If you’re going to be an Army wife, you are going to be very good at packing your things and being able to set up a new house to feel like a home in a matter of days. Here are some tips to help you along on your next move.

If the movers are doing everything…

1. Take pictures and document. The day before the movers arrived, I went around the house with the digital camera and took pictures of everything. I also made sure to write down the serial numbers of all of our electronics and the computer. You cannot document your belongings enough. As an Army wife, you’ll get very good at this.

2. If you have valuables or collectibles that you would be heartbroken if something happened to them, pack them yourself. Be sure to leave room in the car for a few of these items.

3. If you’re like me and already have a lot of things packed when the movers arrive, make them responsible for the contents. To do this, don’t seal the boxes or if they are already sealed, break the seal on the boxes. When they seal the box, they become responsible for the contents of it.

4. Stay with them while they pack! Watch them as they are packing your things especially when it comes to the breakables. If they seem to be clumsy with your items, then speak up but do it nicely. They are being paid to do a good job and to get all of your household items to your new Army home in one piece.

5. Offer to buy them lunch. This will go a long way with them if you make small requests along the way or ask for favors. My husband was still in training when the movers came so they unhooked my washer and dryer for me. That’s something they are normally not allowed to do. I went out of my way to be sure they had plenty to eat and drink while they were packing.

6. Be sure they list your items in detail. There will be a packing list that you must sign off on before they leave. Be sure your items are listed in DETAIL. Don’t let them just write television. It should say 32” JVC with the serial number. Otherwise, you could end up with a 12” television and you won’t be able to prove they packed a 32”.

7. Check everything before you sign. Once you have signed, you have agreed to the inventory list. If it’s not on the list, it doesn’t exist. Be sure to thoroughly check the list before you sign it.

8. Be sure the boxes are labeled. The movers should number the boxes and the numbers should correspond to the inventory sheet. Also be sure they mark each box with your last name. Some people even attach their own label with name and address in case someone else ends up with their box.

9. Layout your new Army home for move-in day. When it’s time for them to move your stuff in, make sure it is easy on them to know where to go. Some people color code their boxes; others mark the door for each room in the new place. Any way you want is fine but it’s a lot easier when the boxes are divided up in the rooms they are supposed to be in. This is particularly true if you’ll be unpacking by yourself.

10. Check off the inventory list as they bring items in. Do NOT sign the final inventory until everything has been accounted for.

11. If the movers took it apart, then they should put it back together for you. If you know you want they TV cabinet against the wall by the fireplace, don’t let them leave it in the middle of the room. Make them put it where it is suppose to go.

12. Try to go through all of your items as soon as possible so you can note anything that is broken. The movers should leave you with instructions on what to do if this happens. These instructions should be followed to a “t” to be sure you’re reimbursed.

What to take with you:

1. Important papers. His official orders, birth certificates, marriage license, social security cards, etc. should all go with you in your vehicle. Do not pack these items or let the movers pack them. In all likelihood, you’ll need them before you find the box they are in. These papers should be with you at all times during your move.

2. Pictures. If you have pictures that cannot be replaced, take them with you. The last thing you need in the stress of moving is to find out your wedding pictures have been ruined.

3. Your medications. Sometimes the movers are delayed for a variety of reasons. Take all of your medications with you and be sure you have more of a supply than you think you will ever need. Better safe than sorry!

4. At least one phone. It could be days before your things arrive and you need to have communication.

5. Take toiletry items including toilet paper with you. It’s also not a bad idea to at least take the shower liner with you (with hooks) and a few towels. Make sure you also have pillows and blankets in case you have to camp out on the floor for a few days.

6. Be sure you have everything for your pets. You will need their food, bowls, litter and any medications. Also try to bring a favorite toy so they have something familiar.

7. Be sure to leave out paper plates, napkins, plastic utensils, etc. so you can still eat while they are packing your things. This will also make it easier and much cheaper when you get to your new place until you find all of your dishes. Try to pack a cooler with sandwich meat, condiments and drinks. Have snacks and bread ready so you don’t spend a lot of money eating out.

The most important thing to take with you…

Your sense of humor. In fact, as an Army wife, this needs to be a permanent package that goes with you everywhere! In all likelihood, something is going to go wrong. Try to take it in stride and just smile and move on. Getting angry and upset will only make the move harder. Try to laugh and make the best of it. It will make for great stories later down the road. “This one time, in the Army….”

