First PCS Move. What is your best tip for a military move?

Norah Julmis — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 16:22:25 -0500

This is our first PCS move as a family. Our inventory is finished and the packers come late next week. I want to make sure I have everything squared away. I'll post more details in comments. What am I missing and/or what is your best tip for a military move?

Response by Norah Julmis made Feb 26 at 2018 4:31 PM

Norah Julmis — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 16:31:35 -0500

I've moved across country several times and have always moved myself. This will be my first time using the government contract movers. We're moving from Bragg to Campbell.

-I've made a list of what I need to take with me to the house in my personal vehicle (my son and I are leaving first).
-De-cluttered the house
-Purchased room stickers for the boxes
-Started a moving binder with important documents
-I plan on videotaping working electronics and getting photo evidence of furniture and expensive items in good condition.
-I have someone who will be with me when items are being packed to ensure things are being done properly.
-I am providing food for packers.

Am I missing anything important? Also, if you have any additional tips or information about PCSing I've love to hear it!

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Feb 26 at 2018 4:32 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 16:32:41 -0500

Do not trust the packers/movers to do anything right. I was naive my first couple of moves and the more shady stuff I see them do, the worse they get. Keep your most important items aside for you to move no matter how much a pain or large that collection is. I just had three computers and hard drives stolen, no high value paperwork arrived and I fed them every day.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 26 at 2018 4:35 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 16:35:54 -0500

Get approval for Permissive TDY now. Look on-line for suitable hotels. Make sure you secure important documents like shot records and birth certificates.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Feb 26 at 2018 4:55 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 16:55:08 -0500

I would have done the packing and moving yourself... But seeing as how you are having the government do it, I would make sure that you take care to check everything for damages when you get to your destination.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 26 at 2018 8:46 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 20:46:12 -0500

Get rid of extra junk now. Your Grandmas antique China? Move that your self.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Feb 26 at 2018 9:16 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 21:16:50 -0500

Go to all PCS briefs well in advance, do what they tell you to do. Study the region and installation you are heading to. Good luck and thank you for your service.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2018 9:44 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 21:44:47 -0500

A few pearls I've learned the hard way:

-Keep items, such as small valuables, clearly separated from everything else. You might want to keep them in a closet or someplace like that. My wife had a jewelry box that we clearly told our movers not to pack, but they did so anyway. By the time we realized what happened it was too late. Half the jewelry didn't arrive, but we couldn't prove they stole it because it was never listed on the inventory.
-Make sure they accurately annotate the condition of your items. My last mover annotated everything as damaged on our inventory (even wedding gifts that were brand new). Presumably that way they don't have to pay for actually damaging anything. They used some odd type of codes, which I didn't "decode" until after the fact.
-Make sure they don't damage your property. Rather than put down floor coverings and actually picking up boxes like they were supposed to they just drug items all over our hardwood floors, causing almost a 1000 dollars in damage. It took almost a year to get the damage reimbursed.

The actual day of the move can be a whirlwind. Movers often work in teams and they will work on different rooms simultaneously. That can make it hard to really keep track of what is going on. Just keep your head on a swivel and do your best to keep on top of things. Good luck!

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Feb 26 at 2018 11:23 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 23:23:26 -0500

Always assume anything you have the packers take, could be lost or broken in a million pieces. If it’s really valuable to you, conisder taking it yourself. I’m a big fan of the partial DITY move...by loading my SUV down to the max, I paid her off in just 2 moves across the country.