Military moving guide

Change of the address is a very stressful period in life. These are the times of changes, and for many people changes are not easy. Especially when we take into consideration that moving usually means we have to change our habits and daily routines. Moreover, we often have to say goodbye to our close friends and family members. If moving is hard enough for ordinary folks, what can be said for military members? Serving for your country is a noble call, and being in the military is a dynamic profession. Military members move quite a lot, and when you get the Change of Station Order, you usually need to act quickly. It is important to remember that you and your family are not alone in these turbulent times and that military moving professionals are there to help you. Hiring trusted moving partners is the first step towards successful relocation. Our military moving guide also includes some other important steps you shouldn’t forget. Stay tuned.

Military moving guide step 1 – get an early start

All those who serve for our flag know that when it comes to the military, timing is crucial. Punctuality and good organization are the essential components of any winning strategy. With this in mind, it is only logical that we begin preparations for our move in a timely manner. If you are affiliated with the Army, Navy or Air Forces, you are probably used to acting quickly in most situations. Similarly, it is highly likely that you won’t have enough time to pack when you receive the news about your relocation. Therefore, you should think about hiring professional packers FL. As the government will cover most of your expenses this would be a wise decision. Get one worry out of the way and concentrate on some more important parts of the relocation process like learning about your new environment or talking to your kids about the upcoming move.

Plan your budget

Relocation can be a considerable expense. The price for a standard commercial move can be anywhere upwards of 2,000 $ while the price for a long-distance move can go well over 4,500 $. That being said, it is advisable to have some sort of budget plan for this occasion. The best way to pre-determine the approximate cost of your move is to learn more about moving quotes. Call several agencies to give you an estimate. However, when you are a military member you have the possibility to call several agencies that can help you during the move. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Housing Office and Military and Family Support Center are the most important agencies that you can ask for help. The fact you are a military member opens the doors for some privileges. See if you qualify for some of the following entitlements:

• Dislocation Allowance
• Overseas Housing Allowance
• Temporary Lodging Expense
• Basic Housing Allowance
• Per Diem
• Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation
• Lodging
• Move-In Housing Allowance

Either way, you should make a strong budget plan and start saving in advance. Relocation usually comes with some unexpected expenses.

Moving pro-gear

When we speak about the moving budget, you should be aware that you will be able to move a certain amount of your professional gear without affecting your PCS weight allowance. The professional gear is all items in the soldier’s possession that he needs in order to perform his official duties at his new destination. Some of the examples of pro-gear are Tools, instruments, specialized clothing and so on. What is not considered as a pro gear are memorabilia, personal computers or books.

Military moving guide step 3 – do some decluttering

When you have secured your moving partner and prepared the budget for the moving process, it is time to take your next step. And that is to prepare your belongings for transportation. The cost of your relocation is composed out of two main factors. The distance of your move and the total weight of the shipment. With this logic in mind, you can save some money by transporting less stuff. Therefore, this is the perfect time for a major overhaul. Firstly, see if some of your stuff can be sold online. This way, you will be able to get rid of unwanted items and to earn some money along the way. Secondly, donate everything you believe is still usable. There are many people in need who will find a purpose for your old clothes or furniture. Lastly, visit your local dumpster and throw away everything that is unusable.

Military moving guide step 4 – make a moving inventory

Moving Inventory list is the ultimate relocation tool that everyone should have. A good moving inventory list is basically a list of your belongings. One way to organize your is stuff is to make a room-by-room moving inventory. By doing this you will minimize the chances of something slipping your mind. Imagine arriving at your destination and realizing you left something behind. Instead of scratching your head in disbelief, be smart and make that inventory. Like we already said, you should organize the inventory by rooms. Visit your local DIY store and buy all the necessary moving tools like cardboard boxes, marker pens, bubble wrap, and packing paper. Label the boxes by rooms and be careful not to overstuff your boxes. Some items like books add up weight quickly and can break the bottom of the box if you are not careful.

Being a military member, we are sure you have a lot of things to worry about. Therefore, it is our honor to help those who serve in every way possible. Our military moving guide is here to help you prepare for the move and to go through the whole process without headaches. Our team is at your disposal if you have any additional questions. We wish you a safe relocation.