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Military families often move every two to three years, sometimes even more frequently. While relocation can be a great opportunity for career advancement and broadening experience, it’s almost always stressful. Packing your life in boxes and bags and moving to a new location can be hard, especially if you have children and pets.

This military moving guide will introduce you to 10 tips for military moving. We’ll explain in detail how to prepare for a military move and make the process much easier.

10 Tips for Military Moving You Should Know

These 10 tips for moving interstate and overseas will relieve some of the stress that comes with relocating.

Tip No. 1 – Start Planning When You Receive the Order

Many may hear rumors of an order and start planning the move. While planning months and months ahead may sound tempting, it can actually cause even more stress. Remember that most chores aren’t accomplished until a few months before the relocation.

Wait until you receive the official order to start planning. Most service members receive their orders several months before it’s time to move. This gives you enough time to plan everything. It’s also important to consider the time of year. If you’re moving during the peak period (May-August), it’s essential not to procrastinate.

Tip No. 2 – Create a Binder

Proper organization is key to making the moving process less stressful. Losing important documents is something you definitely don’t need. That’s why one of the best tips for military moving is to create a permanent change of station (PCS) binder. This binder should contain every important document, from birth certificates to powers of attorney, passports, mortgage documents, rental agreements, etc.

You can also keep packing checklists and calendar pages in the binder. Besides having everything in one place, the binder will help you feel more organized.

Tip No. 3 – Visit the Transportation Office

If this is your first time moving, it’s natural to have many questions and uncertainties. Make a list of the most important questions and visit your local Transportation Office. The employees will be able to give you accurate answers and inform you about your options for moving.

Don’t hesitate to ask something twice if you don’t understand it. Write down the answers so that you don’t forget them. Once you get home, add the paper to the binder we mentioned in the previous tip so that you have everything in one place.

Tip No. 4 – Go Online

Another way to manage your move better is to go online. There are many websites and blogs that contain information that could make the moving process much easier. You can contact fellow military personnel, ask them for recommendations and tips, check what paperwork you need, etc.

Tip No. 5 – Contact Base Family Services

Family service centers can provide useful relocation information, budgeting tips, employment opportunities, etc. Call your center to schedule an appointment, write down your questions, and speak to a relocation assistant.

Tip No. 6 – Research Your Base

Ideally, you can visit your installation before moving, but this may not be possible if the new base is too far. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean you can’t do any research before moving. Visit Military.com’s Base Guide, where you can learn more about the location you’re moving to, get contact information, etc.

If you have a sponsor, take advantage of having someone with first-hand information about your new base. A sponsor can help you prepare for the relocation and relieve some of the stress.

Tip No. 7 – Talk to Children

Moving to a new location is often much more stressful for children than adults. Ensure your children understand why they’re moving. If they’re old enough, it may be a good idea to engage them in the process. Get colorful moving labels and stickers and ask the children to decorate the boxes you’re taking with you.

If your children are too young, ask a family member or a close friend to babysit them while you’re packing and cleaning.

Tip No. 8 – Consider Pets

Moving to a different city, state, or continent can be so consuming that many forget about their pets. Namely, most moving companies won’t move pets. You’ll need to organize your pet’s transportation to your new duty station.

Before moving, ensure your pet is healthy and fully immunized. This is especially important if you want to transport the pet by plane. Remember that moving is a stressful period not just for you but also for your pets. Scared dogs and cats are more likely to run away when you least expect it. For this reason, it’s best to have a collar with an ID tag or a micro chip that makes it easier to be reunited with lost pets.

Tip No. 9 – Have a First-Day Box With You

A first-day box is a box where you’ll pack everything you’ll need as soon as you arrive at your new home. Instead of leaving it in the moving truck, take this box with you. The box’s content depends on your and your family’s needs, but it usually contains toilet paper, a change of clothes, diapers, snacks, etc.

Tip No. 10 – Be as Flexible as Possible

Expecting the unexpected often goes hand in hand with relocation . As much as we’d love it, not everything goes as planned. Delays and adjustments are often necessary and unavoidable, and if you want to make the most out of them, you have to be flexible.

If possible, try moving on less popular days. Traditionally, the worst periods are the last week of every month, especially during the busy season. The chances of getting the preferred dates increase if you can move mid-month.

What to Do Before Military Movers Come

If you’ve received the official PCS order, you’ll likely feel there’s no chance you’ll be able to get everything ready on time. These tips on how to prepare for a military move will help you be more efficient and complete the moving process with greater ease.

