Military Moving
Military Moving can be filled with many emotions but when the military gives you a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), it is time to move to your next location; “Permanent” here meaning between 2-4 years. You may not have a choice as to where you are going next but you may have a choice as to what type of move it will be and what to take with you. Receiving a PCS means moving household goods, shipping vehicles, meeting weight limits, covering airfare and lodging, just to list a few responsibilities here. Within this, there are three types of military moves; moving that you do by yourself, which is called PPM, Personal Procured Moves, and a do-it-yourself (DITY) move. Or, you can also do a combination of these.
According to Military.com, the option that you choose can make a major impact on what kind of expenses are reimbursed to you and how much work you’ll have to put in. We completely agree that taking the time to look at all your options is absolutely the best move you can make for yourself when looking into any option. So, let’s break these down together and discuss the steps. Whichever road you choose to go down, we hope that this information will help your move be a less stressful one.
Three options for military moving
2. Government Moves
3. Combination of the two – You can choose to do a partial PPM or DITY and have the rest done by the government. If you plan to go this route be sure to talk to schedule a meeting with the people you’ll need in step 1.
1. PPM / DITY
Personal Procured Moves or Do-It-Yourself (DITY) – This is not recommended for international moves. The PPM/DITY provides an alternative to move one’s household goods on their own. Service members may move their personal property themselves, using rental equipment, their own vehicle, or by hiring their own commercial carrier.
With this option, military members can receive reimbursement up to 100% of the Government Constructive Cost (GCC), if they hire their own carrier, or an incentive payment of 95% of the GCC if they move the property on their own. An advance operating allowance can be authorized to defray out-of-pocket moving expenses (rental equipment, HHG mover charges, packing material, etc.).
Individual situations may vary widely so speaking to your base’s personal property office is critical. Failure to get approval from the personal property office MAY result in non-payment of the reimbursement claim or incentive payment.
Step 1: Schedule the Meetings You Need
Once you receive word of your new location it is time to set up meetings with some important people to make your moving experience a smooth one. We state that this is the first step that you will want to take because setting up meetings may impact your schedule and therefore you can work on other aspects of your move while waiting for an appointment. You may need to contact your base’s: transportation office, family center, finance office, and housing office with your projected move date. When you speak to these departments be sure to find out exactly what the military will cover, and what you will have to pay for. Do not be afraid to ask questions because this step can save you a great deal of time and money. The name of the transportation office will vary depending on which service branch you are in:
The Department of Defense: Joint Personal Property Shipping Office
Air Force: Traffic Management Office
Army: Installation Transportation Office
Navy and Marine Corps: Personal Property Shipping Office
Coast Guard: Household Goods Shipping Office
Step 2: Talk to Your Family About the Move
The next step in moving is talking to your family about the move. This may bring up many emotions of uncertainty, excitement, or even frustration. Speaking to your children about the move can be an emotional rollercoaster. Take time to explore and research the state or location you’re moving to before speaking to your children or spouse. Discuss the benefits and the chance of adventure in exploring new places, making new friends, and making a fresh start with new memories. An article published by the American Psychological Association reveals that moving repeatedly in childhood is associated with performing poorly in school and having more behavioral problems. That being said, take time to discuss the move with every family member and provide love, support, and understanding when approaching the discussion as it will impact their life as well. Be sure to check in with your children after the move as well, and plan events together as a family. Patience is also a big factor here so focus on the positives1.
For more information on how to speak to your children about military moving click here2. If your children want to hear from other kids and their experience or want other resources, click here3.
Step 3: Take Inventory
The next step in moving is talking to your family about the move. This may bring up many emotions of uncertainty, excitement, or even frustration. Speaking to your children about the move can be an emotional rollercoaster. Take time to explore and research the state or location you’re moving to before speaking to your children or spouse. Discuss the benefits and the chance of adventure in exploring new places, making new friends, and making a fresh start with new memories. An article published by the American Psychological Association reveals that moving repeatedly in childhood is associated with performing poorly in school and having more behavioral problems. That being said, take time to discuss the move with every family member and provide love, support, and understanding when approaching the discussion as it will impact their life as well. Be sure to check in with your children after the move as well, and plan events together as a family. Patience is also a big factor here so focus on the positives1.
For more information on how to speak to your children about military moving click here2. If your children want to hear from other kids and their experience or want other resources, click here3.
If you want a successful move a key part is knowing what is coming with you to your next location. There are many ways to document what you have at home. If you are looking for a free way to take inventory of your possessions and have access to google, check out this free template4 we found from google. This document is great to have in general for insurance purposes as well as for your move. Be sure to take pictures of high-valued items with their serial numbers before you move. According to Militaryonesource.mil, items that you will want to carry with you to your next location include: family heirlooms, jewelry, signed sports memorabilia, medical records, car titles, passports, insurance documents and any other important documents.
As well as:
One week's worth of clothing for everyone, medications, pet needs, laptops, and your children’s favorite toys or stuff animals. When moving anywhere, this is always a great idea, especially if you did not rent your own truck. This way, if the movers get lost, break down, or are late to your next destination, you will not have to worry about the first week because you already have items packed in case the inevitable happens.
Organizing Images
Organize photos in separate folders on your phone for quick access. Create subfolders like Kitchen, Kid's Bedroom, etc. Stay organized for efficiency, less stress, and time-saving.
Step 4: Do your due diligence
If you choose DITY or PPM, do your research. Calculate the costs, keep receipts, and make sure you are selecting the best option for you and your family. The best option could be PPM/DITY, a government move, or a combination of the two. Saving all your moving receipts will be useful if you plan to get reimbursed by the government.
Step 5: Check for Damages
Upon delivery of your possessions be sure to check for damages or missing items. This is where the inventory helps. You have 75 days to file a claim for missing or damaged items. If anything is damaged or missing, be sure to contact your local transportation office for help filing a claim with your mover. Military.com has an excellent .pdf with detailed instructions. click here 5 to see the Military’s guidance on PCS moving.
Choose A Family Storage
Are you being stationed in Tucson, Arizona? Are you being Deployed overseas and need storage for your belongings? A Family Storage has the storage space you need. As a way to say thank you for your service we provide a HERO DISCOUNT for all active service members, police officers, and firefighters. Our facilities are gated, and have a resident manager (Except Golf links) on site. We have many self storage sizes to choose from. If you are unsure as to what size, call one of our locations and we would be happy to help find the perfect storage size for you. From 4x5 units to huge warehouses and RV parking, we have the right storage waiting for you. If you are concerned about your belongings, we also offer a $0 deductible storage insurance plan for only $9 a month to protect your valuables while you are away. click here9 to find out more.
Find your unit10 with us and receive a free lock to make your move a little bit easier.
Article Sources ____________________________________________________________
- https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/parenting-and-children/parenting-youth-and-teens/making-the-move-easier-for-military-kids/
- https://militarykidsconnect.health.mil/
- https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/
- https://www.military.com/sites/default/files/2017-09/pcs-guide-2017.pdf
- https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/view-all-programs-services?return=search/state=Arizona
- https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/search?program-service
- https://planmymove.militaryonesource.mil/
- https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-housing/moving/planning-your-move/planning-your-move-the-essentials/
- https://afamilystorage.com/insurance/
- https://afamilystorage.com/locations/
- https://www.facebook.com/MilitaryKidsConnect/
