Military families cannot guarantee they’ll live in one place for more than three years. Most military families move every 2.5 years, settling in another city or state and starting from scratch. In addition to the stress that inevitably forms part of moving so often, moving can cost a military family around $5,000. Fortunately, there are ways to save money during a PCS (permanent change of station) move.
Choose Between a Military Move and a Personally Procured Move
The U.S. offers reimbursement programs that bring some financial relief. With a military move, families get a moving timeline set by the military. The government pays the moving company directly and for storage, if necessary. Families who choose a personally procured move (PPM) receive the money for the move and can apply it how they see fit to get to their new place. Most military families choose the PPM option because the more work they do themselves, the more money they get to keep. Choosing this moving option will save you money from the get-go.
However, if your household items get damaged during a PPM move, the government won’t pay to replace them. A military move gets covered by the Transportation Service Provider (TSP), which comes with an easy-to-follow claims process.
Start Planning Early
As soon as it’s clear that another PCS is on the cards, start planning the move. It is crucial not to wait until the PCS orders arrive. While waiting for the orders, you can declutter and pack large items you don’t use every day. The less stuff you move, the lower the overall moving cost. You can even sell furniture or appliances you don’t use anymore to put extra cash in your pocket.
When the order comes through, start comparing moving company quotes. Ideally, you want a company that offers insurance coverage as part of the moving costs. Also, use airlines, hotels, and rental companies that offer discounts to military families. Doing this will help you save more money while you wait to get settled in your new home. Moreover, if your pets are moving with you, explore military pet transportation services or drive them to the house yourself.
If you’re moving for the first time, get free moving advice from military property counselors. They can guide you on which moving option is best for your family and give you more information about average weight allowances and cost estimates.
Money Saving Strategies
If you’re planning a small move, PPM might be the best way to go. Even so, you can still negotiate moving quotes and ask for off-season rates and military discounts. Save on labor costs by packing and loading items yourself. And consider ground shipping instead of airfreight for items you don’t need immediately. You don’t have to ship all your boxes right away. By shipping them in stages, you can avoid expensive surcharges.
Use All the Resources You Have When Moving
Policy changes and updates related to PCS moves will affect the cost of your move. Use military resources to stay updated with these changes so you don’t get any unpleasant surprises during your move. If you plan your move well and use some of these strategies to streamline the process, you can ensure a successful PCS move in 2024.