Need help getting ready for a move? Our top tips were designed with military men and women in mind.
For service members and their families, moving is a natural part of life — and a perk that offers opportunities to experience new destinations and cultures. It's exciting, but it can also be expensive if not done correctly, and those added expenses can lead to financial hardships.
Here's the key: Don't skip the planning stage. From each of my permanent change of station (PCS) experiences, I learned new lessons that I was able to apply to future moves. By the time my family and I got our third set of PCS orders, we had it down to a science.
Read on for 10 tips that I hope will help you move to your new home, and rest easy once you're there.
While preparation is critical to guaranteeing a smooth transition, no amount of planning can help you avoid out-of-pocket expenses. That's why USAA recommends all service members maintain a PCS fund worth at least $2,000 plus whatever is required to cover additional expenses the military won't cover.
What does the PCS fund cover? For starters, it can help cover moving things like an RV or a boat, possessions that can't be included in your household goods shipment. Or maybe you're moving overseas and have a pet that will require quarantining. Your goal is to have enough money to cover these expenses, so you don't have to put them on a credit card and go into debt.
Keep in mind that this is above your normal emergency fund of 3 to 6 months of living expenses, which is meant to cover emergency expenses. A military move isn't an unexpected emergency. It's an expense that you can and should plan for.
The best time to start building this fund is right after your last move. That way, you have plenty of time to save gradually without taking a huge hit to your budget. Set a goal for how big your PCS fund needs to be. Plan to reach this goal prior to your next military move by saving automatically.
If you deplete some or all of it during a military move, have a plan to replenish it before the next one arrives.
2. Decide on your type of move.
Will your upcoming move be a full military move, a personally procured move or a combination of both? In other words, how much of the heavy lifting will you, personally, do? If you're not sure about the difference between a full military move and a personally procured, or do-it-yourself (DITY) move, check out this video for a brief explanation.
If you're planning a DITY, you'll need to find and hire a moving company — or do it all yourself. This includes renting the moving truck, packing all your belongings, transporting the truck to your next duty station and unloading it once you get there.
Before you decide which type of move is best for your situation, be sure to understand how your personal property is protected in each scenario.
In a full military move, coverage is normally provided by the military through the transportation service provider. Make sure all your items are manifested and carefully follow all of the DOD's required deadlines.See note1
In a DITY move, renters insurance may provide limited coverage. For example, you may have coverage if your items are stolen from the moving truck, but you probably won't if you drop and break your $4,000 TV — unless, of course, it's covered through a valuable personal property plan or through a technology endorsement.
If you hire professional movers and they destroy your TV, which is recorded on your bill of lading, it's probably covered through their insurance. In that case, your own renters policy could serve as backup.
The bottom line: Take some time to understand your insurance policies to know when you have coverage and where your risks may be.
3. Use your per diem wisely.
During a PCS, your travel choices can break the bank or add to it. If you live a five-star lifestyle during your three-star, military-funded relocation, you can easily go into debt.
OK, so maybe the PCS military move isn't funded at three stars, but you get the point. If they pay $200 a day for hotel and food, and you spend it all at a fancy steakhouse, you can quickly and easily spend more than your per diem.
Many people who go over their per diem end up putting it on a credit card without a plan to pay it back. Even if you have a PCS fund, chances are you have more important things for your PCS fund to cover than fancy steak dinners.
Before you move, familiarize yourself with the per-diem rates.See note1 Knowing these rates enables you to plan each day's agenda and meals and stay within your budget.
Keep in mind that different per-diem rates apply to family members, depending on their age:
The military member gets the full per-diem rate.
Dependents age 12 and older who are traveling with the military member get 75% of the military member's per-diem rate.
Dependents under the age of 12 get 50% of the military member's per-diem rate.
Rates also change if the dependents are traveling separately. Find ways to save money during your next military move, by checking out these PCS tips.
4. Use SCRA benefits to your advantage.
Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), you're entitled to terminate your rental without penalty if you meet certain guidelines.
