When military families get their PCS orders, they may be given plenty of time to prepare or only a few weeks. Regardless of the situation here are a few key tips to helping make your family’s military move a success!

1) Plan. Plan. Plan.

While it is true things can change with your PCS orders, generally speaking you will want to get your preparation underway as soon as you are given your PCS orders. Determine the day you want your things picked up and the day you want them delivered. Try to get those dates nailed down and then reserved if using a moving company.

If moving in the summer, it is peak moving season which means it may be harder to get professional moving services on the date you want. The earlier you can book, the better.

Another important component of military relocation is the search for your new home. Find an experienced realtor who can help you seek out the best home for your family in your budget.

2) Lighten Your Load

When moving in the military you are given an authorized weight limit of things your family can move that will be paid for by the military. If your items weigh over that amount, you will be responsible for footing the bill on the extra weight limit.

Take a day and go through your home. Throw away or donate items that haven’t been used in a long time, are outgrown, aren’t in working condition or that you just don’t want to have to move again.

3) Prepare The Children

Military families with school age children will want to begin researching the schools and day cares in the area as soon as possible. You will also need to know the schools’ registration procedures, extra curricular activities they can get involved with and so forth.

Look into fun things in the area that your children can look forward to. If your PCS orders take you to Fort Stewart or Hunter AAF, Savannah area, you’re in luck! We have some wonderful attractions for the family!

Moving can be a stressful time for children and getting their lives prepared for a new home is a great way to create a sense of stability for them.

4) Get Packing

As mentioned above, preparation is key to a successful move. Begin packing (Insert Link ) early and be sure to avoid these common packing mistakes. Things you don’t use regularly such as seasonal clothing and decor can be packed ahead of time.

Do a little each day saving the most used items for the last few weeks. If you will be using a professional packing service they can do this for you but it doesn’t hurt to get the items organized and ready for them to pack correctly.

5) First Day Essentials

Pack all the items you will need right away in one box and label it appropriately. If possible move that box yourself in your vehicle. Some people call this an “Open First” or “First Day” box. Toiletries, coffee, general snacks, paper plates, utensils, basic tools, and cleaning supplies are all examples of things you may need right away when you move into your new home.

6) Organize Important Documents

With moving there will be a lot of paperwork; PCS Orders, birth certificates, social security numbers, important phone numbers, your moving timeline and things like this are important to have organized and in one location. Put these items in a binder or file folder so they are easily accessible and keep it in a safe location.

Any receipts from things bought during your moving process whether it be packing materials or gas for the journey should be saved. You will receive an allowance from your move and your costs will be subtracted from this amount. Any remainder allowance left will then be taxed so its best to deduct any expense related to your moving that you can.

If you will be moving into Fort Stewart or Hunter AAF in Georgia, I would be very happy to assist you in your search. Relocation services for military families is one my specialties. As part of my expertise, I provide my clients with a packet containing area homes, schools and maps and much more.

Other Military Relocation Resources

• How to Make Your Next Move a Success – Military One Source
• 50 Tips You NEED Before Your Next PCS Move – militaryspouse.com

Other Moving Resources

• Moving Checklist: How to Make Moving Simple in 10 Steps! – Ryan Fitzgerald
• Tips For Selling A Home With Pets -Paul Sian
• Top Moving Tips on How to Move Smoothly – Bill Gassett
• Tips for a Smooth Move – moving.com
• Moving and Packing Tips – Two Men and a Truck

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Thanks for reading my blog! It is my goal as your full service real estate Realtor specializing in the Richmond Hill, Savannah, Pooler, and Hinesville – Georgia areas, to provide you with exceptional service at all times. My promise to you is to openly and honestly answer all your questions, help you navigate through the process and to make myself available to you day and night. I work for you and you are my priority. My local expertise and extensive real estate training and experience will benefit you whether you are serious about buying or selling a home at this time, or are a returning client checking out the many homeowner resources I offer. I am a “real” person and my reputation depends on every client, every deal, every day. I LOVE my job and it shows! You can also connect with me on my Facebook Page and/or Google Plus for area info and events, things to do, real estate news, home ownership tips, tips for both buyers and sellers, and so much more! I’m also on Pinterest!