You are generally eligible to ship one vehicle overseas with PCS orders to an OCONUS location. The shipping of one vehicle is done so at the expense of the government. If you wish to ship a second vehicle, it will generally have to be at your expense through a commercial shipping company. Before shipping a second vehicle, you should always check with the transportation office first for any restrictions.

There are size limitations with shipping. The government covers the expense up to 20 measurement tons with one measurement ton equaling 40 cubic feet. Most cars will easily fall into this range. You could exceed this if you are shipping a full size pick up truck or RV. Any overage above 20 measurement tons will be expensed to the military member.

There are time limitations for shipping your POV overseas. If the tour is longer than one year, you have 90 days to have the vehicle arrive at the port from the time the military member or dependent leaves for overseas. If the tour is less than one year, you have 30 days to get your vehicle to the port. If you miss this window, the vehicle may still be eligible to be shipped but you will need approval from the commander overseas.

If your vehicle is a lease or has a lien against it, you must obtain permission from the lease holder or lien holder before moving the vehicle overseas.

This pdf file contains a great deal of information about shipping your POV including port locations.

Track your POV during a move.

Trying to house hunt or find an apartment when you live in another town, state or country can be an overwhelming experience. Your first stop should be the housing office of the Army base you are PCSing to. Not only should they have a list of local apartments and realtors, they will also have a list of places you need to avoid based on how they treated Army families in the past. Also, if you plan to live off base, you must obtain “permission” first through this office.

Do not hesitate to try to meet other Army wives and find out about the area before you move. There are many message boards out there where you can meet other Army wives before you even move. Not only will you find out about the area, you could potentially make a new friend!

On Post Housing:

Housing OneStop

All About Your New Post (SITES):

Automatic Referral Housing Network houses on-post and off-post housing listings.
25% of the off-post listings are apartments, 45% are houses. Many of the landlords who post listings are either retired, affiliated or active duty.

Apartments:

www.rent.com

www.apartments.com

www.apartmentguide.com

www.apartmentfinder.com

Real Estate:

www.realtor.com

www.century21.com

www.remax.com

www.coldwellbanker.com

www.forsalebyowner.com

www.militarybyowner.com

You can also search for the area’s Chamber of Commerce and then find the names of realtors in the Business Directory. This is also a great way to get information packets about your new home.

Chamber Listings

Chamber of Commerce

*This website does not endorse the above mentioned websites in any shape or form. They are listed simply as reference.

When you are authorized shipment of household goods by the Army, you are only authorized a certain weight based on rank and if you are with or without dependents. The following chart is for CONUS moves:

It’s time to move and we all know how stressful that can be. Thanks to the One Stop Army website, you can get a sneak preview of what your new post and housing will be like. The One Stop Army site offers information on each post as well as floor plans that are available through on post housing.

In addition, you will find maps of the local area and information on temporary lodging that is available both on post and off post. This website is jam packed with information and all you need to know about your new home.

When your soldier comes home and says “Honey, we have orders,” you now know just where to go to be prepared for the move.

Learn about On Post Housing.

When you enter into a lease agreement, be sure your lease has a military clause in it. This clause differs from state to state but generally allows you to break your lease under certain conditions because your soldier is in the military.

Typical clauses allow you to terminate your lease without penalty if any of the following occur:

1 – Your soldier receives a temporary duty assignment outside of the area for 60 days or more

2 – He separates from the military (ETS)

3 – He is killed in action or missing in action

4 – He receives orders for a permanent change of station (PCS)

Some landlords will let you add a clause that allows you to break the lease if you are offered military housing but this is uncommon.
Be sure that the military clause covers everyone who signs the lease. Some couples have run into problems when the landlord only let the military person out of the lease and would not let the Army spouse out of it. Be sure it is explicitly stated that the entire lease is canceled and not just that the military service person is covered by the clause.

The housing office can help you with this if you are unsure of the wording of your lease. Do NOT sign without this clause. You never know when the Army may decide to move you and you do not want to be stuck with monstrous fees if you have to move. Also, if your spouse is deployed, this clause allows you to break the lease and move back home if you would like.

Most military clauses will require you to give a 30 day written notice. If you do this, you should be able to break your lease without penalty under the circumstances listed here. Be aware that if your lease requires certain things must be done when you move out (such as having the carpet cleaned), this is still required. The military clause does not exempt that requirement.

