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Military Moving Guide

Pointers for Your Military Reassignment

As a military service member, reassignments and moves are to be expected. Often, these Permanent Change of Station, or PCS, orders come with little notice. How do you plan a move to a new military base?

Whether your move is short-term or permanent, military reassignments take some special considerations. Below are some key recommendations to keep in mind when planning your move.

Seek These Offices for Guidance

You’ve received your papers, but what’s next? If this is your first PCS move, then you may have a lot of questions or concerns.

There are several offices that can help guide you through your move and answer your questions. After receiving your relocation assignment, your first step should be to make an appointment at your base transportation office. They will inform you about all of your moving options and begin making preliminary arrangements for your move.

Once you know your expected move date, you’ll want to begin making living arrangements. If you’re living on base, notify the housing office of your upcoming departure, and they can provide you with the regulations for cleaning your home before leaving. If you’re living in the community, let your landlord know you will be leaving, or find a realtor to put your home on the market.

Moving can be expensive, whether it’s across the state or across the country. The finance office at your current base can give you advice on how to budget for your move wisely. You may even be eligible for relocation benefits that can help relieve some of the financial burdens.

While planning your moving logistics, remember to consider how your family will adjust to the move. The Community and Family Services Office can help ease the stress on your spouse and family members. By contacting the office at your new installation, you’ll be able to get a feel for your new community and find out if they offer relocation assistance.

Transitioning to Your New Installation

Many of the key points to consider in packing for a military move are similar to those for a residential move. The biggest difference will depend upon your decision to let the government handle all aspects of your move or to make a personally procured move, known as a PPM.

A personally procured move is an excellent option if you want to try to save money and have more control over the decisions impacting your moving logistics. PPMs give you the flexibility of choosing your moving company, but require you to handle the planning and execution of your move.

Your transportation office must approve you for a PPM and provide guidance through the process. If approved, you will be advised on any costs that may not be authorized, such as insurance fees and sales tax. You should also keep in mind that any expenses above and beyond the government’s allowance will be your responsibility.

If approved for a personally procured move, you will need to keep any documentation and receipts so that you can be reimbursed. Nilson Van & Storage is well versed in helping military families transition to new locations. We can provide all the necessary documentation you’ll need to submit to your destination transportation office.

Contact one of our professionals for a cost estimate and to find out how Nilson Van & Storage can assist you in your military relocation.

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