Frequent relocations are a reality for those in military life. Whether it’s across the country or overseas, military members and their loved ones often find themselves packing up their lives and starting fresh somewhere new every few years. These Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves bring an opportunity to experience new places, but they also come with a long list of challenges.
The logistics involved can be overwhelming, and even experienced military families can find themselves making mistakes along the way. Avoiding common pitfalls can make the transition smoother and reduce unnecessary stress.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest mistakes military families make during a PCS move and how to sidestep them.
Taking Too Long to Begin Planning
Delayed planning can make moving day overwhelming. Military orders often come with tight timelines, but the moment relocation becomes a possibility, it’s time to start mapping out a strategy. Waiting too long to sort out logistics including transportation, housing, and budgeting, increases stress and can lead to costly mistakes.
Military moving companies often get booked quickly, so delaying arrangements may leave fewer options and higher prices. Setting up a detailed plan early, covering everything from packing to travel arrangements, makes the entire moving process more manageable. Researching housing, school options, and healthcare providers at the new duty station ahead of time helps avoid last-minute panic.
Failing to Declutter Before Packing
Every move is an opportunity to take stock of what’s necessary. Military families often accumulate belongings over multiple moves, and packing everything each time can be an exhausting and expensive mistake. Keep in mind that weight limits apply to PCS shipments, and exceeding them results in additional out-of-pocket costs.
Sorting through possessions and getting rid of unnecessary items before the move saves time, money, and effort. Selling, donating, or discarding things that are no longer useful prevents clutter from making its way to the next duty station.
Overlooking Important Paperwork
PCS moves usually have a mountain of paperwork to sift through. Losing track of important documents such as orders, birth certificates, passports, and medical records can create serious delays in the moving process and lead to unnecessary headaches when trying to get established in a new location.
Keeping both physical and digital copies of vital documents in a dedicated folder helps prevent these problems. Having everything organized and easily accessible speeds up tasks such as enrolling in new schools, applying for benefits, or registering a vehicle.
Not Budgeting Properly
PCS moves often present significant financial challenges for military families. While certain expenses are reimbursed, the process can be slow, leaving families to cover costs out-of-pocket for weeks before receiving allowances. Many are caught off guard by the immediate financial burden. Travel, lodging, and meals are just the beginning; unexpected expenses frequently arise, quickly adding up.
The combination of delayed reimbursements and unforeseen costs can strain even well-prepared budgets. Planning ahead and setting aside savings for moving-related expenses prevents financial strain. Researching available entitlements, such as Dislocation Allowance (DLA) and Advanced Travel Payment, helps alleviate some of the costs. Those handling a Personally Procured Move (PPM) must keep receipts to receive proper reimbursement.
Not Researching the New Location
Moving to an unfamiliar area without proper research makes the adjustment more difficult. Every duty station means new challenges, and failing to prepare can lead to surprises. Some areas have higher costs of living, limited housing options, or unique climate considerations.
Researching the new location ahead of time makes the transition easier. Checking out housing options, schools, medical facilities, and commute times provides a better understanding of what to expect. Many military moving companies offer resources to help families understand the specifics of each location.
Not Applying for Benefits on Time
Some military families miss out on available financial support simply because they don’t apply in time. Dislocation Allowance and travel reimbursements require proper paperwork and processing time, and delays in filing can mean waiting longer for financial assistance.
Handling these applications as soon as possible helps avoid unnecessary financial strain. Coordinating with the base transportation office guarantees that all necessary documents are filed correctly and on schedule.
Making Emotional Housing Decisions
Buying or renting a home in a new location without enough research is one of the costliest mistakes military families make. A home that seems perfect on paper may turn out to be in an inconvenient location or have hidden maintenance issues that appear after moving in.
Rushing into a decision based on emotions rather than careful consideration and logic can potentially lead to financial regret. Taking time to check out different housing options, whether renting or buying, reduces the risk of making a regretful choice. Additionally, talking to other military families at the new duty station provides insights into the best neighborhoods and housing situations.
Forgetting to Notify Important Contacts
A change of address impacts everything from mail delivery to financial accounts. Forgetting to update addresses with banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, and government agencies can cause complications later.
Making a checklist of organizations to notify simplifies this process. Submitting a change of address request through USPS and updating contact details with necessary institutions before moving prevents disruptions.
Moving Before Orders Are Finalized
Military members sometimes receive verbal confirmation of an upcoming PCS and start planning immediately, only for official orders to change. Those who move too soon risk financial losses if the assignment is altered or canceled.
Waiting for written orders before making concrete arrangements prevents unnecessary stress. While preliminary research is helpful, committing to housing, schools, or travel plans without finalized orders can lead to costly mistakes.
Make Your Military Move With Confidence
A military move can be overwhelming, but with careful planning and the right help, it doesn’t have to be. For both short- and long-distance moves, partnering with expert military moving companies provides a seamless experience.
MG Moving Services understands the unique challenges military families face and offers reliable local and long-distance moving solutions to make the transition easier. With over 25 years of experience and a reputation for professionalism, our team is ready to help with every step of the moving process and minimize relocation stress. Connect with us online today for a free quote or call 1-(800)-783-4897 to get started.