We’ve all heard the saying “Home is where the Army moves us.” In many ways, that is so true! One thing I’ve struggled with since my husband joined the Army was making our new “homes” feel like home. Before he joined, we owned a house. I was infamous for changing the paint color in a room whenever my husband left the house for the afternoon. By the time we sold the house, I believe the dining room had been painted four times…in a little more than 2 years!
But when you go back to apartment living or renting a house (as we have), it can be difficult to make it really feel like your own. Here’s my list of tips for how to accomplish it.

1. Move In

I know you’re thinking I have lost my mind. Move in? Well of course you’re going to move in to your new house. What I mean is unpack all of your belongings. Don’t leave things boxed up just because “well, we’ll probably be moving again in X amount of time anyway.” Unpack the boxes, put things away and MOVE IN! If you must keep some boxes packed, then try to at least put them out of site in attic space, a closet or spare room.

When we moved into our first Army apartment, it was half the size of the house we were living in previously. The second bedroom was piled to the ceiling with boxes. You could barely even walk in the room. Thankfully, we’ve been able to move into a larger place. But that apartment never felt like home – and not being able to unpack the boxes was a huge part of that.

2. Paint the Walls

Many people assume that just because they are renting, they are stuck with stark white walls. But are you sure? Many rental places (including some on post housing) will let you paint the walls as long as you paint them white/beige again before you move. To me, to be able to have some color on the walls is well worth that effort. But then again, I like to paint!

I’ve also never quite understood the mentality of the rental owner. Why white or barely off white walls? First, they show the slightest little mark so much more. Second, they’re incredibly dull. The rental would actually look better with a little bit of color. I understand keeping a neutral color scheme but even medium beige would be great!

Be sure to check with your landlord (or the housing office) first. Unfortunately, we’re in a place right now that won’t allow paint!

3. Decorate the Walls

Whenever I move to a new place, I always like to hurry up and get the pictures hung.

Once we have art on the wall, including family pictures, it just feels like home. And it feels finished and complete. I’ve been in many apartments of friends who have nothing on the walls. It makes it so drab! Even if you will be there for a short time, hang up those pictures!

If you’re short on cash but would still like to be able to add art to the wall, check out the craft stores. Many have posters that can be framed very inexpensively and will add a lot to your décor.

4. Incorporate Rugs

This goes back to that neutral color palette. Not that I want colorful carpet, but light beige wall-to-wall carpet is boring! Just by adding area rugs or throw rugs, you can add a splash of color and create a cozier feel in the room.

But be forewarned about adding rugs on any linoleum floor. Unknown to me, rubber backed rugs can have a chemical reaction to the linoleum causing it to yellow. It is supposedly permanent though I’ve heard from several that with a LOT of elbow grease, you can get it back to the original color. Don’t find out the hard way like I did!

5. Hang Curtains

Nothing screams “we’re only here temporarily” more than bare windows! Since in most rentals, there is no molding around the windows and those lovely blinds, this is an area that can really detract from the “homey” feeling of your new place. Curtains do not have to be expensive. You can find great deals at some of the mass merchandisers and the department stores. I’ve even seen people use twin bed sheets and it’s definitely better than nothing.

Since we can’t paint where we currently are, this is how I added color in my office. I like for my office to be a happy place but the off white walls, beige carpet and plain windows were just not cutting it. I went out and found very pretty, bright curtains in tropical colors. You would not believe the difference that $20 investment has made in the room. It is a much happier place now!

6. Add Greenery

Where we are, we have a very small patch of yard in the front and the back of the house. It makes an incredible difference (with permission of course) to add a few plants. If you don’t want to (or are not allowed) to actually plant in the ground, consider adding greenery or flowers with potters instead. It instantly gives it a home feeling to have a planter with fresh flowers or greenery by the front door. And while you’re at it, add a few blooms inside too!

Do you have tips to share? How have you made your house feel like a home? Let me know by leaving a comment.

In the past, when you were moved courtesy of the Army and something was lost or destroyed, you would only be reimbursed based on the depreciated value. For instance, if your ten year old refrigerator was destroyed in the move, you would only be eligible to receive the value of a ten year old refrigerator.

Full replacement coverage provides that the TSP must provide a like item or repair the damaged item. In the case of the refrigerator above, you would be given the value of a new refrigerator that is similar to the one that was damaged.

