Mastering military moves: Tips for a seamless transition

A military move requires not only the physical transfer of belongings but also strategic planning and adaptability. If you're facing a permanent change of station, or PCS, each step demands careful thought. That's also true with a personally procured move, or PPM, In this guide, we'll look at each aspect and provide some helpful tips. This can help you smooth out the logistics and enhance your moving experience during this major transition.

Choose your move method wisely.

With military moves, decisions around PPMs, government-contracted moves, or a combination of both can significantly impact the process. Each method comes with its complexities, so it's important to understand their pros and cons.

PPMs, also known as do-it-yourself moves, offer flexibility but require more hands-on effort. On the other hand, government-contracted moves provide a nearly hands-off experience. A combined move allows for a tailored approach, moving valuables separately from other household items. Understanding these options can help you make informed decisions based on your preferences and circumstances.

Double check move-out requirements.

A smooth departure involves more than just packing up your belongings. It's essential to understand any maintenance, inspection or cleaning obligations associated with moving out. Whether you're living off-base or in military installation housing, knowing the move-out requirements is crucial.

Find out if you need to complete any maintenance before you depart and schedule a move-out inspection. Also, decide whether you'll handle the cleaning yourself or hire professionals. For on-base housing, it may best to contact the housing office about their plans for the unit. This could save you time and effort.

Use your camera for quick inventory.

A full household goods, or HHG, move or a partial move involves inventory management. While creating a detailed list of every item you own can be overwhelming, technology comes to the rescue. Use your smartphone's camera to take photos of your belongings.

This not only speeds up the process but it also creates a visual record. That record can make it easier to file a claim for any lost or damaged items during the move. While high-value items may still require detailed documentation, taking photos offers a quick and efficient way to document many of your belongings.

Set aside a no-pack zone.

To ensure the moving company doesn't accidentally box up the wrong stuff, mark off an area of your home as a "no-pack zone." Reserve this area for items you plan to move yourself, such as important documents, irreplaceable items, valuables, and even your suitcases or overnight bags. This designated space can be a bedroom, closet, or even just a taped-off corner of the living room. Clearly mark it for the movers with a "DO NOT PACK" sign to avoid accidentally packing crucial items.

Check the weather before packing.

One often overlooked aspect of military moves is checking the weather at your next duty station before you start packing. The climate at your current location may be quite different from your new destination. Being prepared for any weather conditions can prevent unwelcome surprises. For example, moving from a mild climate to an extreme one requires strategic packing. This ensures you'll have access to the right clothing and essentials during your move.

Prepare for worst-case scenarios.

Military moves come with uncertainties, so it's essential to be prepared for worst-case scenarios. When you ship belongings across the country or around the world, a variety of challenges can arise.

For example, one military family had planned to ship their household goods during the winter. They then had to delay the shipment until the following summer. This required that they pack clothing for all seasons. By building some flexibility into your short-term wardrobe, you'll be better prepared in case things don't go as planned.

Keep your belongings smelling fresh.

It's just common sense that you shouldn't pack dirty clothing or bedding. But even deep-cleaned linens can develop an odor after being packed for a few months. To ensure your belongings come out smelling fresh when you finally unpack them, consider tossing a few dryer sheets in with your clothing, towels, curtains, bedding and other linens.

This simple trick can help prevent unwanted odors from making their way into your fabric items. For an extra layer of freshness, consider using wardrobe bags or other zippered plastic bags.

Plan for home-cooked meals.

Eating out is almost a given during a move, especially once you've packed up your kitchen and it's headed to your new home. To avoid takeout fatigue, consider packing a kitchen gadget like a slow cooker or pressure cooker in your car.

With a few simple recipes that require minimal prep, you can enjoy home-cooked meals right away in your new place. This not only provides a sense of normalcy but also allows you to control what you eat while you settle in.

Navigating the PCS process

Create a moving binder.

As you prepare for your PCS, one effective way to reduce stress and create order is by putting together a moving binder. This binder becomes a centralized location for all your important documents and information.

Consider including multiple copies of your military orders, a copy of your home inventory, birth certificates, Social Security cards, passports, copies of your driver's license and military ID, insurance and banking documents, vehicle and property titles, powers of attorney, savings bonds, stock certificates, marriage license, kids' school records (including immunizations), medical records, your will, and pet immunizations and medical records. Having these documents organized and easily accessible can save you a lot of stress during the moving process.

Start your housing search at the right time.

Finding suitable housing when you need it is a crucial aspect of any military move. Military orders can change at the last minute. That's why many service members and their families hold off on major decisions like housing until they're about 60 days out from their move.

While you can start browsing general areas and preferred neighborhoods before then, consider waiting to sign a lease agreement until you're a bit closer to moving. This can help you manage the unpredictability of military life.

Add a military clause to your lease.

For military renters, it's important to think ahead during the chaotic process of moving. The last thing you probably want to think about during a move is your next move. Still, frequent moves are a reality for many military families. If you need to terminate your lease early due to military orders, you're protected under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, or SCRA.

Before signing a lease agreement for an off-base apartment, condo or house, it's crucial to read the lease carefully. Some leases may include additional documents or language that seems to waive your SCRA rights.

Get help from legal services on your installation to ensure you fully understand the terms of your lease. Many landlords near military installations are familiar with the needs of service members and may already include a military clause in the lease. If not, you can discuss with your landlord.

Get renters insurance.

For more peace of mind during your military move and beyond, consider getting renters insurance. A renters policy can include coverage for both liability and your personal belongings.

We understand that active-duty members and their families have unique renters coverage needs. Here are a few benefits of renters insurance:

• You and your belongings are covered — whether you're moving or storing your possessions^{See note1} at home or if you're deployed anywhere in the world.^{See note2}
• Unlike most insurance providers, our standard policy includes flood and earthquake coverage.
• There's no deductible to replace your military uniforms or gear if they're stolen or damaged in a covered peril.^{See note3}
• We offer flexible payment plans that work with your military pay schedule at no extra cost.^{See note4}

Plus, if you're living in military housing and have a renters policy through USAA, you could save up to 28%.^{See note5}