Consider including a military clause in your rental agreement, which can make it easier to break your contract. Around military installations, it's common to have a military clause, and many landlords will automatically add it. But don't assume that it's there. Inquire about it.
If you receive PCS orders or are deployed for more than 90 days, SCRA might allow you to break the lease before the agreement is up. This might save you money, which you can apply to other financial goals.
If you're breaking your lease, provide written notice to your landlord. If requested, you may also have to provide a copy of your PCS or deployment orders with at least 30 days' notice.
5. Get advice from a military spouse.
It's always nice to learn from people who have been there and done that. That's why we interviewed veteran military spouses. Between them, they have 40-plus military moves. That's experience. Check out this video for their top 14 tips.
6. Make a plan for your pets.
If you've ever traveled with pets, you know that not all are welcome at hotels. And some hotels that do welcome pets charge additional fees. Planning to stay at a hotel on your way to your new home? Call ahead or check online to be sure it's pet-friendly.
And once you safely arrive, will your pets be allowed in your next house? Some installations and homeowners' associations have restrictions on the number and breeds of occupants' pets. Be sure you know the rules before you secure housing.
7. Be sure your vehicle is road ready.
The last thing you want on your cross-country trip is to break down in the middle of nowhere.
I remember moving from Florida to Oregon and passing a sign that said, “Next service 100 miles.” That's the beauty of rural America.
Ensure your vehicle is PCS ready by checking out these auto maintenance tips. This allows you to enjoy the scenery as you're passing by, not as you're waiting for roadside assistance.
8. Notify your service providers.
Make a list of all your service providers, including trash pickup, internet, television, phone, home security, gas, water, electricity, lawn maintenance, house cleaners, etc.
Next, let everyone on the list know that you're moving, and arrange to receive any deposits that are due.
9. Prepare for moving day.
Between boarding your dogs, blocking off items you're planning to take with you and making sure all your boxes get an inventory tag, there are plenty of last-minute steps you can take to make the big day go smoothly.
Take a few minutes to watch this video, complete with tips for helping you prep for moving day.
10. Make your health a top priority.
Take a quick inventory of your prescriptions to be sure you have enough medication to last until you get situated and are able to get refills at your new location.
If you have important medical supplies, pack them so they're easy to find and within reach. My son has an epinephrine injector, so we were always careful to keep it in a special box we had readily available instead of packing it with our other household goods.
Get your finances in order.
I know this is a top-10 list, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the importance of one final — and critical — step, update your budget once you've settled in at your new home.
Why is this such a high priority? In your new location, income and expenses are likely to change. Look at your new fuel costs, insurance payments, grocery bills and utilities, and be sure your budget has up-to-date numbers so you can adjust your spending plan to ensure you spend less than you earn. Otherwise, you'll go into debt, perhaps without even realizing it.
Video transcript: 14 PCS tips from veteran military spouses
Video duration: 3 minutes 44 seconds
Introduction: Elapsed time 0 minutes 0 seconds [00:00]
When you reflect on your first military move or Permanent Change of Station (PCS), you'll likely note many lessons learned. But what if you could pre-learn many of those lessons from veteran military movers and save yourself the hassle? Here are 14 pro tips to make your first PCS a success.
Tip number 1, hand carry sheets and towels: Elapsed time 22 seconds [00:22]
Tip number 1, hand carry sheets and towels. Hand carry sheets, towels, pillows, blankets, and even a shower curtain for your temporary lodging. Often, these temporary facilities are not fully furnished. Having these items easily accessible will also prevent you from digging through countless boxes the first night in your new home.
Tip number 2, board your pets: Elapsed time 41 seconds [00:41]
Tip number 2, board your pets. On moving day, consider boarding your pets at a local vet or doggy day care so they don't get in the way or run off.
Tip number 3, get connected: Elapsed time 51 seconds [00:51]
Tip number 3, get connected. Join the social media pages of your new installation, as well as military spouse groups. They'll have great information about housing, neighborhoods, restaurants, medical providers and more.