The new policy covers shipments up to $5,000 or $4 times the weight of the shipment, up to a total of $50,000. For example, if you ship 2,000 lbs, your shipment would be covered for up to $8,000.

In the past, a service member could request full replacement coverage but had to pay a premium for this coverage. As of March 1, 2008, all household goods shipments are covered at no charge to the service member.

If you have a claim for damage or loss, there are certain deadlines that you must meet for filing paperwork. Do not miss these deadlines! For more information on FRV, please visit this website: http://www.sddc.army.mil/Public/Personal%20Property/Full%20Replacement%20Value%20(FRV)

“We have orders!”

If you’re at a duty station you hate, those may be the sweetest words you’ve ever heard. But if you’re fond of where you live, those words may induce panic.

It’s the famous PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders. These orders are the ones that let you know where your soldier will be serving next. Within the orders, you’ll find information on the relocation assistance that is being afforded to your family. Do not act until you have orders in hand as depending on the location of your next assignment, the benefits that accompany it can vary greatly.

Weight Allowance

One of the most important things the orders will contain is the weight allowance. This is the total weight that the Army will move without charge to you. This weight allowance is based on rank and whether the soldier has dependents. If you exceed your weight allowance, you will receive a bill for the overage. What is allowed to be moved and how much can also vary based on location, particularly if it involves an overseas move. It is important to never assume something is covered and contact your transportation office if you have questions.

Traveling

If you are moving CONUS (within the continental United States) and choose to drive your own vehicles to the next duty location, you will likely be reimbursed for travel expenses. Typically, the Army provides a mileage rate along with an allowance for food and lodging. The transportation office can give details on how this applies in your situation.

Lodging

Temporary lodging is available on most posts and provides a place to stay while you are waiting for on post housing or for other housing to become available. This lodging can vary greatly from one post to the next. Some are like a standard hotel room while others are similar to suites. Most have a few rooms that are pet friendly for small pets. Regardless, this lodging is almost always less expensive than a comparable commercial hotel off post.

Temporary lodging fills up quickly, particularly in the summer months when many people are moving to a new duty location. It is advisable to make reservations as soon as possible. In some cases, it is required for you to check with temporary lodging on post for availability before the Army will agree to reimburse you for accommodations at a commercial hotel. Be sure to check before you make reservations off post.

Transportation Office

The transportation office on post is there to answer your questions and assist you in coordinating your move. Be sure to utilize their knowledge! If you are not near an Army post, you can utilize the services of the transportation office at the military post that is most convenient for you.

Moving to a new Army post can be an overwhelming experience. There is so much to be done, not to mention adjusting to a new town, new Army unit and new people. Below is a checklist of the things you should do when you first get to post other than the tasks associated with moving.

• Check DEERS and TRICARE enrollment. Many times you will be required to enroll again in the TRICARE Prime if you have chosen that plan. You also need to find out who your new Primary Care Manager (PCM) is or if you can, choose your own.
• Check the expiration date on your military ID. It is not necessary to get a new ID when you move but it’s a great time to remember to check it. If you do not have an ID, head to the nearest ID office on post to have this taken care of as soon as possible. This article explains the ID process.
• Check your vehicle registration. Check with military police station on post to find out their requirements for vehicle registration. Also, don’t forget to update your insurance and car tags (if required by your state).
• Most states allow military personnel to keep the driver’s license of their home of record. If you are claiming residency in the new state, be sure to get your new driver’s license as soon as possible.
• Stop by the ACS and MWR office on post for information about the area, a map of post and a list of services. If you are still looking for a place to live, they can also typically provide real estate and rental information.
• Have your soldier add your name to the new unit’s FRG list. This will ensure that you receive all information from the FRG about meetings, gatherings and unit news.
• Check out the spouses club on post. This can be a great way to meet people. Many posts have combined enlisted and officer spouses club into one club for all though some are still separated.
• Take AFTB classes on post if you haven’t already had this training. Not only will it familiarize you with the Army ways, it will also enable you to meet new people.
• If you have children, check out the CDC (Child Development Center). The CDC provides childcare and also maintains lists of approved childcare providers on post and in the area. Many CDCs also offer hourly care as well.
• File for DLA (Dislocation Allowance).
• If you haven’t already, request your medical records from your last post or former physician.