Guidelines to a successful military move

When in the military you are well versed in PSC. On the other hand, if you already don’t know, PSC stands for Permanent Change of Station. Military families are usually used to moving. Also, they are well versed and used to dealing with the military move and the packing process. It is no secret that the move is never permanent. Some families relocate every two years while others may live at the same address for more than four years. Their moving schedule mostly depends on the rank in the military.

Most military families and members get really god at relocation. On the other hand, even then their move can be quite stressful and may seem endless. The truth of the matter is that it gets easier and you get used to the military lifestyle. To avoid stress while moving as much as you can, follow few easy moving tips. The guidelines from professional Toronto movers will help you while preparing for your military move.

How to prepare for a military move

Moving your home or your office is quite different from a military move. Even in these types of moves can differ quite a bit. On the other hand, throughout the military moving process, most things remain constant. The most important thing to remember before you start preparing for your move is that you are not out of control. Sometimes it may seem that way but you have many military entities in your corner during the relocation process.

Deal with paperwork

The first step in organizing your move should be dealing with the paperwork. After you get all the required documents in order, you can start preparing for your relocation. Also, you should keep in mind that the military move is very different than a regular move. Because of that, there is a number of things you should do differently. We will cover these aspects in detail so you don’t get surprised during your preparation, packing and unpacking process.

In case you are moving abroad make sure to start organizing the move the second you can. Consider dealing with the scheduling movers, out-processing, being medically cleared, no-fee passports, etc. as soon as possible. You shouldn’t let any important things for the last moment. The military usually works on their own schedules so you should get ahead of the game on your end. It is wise to consult the housing office. Also, don’t be afraid to be persistent with the person who handles your move, your sponsor and everyone to get things done. Throughout the PSC season if you stay ahead you will save yourself a lot of headache in the long run.

List lists and more lists

The most important lesson is to use the various list when you note everything you should do before movers come. Putting everything on paper will help you a great deal. Organizing your items and making the inventory list can save you a lot of time. You can make list for everything- the documents you need to prepare, your tasks before the moving day. Also, don’t forget your home essentials.

Talk to your moving inspector

Before you start sorting out through your belongings make sure you contact your moving inspector. He will tell you about the items mover will not pack. Most moving companies won’t move:

• Perishable food items – boxed dry food, flour, rice, pasta, canned goods etc. Also, make sure to dispose of anything half opened before the movers arrive.
• You shouldn’t pack candles, batteries, alcohol, open liquids and toiletries. Also, keep in mind that lighters, cooking oil, aerosol cans or sprays are flammable and forbidden items to move. Some companies will transport some of these items, but every company has a different policy. That is why you should ask before sorting out your belongings for tour military move.

Do’s and don’ts of the military move

There is a number of things you should do to prepare for the moving day. First of all, make sure you don’t pre-pack anything in boxes. This may seem strange for someone who is used to move in a traditional way. When it comes to military relocation, things are a bit different. Your movers are liable for any belongings they break during your move. In case you pack by yourself and it breaks, that’s on you. This is the common practice during the military relocation and their way of protecting you (and themselves). should anything happen along the way?

On the other hand, you can pack some items inside large Tupperware bins. Movers likely won’t re-pack belongings like holiday decorations, keepsakes, old clothes and random storage items. Also, It may be a good idea, however, to organize your belongings for movers to pack your furniture efficiently. Before your movers arrive, consider throwing out anything you know you’ll never use at your new duty station.

Cooperate with your movers

Keep in mind that your movers won’t take anything off the walls. So before they arrive to make sure you take all the screws, bolts, photo hangers, curtain tiebacks, mounting fixtures out. Consider placing all little things that help hang something to your wall in little zip lock bags. Make sure you have them in one box labeled “DECORATIVE HARDWARE”.

It is always a good idea to have some food and snacks on a moving day. Your movers will be more efficient and fast. If you order lunch for your movers, they will take extra precaution when they pack your belongings. On the other hand, while they pack your belongings keep a watchful eye. You will avoid stress if you are helpful but not much. Also, make sure to label all of your moving boxes accordingly. Also, if your movers shouldn’t touch particular items, label them too. If you can put them in a different room and tell your movers not to go in.

Take essentials with you

One of the most important steps when conducting a military move is to pack the box of essentials. Everything you may need to keep your life going while your stuff is moving, you should take with you. Make sure to pack important papers, passports, bills, password sheets, medical info, money and valuables with you on your military relocation.