Get Rid of the Stuff You Don’t Need

Your house “gains weight” over time. If you’ve lived in the same house for a few years, you’re bound to stumble upon stuff you don’t really use. Relocation is an excellent opportunity to get rid of such belongings. Think about how many of the things inside your house you want to unpack in your new home.

Get rid of things that are broken or worn out. Of course, there’s no need to throw away everything. You can always donate to charity or organize a garage sale and even make some money in the process. If you don’t have time for a garage sale, you can ask a someone you trust to sell the items for you on the internet.

Wash, Wash, Wash

Although stressful, relocation is an excellent way to get a fresh start, and a fresh start deserves fresh, clean things. About a month before the move, start washing everything you want to take with you. Besides clothes, focus on curtains, sheets, towels, pillowcases, etc.

Find a designated area for storing the clean items until they need to be packed.

Do Inventory With Your Camera

Keeping track of all your belongings during the moving process can be quite challenging, if not impossible. Instead of writing down how many spoons, forks, and knives you have, you can use the camera on your phone. Simply open your cabinets and take pictures. After moving into your new home, use the pictures to check whether everything’s there.

Use Ziplocs

If you want to keep your spoons, forks, and knives in one place and avoid re-sorting them after moving into the new house, it may be a good idea to place them in Ziploc bags. Moreover, you can use Ziplocs for curtain rings, spices, markers, pens, hardware, etc.

Take a Picture of the Back of Your TV and Computer

Remembering which cables are plugged into your electronic devices can be challenging. Fortunately, there’s no need to worry about this when you can take a picture of the back. That way, you’ll know which cable goes where.

Get Rid of Liquids

Military moving companies don’t move liquids and chemicals, so you may end up with a stack of detergents, cleaning supplies, and beauty products. To avoid unnecessary expenses or dragging the liquid products with you in the car, it’s important to plan ahead.

In the months before you move, pay attention to how you use the liquid products in your home and don’t buy new ones unless you absolutely have to. Moreover, you can switch to powder forms of detergents and solid shampoos and shower gels in this period.

Get Rid of the Boxes From Your Previous Move

Military families move frequently. If you’ve moved in the past and still have unpacked boxes from your previous move, it’s likely you don’t need the stuff. Double-check the boxes and get rid of them. Donate the stuff to charity, give it to thrift shops, or throw it in the dumpster. Decluttering is one of the best ways to prepare for moving and ensure you don’t exceed the overall household goods weight.

Divide and Conquer

Cleaning the house with children can be fun, depending on their age. But, in most cases, cleaning with small children is an added stress you don’t need. If you want to be efficient, it’s best to divide and conquer. One partner can take the kids and pets out while the other cleans the house. You and your partner can switch off during the day.

Hire a Cleaning Agency

Although it’s an added expense, hiring a cleaning agency can significantly reduce the stress of relocating. Professional cleaners can ensure your house is spotless while you do other chores.

Take Breaks

Moving can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s essential to remember to take breaks. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, a break can help you clear your mind and relax. Ideally, take a walk with your family, go out to eat, and forget about the stress for a while. You’ll recharge your batteries and feel refreshed.

What Will Military Movers Not Pack?

Military movers come to your house, pack your belongings, load them onto the truck, and transport them to your destination. However, there are certain things military movers won’t pack. This is often related to liability; anything that could potentially damage your belongings during transportation makes the military movers liable. If you need to move such things, you’ll need to organize the transportation yourself.

Vehicles

Transporting cars, boats, trucks, trailers, and motorcycles typically requires a specialized military moving company. Keep in mind that not all companies are willing to work with such heavy objects. Moreover, the cost of transporting a vehicle to a new location is often not part of the military move package.

Pets

Military movers will not pack pets (at least not knowingly). Regardless of whether you have fish, hamsters, cats, or dogs, they can’t go with the movers. That being said, movers will gladly take a hamster cage or an aquarium, provided they are empty and dry.

Ensure your animals are in a safe environment before the movers come to pack your belongings. Many animals suffer stress while the movers are working and can hide inside the house or even find a way out. Keeping them in a secure, confined area is the best way to ensure everyone’s safety.

Construction Material

If you’re a handyman, you probably have a collection of construction materials in your garage. Unfortunately, most military moving companies won’t pack and transport such material.

Ammunition

While some military movers will pack your guns, ammunition is not on the list of allowed items.

Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning supplies can easily spill during transportation and damage your belongings, so most military movers don’t pack them.

Batteries

Most military moving companies will not pack and transport batteries as they can leak, explode, and cause serious damage.

Chemicals

Chemicals for treating spas and pools, bleach, chlorine, and disinfectants are something most military movers avoid working with. The reason is the same as with other items on the list; these chemicals can damage your belongings.

