In order to organize and complete your military move successfully prepare well. Part of this preparation – if you are an active servicemember - is to take a decision if you want the government to take care of your move or you prefer to do it yourself. If you have decided on the second option, you will need to make an inventory sheet and plan carefully in detail your moving out. How can you make and what should you include in your military moving checklist? Here are some tips for moving with the military and a military checklist for military families as an answer to some of the most common military move questions.
Military Moving Checklist
A military moving includes so much to do but still if you start early enough – weeks or even a couple of months before, you will be able to organize a successful moving. First, decide what to move. Sift through your belongings and consider what to do with the items left. You can donate things to the Salvation Army or organize a moving sale in your backyard or garage. Think about how you want to ship your car. Are you relocating locally or long distance? If you are moving to another country or overseas plan how to transfer your car. If you prefer to drive because you are moving to a neighboring city check how the car works – breaks, fluids, tires. etc.
In order to start your military checklist preparation clean up your belongings: take some things to the cleaners and others donate or sell. Don't forget to organize the movie in - move out cleaning.
Clean the curtains and the rugs at your home. Once you get them from the cleaners just leave them wrapped like this for the moving. You can use some of your blankets for the furniture in the truck – for cushioning and protection, so you can pack for moving only some part of your blankets. The rest of your items are to be packed in time, best to do little by little every day and you will have enough time to do everything. Also remember to plan your move in – move out cleaning, too.
Work with Your Mover
If you have already moved before, take away traces from previous moves like stickers from your furniture. Next, in order to find a mover that suits your needs see what discounts are available for the military and how you can find more moving discounts. According to the IRS if you are a military and you are moved due to a military order or permanent change of station you can ask for moving taxes deduction. These little details should hep you plan your budget and choose a company that is not only reliable but also financially reasonable to hire. Your military moving checklist will not be complete without including in it to read some reviews of the mover before hiring it – if you click here you will find a list of licensed, active moving companies for the whole USA. After that – when you have chosen moving companies that you find professional in their work, ask them for a quote to compare the prices of services they offer. If you need a military do yourself calculator you can check for more information on this link.
In order to secure a safe and successful military move find a reputable mover to count on for the shipping of your belongings.
Military Moving Checklist Overseas
If you are moving abroad, your military moving checklist should also include a few more extra details to take care of. Do you need a visa? Plan how you will transfer medical and dentist records of yourself and your family. If you have children, this step includes also preparing daycare or school for them to go to. If you are going to spend a longer time in the foreign country it would be good to prepare yourself with some basic knowledge of its culture. It will help you and your family adapt quicker in the new environment.
If you are moving internationally, you should find country to country movers to do the job for you. Check our international moving cost calculator to have your expenses estimated fast and easy.
On Moving Day
Your careful planning should now show its effectiveness: if you prepared well, the moving day will go smooth. Prepare some drinks and snacks for yourself and for the movers. It is also advisable to have someone with you on moving day to help you with the process. All your precious belongings like jewelry, currencies, money, credit cards and documentation – don’t forget the travel details like bus and plane tickets, should go with you. Organize the paperwork you have in one or more files and keep it safe – do not give it to the movers.
Articles that may be useful for you:
Moving from USA to Canada Checklist
Movers in Canada
Movers in Australia
Moving Companies and Reviews in UK and Ireland
What do you think about our tips? Is there more that should be added here in your opinion? Feel free to share your ideas in the comments below.
These are some great tips when it comes to military members moving across the country or the world. Armed forces are used to moving from place to place, but a checklist is always helpful.
We would just add that when moving military members should make sure that the moving company does in fact move cars because most of them have cars they take with them every time. Many movers do ship cars or work with car shipping companies to offer this service to their clients. If the moving company does not move cars then you have to find another company that transports cars.
And one more thing – always ask for discount. Most companies do offer military discount.