On average, a military family will move far more frequently than a civilian family. Military families tend to move every three years, which to say the least can be very stressful, no matter who you are. This might be your first military move, or your sixth, but whether you are new to the process or not, there are three things that you cannot do without.
- DITY move calculator.
- DITY move checklist.
- Close out your safety deposit box.
- Buy plastic bags for securing small items, like screws from furniture that gets broken down.
- Remove wall accessories.
- Drain the garden hose.
- Dispose of any flammables.
- Disassemble outdoor play equipment and structures.
- DITY move regulations.
Perhaps one element of the military move that makes it a little less painful, is the fact that the government is willing to reimburse families up to 100% of what it would have cost them, known as the Government Constructive Cost, to move the family and its property. When you hire your own movers, or do the move yourself, you receive reimbursement. Whether or not you choose to hire military movers may be determined by what the calculator reveals.
Depending on which branch of the military you operate under, there are different calculators that you can use to help figure out what your reimbursement will be for a full or partial move. For example, members in the Navy will want to use a Navy Dity move calculator. Some families are actually able to make money off of their move, so it is important to use a calculator to help you figure out what costs you can expect to cover.
A checklist is one of the most valuable things you can have during a move, as you try to balance hundreds of variables, different family member schedules, and things that need to be accomplished. The military has established a series of checklists that can help you be prepared. For example, one week before you move, the following should be on your checklist.
Hiring military movers will be on a checklist that is used one or even two months before your official move date.
You will have different regulations to follow if you are doing a full DITY move as opposed to a partial DITY move, so always check with the formal regulations. For example, you must use an authorized method for transporting your property, such as a commercial moving company, a vehicle you own, a parcel post shipment, or a system where you load, and the company delivers your property. Make sure the military movers you choose fit in with the regulations. Also, regulations might stipulate how many days you have to submit your claim to receive reimbursement. Typically, the length of time before you must submit is 45 days.
Using a move calculator, checklists, and knowing and adhering to regulations will make your DITY move as smooth as it can possibly be. Remember to use the resources available to you to save money, time, and frustration.