to a new location. This can involve finding new housing, setting up utilities, and getting familiar with a new area. Additionally, military families may have to deal with the emotional stress of leaving behind friends, family, and familiar surroundings. However, by staying organized and focused, military families can overcome these challenges and make a successful transition to their new home.

Understanding Military Moving Benefits

Before we dive into the tips, it's essential to understand the benefits available to military personnel and their families during a move. The military provides various forms of assistance, including reimbursement for moving expenses, temporary lodging, and storage for household goods. Service members should familiarize themselves with these benefits and understand how to access them. This can help reduce the financial burden of moving and make the process less stressful.

Tip 1: Start Planning Early

The key to a successful military move is to start planning early. As soon as the orders are received, service members should begin making arrangements for the move. This includes notifying the military of the intention to move, scheduling a moving date, and arranging for transportation and storage. By starting early, military families can avoid last-minute stress and ensure a smooth transition. It's also essential to create a moving binder or folder to keep all documents and information related to the move organized.

Creating a Moving Checklist

A moving checklist is a valuable tool to help military families stay organized during the moving process. The checklist should include tasks such as: * Notifying the military of the intention to move * Scheduling a moving date * Arranging for transportation and storage * Packing and labeling household goods * Setting up utilities at the new location * Updating addresses with the post office, banks, and credit card companies

Tip 2: Take Advantage of Military Moving Resources

The military provides various resources to help service members and their families with the moving process. These resources include moving guides, checklists, and online tools to help with planning and organization. Military families can also access relocation assistance programs, which offer personalized support and guidance throughout the moving process. Additionally, many military bases have relocation offices that provide information and resources specific to the local area.

Using Military Moving Websites and Apps

There are several websites and apps available to help military families with the moving process. These resources include: * Military OneSource: A website that provides information and resources on military moving, including moving guides and checklists. * Move.mil: A website that allows service members to manage their move online, including scheduling a moving date and arranging for transportation and storage. * Military Moving Apps: Several apps are available to help military families with the moving process, including apps that provide moving checklists and tools to help with organization.

Tip 3: Pack Strategically

Packing is one of the most time-consuming and stressful parts of the moving process. To make it easier, military families should pack strategically. This includes:

• Starting to pack non-essential items well in advance of the moving date
• Using sturdy boxes and packing materials to protect household goods
• Labeling boxes clearly and keeping an inventory of their contents
• Packing a "first night" box with essentials such as toiletries, towels, and a change of clothes

Packing Room by Room

Packing room by room can help military families stay organized and ensure that everything is packed and accounted for. This includes: * Packing all items from each room in labeled boxes * Keeping a list of the contents of each box * Using color-coding to identify which boxes belong in which room

Tip 4: Stay Organized During the Move

Staying organized during the move is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition. Military families should keep all documents and information related to the move in a designated folder or binder. This includes:

• Copies of orders and moving documents
• Inventory lists of household goods
• Contact information for the moving company and other relevant parties
• A list of emergency contact numbers

Using a Moving App

There are several moving apps available that can help military families stay organized during the move. These apps include: * Move.mil: An app that allows service members to manage their move online, including scheduling a moving date and arranging for transportation and storage. * Military Moving Apps: Several apps are available to help military families with the moving process, including apps that provide moving checklists and tools to help with organization.

Tip 5: Take Care of Yourself and Your Family

Moving can be stressful and overwhelming, especially for military families who may be dealing with the added pressure of a new assignment or deployment. It's essential to take care of yourself and your family during this time. This includes:

• Getting enough rest and eating well
• Staying connected with friends and family
• Seeking support from military resources and support groups
• Taking breaks and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation

Seeking Support

Military families can seek support from various resources, including: * Military OneSource: A website that provides information and resources on military moving, including moving guides and checklists. * Military Support Groups: Many military bases have support groups for families who are going through a move. * Mental Health Resources: Military families can access mental health resources, including counseling and therapy, to help cope with the stress of moving.

Military Moving Image Gallery

What are the benefits of using a military moving company?

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The benefits of using a military moving company include reimbursement for moving expenses, temporary lodging, and storage for household goods. Additionally, military moving companies are experienced in handling military moves and can provide specialized support and guidance throughout the process.

How can I stay organized during a military move?

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To stay organized during a military move, it's essential to create a moving binder or folder to keep all documents and information related to the move. Additionally, using a moving app or checklist can help keep track of tasks and deadlines. It's also important to stay connected with the moving company and other relevant parties to ensure a smooth transition.

What are some tips for packing strategically during a military move?

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Some tips for packing strategically during a military move include starting to pack non-essential items well in advance of the moving date, using sturdy boxes and packing materials, and labeling boxes clearly. It's also essential to pack a "first night" box with essentials such as toiletries, towels, and a change of clothes.

How can I take care of myself and my family during a military move?

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To take care of yourself and your family during a military move, it's essential to get enough rest, eat well, and stay connected with friends and family. Additionally, seeking support from military resources and support groups can help cope with the stress of moving. It's also important to take breaks and engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation.

What are some resources available to help with military moving?

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Some resources available to help with military moving include Military OneSource, Move.mil, and military moving apps. Additionally, many military bases have relocation offices that provide information and resources specific to the local area. Military families can also access mental health resources, including counseling and therapy, to help cope with the stress of moving.

In conclusion, military moving can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, but with the right mindset and planning, it can also be an opportunity for adventure and growth. By following these five military moving tips, service members and their families can navigate the challenges of moving and make a successful transition to their new home. Remember to start planning early, take advantage of military moving resources, pack strategically, stay organized, and take care of yourself and your family. With the right support and guidance, military families can thrive in their new location and make the most of their military experience. We invite you to share your own military moving tips and experiences in the comments below, and don't forget to share this article with others who may be going through a military move.