Whether it is your first move or your last the question always comes up, I have my order ~ Now What? Military moves can be stressful, especially for a military spouse. Here are some tips to make to make it a little easier.
Here is a Guide to Relocation
You have your official orders and you know where you are going. What do you need to do?
Find a Place to Live
Finding a place to live can be a very stressful decision. If you aren’t going to live on base, the decision should be based on several factors.
- Distance from Base
- School District
- Proximity to Activities needed daily ~ grocery, parks, school, work
- Buying vs Renting
- Apartment or Single Family home
Most Real Estate Companies have military relocation programs and will help with rentals as well as buying a home.
Choosing a School
If you have children one of the most important decisions is where they will attend school. There are several places that you can research schools such as Great Schools, School Digger and Niche. Though ratings are important it is also important to do more research. Check School District websites and local neighborhood groups. These days most military bases have family facebook pages that are great places to ask questions about the area.
Method of Move
A major question when making a PCS move is ~ how are we going to get all of our stuff from one place to another? If you are going to be making a self-move start packing right away. Start with the things that you won’t need in the time between now and your move and move on to the necessities. Take the opportunity to pare down and get rid of items that you don’t need. You will really be thankful when you arrive and you aren’t saying why did I bring this?
You can rent a Uhaul and drive it yourself across the country or you can use companies like Pods or UPack. With these companies, they deliver you a pod or cargo area of a truck. You fill it and they come pick it up and drive it to the new location.
If you are having the military move you some pre-prep will be helpful. Designate a room or area as a do not pack section. Put all items that you will need to survive until your household goods are delivered. Pack all valuables in a safe place. Also be sure to read over their packing forms closely. We had one set of movers mark everything as damaged, then they damaged a bunch of our stuff.
IMPORTANT NOTE ~ movers love to put things in boxes or put stickers on them. They will pack anything including trash!! If you don’t want it in a box get rid of it!
The military hasn’t moved us in 12 years and I still find these stickers on furniture!
Be Prepared for an Adventure
The process of military moves can be a very stressful time. You and your servicemember may move at separate times due to job, school or training commitment. You may not find the house of your dreams or the perfect location to live in. You may not be in love with your order orders. A million other thoughts may be crossing your mind but you can do this! You are a military spouse and nothing that you can’t overcome!!
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