Start Your Move

Let’s Talk- Starting Your PCS

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Prior To Receiving Official Orders:

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PCS Purge - This is a great time to do that moving clean out. A good rule of thumb is if you didn’t use it at your current location, know you will not use it at your next location, has no sentimental value then it’s worth consideration to toss it.

Personal Inventory Make/Update - If you are making your inventory it does take time, but then is quick and easy to update. The inventory is great for if you need to file an inconvenience claim or a claim with your private insurance (not just moving but also a natural disaster) you would need an itemized list for what you are claiming. It makes the process easier if you already have the list.

 

Additionally, if something is missing l, you have a list to help with the process of elimination for what was in that box. It’s your choice for how in detail you want it to be.

 

Pre-Packing- This isn’t necessarily packing boxes, it’s more of prepping and staging the home. This is generally putting little office supplies into Ziplock bags, bagging toys, etc. Find my favorite pre-packing tips here!

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After Receiving Official Orders:

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SET UP YOUR MOVE ASAP - Regardless of how you plan to move: doing it yourself or using the military, you need to set up your move in DPS which can be accessed thru move.mil. If you are wanting to use the military to contract your move, setting your move up in DPS ASAP will give time to find a company with capacity to take your shipment, and will give that company time to prep for and plan your move. There may be cases where the military cannot get you movers on your requested dates (Hello 2021!) in which case setting up your move ASAP would then give you time to work thru your plan A, plan B, and hopefully not a plan C.

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Part 2 of Moving - Included in this piece is notifying your housing office/landlord of your move out. It is best to not give notice until you have confirmation of your move dates (should be notified within 3 days of your shipment being assigned. You should also plan some wiggle room days too). SCRA can help you break a lease within 30 days but keep in mind you are still responsible for some rental fees. This is also the time when you can plan all the other details- utility turn off, medical/vet/school records etc.

 

Pre Move Survey - Once your shipment is assigned, your TSP should contact you for a move survey. It is common for this to be done virtually by video. This is basically walking around your home and showing what you have so they can estimate the size of your shipment.

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Resources - This is the perfect time to brush up on the resources, regulations, and to create your list of who to contact with their information.