Welcome to AllMyLove’s last installation of the New Navy Wife Kit. I hope the information this series of blogs have given you will prove to be a great asset as you begin your life with your Sailor.

This final blog covers the basic options you have when moving to be with your Sailor after getting married. These options are assuming you are not on his orders. The following information is based upon my experience and the experiences of two other fellow Navy Wives. Please be sure to have your Sailor check with appropriate supervisors before making any final decisions.

Possible Moving Expenses

This is a big one. It is always important to calculate expenses prior to any move; your first move is absolutely no exception. The basic formula for calculating expenses is as follows:

Expenses = (Bills + Food + Rent + Utilities + Gas ) x Amount of Months

I always prefer to have at least six months worth of funds that can cover my basic necessities, but if you don’t have six months, three months worth is also acceptable. These funds should remain in a liquid bank account. This is often referred to as a "rainy day fund" you don’t want to lock it in a C.D. or anywhere else that you cannot access.

Moving Options

Ah, the good part. Below covers your moving basic options, again please be sure to double check all information before proceeding.

Mailing Goods

This method of moving is best for someone who has a local friend in the area you plan on moving to. You basically pack your things into a box, ship it via UPS, FedEx, USPS, etc. to your friend’s house, ask him or her to store the boxes for you until you physically get there.

This method is recommended for those of you who have few personal possessions and no furniture. The total cost of this type of move is as follows:

Cost = (Price of Boxes x Amount of Boxes) + Shipping

Renting U-Haul and Driving

Before using this kind of move, visit your PSD office to see if you are eligible to use it as an official DITY move for which you will be reimbursed.  Then, make a choice of which Truck Rental Company you would like to use and make your reservations.  Start a file on your move and put the reservation information in there. 

When packing, you can use one of the packages offered by your Truck Rental Company, or you can get your own boxes from other sources.  If you plan to tow your vehicle, you’ll also need a towing kit for your truck.  Check in with the vendor you have chosen and get the towing bar reserved.  They will check that the truck you have chosen can handle the extra load capacity for towing. 

If your Truck Rental Company offers insurance, take it.  Make sure you inspect the truck and write down any damage you see, note the amount of gas in the tank, and make sure you get the blankets, dolly, straps, locks and anything else you asked to have reserved.

If you are doing an official DITY move, be sure to get the weight of the truck empty BEFORE you get started loading it.   Once loaded, weigh the truck again.

After arriving and unloading, you will need to return the truck.  You received instructions when you left the Rental Company, so check them now and make sure you have everything in order.  Fill the Truck to the same gas quantity you had marked on your Rental agreement when you picked the truck up.  Walk the truck with an employee and make sure to get your sheet signed off on so there are no surprises.

If needed, you can use the insurance policy you purchased from your Rental Company to file a claim. 

If you are doing an official DITY move, you will need to turn your paperwork into your new PSD office.  Make sure you have all of it in one place and that you keep a copy of it for you own records.

These methods are recommended for those who would prefer to handle most of the move themselves. The total cost of this type of move is as follows:

Cost = Truck Rental Company + Gas + Packing Supplies + Travel Expenses - Possible Reimbursement

Moving Company

Decide which company you would like to hire and make your reservation.  Moving companies fall into two categories: those that will pack for you and the "you pack, we move" variety.  If you choose the first, the moving company will come to your residence and pack your belongings for you.  Be sure that you (or someone you designate) are there to watch the process in order to protect your belongings.  The moving company will most likely record the items that are packed, but it’s a good idea to do so yourself, as well, through both a list and photographs.

If you choose the second, you will need to purchase your own moving supplies.  Be sure to check with the moving company for any requirements or limitations they have for packed items.

Most moving companies will offer what is known as "valuation," meaning that they will reimburse you the value of your items if something is damaged or lost. How they determine the value differs from company to company.  If you feel that this isn’t enough, you can speak with your insurance company to see if they offer moving insurance.

You will be given an approximate delivery date for your goods.  After they have been delivered, you can file any necessary claims, if need.

This method is recommended for those who would prefer less work, but aren’t eligible for an official Navy move. The total cost of this type of move is as follows:

Cost = Moving Company + Packing Supplies + Travel Expenses

PCS Pack Out or Home of Record (if eligible)

You will only be able to use one of these official types of moves if you are eligible. There are a myriad of instances in which you would be eligible or not, so please check your status before planning on either of these.  You will receive specific official instructions from the Navy as to what to do, so I’ll just give you a generalized overview.

You will be given a moving company and a time of pack out.  A pack out occurs in much the same way as one of the types of moving companies listed above, with the moving company packing your belongings for you.

You will be given an approximate delivery date.  This date isn’t official until your things arrive in your new city, so don’t completely rely on the first date you are given.

As part of an official Navy move you will be reimbursed for travel expenses you incur while driving/flying from one destination to the other.  Again, there are specific official rules for what can be reimbursed and to what amount, so check with your PSD office before leaving.  Keep all receipts while you travel to turn in with your paperwork when you arrive.  Your belongings are insured through this method, so, if needed, file any claims for damage.

A note about the Home of Record move: This differs from a normal PCS in a very important way.  Navy personnel are only given one Home of Record move.  Generally it is used at the end of enlistment/retirement to move the service member and his/her family back to their home of record.  However, in some cases a service member can use it to move from the home of record to a duty station.  If you do so, it will not be available to use again.

These methods are recommended for those who are eligible. The total cost of this type of move is as follows:

Cost = Travel Expenses - Reimbursement

That’s it for now! If you haven’t picked out a new place to live yet, I highly recommend taking a look at Should I Live on or off Base? That blog offers a list of issues to consider as well as a broad breakdown of the pros and cons of living both on and off base. 

Thank you for trusting me to provide you with information with regards to being a new Navy Wife! I hope the information provided in the New Navy Wife Kit will have you get acclimated to the military lifestyle.

Note: This particular blog is quite large and was written as a collaboration between me and two other authors. Thank you so much for the help ladies (Kim & Row)!

Last update : 09/23/2009 07:35 PM

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