10 Military Moving Tips from U-Box®
Moving is often challenging enough. Throw in the complexity of a military move and things can become even more daunting. If your family is getting ready for a permanent change of station (PCS), you may have some questions about how to go about the process.
Although there are more steps involved, moving in the military isn’t much different than moving as a civilian. Proper planning and organization are key to helping make the transition smoother. Here are some military moving tips for families getting ready for a PCS.
1. Consult with the Transportation Office
Military moving often comes on short notice. It can be tempting to drop everything and start packing as soon as you receive orders, but we recommend taking things slowly. First, contact your local transportation office to review your options, standard allowance, and entitlements and try to iron-out specifics of your move, like if you’ll be on base or off. Use resources like Military INSTALLATIONS and PCSgrades to learn more about your new duty station ahead of time.
2. Start Planning
Most of your big decisions will take place about three months before the move. Before then, start looking for places to live, researching school districts, and thinking about whether you want to use a government-contracted military moving company or have a personally procured move (PPM). You’ll want to inform your transportation office of your decision.
Use our moving checklist to stay on schedule throughout the planning phase.
3. Create a PCS Moving Binder
A typical PCS order comes with plenty of paperwork, especially if you’re doing a PPM. Keeping close tabs on receipts and weight tickets will help you get fully reimbursed for your moving expenses. Store all other important documents, such as PCS orders, birth certificates, and your Household Goods inventory in a dedicated binder. This will help you stay organized throughout the moving process.
4. Consider Purging Beforehand
Depending on your orders, you may be going a long way, and you may not have a lot of time to get organized. One way to ease the packing burden is to declutter beforehand. Find things around the house that are broken or no longer used and either discard them or find a new home (either at a yard sale or a location donation center). Start this process before packing for best results.
5. Explore Your Moving Options
About two months before the big day, start zeroing in on how you’re going to move (especially if you’re doing it yourself). A popular choice is renting a portable moving and storage container, such as a U-Box® container. These containers can be delivered to your current location, allowing you to pack at your own pace. They’re then picked up and shipped to your new location when needed.
U-Box containers also serve as temporary storage if there is a gap between moving out of your current residence and moving into your new one. You can store the containers on your property, or U-Haul can store the containers at a secure facility until you're ready for delivery.
You also have the choice of hiring movers. If you’re going through the DoD, you may be assigned a Transporation Service Provider to help with packing and moving. You can also hire your own movers through a provider like Moving Help® as part of your PPM.
6. Pack Strategically
Start packing about six weeks from moving day. Naturally, you’ll want to start with things you don’t use as often. Work your way towards the heavy traffic areas, packing things that are used more often, with the goal being to finish about two weeks before moving.
As you go, take detailed inventory of your belongings. Label boxes clearly with the contents and the room they belong to make unpacking at your new location easier. Take photos and videos of your valuables so it’s clear that the items are in working order prior to the move. Photos and videos are crucial for the claims process, should anything happen during the move.
For More Information About Packing:
Packing Tips for Moving: A Complete Guide to Packing Your Home
Looking for the best packing tips? This packing guide will tell you how to pack for a move, including recommended packing supplies and general moving tips.
7. Must-Dos on the Big Day
When moving day finally arrives, it’s best to have a plan. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Plan for pets and kids
If you can, try to find sitters for smaller children and pets while you move things out of your home. Trust us, it’ll help reduce stress in a big way.
Pack a “first day” box
Before you begin moving out, take some time to pack a suitcase or box with essentials you’ll need your first night in your home. This might include a toothbrush, toothpaste, phone charger, change of clothes, toilet paper, towels, and anything else you can think of. If you’re getting some help from movers, be sure they know not to pack this box until the end.
Appoint a “do not pack” area
Find an area in your home that’s out of the way and make this your “do not pack” zone. This will be where you keep your “first day” box, as well as anything else that you don’t want loaded up, cleaning supplies, the day’s food and water, and other essentials.
Load your container/truck like a pro
If you’re going the full DIY route, you’ll want to make sure you’ve packed your portable storage container or moving truck for success. This involves distributing the weight evenly, packing in tiers, and keeping your heaviest items at the bottom. Learn more about packing a moving truck or portable storage container.
8. Stay Connected with Your Moving Company
Maintain open communication with U-Haul or whatever moving company you choose. Confirm delivery dates, addresses, and any specific instructions to avoid complications. On the day of the move, be sure to give clear instructions to your movers to keep things running smoothly. If you’ve chosen a government-contracted moving company, it’s still recommended you communicate often with the service provider throughout the process and contact your Move Coordinator with any issues.
9. Keep All Your Receipts
For PPM movers, it’s crucial that you hold on to all your receipts, whether it’s for moving supplies, lodging, food, or any other travel expenses. These will be key to receiving your full reimbursement for your moving expenses. You will also need to provide weight tickets. If you are moving with U-Box containers, be sure to inform U-Haul that you need weight tickets at the origin location.
10. Take Care of Yourself and Your Family
Moving can be stressful, especially for military families. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and make time for self-care. Consider involving the whole family in the packing process to make it a team effort.
Remember that each military move is unique, and flexibility is key. Be prepared for unexpected challenges and approach the process with a positive mindset. As soon as you’re ready to start planning your PPM, get an instant U-Box container quote to kick-start the process.