The words "moving" and "cheap" generally aren't used in the same sentence too often. But just because you're relocating, that doesn't mean that you should have to pay out of the nose. If you follow these tips, you won't have to put as much stress on your wallet and keep your savings accounts intact during your long distance Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move.
1. Make a budget
First of all, you'll want to create a budget, so you can get a realistic idea of how much will be coming out of your pocket during the course of this relocation. Having a budget and keeping track of your expenses will also allow you to hold yourself accountable to sticking to what you originally set out to spend.
2. Know what reimbursement covers
Keep in mind that reimbursement from the government may not cover everything. Go to your family center to get an idea of what you'll need to pay for out of pocket and what the military will do to help you.
3. Check your accounts
Make sure that your bank and insurance company operate in the state to which you're moving. It makes sense to work with firms that operate in all 50 states so that you're not inconvenienced any time you go through a PCS move.
4. Get organized
Figure out what you want to take with you and what you're not using anymore. The benefits of this are twofold: You won't have to pay to ship what you no longer use, and you can donate items to those who really need them.
5. Plan early
A lot of a successful, reasonably priced move comes in your willingness to begin planning early.
6. Do it yourself
With the Personally Procured Move (PPM) program, if you move your own belongings, the government will reimburse you based on the weight and distance that you relocate your stuff. This is a good option if you are able to do the move yourself because you can save a lot of money.
7. Respect the weight allowance
Make sure you take the weight allowance into account and note that you will have to pay a lot extra if you go over.
8. Insurance
Ensure that your belongings – especially those that are especially valuable or priceless – are protected by insurance. It's definitely better to be safe than sorry, especially because sometimes moving can make it abundantly clear that Murphy's Law is real.
Moveboxer provides a moving specialist and an online moving tool, complete with budget planning, customized to-do lists, calendars, and a way to cancel utilities. The site helps calculate moving expenses, do mover comparisons, and connect with up to three reputable local or long distance movers. Moveboxer also provides a connection with reputable providers for mortgage, storage, moving boxes, a handyman, and home security for your new home.
Keep Up-to-Date for Your Next PCS
Get the inside information from those who know. Get PCS help and all the news and benefits information you need delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to Military.com now..
