PCS Military Moving
You received your PCS military papers and now it’s moving day. All your possessions have been packed into a moving van, and you are about to begin a cross-country expedition to a new city, new neighborhood, and new home. This situation is archetypal for military members. Upon receiving a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) military order, personnel must pack their belongings and relocate to a new area in a matter of months. This transition can be extremely taxing for both the military member and his or her family. However, here are a few ways to make the moving process smoother. Get the best tips for your move right here!
Moving House for the Military Spouse
It’s stressful enough moving yourself, but what about your spouse? Moving house for your military spouse can be even ten times more stressful. It’s a tough situation and orders are orders, but that doesn’t make things any easier. Moving to a new home can bring on all sorts of anxiety for your loved ones. You are all in this together, and your support is needed in this stressful time. Stay positive for your spouse and turn moving into an adventure. Stay positive, focus on new memories, and remind him or her that you love them, and it will all be fine.
Cross-country car trips can often add even more stress to moving. Therefore, to make the trips more fun and relaxing, plan stops along the way. If you have children, let them assist you in choosing what activities you’ll do at each stop. These activities can be as simple as visiting a favorite restaurant or stopping at a park. They can also be something more time-consuming, like going to the zoo or attending a sporting event in a big city. Getting your children excited about the trip can help make the time in the car go by much faster. Ultimately, whether you are visiting family, exploring cities, or stopping at popular sightseeing locations, taking short breaks can relieve stress and take your mind off moving.
Lastly, try to check to see what the weather will be like before moving. Storms or snow can cause complication and delay the moving process. It can also really make your spouse cranky, so it might be a good idea to make a PCS military moving backup plan in case you and your spouse are stuck in a hotel for an extra day or the movers can’t deliver your items. Those attempting a do-it-yourself (DIY) move should be especially aware of weather conditions. Driving a fully loaded moving van on unfamiliar, icy roads can make the trip more stressful and dangerous than you want to deal with. It may be worth it to spend a little more money and use a professional moving company.
PCS Moves Are Better When You Get There Early
If you arrive at your new residence before the moving van, take advantage of the extra time. Bring cleaning supplies and clean the hard-to-reach places that will later be covered by furniture. Once done, place pads or cloth on the ground for the movers. This will prevent them from accidentally scratching the floor during the unpacking process. It is also important to understand the layout of the house and where you want things placed before the movers arrive. When using professional movers, you are entitled to have everything unpacked and reassembled for you, but unless you know where to direct the movers, items will be placed in the wrong areas, and you will have to move them yourself later on.
Missing or Damaged Items?
When attempting a cross-country move, it is likely that some items will go missing or get damaged. In order to safeguard against this possibility, create an inventory of all your possessions before relocating. When movers begin to unpack the van, compare the unloaded items with the items listed on your inventory. Mark if anything went missing or was damaged in transit and list those items when you are filling out your DD Form 1840. This will allow you to file a claim against the carrier or against the US government, and you will be reimbursed for losses or damaged items. Moving can be a huge financial stressor on military members and their families. Before you make the cross-country move, contact Low VA Rates. We can make the home buying process more affordable by providing you and other military members with low-cost home loans.
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