Military moves can be complex and overwhelming, but with the right preparation, they don’t have to be. A comprehensive military move checklist is your best ally in ensuring a smooth transition to your new duty station.
At Southbay Moving Systems, we understand the unique challenges faced by service members and their families during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). This guide will walk you through the essential steps to make your military relocation as stress-free as possible.
How to Plan Your Military Move
Review Your PCS Orders
The moment you receive your Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, review them thoroughly. These documents contain crucial information about your move, including your reporting date, new duty station, and any special instructions. Every four years, the President directs a complete review of the principles and concepts of the compensation system for members of the uniformed services.
Create a Comprehensive Moving Binder
Organize all your important documents in a dedicated moving binder. This should include:
- Copies of your PCS orders
- Medical and dental records
- School transcripts
- Birth certificates and passports
- Marriage license (if applicable)
- Pet vaccination records
A study by the Military Family Advisory Network found that 92% of military families who used a moving binder reported feeling more in control of their relocation process.
Research Your New Duty Station
Take time to learn about your new duty station and surrounding area. Military OneSource helps service members and their families manage their military PCS move with helpful tips, resources and relocation assistance. Look into:
- Housing options (on-base vs. off-base)
- Local schools and their performance ratings
- Community resources and support services
- Climate and typical weather patterns
Start Decluttering Early
Begin to sort through your belongings as soon as possible. The U.S. Transportation Command reports that the average military household moves 7,100 pounds of belongings during a PCS. A reduction of this weight can save time and potentially money, especially if you consider a Personally Procured Move (PPM).
Seek Professional Assistance
While you plan your move, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals. Many moving companies specialize in military relocations and can provide valuable insights and services to make your move smoother. These experts understand the nuances of military moves and can help you navigate the process with confidence.
As you complete these planning steps, you’ll find yourself well-prepared for the next phase of your military move: packing and preparing your belongings for transport. This next stage requires careful consideration and organization to ensure all your items arrive safely at your new home.
Packing Strategies for a Smooth Military Move
DIY vs. Professional Movers
The decision between a do-it-yourself move and hiring professional movers marks a critical first step in your military relocation. A survey by the Military Family Advisory Network revealed that 65% of military families prefer full-service moving companies for their PCS. If you opt to handle the move yourself, you might qualify for a monetary incentive through the Personally Procured Move (PPM) program.
Inventory Management
A detailed inventory proves essential for tracking your belongings and simplifies the claims process if items become lost or damaged. The U.S. Transportation Command recommends digital inventory apps to streamline this process. Voxme Digital Inventory App is an example of a household goods (HHG) driver packing inventory app fine-tuned for private, military and diplomatic moves.
Packing Essentials
Prepare a “first night” box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This should contain toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen supplies, and necessary medications. Military OneSource suggests including important documents and valuables in this box as well, ensuring quick access to essential items.
Efficient Labeling System
A clear labeling system for your boxes can significantly speed up the unpacking process. Color-coding by room or using a numbering system proves highly effective. A study by the National Military Family Association showed that families who used a systematic labeling approach reported 30% less stress during the unpacking phase of their move.
Professional Assistance
Professional moving companies (such as Southbay Moving Systems) specialize in military relocations and can provide valuable insights and services to make your move smoother. These experts understand the nuances of military moves and can help you navigate the process with confidence. Their experience often translates into a more efficient and less stressful relocation experience.
As you complete your packing preparations, you’ll find yourself well-positioned for the next phase of your military move: coordinating transportation and logistics. This upcoming stage requires careful planning and attention to detail to ensure all aspects of your relocation align smoothly.
Mastering Transportation Logistics
Schedule with the Transportation Office
Contact your installation’s Transportation Office (Personal Property Office) as soon as possible. The Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) implement policy and laws establishing travel and transportation allowances for Uniformed Service members and Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees. The Transportation Office will guide you through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) to input your move details and preferences.
Arrange Vehicle Shipment
For overseas or remote location moves, you might need to ship your vehicle. The Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) handles these arrangements. The Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) accomplishes POV movements through the Global Privately Owned Vehicle (GPOV) contract, which provides worldwide point-to-point delivery of service members’ vehicles. Clean your vehicle thoroughly and remove all personal items before shipment (the VPC will reject vehicles that don’t meet cleanliness standards).
Plan Your Travel
Use the government’s contracted travel system, Defense Travel System (DTS), for potential cost savings. The Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Committee sets rates for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses during your PCS travel. These rates vary by location and time of year, so check the current rates on the Defense Travel Management Office website.
Update Your Address
Submit a change of address form with the United States Postal Service at least two weeks before your move. Inform your bank, credit card companies, and subscription services of your new address. The Federal Voting Assistance Program advises you to update your voter registration if you move to a new state or country.
Choose a Reliable Moving Company
Select a moving company with experience in military relocations. Southbay Moving Systems, with over 30 years of experience, offers specialized services for military moves. Their team understands military regulations and provides assistance throughout the relocation process, from packing to transportation coordination.
Final Thoughts
A successful military move requires meticulous planning and organization. Service members can navigate their Permanent Change of Station confidently by following a comprehensive military move checklist. This checklist should cover everything from the moment orders are received to the final steps of settling into the new duty station.
Early preparation simplifies the entire process. Service members should start to declutter and organize their belongings as soon as possible. This reduces shipment weight and streamlines packing. Maintaining a detailed inventory of household goods is essential for tracking and potential claims.
Professional assistance can make a significant difference in the relocation experience. Southbay Moving Systems offers specialized services for military relocations, including personalized packing and safe storage solutions. Their team understands military regulations and provides support throughout the move (from packing to transportation coordination).
