As a member of the military, you’re probably more than used to having to engage in frequent and often distant moves. Sometimes it’s a small move and other times you’re relocating across the country. Some military relocations can even take you to a new country.
Regardless of how many times you’ve moved during your career, you often run into the same challenges time and time again. When PCS moves are in your future, you can take some steps to help simplify the process.
USAA is more than the preferred insurer for military members and their families, the organization also provides useful advice. USAA recommends all service members keep a PCS moving fund. After all, sometimes you don’t get a lot of notice when your commanding officer decides it’s time for a permanent change of station (PCS).
How much should you try to keep in your moving account? USAA recommends trying to keep the balance around $2,000. This may not be enough to offset all of your moving expenses not covered by the military but it’s a start. This should be enough to cover a night or two in a hotel during your travels or if your new address isn’t ready.
A quick tip. Your moving fund should be separate from your emergency account. The military usually recommends all members keep an emergency fund to cover living expenses for at least three months.
Even if the military is covering all moving costs, this doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to start blowing your per diem. In other words, don’t try to live a five-star lifestyle during your move, especially if your service pay is only that of a two or three-star officer. A move isn’t the time to start living beyond your average means.
Instead of splurging on a steak dinner for your family, stick to less expensive restaurants. Even if the military is covering moving costs, unexpected expenses can still pop up. You may need to pay for lodging and this isn’t always covered by the armed services.
The last thing you want is to go into credit card debt during your PCS move. Besides, if you have any of your per diem pay left over after the move, you can always go out to celebrate.
As a member of the military, you should already have a plan for your pets in place. This plan typically includes who’s responsible for your pets’ care during deployment. Some plans simply involve letting your spouse or other family members take over care. Others rely on a pet boarding service.
You also want to have a plan that addresses moving with pets. Every pet is different so think about what yours requires for safe and comfortable travel. This usually means getting a pet carrier and possibly some medication from the veterinarian.
Some pets can become nauseous during travel, others need something to help them stay calm. You also want to pack enough food for the trip and then add in some extra. This way if a delay occurs, you can still care for your pet.
If your PCS move involves overnight stays in hotels, make sure it’s pet-friendly. You may need to pay a pet deposit and this isn’t usually covered by the military. However, you can always use your per diem to help cover this added expense.
Even if you’re moving out of military housing to a unit on another base, you still need to notify the utility companies.
The utilities like lights and water need to be shut off at your old address and turned on at the new location. Taking care of this before moving day can help ensure you’re not moving into a dark home or apartment. You also don’t want to pay for utilities you’re not using at your old place.
A good tip to help ensure you notify all of your service providers including your lawn care company is to make a list. Check each name off the list as you contact each one.
Getting ready for your PCS move doesn’t need to be complicated, even if it includes young children and pets. Start planning as soon as possible and try to save your per diem fund. Don’t forget to ask for advice if any problems pop up.
If you’re currently married, then your spouse can be an invaluable asset to help throughout every stage of the PCS moving process. With a little bit of planning and some much-needed patience, your military move can go off without any major hiccups so that you can focus on adjusting to your new place.
