Moving Tips

So I know we have all been there. Pulling our hair out trying to schedule movers, watching the movers pack your personal belongings, waiting what seems like FOREVER to get your household goods, come to find out when they get there things got damaged and/or lost and they can't be replaced til months down the road cause claims is taking forever? Yeah, I feel you. I just made a huge move from the US to Germany. This was our first PCS ever with the army. When we moved to our first duty station, I moved us out there. I moved all of our stuff. It was way less complicated than going through the army. Granted, I get it, you have three kids and no way do you feel like packing their toys and clothes. In that case, the army is a helping hand. But for the few who are new to PCSing or are even veterans and think they know everything, I've come up with a few helpful tips to make life so much easier.

Pack your TV remotes/game remotes in your suitcase.

It never fails ya'll. Somehow, someway the movers you watched pack your stuff lose your remotes. You remember exactly what box they put it in and it's even on your inventory list but yet it's MISSING. My advice to you is just pack them in your own personal suitcase so when you do get your stuff, you know that it is definitely gonna be there and accounted for. This rule could also go for small screws and things of that nature that you don't want to get lost while moving.

Keep your phone charged and handy.

When it comes to scheduling the movers to come to pick up and trying to schedule them to deliver we all know how stressful it can be, especially if it's peak season. So always keep your phone handy and charged in case the movers were to call or email you with important information.

Take pictures of everything.

Make sure you take pictures of everything before it is packed so when it comes claims time you have the proof to show that it was not broken before packing. Also, take a video of yourself turning your TV(s) on and off so you can prove that they work before packing and delivery. Trust me, this will be a lifesaver.

Pack whatever toys or necessities you will need for your child(ren).

Depending on whether you are driving to your new duty station or flying, the child will need something to keep him/her occupied and out of your hair while this time is stressful on everybody.

If you don't want to wait on HHG, pack some things in a box (for overseas PCS).

If you don't want to wait for HHG to come with all your stuff, I suggest you take those things. It could be clothes, blankets, pictures, or anything like that, have a family member or somebody pack them in a box and as soon as you get your address to have them ship it to you cause it will definitely get to you a lot faster than HHG.

Take the time to get to know your surroundings.

You're not gonna know everything about the new place you're living in right off the bat. Go exploring and look for yourself. Don't rely on wives' pages or even social media. People are going to have their own opinions. Go on an adventure and create one of a kind memories. It could be as simple as you found a small, cute park that you want to have a romantic picnic in with your husband or a small amusement park for the kids to run around and get all the pent up energy out. It's the small things that count.

All in all, moving can be fun! Moving to new places and seeing what the world has to offer can be a once in a lifetime opportunity. When you get to your new duty station make sure you venture out and make new friends. The military lifestyle gives you the chance to start over and meet exciting new people and to see exciting new things. Adventure is everywhere.