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10 Essential Moving Tips for Military Families
By Go Move It Content Team
01-12-2026
Frequent moves are part of the mission, but they don't have to be a struggle. From tactical packing to organizing essentials, here’s how to master your next relocation with total ease!
Frequent relocations are a reality for active-duty military personnel and their families. Whether you're facing a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or an overseas move, proper planning can make the transition smoother. Here are ten essential moving tips to help military families prepare for their next relocation.
Tactical Planning and Decluttering
The reality of military life means moving is a regular part of the mission. To stay agile, make downsizing a habit. Before every move, sort through your gear and donate or discard anything that isn’t serving your current lifestyle. If you find unopened boxes from your last duty station, it’s a clear sign you can let them go.
As soon as you receive your orders, engage with your base transportation office. They are your primary resource for relocation allowances, military housing options, and assigning a moving sponsor. If there’s a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, secure your temporary lodging early and consider portable storage solutions to keep your belongings safe in the interim.
The Command Center: Your PCS Binder
Organization is your best defense against the chaos of relocation. Create a dedicated PCS Binder to house every critical document in one place. This ensures that even if your household goods are delayed, you have the essentials to keep moving forward.
- Essential Paperwork: Orders, housing documents, and travel reservations.
- Identity Docs: Marriage/birth certificates, passports, and Military IDs.
- Records: Medical/dental files, car titles, pet vaccinations, and insurance policies.
- Financials: Moving receipts and reimbursement forms.
Strategic Packing and Essentials
Efficiency in packing saves time at both ends of the journey. Distribute weight logically—heavy items in small boxes and lighter gear in larger ones—to prevent damage and strain. Use a color-coded labeling system by room so movers know exactly where everything belongs.
Crucially, pack a "First-Week Essentials" bag that stays in your personal vehicle. Include a week’s worth of clothing, basic toiletries, chargers, a WiFi router, and any sentimental items or jewelry that are too valuable to risk in a moving truck.
Mission Success for the Family
Moving is a major life event for children, so involve them in the process early. Validate their feelings about leaving friends and schools, and give them "missions" like packing their own toy chests to help them feel in control. Maintaining familiar routines, like consistent mealtimes, provides a sense of security amidst the change.
Don’t forget to lean on the military community. Join online spouse groups for the "inside scoop" on your new base and arrange playdates or pet-sitting for moving day to keep the stress levels low for everyone involved.
New Base Intelligence and Benefits
Before you arrive, do your recon. Research the surrounding area for the best schools, medical clinics, and local hidden gems. This helps the new location feel like home before you even unpack the first box.
Additionally, take full advantage of the military benefits available to you. Many brands offer significant discounts that can offset the costs of a move:
- Tech & Home: Apple, Samsung, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.
- Travel: Delta, JetBlue, and major car rental agencies like Avis and Hertz.
- Daily Life: Major wireless carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile) and wholesale clubs like Costco.
Let Go Move It Support Your Mission
At Go Move It, we are honored to serve those who serve. We understand the unique pressures of a military move and offer flexible, professional solutions to ensure your transition is seamless.
✅ Expert Container Loading & Unloading – We securely pack your belongings for a damage-free move.
🚛 Call us today at 1-888-682-3210
With Go Move It, moving to is easy. Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can start enjoying your new home right away!
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