Tip number 4, hand carry cleaning supplies: Elapsed time 1 minute 5 seconds [01:05]
Tip number 4, hand carry cleaning supplies. When you first arrive in your new home, you may need cleaning supplies before the movers show up. Also, some movers refuse to transport these items due to their flammable nature.
Tip number 5, personally transport important belongings: Elapsed time 1 minute 18 seconds [01:18]
Tip number 5, personally transport important belongings. Don't leave the fate of irreplaceable or valuable items like baby books, marriage certificates, wedding albums and official documents to movers. Also, consider hand carrying medical and shot records you might need to enroll children in school.
Tip number 6, track all items: Elapsed time 1 minute 36 seconds [01:36]
Tip number 6, track all items. Be sure every item or box that goes into the moving truck has a manifest sticker on it. These stickers ensure your items are tracked.
Tip number 7, get contact numbers: Elapsed time 1 minute 47 seconds [01:47]
Tip number 7, get contact numbers. Keep contact numbers for your driver and moving company close at hand. They will have more up-to-date information on the status of your shipment than the military's transportation management office.
Tip number 8, move items only once: Elapsed time 2 minutes [02:00]
Tip number 8, move items only once. In your new home, consider color coding each room so you can quickly direct the movers. This means less work for you when you're unpacking.
Tip number 9, get travel reservations: Elapsed time 2 minutes 11 seconds [02:11]
Tip number 9, get travel reservations. Plan your travel months in advance, and pre-book hotels that fit within the military's lodging allotment. This will help you avoid getting into debt and reduce the stress of trying to find a last-minute hotel.
Tip number 10, keep payments flowing: Elapsed time 2 minutes 26 seconds [02:26]
Tip number 10, keep payments flowing. Let your financial institutions know that you are moving so you don't have payments declined during or after your move. Consider automatic bill paying services so you don't miss paying any bills.
Tip number 11, keep kids entertained: Elapsed time 2 minutes 39 seconds [02:39]
Tip number 11, keep kids entertained. Hand carry toys for the kids and dogs to help pass the time until your household goods arrive. Remember that you might be waiting a few weeks.
Tip number 12, maintain a household list: Elapsed time 2 minutes 50 seconds [02:50]
Tip number 12, maintain a household list. Keep an updated household list, including photos of barcodes and model numbers of high-value items, such as TVs and entertainment systems. If you have to submit a claim for a lost or damaged item, photos can support your case.
Tip number 13, separate your items: Elapsed time 3 minutes 6 seconds [03:06]
Tip number 13, separate your items. Assign a corner of your house, or, if possible, a room or a closet, for items you plan to hand carry. That way, something you need does not accidentally get packed with all of your other household goods.
Tip number 14, write it down: Elapsed time 3 minutes 21 seconds [03:21]
Tip number 14, write it down. Save these tips for your next move. And add your own lessons learned each time. It will get easier and less stressful.
For more information and helpful resources for your next military move, please visit usaa.com/militarymoving.
Description of visual information: [This material is for informational purposes. Consider your own financial circumstances carefully before making a decision and consult with your tax, legal or estate planning professional.
USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates.
No Department of Defense or government agency endorsement.
Information last reviewed as of January 2023 and is subject to change.
End: Elapsed time 3 minutes 44 seconds [03:44]
Video transcript: Personally procured move vs full military move
Video duration: 3 minutes 20 seconds
Introduction: Elapsed time 0 minutes 0 seconds [00:00]
In the military a few things are certain, early mornings and moving. Most military members move every two to three years, but how does that actually work? You have two options for how your belongings are moved, a full military move or a personally procured move.
Full military move: Elapsed time 21 seconds [00:21]
In a full military move, the military's transportation management office takes care of your move. They schedule a company to pack your belongings, move them to your next duty station, and then unpack in your new home.
