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Upon receiving orders, contact your personal
property office and schedule a counseling session to
submit paperwork. Begin a file to track moving and
house-hunting expenses. Whatever is not covered by
allowances is tax deductible. Identify your
"sponsor" at your new command so you know whom to
ask questions. Begin researching housing, kids'
schools and daycare in your new area.
Make an inventory of household possessions and
valuables, including photos and serial numbers. Meet
with the counselor to submit paperwork and provide
an estimated weight of household goods. If you
exceed the weight allowance, get an estimate from
your movers and start saving now to pay for the
extra amount.
Get moving dates from the personal property
office. Call movers to schedule a pre-move meeting.
If you have decided on a "DITY" move, reserve a rental
truck. Meet with a counselor to obtain an estimate
of how much dislocation and travel allowances you
will receive.
Spouses, update your resume. Start your job search
now on sites like Monster.com, CraigsList.com,
CareereBuilder.com... Review family records - legal
documents, medical,
insurance, birth certificates... Get any needed checkups and obtain copies
of medical records. Notify homeowners, renters and
auto insurance of your address change. Make sure
you and your household items are covered in the transit.
Also see if your
bank is located in your new hometown or if you need
to find a new bank in the area.
Clean out your closets and garage. Hold a yard sale
or donate items for the tax deduction. If you plan
to live off base, go house hunting now and try to
sign a rental contract. If you will live on base,
contact the housing office and ask to sign up for
the waiting list.
Check school schedules and transfer the children's
records. Remember to make this fun for the kids -
get them involved!
Take
pets to the vet and obtain health certifications and
medical records. Take the time to go online and lern
your new area - weather, sports, entertainment,
restaurants...
Notify your current landlord as
required by your lease. Most need to be notified in
writing by the 10th of the month. Talk to them about
your timeline, move out requirements and any deposit
refunds.
Obtain a change of address kit from the post office.
Send change of address cards to family, friends,
magazine subscriptions, etc. Give notice to your
employer and get a letter of referral.
Contact utility companies to cut off service and
obtain letters of referral. Notify them of your
forwarding address to pay final bills and get
refunds of any security deposits. Get a list of
utilities in new hometown from your landlord or real
estate agent and contact them to set up service.
Make reservations for overnight stays during your
last night in town and, if appropriate, for your
travel. If you plan to drive, have your car
serviced. If shipping your car, have it picked up.
Notify credit card companies of your address change.
You will need to use the new address when verifying
any purchases.
Have a safe move and enjoy your
new location!
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