Relocating as a military family can be both an exciting and challenging experience. With frequent moves and tight timelines, it’s essential to stay organized, informed, and prepared. This comprehensive guide offers practical tips and essential resources to help military families navigate the relocation process smoothly, while also addressing potential emotional, financial, and logistical challenges.
Key Highlights
- Door-to-Door Service: Simplify your vehicle transport by choosing a car shipping company that provides door-to-door service, ensuring safe and convenient delivery from your current location to the new destination.
- Preparing Your Vehicle: Clean out personal belongings, document the vehicle’s condition with photos, and verify the shipper’s insurance coverage to safeguard against potential damages.
- Government Shipped Vehicle (GSV): Military families relocating overseas may have one vehicle shipped at government expense, but additional vehicles will require private transport arrangements.
Understanding Military Relocation Orders
Military relocations, also known as Permanent Change of Station (PCS), can occur multiple times during a service member’s career. Understanding the type of orders received, whether it’s a PCS, Temporary Duty (TDY), or other assignments, is crucial in planning the move effectively.
- PCS Orders: Involves long-term relocations, typically lasting two to four years.
- TDY Orders: Temporary relocations that can range from a few weeks to several months.
- Deployment: Often involves moving to an overseas location for an extended period.
Pre-Move Planning Checklist: Stay Organized and Prepared
A successful relocation begins with thorough planning. Here’s a step-by-step checklist:
- Review Relocation Orders: Verify the type of orders and the destination.
- Contact the Relocation Assistance Office: Obtain information about the new base, housing, and available support services.
- Create a Moving Binder: Organize important documents such as orders, housing agreements, medical records, and contact information.
- Develop a Budget: Calculate potential moving expenses, including travel, housing, storage, and vehicle transport costs.
- Research Schools and Childcare: If you have children, research schools, daycare options, and youth programs in the new area.
- Notify Service Providers: Update addresses, cancel subscriptions, and inform utilities of the upcoming move.
Housing Options for Military Families: Finding Your Next Home
Finding suitable housing is a top priority for military families during relocation. Consider the following options:
- On-Base Housing: Convenient but may have waitlists, especially at high-traffic bases.
- Military Privatized Housing: Managed by private companies but reserved for military families. Often includes modern amenities.
- Off-Base Rentals: Provides more freedom in choosing a location but may be further from the base.
- Temporary Lodging Facilities (TLFs): Short-term housing for families waiting for permanent housing, offering convenient and affordable accommodations.
- Home Buying and VA Loans: For those considering buying a home, VA loans offer favorable terms and low down payments.
Moving Your Household Goods: Choose the Right Option
Military families have several options for moving household goods:
- Personally Procured Move (PPM): Also known as a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) move. The military reimburses the family for moving expenses, offering more control over the moving process.
- Government Contracted Move: The military arranges and pays for the move, making it less stressful but with less control over the process.
- Partial PPM: Combine both DIY and government-contracted options for flexibility. Useful for those with specialty items or vehicles.
Car Shipping and Vehicle Transport: Door-to-Door Service and Preparation
Transporting vehicles can be a complex part of the relocation process. If you’re planning to ship a car to a different state with a reputed auto shipping company, consider researching trusted service providers who specialize in military relocations. This way, you can ensure that your vehicle is transported safely and efficiently. military families have several options to consider: To streamline the vehicle shipping process, consider the following options and tips:
- Door-to-Door Service: Opt for a car shipping company that offers door-to-door service to minimize stress and simplify logistics.
- Preparing Your Vehicle: Clean your car, remove personal belongings, and check for any existing damages. Document the condition with photos before handing it over to the shipping company.
- Government Shipped Vehicle (GSV): The military ships one vehicle for overseas moves, but it may not cover additional vehicles.
- Personally Arranged Transport: Families can choose a reputable auto shipper to transport additional vehicles domestically or internationally.
- Storage Options: For those moving overseas, storing a vehicle may be a cost-effective option.
Financial Assistance and Reimbursement: Managing Moving Costs
The military provides financial assistance for certain relocation expenses, including:
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA): Covers some moving expenses not reimbursed by other means.
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE): Reimburses temporary lodging costs up to a certain limit.
- Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT): Covers travel costs to the new location, including mileage and tolls.
- Advance Pay: Provides a financial buffer for upfront moving costs, which is later deducted from future paychecks.
Emotional Support and Family Resources: Reducing Stress During Relocation
Relocation can be emotionally challenging, especially for children and spouses. Utilize these resources to ease the transition:
- Military Family Life Counselors (MFLC): Offer free counseling services to assist with emotional adjustment.
- Military OneSource: Provides information on relocation, housing, and emotional support for the entire family.
- Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): Assists families with special needs during relocation, offering resources and referrals.
- Community Resources and Support Groups: Joining local spouse groups, church communities, or activity clubs can help families feel more connected in the new area.
Settling into a New Community: Making the New Place Feel Like Home
Upon arrival, it’s important to acclimate to the new area and establish a sense of stability:
- Visit the Family Support Center: Connect with local resources, orientation programs, and recreational activities.
- Join Spouse Groups: Build a support network with other military families, gaining insight into local schools, childcare, and job opportunities.
- Explore the Area: Visit local attractions, parks, and family-friendly venues to familiarize yourself with the new surroundings.
- Educational Opportunities: Look for programs that offer tuition assistance or scholarships for military spouses and children.
Conclusion
Relocating as a military family comes with its own set of challenges, but with proper planning, access to valuable resources, and a proactive approach, the process can become a manageable and even rewarding experience. Stay organized, seek support, and maintain a positive mindset to make the new location feel like home, and remember – there are always resources available to make the transition smoother.
