Focus on your next assignment, not the move.
There's more to prepping for a move than packing boxes and loading the truck. USAA's personalized moving checklist can keep you organized, while our financial tools and insurance options can help make your transition less stressful.
The basics of a military move
Whether you opt for a full military move, a personally procured move or a combination of both, these resources can help you be sure your belongings and finances are secure.
- Ready for a PCS? Here are 10 tips to make your military move smoother.
- 14 PCS tips from veteran military spouses
- Comparing options when moving in the military
Preparing for a PCS? Get tips from the pros.
Most military families move every two to four years. These military spouses share tips that helped make their moves a little easier.
Video Duration: 3 minutes 44 seconds
Introduction: Elapsed time 0 seconds [00:00]
When you reflect on your first military move or permanent change of station (PCS), you'll likely note many lessons learned. But what if you could pre-learn many of those lessons from veteran military movers and save yourself the hassle? Here are 14 pro tips to make your first PCS a success.
Tip 1, hand carry sheets and towels: Elapsed time 22 seconds [00:22]
Tip 1, hand carry sheets, towels, pillows, blankets, and even a shower curtain for your temporary lodging. Often, these temporary facilities are not fully furnished. Having these items easily accessible will also prevent you from digging through countless boxes the first night in your new home.
Tip number 2, board your pets: Elapsed time 41 seconds [00:41]
Tip number 2, board your pets. On moving day, consider boarding your pets at a local vet or doggy day care so they don't get in the way or run off.
Tip 3, get connected: Elapsed time 51 seconds [0:51]
Tip 3, get connected. Join the social media pages of your new installation, as well as military spouse groups. They'll have great information about housing, neighborhoods, restaurants, medical providers and more.
Tip number 4, hand carry cleaning supplies: Elapsed time 1 minute 5 seconds [01:05]
Tip number 4, hand carry cleaning supplies. When you first arrive in your new home, you may need cleaning supplies before the movers show up. Also, some movers refuse to transport these items due to their flammable nature.
Tip 5, personally transport important belongings: Elapsed time 1 minute 18 seconds [01:18]
Tip 5, personally transport important belongings. Don't leave the fate of irreplaceable or valuable items like baby books, marriage certificates, wedding albums and official documents to movers. Also, consider hand carrying medical and shot records you might need to enroll children in school.
Tip number 6, track all items: Elapsed time 1 minute 36 seconds [01:36]
Tip number 6, track all items. Be sure every item or box that goes into the moving truck has a manifest sticker on it. These stickers ensure your items are tracked.
Tip number 7, get contact numbers: Elapsed time 1 minute 47 seconds [01:47]
Tip number 7, get contact numbers. Keep contact numbers for your driver and moving company close at hand. They will have more up-to-date information on the status of your shipment than the military's transportation management office.
Tip number 8, move items only once: Elapsed time 2 minutes [02:00]
Tip number 8, move items only once. In your new home, consider color coding each room so you can quickly direct the movers. This means less work for you when you're unpacking.
Tip number 9, get travel reservations: Elapsed time 2 minutes 11 seconds [02:11]
Tip number 9, get travel reservations. Plan your travel months in advance, and pre-book hotels that fit within the military's lodging allotment. This will help you avoid getting into debt and reduce the stress of trying to find a last-minute hotel.
Tip number 10, keep payments flowing: Elapsed time 2 minutes 26 seconds [02:26]
Tip number 10, keep payments flowing. Let your financial institutions know that you are moving so you don't have payments declined during or after your move. Consider automatic bill paying services so you don't miss paying any bills.
Tip number 11, keep kids entertained: Elapsed time 2 minutes 39 seconds [02:39]
Tip number 11, keep kids entertained. Hand carry toys for the kids and dogs to help pass the time until your household goods arrive. Remember that you might be waiting a few weeks.
Tip number 12, maintain a household list: Elapsed time 2 minutes 50 seconds [02:50]
Tip number 12, maintain a household list. Keep an updated household list, including photos of barcodes and model numbers of high-value items, such as TVs and entertainment systems. If you have to submit a claim for a lost or damaged item, photos can support your case.
Tip number 13, separate your items: Elapsed time 3 minutes 6 seconds [03:06]
Tip number 13, separate your items. Assign a corner of your house, or, if possible, a room or a closet, for items you plan to hand carry. That way, something you need does not accidentally get packed with all of your other household goods.
Tip number 14, write it down: Elapsed time 3 minutes 21 seconds [03:21]
Tip number 14, write it down. Save these tips for your next move and add your own lessons learned each time. It will get easier and less stressful. For more information and helpful resources for your next military move, please visit usaa.com/militarymoving.
Description of visual information: [This material is for informational purposes. Consider your own financial circumstances carefully before making a decision and consult with your tax, legalor estate planning professional.
USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates.
No Department of Defense or government agency endorsement.
Information last reviewed as of June 2022 and is subject to change.] End of description.
End: Elapsed time 3 minutes 44 seconds [03:44]
Making your last PCS move?
Are you separating or retiring from the military? USAA offers tools like a separation checklist and job-hunting service to help make this life-changing transition easier.