It’s Summer! And that means it’s PCS season for many military families. If you’re a seasoned military spouse, you may know summer can be crazy, especially when a move is the main agenda for the season. If you’re new to the military community, you might feel a lot of anxiety when even the thought of a move may seem in the works. So much to worry about- kids, pets, your house, your spouse…your sanity! However, it is possible to have a smooth move. I’m a fellow Navy wife and since being with my husband we have moved five times in the last seven years alone! I’d like to share with you steps that I hope will make your moves go as easy as possible.
1. Get Your Passport
If you don’t have one already, get one NOW! If you do have one, check to make sure it won’t expire in the near future. Even before you have hard copies, it’s a good idea to get this done ASAP. Just incase they drop a short notice and tell you your loved one’s next command is overseas and they’re expected there in the next 90 day. Seriously do this first and quick. It can take a couple weeks to get the passport(s) back in the mail. Below is a link to the forms you will need. A passport photo can be taken at most pharmaceutical chains such as CVS or Walgreens.
2. Schedule Appointments
This step is crucial if you are moving overseas (OCONUS), or if there’s a strong possibility you are. If your next move is domestic, you may omit this.
You and everyone in the family will need to schedule an Overseas Suitability Screening with your respective PCM’s (primary care manager/physician). It’s basically a physical exam. They will ask you questions that will need to be completed on the form and do lab work (if needed). If you’re a female, they will need to do a pap smear or provide record of one completed in the last two years. Females over 40 are required a current mammogram. They will also make sure all necessary vaccines are up-to-date. You will also need to schedule an appointment with the dentist to make sure your pearly whites are also healthy and don’t need any major work done before you go.
Before you leave the appointments make sure all signatures and initials are completed and dated! Even if one is missing, your SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) eligibility (the thing that let’s you stay with your loved one overseas) may be delayed or denied! Don’t let this happen to you! Because my primary forgot to sign on one of the lines, I had to completely re-do the entire exam and couldn’t get a SOFA stamp in my passport until this was completed. I was able to fly over, but the ticket came out of my pocket and we were almost not reimbursed.
Here is a link to all the forms you will need to complete. If you are being seen by a military doctor, they should have the forms already. If they don’t or you are seeing a civilian doctor, print out two copies of all the forms to have filled out. (If it doesn’t take you directly to the forms page, please click the forms tab.)
3. Pets
If you have a pet, be sure to check whether you can move with them. Many countries overseas require pets to be quarantined. And some may not allow certain pets at all. Also, double check with the housing development you are moving into to see if they have any restrictions. If your pet can move with you, schedule an exam with it’s vet and make sure any paperwork that needs to be done is completed, vaccines are up-to-date, and it has the appropriate tags or is microchipped.
Not to discourage anyone, but realistically, an overseas move with a pet can be thousands of dollars. Especially if it’s to a location that requires you to quarantine your pet. This can be extremely hard, but just be prepared with plan A, B, C and D. Just incase you can’t take them with you and need to find them a temporary home or a new forever home. Also keep in mind that while international moves with animals are possible, long flights can be very stressful for some animals.
4. Put Paperwork in Order
Make sure you have all important documents in order, so you know where they are if and when you need them.
· General Power of Attorney
· Birth Certificates
· Social Security Cards
· Passports
· Driver’s Licenses
· Medical/Dental Records
· School Records
· Marriage Certificate
· PCS orders (Once available)
We kept everything in a binder with page protectors. It kept us organized and sane as we traveled. We could easily pull documents out as needed. Just make sure it is always in a safe place! Keep it with you in your carry-on. You will need it at customs to get SOFA stamps. Never store it in your check-in luggage. Heaven’s forbid it gets lost!
5. Schedule the Move
Your almost there! Now that all the paperwork is in order. You can focus on packing. Once you have hard copies, schedule a mover. If you are renting, let management know when you are leaving. Most require a 30 days’ notice. If you own your own home, figure out if you want to try to sell it or hire a property manager and rent it out. Make sure to contact utilities and other amenities (i.e. cable, phone) to let them know when you will have to cancel the services. Ask if you can pay the final bills ahead so nothing gets missed. You don’t want a call from the debt collector when you get back to the states.
Regarding your car and an international move, figure out if you can put it in storage and have someone take care of it, or sell it. It’s very expensive to ship a car overseas. If you can afford to ship it, make sure it’s allowed in that country and if there are any paperwork or fees needed to have it there.
6. The New Place
As soon as you have hard copies, call housing places at your new destination. Check for details and to see if there’s a wait list. Get on the list immediately if you know you want on-base housing. (From personal experience- we loved our off-base house in Japan. We always felt safe and our land-lord was very nice.) Next call Navy Lodge, Gateway Inn or any other hotel of your choice to reserve rooms for your arrival and the days needed to get your new place in order.
If you are doing an international move, you may want to rent furniture until yours arrives. It can take a couple weeks to a month for housing stuff to arrive. Some people even sell or get rid of all their belongings before a big move like that and then by new furniture. Just something to consider. Especially if you don’t think your furniture will fit the new place.
Also, a heads up, some countries like Japan can’t accommodate three pronged electrical appliances. Their outlets are two pronged only, for energy reasons. So, you may have to sell, toss or store away that coffee maker you got for a wedding gift and get a new one.
7. Make the Most of It
Research a little about the new place you are moving to. Whether it’s domestic or international, moving can be a fun adventure. There have been certain moments in every place I have lived so far that have truly taken my breath away- from sights, to the people and their culture.
Make sure to also spend time with any friends you have made in your current location. Saying goodbye may seem tough, but it’s not always forever. My husband and I have run into various people around the world we knew from other places. You’d be surprised how small this world can be sometimes.
Safe Travels!
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