Personally procured move (PPM): Elapsed time 33 seconds [00:33]
In a personally procured move, also known as a do-it-yourself move, you move yourself to your next duty station. You are responsible for loading, transporting and unloading all of your household items.
Which one should you choose? Let's look at a few factors that might help you decide.
The good news is the military will cover the cost of your move from one duty station to the next. However, if you select a personally procured move, they will only reimburse at most what would have cost them if they coordinated it through a moving company.
If your personally procured move costs less than what the military would have paid you, you get to keep the extra. However, if it costs more, then you pay the difference out of pocket.
For example, if the military will pay you $5,000 to move and you do it for $3,000, you get to keep the $2,000 that is left over.
However, if your personally procured move costs $6,000, you will pay $1,000 out of pocket. Also, keep in mind that you will pay for the personally procured move up front. And the military will reimburse you after the move is complete.
A full military move is less work for you and your family because someone else does all the heavy lifting. However, it does require you to ensure that all your household items are accounted for on the moving company's manifest, a comprehensive list of all your belongings. In a personally procured move, you are responsible for loading, transporting and unloading all your items, which can be significantly more effort.
In a full military move, the military insures all household items transported by the moving company. And any insurance claims for damaged items go through the military. Remember to make sure all your items are accounted for on the manifest as the military won't reimburse you for items not listed on the manifest.
In a personally procured move, you are responsible for the safety of your items. Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for any potential theft or damage. Some military members opt to combine a full military move and a personally procured move. This is called a partial personally procured move or partial do-it-yourself move.
In this case, you let the military move the majority of your household items, but you personally move a few things that are either irreplaceable or needed before the movers arrive.
You are probably carrying baby books, your safe, and sheets, and towels for temporary lodging anyway. So why not get paid to move these items? Also, you'll have peace of mind from knowing your most precious items are taken care of.
For more information about making your next PCS as smooth as possible, please visit usaa.com/militarymoving.
Description of visual information: [This material is for informational purposes. Consider your own financial circumstances carefully before making a decision and consult with your tax, legal or estate planning professional.
USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates.
No Department of Defense or government agency endorsement.
Information last reviewed as of January 2023 and is subject to change.]
End: Elapsed time 3 minutes 20 seconds [03:20]
Video transcript: 4 ways to prep for your next military move
Video duration: 1 minute 39 seconds
Intro: Elapsed time 0 minutes 0 seconds [00:00]
Did you know that military members often face unreimbursed expenses related to their military move or permanent change of station, PCS? Since most military members move on average every two to three years, let's look at 4 easy steps you can take to help avoid going into debt during your next PCS.
Because of potential unreimbursed expenses associated with a military move, USAA recommends establishing a PCS fund worth $2,000 plus whatever is required for your unique situation.
Moving a boat, an RV or overseas with a large dog, you probably want to have more than $2,000 in your PCS fund to pay for these expenses.
Estimate what you might be spending out of pocket and have a plan to pay for these expenses each PCS.
Since your next move is probably 2 to 3 years away, begin saving now.
If you save as little as $50 a month, and then move in 3 years, you will have $1,800 saved up to help cover unexpected or unreimbursed moving expenses. This helps you not go into additional debt.
The best way to save for this PCS fund is to make it automatic by setting aside a small amount of your paycheck each month. For most people, if you wait until the end of the month to save, you'll reach the end of the month and find that there is nothing left over with which to save.
So, save first.
Congratulations, you survived another military move. Once you are settled, determine how much of your PCS fund you have spent and have a plan to replenish it before your next PCS.
Description of visual information: [This material is for informational purposes. Consider your own financial circumstances carefully before making a decision and consult with your tax, legal or estate planning professional.
USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates.
No Department of Defense or government agency endorsement.
Information last reviewed as of January 2023 and is subject to change. NC] End of description.
End: Elapsed time 1 minute 39 seconds [01:39]
Get help preparing for your next PCS.
Our moving checklist and other resources can help you get ready for your next move.