Specific Food and Spices

Military movers will pack food products in their original packaging with a proper seal. However, most movers will set aside food with no seal, frozen food, and spices.

Keep in mind that this list isn’t universal for all military moving companies. Some companies may be able to pack and transport some of the items on this list.

Let Military Movers Help

Whether it’s interstate or overseas, moving is never easy. Packing your belongings and starting your life in a new location can be overwhelming, even for those who have done it in the past. Organizing the packing, labeling the boxes, and finding transportation can be frustrating and stressful.

Fortunately, you don’t have to go through the process alone. Military movers will pack your belongings and transport them to your new address safely and efficiently. If you’re interested in our services, feel free to reach out to us. Even if you decide to do it on your own, we hope this military moving guide has helped you prepare for moving and handle the process successfully.

The average military family moves once every two to three years. Depending on the nature of the job and the military position, other service members are required to relocate even more frequently. Moving in the military can be very stressful and time-consuming, no matter how many times a military family goes through it. Fortunately, active members of the military, as well as veterans, are entitled to different types of financial aid, discounts, and transportation services provided by the military and various related agencies.

This article will cover everything you need to know about moving in the army and the military. We’ll discuss everything from PCS orders and military relocation services to various types of military moving help that you can use to manage the move easier.

What Is PCS Moving?

Any active-duty military member can expect to move every two to three years. Service members are typically required to relocate when they receive a PCS order. PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station and is viewed as a long-term assignment. When military members get a PCS travel order, they can be transferred to a CONUS or an OCONUS base.

CONUS refers to the continental U.S., including 48 states and the District of Columbia. In contrast, OCONUS means outside the contiguous U.S., like Hawaii, Alaska, and other countries that are a part of the United States territory. Moving to an OCONUS location is even more complicated since you’ll be moving outside the contiguous U.S. This type of PCS moving involves packing all your belongings in shipping containers, which are then transported via large container ships.

Military members and their families can also relocate internationally, in which case, the entire family would need passports and visas. There are U.S. military bases worldwide, including Iraq, Germany, Japan, Italy, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and more.

You can request a PCS order, or you can receive it. PCS moving can happen to anyone in the military, including members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard. PCS assignments can last two to four years until the military member receives a new relocation order.

If you want to request a PCS order, contact your servicing Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Human Resources office.

What to Do When You Get a PCS Order?

When you receive a PCS order, there are many things you need to do as soon as possible. Unfortunately, many military members need to start packing when they get their relocation order. Since moving in the military typically happens with very little notice, service members don’t have much time to plan. Sometimes, they only have a few weeks to report to their new base.

Making an appointment with your base transportation office and current installation’s finance office should be one of the first things you should do after receiving a PCS order. Be prepared for a lot of paperwork.

The next step is to schedule everything. Depending on the type of relocation process you choose (which we’ll get to later), you’ll be required to hire a moving company or let the government find you an approved military mover. You’ll have to choose a date and time to schedule the move, and you’ll have to specify your shipping weight and how many family members are traveling with you.

Active service members usually receive accompanied PSC orders, meaning the entire family is required to relocate. In rare cases, a military member can receive an unaccompanied PSC order. This only happens if the service member is relocated somewhere dangerous, like bases in South Korea or Turkey.

Here are some of the options you have for moving:

Military Move

A military move is when the military does the packing, transporting, and unpacking for you. This option is less stressful, as you won’t have to worry about hiring a military mover. Letting the military relocate your family is a better option if you move overseas. Not to mention that the military will cover all the costs.

If you prefer the military to move you, you need to register on the Military One Source moving website. The next step is to schedule a moving date. You may be unable to choose the exact date you had in mind since the military offers specific dates that fit their timeline.

One downside to a military move is the weight limit based on the service member’s rank and family size. You’ll have to pay additional fees if you exceed the weight limit.

When you schedule your move, your Transportation Service Provider will choose a military mover in your area. The movers will arrive, pack your belongings, and place them in the moving truck. You’ll be able to track your shipment the entire time. Once the truck arrives at your new address, the movers will unpack your household belongings and reassemble your furniture.

If the service member is away on duty and the spouse has to handle the entire moving process, a military move is the easiest way to go about PCS moving. It’s also the best solution if you have children or a full-time job and you don’t have time to pack up and move in a short period.

Personally Procured Move (PPM)

A personally procured move (PPM) is otherwise known as a “do-it-yourself move” since it’s up to you to pack up your things and transport them to your new home. In other words, you’ll be in charge of hiring movers, packing all of your household belongings, and planning each detail of the move.

