Take Command of Your Move With These Tips

Moving can be the start of a great adventure, and it can also bring challenges. No matter where your orders are taking you, Military OneSource and the military Relocation Assistance Program provide comprehensive information, resources and services to help you master your move.

Use the following tips to help make your next move easier so you can focus on the exciting opportunities that await at your new home.

1. Start planning right away.
   It’s never too early to start planning. Learn more about arranging a personal property shipment and start with the following:
   • • Visit the Moving Your Personal Property page. Military OneSource now offers comprehensive moving information, resources and services all in one place. Find content from the former Move.mil website, including moving guides, videos, FAQs, entitlement brochures, DPS log in and more.
     • Use the Plan My Move online tool to create customized checklists, filled with important to-dos, tips and information to help you stay organized throughout the moving process. Whether it’s locating a new school, securing new housing or preparing financially for the move, the Plan My Move checklist will help ensure you won’t forget a thing, including EFMP & Me assistance at your new installation and making sure your pets are ready for the move.

   Pinning Down PCS Success

   Looking to pin down resources to get ahead of your move? From your local Relocation Assistance Program office to the Plan My Move, Defense Personal Property System and MilitaryINSTALLATIONS tools, you can get answers to questions and take control of your move.

   WATCH NOW
   • Learn about your new installation and the community around it with MilitaryINSTALLATIONS. This online tool has contact information, articles, maps and photos about installations worldwide. Learn more about how to explore your base and beyond with MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.
   • Contact your installation Military and Family Support Center for assistance before, during and after your move. Resources may include Smooth Move and newcomer briefings, loan closets, information about child care, youth programs, confidential non-medical counseling and more.
   • Learn about housing options for service members and families.
2. Prepare your children.
   Moving can be a challenging experience for children. Learn more about making the move easier for military children and ways to help children cope with moving. You can also check out resources to help young children through life milestones from Sesame Street for Military Families including the Big Moving Adventure mobile app and more.
3. Take inventory.
   A key part of a successful move is knowing exactly what’s going with you. Learn more about PCS entitlements so you know what and how much you are allowed to take with you. Once you know what you’re taking, you can make your inventory. With a smartphone or computer, you can record the name, description and condition of everything in your home. Learn more about how to inventory your belongings.
4. Hand carry your essentials.
   There are a few essential items that you’ll need to keep with you at all times, especially vital documents. Learn more about what to hand carry when you move, including:
   • Orders
   • IDs, driver’s licenses, Social Security cards and passports for every member of your family
   • Marriage, divorce, birth and naturalization certificates
   • Medical information and medication for each family member
   • Housing information, including your insurance information and inventory
   • School and employment records
   • Vehicle documents
   • Precious or irreplaceable items
5. Be a smart packer.
   Check out these packing tips from the Defense Personal Property Program. Whether you’re looking for quick tips or comprehensive policy information, see all these additional personal property resources to find the answers you need.
6. Be as flexible as possible.
   Part of mastering your move is expecting the unexpected. There are a lot of variables to consider when planning — and each of them can mean changes, delays or even an expedited move. Don’t finalize your personal plans until you have orders in hand.

   When you are ready to schedule your move, consider moving on less popular days. Historically the worst times to move are the last week of any month, and the last week of June to the first week of July. If you can move mid-month, you may increase your chances of getting a date that works with your timelines and getting your preferred moving company. Don’t assume move dates are set until they are confirmed. Learn more about the new 7-Day Scheduling Window policy for booking your shipment pickup date.

7. Know where to turn for answers.
   • Your installation Military and Family Support Center is your go-to source for a wide range of assistance and programs, including newcomer briefings, loan closets, child care information, spouse education and career counseling, financial services, and much more.
   • Your military sponsor can help you and your family learn about your new duty station and get settled in your new community.
   • Your installation transportation office can help with moving issues, such as trouble with shipments or if anything is damaged or lost during the move. Learn more about filing a claim after your PCS shipment is delivered. For service branch-specific contact information, visit Personal Property Customer Service Contacts.
   • Military OneSource consultants are available 24/7/365 to answer your questions and connect you with resources you need. Call 800-342-9647, use OCONUS calling options, or schedule a live chat.

With some preparation and a bit of luck, your next move can be worry-free. Seize your adventure and master your move by tapping into the professionals and resources available from Military OneSource and your local Military and Family Support Center.