However, you won’t have to pay anything. The military will reimburse you for all the relocation fees.

Keep in mind that the reimbursement is calculated according to the weight of your household goods, not the moving expenses. More specifically, the military pays 100% of the estimated amount they would pay for a professional military relocation service. So, you can actually get some extra money from a personally procured move.

If you choose a PPM, you will still have to register on Military One Source. Moving your family and household belongings without the military’s help must be approved first. A personally procured move is a better option if you don’t own many belongings and can fit everything into one moving truck.

Another benefit of personally procured moving is planning the move at your own pace. You won’t be required to adjust to the military’s timeline. However, a personally procured move may be your only option if you get a last-minute PCS travel order.

Also, be prepared for a lot of physical work. If the military member is away, their spouse has to handle everything alone. This can be particularly challenging if the military member and their spouse have children.

Partial PPM

A partial personally procured move or a partial DIY move is a combination of a PPM move and a military move. Half of your household goods will be transported by a miliary mover, and the other half is your responsibility. The military will split your weight allowance in half if you use this option. The government will also contact a local military relocation service that will come to your house and pack up one-half of your belongings.

The Partial PPM is an excellent option because it gives you more control than a military move. You’ll be able to choose which items go with you and which will be taken by the movers. This option is also much less stressful for moving military families.

Military Moving Help

Regarding moving expenses, the military will cover most of the costs. Only active members of the army who receive a PCS order are deemed eligible for allowances to help manage the whole moving process. These allowances include:

• Move-in housing allowance – This covers the rent, security-related expenses, and miscellaneous fees.
• MALT (Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation) – This allowance is used for mileage reimbursement.
• Temporary lodging allowance – In some cases, you will be required to stay in temporary housing if there are any delays or there aren’t any houses available.
• Dislocation allowance – This covers expenses you have during the moving process.
• Per Diem travel allowance – This accounts for meals, lodging, and incidental expenses incurred while traveling to your new location.

The best thing you can do is research PCS moving costs, entitlements, and reimbursements. The Military One Source website is the best place for this information. You can read more about PCS entitlements here.

Hiring a Military Relocation Service

Whether or not you choose a personally procured move or a military move, you have the option to hire a moving company. If you want to handle the move yourself, you will need to find a moving company without the government’s help. Various moving agencies give special discounts to active-duty members of the military.

You might want to hire a military relocation service for its vehicle shipping service. The military will only cover the cost of shipping one privately owned vehicle (POV). Bu ove, like storage and moving fees.

Tips for Military Moving Families

If you’ve just received your first PCS order or expect one, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Technically speaking, you can receive a PCS order at any time. However, the “PCS season” is usually in the summer, when most PCS orders are issued. Service members and their families generally move between May and September, but the peak PCS moving time is July. Since many moving military families take action as soon as they receive their relocation orders, you should find a military mover agency as fast as possible.

One of the most important aspects of moving in the army is bringing only necessary baggage. There won’t be any room for excessive belongings. When you move, the military will estimate a shipping weight based on your rank and the size of your family. To avoid paying additional fees, only bring what is necessary.

Don’t pack anything by yourself if you opt for a military move. The military mover agency will be held liable if something is broken or damaged during the moving process. That’s why they need to ensure nothing is broken before it’s packed.

PCS moving requires a lot of financial planning. While the military covers your moving expenses, the reimbursement may not be paid immediately. To avoid any financial issues, make sure to have a PCS savings fund.

You’ll also have other expenses for moving, like restocking your home, buying cleaning supplies, car maintenance, etc. If you exceed the weight limit, you might need to keep some of your belongings in storage. The military’s relocation allowance won’t cover these costs, so plan accordingly.

Even though it might sound excessive, it’s never too early to start a new PCS fund. It’s generally advised to start saving money for your next PCS relocation as soon as you arrive at the current one. After all, PCS orders often come out of the blue, and they can certainly take you by surprise.

When it’s time to claim your reimbursement, make sure to have all your paperwork in order. This includes PCS travel orders and traveling fees (tickets, fare receipts, and other fees).

Make the Best of PCS Moving

Whether you’ve just received your first PCS order or if you’ve relocated to new bases multiple times, moving in the military is never an easy process. There are many things you need to take into consideration, including finding a new home, packing up all your belongings, and going through a ton of paperwork.

Even if you’ve covered all these steps, you still have to consider transporting your vehicle. If you’re looking for reliable vehicle transportation and a military mover company, Military Movers are here for you. We strive to make the PCS transition easy and stress-free for active members of the military and their families. If you have any questions about our services or want to get a free quote, feel free to contact us.